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The 5 Best Cocktail Bars In The Financial District

While the Dow fluctuates more than Lady Gaga's hemline, traders and other Wall Street types seek refuge at local watering holes after long and stressful days. Once considered a no-man's-land for nightlife, the Financial District has seen an influx of upscale cocktail bars in recent years. Unwind at these luxe spots, and you just might overhear some sound economic advice. By Selena Ricks-Good.

Bar Seven Five at Andaz Wall Street

75 Wall St.
New York, NY
(212) 590-1234
newyork.wallstreet.andaz.hyatt.com

Modern and sleek, Bar Seven Five doesn't have an actual bar, rather,  moveable "pods" bring the bartender and drink station to you. For all of its future-forward design, the cocktail menu skews old school. Try the Perfect Pearl Manhattan (Bulleit Bourbon, Dolin Sweet and Dry Vermouths, with a rinse oh Lagavulin Scotch) or the Part & Parcel (42 Below Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lime juice, grapefruit juice Peychaud's bitters). On any given evening, don't be surprised if an opera singer starts belting out an aria or a dance performance breaks out--the bar's latest promotion involves impromptu entertainment.

Vintry Wine & Whiskey

57 Stone St.
New York, NY
(212) 480-9800
vintrynyc.com

A respite from the boisterous pubs on Stone Street, Vintry offers a candlelit atmosphere and a sprawling wine and whiskey list. For those who don't want to drink their whiskey straight up, the cocktail menu offers plenty of variations. Cool down with Vintry's Lemonade (Evan Williams Sour Mash Bourbon, watermelon, lemon juice, simple syrup and Urban Moonshine Organic Citrus Bitters).

The Pearl Room at SHO Shaun Hergatt

40 Broad St.
New York, NY
(212) 809-3993
shoshaunhergatt.com

Located on the second floor of the SHO Shaun Hergatt, this posh cocktail lounge offers a creative drink menu inspired by the French Asian cuisine of the adjacent restaurant. Highlights include the Zakuska (Bols Genever, horseradish and dzechuan pickled Satur farm beets) and the French 75 in Padua (Citadelle Gin, Aperol, blood orange juice and Prosecco). If you don't feel like splurging on a multi-course meal in the Michelin-starred dining room, you can still feel like a fat cat with a $35 three-course "Closing Bell Dinner" served in the bar on weeknights after 5:30 p.m.

A haven for the well-dressed men and women of Wall Street at the end of the work day, the ambiance at Ulysses is a bit more relaxed than some of its Pearl Street neighbors. This place gets packed at happy hour - and if it's something other than cocktails you're looking for, you're in luck. Tuesdays are Brewery Night, where patrons can try a selected "brew of the month."

One of New York City's most historic restaurants, you might at first find this Pearl Street venue to be out of place on this list. At first glance, the establishment doesn't appear as swanky as the cocktail bars we've named above. At Fraunces Tavern, you'll find the best of both worlds: The intimate Dingle Whiskey Bar, where you can unwind with a strong mixed drink, or if that's not your style - sample from an authentic and impressive selection of craft beers.

For the latest on the NYC bar and nightlife scene, follow us on Twitter!

Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.

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