Anyone who has been to Stone Street in the Financial District knows it’s party central. It’s also an incredibly historical, well-preserved canyon of 19th century buildings.

The History of Stone Street (just a little)

Stone Street is one of New York’s oldest streets. It was originally known by its Dutch name, Hoogh Straet (High Street) until it was paved in 1658, due to complaints from residents about horses kicking up dust on their way to and from the mill on nearby Mill Street. Flat cobblestones were brought up from the shore nearby and were laid down creating Stone Street. In 1983 the street was divided into two sections by the construction of giant 85 Broad Street.

In 1632, the Dutch West India Company built the first commercial brewery in North America here. Today, the street is packed with an assortment of pubs, bars and cafe’s.

Unless you’re here for food and drink, the best time to visit is early mornings. The restaurant staff are usually out, hosing down the street from the previous night’s debauchery, but it’s otherwise quiet. Stone Street is pedestrian only.

51 Stone Street – The Cauldron

Most of the buildings here were built right after the Great Fire of 1835, when almost 700 buildings south of Wall Street were destroyed. The fire started at a warehouse and spread quickly due to high winds.

I have to say, this is the best I’ve ever seen Stone Street looking. The holiday lights and decorations make me want to see it at night, when it’s really hopping.

50 Stone Street – Mad Dog and Beans

Mad Dog and Beans is a Mexican Cantina and home to the 100-ounce margarita tower. Check out the insanity here.

I’m not shy about looking into restaurants. I try to only take photos when the staff aren’t in them, but it’s great to be able see how it looks when it’s not mobbed with people.

As I sit here writing the day after walking Stone Street, I’m checking out the menu – with photos of everything – for Mad Dog and Beans FIDI and I’m practically drooling! Wanna see? Menu

52 Stone Street – Stone Street Tavern

I love the look of the Stone Street Tavern, it’s really got the old world feel I love.

I also looked at the menu for Stone Street Tavern, and I have to say, it looks incredibly tempting.

53 Stone Street – Grievous Angel

Grievous Angel is a new pop up bar which opened up at #53. They have a “unfussy and romantic” vibe and serve beer, cocktails and natural wines.

Grievous Angel has recently added a simple but yummy looking menu you can find on Instagram. The fennel salad looks amazing.

55 Stone Street – Underdog

At the time of the 1835 fire, 55 Stone Street was the home of Corintha D. Turner, a widow. After the fire property owner and tobacconist James Bryar built the current building in 1836. It’s housed such distinguished residents as the family of Bartolome Blanco, importer and consul; attorney and public speaker Frederic R. Coudert (1832-1903), a president of the Bar Association of New York, director of the Union Pacific Railroad, and United States counsel to international trade agreements; and George G. Guion, a dealer in morocco leather who became a real estate investor.

Taking a peek into Underdog. You can play their current 100-song playlist right from their website.

Taking a look behind me, I’m almost halfway up the block. There’s so much to see in such a small area! Welcome to New York, lol.

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54 Stone Street – Adrienne’s Pizzabar

Adrienne’s Pizzabar is at beautiful 54 Stone Street aka 87-89 Pearl Street (1836). During the early 1800’s the lot was home to shoemaker Joseph Sayre and to Miss Sarah Penny, a maker of mantuas (a type of cloak or mantle). After the Great Fire, the current 4.5 story building was built and occupied by merchants and hardware goods.

Adrienne’s opened in 2004 as the first upscale pizza-meets-bar in NYC. I have to stop writing these posts when I’m hungry – the IG photos of their cheesy food is killing me!

Looking up Stone Street towards Hanover Square. The tall buildings at each end of the block, and along the entire south side keep Stone Street in shadow almost all day, even on sunny days like today.

You can see part of the the beautiful entrance to 54 Stone Street with the carved “54” over it. At the end of the road is Leo’s Bagels, which always has a huge line going down the street.

58 Stone Street – Ulysses’

According to their website, an Irishman and a Greek met up one night and conjured the idea of bringing some life to an old historical street named after its cobblestones. Ulysses’ is the result. They’ve been open 365 days a year since 2003!

Look at the old, wooden floor. During the twentieth century, the structure has been occupied successively by a distillery, the Hamilton Press, and a restaurant. This room could tell some stories!

Ulysses’ is well known for it’s live music, there’s a band almost every night. You can check out the schedule here.

62 Stone Street – Harry’s

Next door to Ulysses’ is Harry’s Side Bar, at 62 Stone Street. They’re a swanky cocktail and wine bar, with small plates and sweets.

I’ve reached the end of the block. With all this goodness you can imagine how crowded the street will be in a few hours. I’m glad I got to walk it early and capture it’s charm to share with you.

Thank you for walking with me today! I’d love to hear your comments and what you liked most. Please consider subscribing to get a short email whenever a new post is added.

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Sources:
Stone Street Historic District