Best Outdoor Restaurants - Financial District, NYC
These Financial District outdoor popular restaurants are well worth the trip, whether you are a tourist or business traveler looking to explore the city or a native New Yorker who wants to get out of your neighborhood comfort zone.
Mad Dog and Beans - Financial District
This festive casual but upscale Mexican restaurant is one of the businesses that is helping to re-invigorate the FiDi neighborhood.
At one time, there weren't a whole lot of nightlife options around here. All the action took place during daylight hours on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
But now, thanks to restaurants like Mad Dog and Beans, the FiDi neighborhood is fast becoming a destination place for hungry and thirsty New Yorkers who are looking to celebrate the night.
The theme here celebrates the Mexican Revolution. Black and white photographs of banditos and historical figures are displayed throughout the premises. There are also colorful canvas prints depicting rural scenes of old Mexico.
The decor is very interesting and eye-catching. Reclaimed barn wood, wrought-iron chandeliers, Edison light bulbs and weathered vintage furniture lend a certain panache' and personality to the establishment.
Lively Mexican folk music plays in the background alternating with Top 40 classics and contemporary sounds.
Almost one entire side of Stone Street, directly outside Mad Dog and Beans, is taken up by a charming and picturesque sidewalk cafe. When the nearby street lamps light up the night, a cozy, romantic energy permeates the air. If you want to grab a table outside, be forewarned they go fast. Get there early.
The name of the restaurant has some colorful history behind it. It seems as though "Mad Dog" was a legendary outlaw who traveled throughout the South West. When things got a little too hot for Mad Dog, he crossed the border into Mexico, where he settled down, if you could call it that.
As legend has it, Mad Dog began working for a local saloon owner who also fancied himself to be a chef. This self-styled chef was nicknamed Beans. The two worked together and struck up a fast and firm friendship. In time mad Dog and beans built their bar and restaurant into a wildly popular place.
Fidi's Mad Dog and Beans keeps the authentic south of the border vibe alive with food that is so good it could've been lovingly prepared by your Grandmother in Guadalajara or Mexico City.
From time to time, the bar hosts special events that you will not want to miss. Every Wednesday, at 6 PM, there's a complimentary Tequila tasting.
What goes better with a shot of Tequila or a cocktail than an order of Guacamole. The Guac is made to order, in a stone molcajete. You can get yours mild, medium hot or spicy.
The bar is celebrated far and wide for their "life-changing", or so they say Margaritas. One thing's for sure; these magic potions made with Sauza Blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed citrus juices and citrus based liquors, are very, very good.
Oh yes, the margaritas also contain a couple of delicious ingredients known only to the bartenders. And they've been sworn to secrecy.
Small plates and snacks include chicken or cheese Chimichangas, a filling but light shrimp and papaya salad, sweet plantains with crema fresca, Mexican street corn on the cob and savory black bean and chicken sliders.
The chef does just about everything really well, but his Chihuahua cheese and Monterey Jack Quesadillas are melt in your mouth good.
Mad Dog and Beans' signature entree' is the Chiles Rellenos. If you are Mexican-American, you probably grew up eating this dish for Sunday supper at your grandma's house. So, you know how good this deceptively simple but delightful dish is.
The kitchen gives you a generous portion of lightly battered poblano chiles stuffed with cheese and topped with Cinnamon-infused tomato sauce. The chilis are accompanied by zesty Mexican rice and re-fried beans.
Location and Hours
83 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 269-1177
www.maddogandbeans.com
Hours
Monday to Friday 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM
Route 66 Smokehouse - Financial District
Some of the best Nashville Hot chicken north of the Tennessee border, together with an All-American selection of Whiskey, Rye and Bourbon awaits you at Route 66 Smokehouse.
Located on historic Stone Street in the heart of Fidi, Route 66 Smokehouse brings true Southern hospitality and charm to the Wall Street crowd. All you need to escape from the craziness of the up and down economy, (and your bosses' incessant complaints), is a slab of their signature juicy ribs and a glass of ice-cold craft beer.
