Bars near the Statue of Liberty

Down in the Financial District, you can find a few spaces animated by the threadbare spirit of old New York. And though it may not be even close to the oldest establishment in the city, the neighborhood, or even this list, The Dead Rabbit cultivates that all-too elusive atmosphere to great effect. That’s not to say this place is old-man-y; though you can certainly enjoy an expertly-pulled Guinness or nice glass of wine in the warm, inviting environs, Dead Rabbit’s inventive cocktail program earns it a place on critics’ lists year after year. The vibe: Old New York but innovative. The food: The food menu consists mostly of well-realized Irish-core but it there’s plenty of vegetarian takes on the favorites, so how can I not recommend the all-day Irish Breakfast? The drink: Order a citrusy Sunlit Sin cocktail starring vodka, Yuzu, and tangerine.

Red Room Bar has, perhaps, one of the best entryways of any bar in New York City, all other vestibules be damned. That's because once you wander in through the Wall Street entrance, you'll first arrive at the Red Room, which gives the bar its name. Designed by Art Deco muralist Hildreth Meière in the 1930s, the opulent room is truly breathtaking with a collection of red, orange and gold tiles lined all the way up to the ceiling. Once a reception area and entryway for Irving Trust and Bank Company, the landmark now serves a new class of moneyed New Yorkers, operating as the luxury shoe room of Printemps.  Follow the river of tiles to the Red Room Bar, a sultry little cocktail lounge from Gregory Gourdet. Given its address inside the French luxury retailer, it's the coolest of the cool who drink here, as the lounge serves as the "it" bar during New York Fashion Week and a stopover for those who casually drop $1,000 on sweaters. But all can soak up the chicness here, over cocktails and bites that lean French and Haitian, mimicking its stellar sister restaurant next door.  The vibe: No, the tiles of the iconic Red Room don't dot the interior of the Red Room Bar. But the bar isn't dwarfed by the landmark either, as the lounge's first hello starts with a beautiful red jasper marble bar, fashioned into a horseshoe shape, with a beautiful chandelier made of bottles. Sit here or take to one of the tulip-shaped marble tables with upholstered chairs to better eye the bookshelves that...

Bouncing back from Hurricane Sandy, Abraham Merchant (Merchant Rivers House) unveiled a beer-focused waterfront bar on the restored Pier 15. On offer are sea-inspired bar bites like lobster rolls, fish-and-chips, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail with heirloom tomato gazpacho. Sip local craft beers like Bluepoint on red bar stools as you watch sports games on seven flatscreens or, better yet, take in scenic skyline views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. During the day, the bar also doles out cones of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt, fit for indulging your inner kid as you soak up rays on the outdoor deck.

  A cocktail bar in the Financial District.

In the perplexing Bermuda Triangle of Wall Street, it can seem as if no fun is to be had. Not so: Business types and locals alike unwind over 20-ounce pints of Bass and oysters at Ulysses. The enormous Irish tavern eschews the usual Guinness-and-shamrock shtick with a vast selection of specialty beers, and snug nooks along the 130-foot oblong-shaped bar where you can better get to know your favorite coworker.

Overstory is as cozy as a music box in the sky inside, with views that seem to go on forever out on the wrap-around terrace. Perched on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street above sibling spots Crown Shy and Saga, it's the just-drinks cherry on top of the trio of outstanding spots. The futniture's plush, the cocktails are crafty and even the ice is extra nice at what's become one of NYC's most elegant cocktail destinations since it opened last year. 

This Revolutionary-era tavern now operates as the first stateside outpost of Dublin’s Porterhouse Brewing Company. Tangles of filament bulbs above the bar and distressed mirrors on the walls smack of artificial ye-oldeness, but the real pedigree of the place still holds appeal for beer-swilling history buffs, who can geek out over the thought of George Washington drinking here in the 1700s. Hoist imperial pints of Porterhouse’s own brews—we like the smooth, slightly tangy Oyster Stout and the easy-drinking Porterhouse Red—or sample the globe-trotting selection of guest beers, including Victory Prima Pils on tap and bottles of Schlenkerla smoked beer.

Lawn Club is a lotta club—30,000-square-feet to be exact. Game time consists of croquet, cornhole, shuffleboard, bocce and more, played on lawns, porches, courts and bar. Speaking of the bar, The Bar at Lawn Club is made for the summertime, with snackable eats, refreshing drinks and music to jam to. Like they say, "The Grass Is Always Greener."

Five and Dime NYC is located within the lobby of the iconic Woolworth Building and serves as a coffee bar by day and cocktail hotspot by night. Stop in for happy hour every day from 3-6pm for discounted drinks, with live opera music on Tuesdays from 7-9pm. They also screen original films by local filmmakers—so head to their Instagram for dates and times.

Located on the site of a 17th-century Dutch tavern, this homey family-owned pub has been serving the Financial District since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.