Bars near the Statue of Liberty

  A cocktail bar in the Financial District.

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.

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.

An upscale strip club Downtown, with four stages, a well-stocked bar and sports screening.

It's only a whiskey stone’s throw away from the Dead Rabbit—Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry’s exceptionally successful cocktail bar on Water Street (dubbed the World’s Best Bar at 2015’s Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards)—but the sequel from the renowned team couldn’t be further away in terms of theme. Where the original tavern looked to the Irish gangs of Five Points- in New York, this second outfit, located inside the Pier A Harbor House complex, channels Prohibition-era Cuba, a time when Americans flocked to the island nation for the liquid pick-me-up that U.S. law was denying them. A statue of Cuban lit hero José Martí stands proudly at the rum-flowing bar, where the stools are modeled after those in Ernest Hemingway–frequented joints in balmy Havana, and the expansive menu is loaded with more than 50 cocktails pulling from the 1920s through ’50s. And unsurprisingly, those cocktails are excelente.ORDER THIS: Meticulously researched cocktails ($16) created by some of the planet’s most illustrious bar talent. A collaboration between McGarry, Dead Rabbit head bartender Jillian Vose and BlackTail head barman Jesse Vida, the menu upholds Cuban classics like daiquiris and mojitos, which are made with the bar’s proprietary “Cuban Rum Blend” (Bacardi Heritage, Barbancourt White Rhum, Caña Brava and Banks 5 Island). A humble rum and Coke is elevated with the refined fizz of champagne, the amaro edge of Fernet-Branca and a few dashes of house-made Orinoco bitters; the...

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. 

At this downtown watering hole, drinkers have plenty of options, thanks to the more than 65 whiskies and 100-plus beers on offer. The menu of Irish pub grub is just as expansive. Take burgers, for instance: Stout FiDi not only offers mini cheeseburgers ($12) and a house burger ($13), but also more unusual options like a bratwurst burger with sauerkraut, red cabbage and spicy mustard ($15) and a crab and rock shrimp burger on a pretzel bun ($17). If you don’t want a burger, the traditional shepherd’s pie ($16) or fish and chips ($18) might tempt you. You can even customize your own “Wisconsin–style” pizza ($11, plus additional fees for toppings) or try one of the bar’s inventive pies, like the reuben or burger pizzas (both $13 for a small, $18 for a large). The menu includes a wide variety of snacks for sharing, like the buffalo-style fried calamari and mushroom-short rib empanadas (both $14).

A shore escape is a godsend when city temps hit those oppressive 90s, but if a Jitney-bound getaway is out of reach, this South Street Seaport affair is a sunny saving grace. Named for the Lightship Ambrose, and sister to summertime staple Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club, the watering hole trades scratchy beach towels for cushy chaises and that too-close-for-comfort sunbather for a slick finance crowd. The space is split into three locales: a nautical-ish hall inside the historic Schermerhorn Row building, a revved-up surf club atop shipping containers and an easygoing outdoor beer garden. It’s a breeziness on par with a day at the ocean—sans sand at the bottom of your bag. ORDER THIS: In the no-fuss mess hall, coastal lunch fare arrives humbly on paper plates. A classic lobster roll ($17) is deconstructed, broken down as a trio of buttered baguette slices topped with chunky Maine-lobster salad and juicy beefsteak tomato, though the bites could use a brightening spritz of lemon. Substitute the missing citrus with the seafoam-green Spruce Goose Summer ($14), which pins lip-puckering limeade against crisp crème de menthe. GOOD FOR: Though the twinkly lights and sea-kissed air are intoxicating at night, avoid happy hour. With three bars and packed indoor-and-outdoor seating, the staff hustles to keep up at peak times; plus, a bustling beach house can feel more cramped than cool. Instead, sprawl out on cushioned white-wicker loungers at the surf club for a Saturday afternoon...

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.

The owner of Liam's and Dark Horse is behind this Irish pub. Choose from 30 draft beers and comfort-food plates, like shepherd's pie and Jameson-chipotle buffalo wings.