Chef Billy Kooper's mouth-watering menu features totally unique twists on classic regional BBQ recipes. Hand-selected, farm to table ingredients is not just a sometime thing here. It's business as usual in Billy's fun and creative kitchen. The team takes their food, but not themselves, seriously. The result is a kick back and let it loose atmosphere.
The outdoor patio dining area can accommodate up to 90 hungry people. Multicolored Corona light banners and various flags stream overhead in the breeze. Patio furniture and picnic tables offer tourists and local office workers a place to rest and rejuvenate.
By the way, that Nashville special that we talked about at the beginning of the article consists of Buttermilk breaded chicken, freshly made cole slaw, pickles and Route 66 hot sauce. It's a meal and a half.
Other temptations that you'll want to try are the sliced brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken straight from Goffle farms. Most entrees come with an appetite satisfying side, so be sure to grab one. Choose from BBQ beans, sweet potato fries, blistered Shishito peppers and a whole lot more.
On Saturdays and Sunday fun day you can enjoy Route 66's delicious brunch. $20 gets you two wonderful hours of unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Marys or 66 Pilsners.
Brunch treats include Creekstone Farm's steak and eggs platter or Bourbon French toast with maple butter. Sweet, natural maple syrup and creamy farm churned butter. That's two of the best tastes on earth rolled into one.
The branch spotlight, however, stars Route 66's Hash skillets. These hearty meals consist of house made potato hash with your choice of either tender brisket or Eastern Carolina style pulled pork with BBQ sauce mixed right in.
Location and Hours
46 Stone Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 943-1602
Hours
Sunday to Wednesday 11 AM to 12 AM
Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 1 AM
Bavaria Bier Haus - Financial District
This fun spot presents an updated, cool take on the decor and food that you'll find at a traditional German beer hall. Get ready to roll out the barrels and enjoy some rollicking good times at Bavaria Bier Haus.
Tucked away on one of the Financial District's centuries-old cobble stone streets, this beer garden draws a very hip after work and weekend brunch crowd.
You can enjoy your pint (or two or even three) of imported German beer in the main hall or in their 70 seats outdoor space. White table umbrellas bearing the restaurant's colorful and majestic blue Lion's Mane logo, decorate the beer garden area.
Everything about this place rings true and is totally authentic. The huge wooden bar was imported from the German town of Erding. Yes, the servers do wear the traditional lederhosen garb. But that only adds to the overall charm. there is nothing cheesy or corny about Bavaria Bier Haus.
There are an almost endless amount of draft beer options available to quench your thirst. It's all right here for your drinking pleasure, from German Pilsners and Munich Dunkel lager to black beer and wheat suds. You have got to try the fruity and refreshing Schofferhofer ruby red grapefruit beer.
You might think that the menu contains mostly heavy, German type food. Well, there are a lot of Bavarian specialties to choose from, but they are made with some surprising ingredients. The beef stroganoff, for example, is accompanied by Quinoa, instead of egg noodles, along with sweet onions and a delightful mushroom sauce.
The pork medallions come with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. How does that grab you?
Of course, you will also find long-time favorites like chicken or veal schnitzel as well as a sausage platter with all the fixings including braised red cabbage, sauerkraut and potato salad.
Other fare includes a veggie Portobello mushroom sandwich, fresh sliced turkey with cranberry mayo on a croissant and something they call the Heidle Burger.
This uber-juicy burger (with very lean ground beef) comes with crispy bacon, butter kase cheese and your choice of fries, a house salad or sauerkraut.
Raise a stein of beer to your coworkers as you celebrate the end of the work week. At Bavaria Bier Haus, the night never ends.
