Fresh Salt
146 Beekman St., 212-962-0053 www.freshsalt.com
Occupying a 127-year-old red-brick smokehouse, this charming dive — more East Village than Financial District — prides itself on being one of the last watering holes frequented by Fulton Fish Market workers. Today, it attracts an eclectic mix of artists and local residents escaping the Seaport throngs. From 4 to 8 p.m. daily, pair their signature Dark & Stormys, Bloody Marys and Laura Palmers (all $6) and $4 drafts with homemade mac and cheese ($7) or the meatloaf sandwich slathered with horseradish mayo ($10). Neon signs, hanging fish hooks and a steady stream of ’90s rock complete the rustic ambiance.
Cowgirl Sea-Horse
259 Front St., 212-608-7873 www.cowgirlseahorse.com
Owner Sherry Delamarter (of Cowgirl and Tortilla Flats fame) opened this bright and breezy joint to fill the neighborhood’s comfort-food void three years ago, specializing in seafood with a Southwestern twist. The happy hour drinks, like $5 margaritas (dish out a little extra for Prickly Pear and Blood Orange), are also Tex-Mex themed, and weekly Taco Tuesdays and Wine Wednesdays (half-priced bottles) keep the regulars returning.
Haru
1 Wall St. Court, 212-785-6850 www.harusushi.com
Despite a handful of branches across the city, the Wall Street outpost of this trendy Japanese mini-chain is noteworthy for its landmark location — the sleek Cocoa Exchange Building. Sake Hour, a daily occurrence (weekends, too!), comprises draft beer and sake (hot or cold) for $4.50 and a lineup of delectable cocktails for $7.50. Our summer pick? The Watermelon Fizz, a power-packed, tequila-infused libation flecked with cilantro leaves. Enjoy it with a half-priced Crunchy Spicy Salmon Roll ($5) or Grilled Chicken Skewer ($6) as you soak in the chic surroundings — a tasteful blend of fuchsia lanterns and slate-gray walls.
Open Door Gastropub
110 John St., 212-608-0200 www.opendoornyc.com
The traditional pub gets an elegant facelift — think mini-chandeliers and Georgian doors — at this John Street favorite. From 4 to 7 p.m. on weeknights, weary number-crunchers enjoy daily beer specials, featuring rare picks like the Goose Island Pere Jacques Ale and the exceptionally hoppy Southampton IPA. Also offered are 2-for-1 martinis (the Bulldog Gin Gimlet and Pomegranate Martini are recent additions) and $5 sangrias.
Pound & Pence
55 Liberty St., 212-716-1140 www.poundandpence.com
With sepia-toned murals, pilsner taps and a copper bar, this sprawling tavern is ripe with shades of England. On Mondays, the after-work crowd flocks here for half-priced drinks and complimentary pool (there’s a table on the mezzanine level, flanked by leather wingback chairs), while ladies are treated to 2-for-1 specials every Wednesday, known as “Hen Night.” Opt for a British-accented cocktail such as the London Fog, concocted from gin and elderflower liqueur ($9.50), or choose from an array of pints including Fuller’s and Boddingtons ($7.50 each).