Location and Hours
19 South William Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 480-8142
www.bavariabarnyc.com
Hours
Sunday to Wednesday 11 AM to 1 AM
Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM
Watermark Bar - Financial District
This Instagram worthy bar, restaurant and event venue is perched at the end of Pier 15 on the East River. With over 10,000 square feet and two levels, there is more than enough room to party and dance the night away.
A ton of open air seating is available in the pavilion, affording spectacular views of the shimmering Brooklyn skyline as well as the iconic Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges. The financial district's office towers provide a picture-perfect backdrop when lit up at night.
The decor throughout is sleek and sexy. The outdoor lounge area has a glass enclosed stand-alone bar that is surrounded by fire engine red stools.
Watermark hosts live musical performances as well as special events such as the 2017 Kentucky Derby party and their annual Oktoberfest celebration.
With several bars on the premises, there's just no way they are going to run out of booze anytime soon. All of the beer and wine is of premium quality. But, even if you're not usually a cocktail person, try one here. Change up your night.
Cool down from the heat of a typically humid New York night with their Spiked lemonade. This elixir is a mix of Absolut Citron Vodka and freshly brewed lemonade with actual slices of lemon inside your glass. The watermelon spiced Margarita is a big-time refresher with tequila, watermelon juice, and jalapenos. It's got just the right amount of kick.
Other adult beverages include both red and white sangria, a Mojito made with Cruzan citrus rum and a very sexy cucumber basil gimlet. At Watermark food definitely plays second fiddle to the views, ambiance, and drinks. But, that's not to say that you can't get a tasty morsel or two here if you're hungry. They have several personal pizza options as well as Truffle and Parmesan fries. The Pat LaFrieda blend Wagyu burger satisfies on so many levels. Accompanied by fries, your burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and Watermark sauce.
Brunch is served on weekends and Holidays until 5 PM. Their signature brunch dish comes in at only $9 and it's a good one. Your plate is filled with potato hash, red quinoa, white cheddar, spinach and onions with garlic and a fried egg on top. If that won't keep you going all day, then nothing will.
Location and Hours
78 South Street - Pier 15
New York, NY 10038
(212) 742-8200
www.watermarkny.com
Hours
Monday to Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM
La Dama - Financial District
In Spanish, La Dama means the lady. This word is used to describe someone who is very elegant and stylish. It's an appropriate description for this restaurant which offers a very modern take on traditional Mexican comfort cuisine.
As for the decor and atmosphere; let's just say that it is elegant with some very hip styling going on. The murals that decorate the walls inside the restaurant are incredible. You feel as though you are dining in a cafe situated in one of Mexico City's most fashionable neighborhoods.
The menu may emphasize rustic country cooking. But the vibe is urban chic.
The highlight, aesthetically speaking, is their gorgeous outdoor seating area. Lush, thick hedges and shrubbery lend a refreshing green touch to space.
A long, open-sided party tent covers a dozen or so tables in one section of the patio.
La Dama and its' open air patio are popular with the Wall Street crowd. Why bother to cook dinner at home, when a place like this exists?
A nice plate of sizzling fajitas washed down with imported Mexican or domestic beer will certainly fortify you for the subway ride back to your apartment. Your night has been taken care of. Now, all you have to do is watch Netflix and get some shut-eye.
One of La Dama's many happy Hour specials offers Oysters for just a dollar each, Monday through Friday from 3 until 7 PM.
Here, the Guacamole is made to order so it's guaranteed fresh and tasty. A glass of Mexican beer or even Bud goes great with either the Mahi Mahi or seared tuna tacos. Just tell your server if you want your fish grilled or Baja style. The kitchen will do the rest.
Other popular menu items are you won't be hungry again until breakfast burrito bowl, a Chipotle glazed salmon dish and the chicken enchiladas.
They've got some very delectable desserts here including an above average flan and churros, which are fried dough pastries topped with cinnamon, sugar and dulce de leche.
Location and Hours
66 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10004
(212) 425-3127
www.ladamanyc.com
Hours
Monday to Friday 11 AM to 10 PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed
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