Walk into the lobby of 5 Beekman Street and you’ll immediately feel the weight of 1883. It’s heavy. It’s dark. It is, quite frankly, one of the most visually arresting spaces in Lower Manhattan. You aren't just going to The Bar Room at The Beekman for a quick drink before a meeting at the World Trade Center; you’re going there to disappear into a version of New York that mostly exists in black-and-white photographs and moody architectural sketches.
The centerpiece is the atrium.
Looking up from your velvet chair, you see nine stories of Victorian wrought-iron railings rising toward a massive pyramidal skylight. It’s dizzying. It’s also a miracle this place still exists. For decades, this building—Temple Court—sat derelict, its legendary atrium boarded up for fire safety reasons. When it finally reopened as a hotel in 2016, the restoration felt like a gift to the city's architectural soul.
The Vibe and Why It Works
Some hotel bars feel like sterile waiting rooms. Not this one. The Bar Room at The Beekman manages to feel lived-in, despite being meticulously curated. It’s cluttered in the best way possible. You’ve got mismatched Persian rugs, tattered books that look like they’ve actually been read, and lighting so dim you might need your phone flashlight just to find the olive in your martini.
It’s cozy.
The seating is a mix of plush sofas and low-slung armchairs. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot near the center, you get the full "bottom of a well" perspective of the atrium. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in NYC where people actually put their phones down—mostly because they’re too busy staring at the ceiling.
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What You’re Actually Drinking (and Eating)
The cocktail program is led by the expertise of the Crafted Hospitality team, which means Tom Colicchio’s fingerprints are all over the operation. This isn't a place for neon-colored drinks or gimmicks. It’s a temple to the classics, though they usually have a few seasonal riffs that lean into the "Old World" aesthetic.
You should probably order the Beekman Martini.
It sounds basic, but they do it with a level of precision that makes you realize why people became alcoholics in the 1920s. They use a blend of gins and a specific vermouth ratio that feels medicinal in a "this will cure your soul" kind of way. If you aren't a gin person, their Manhattan is predictably excellent, served in glassware that feels expensive enough to make you nervous.
The food is where things get interesting.
Because it’s a Colicchio joint, the bar snacks are elevated far beyond pretzels. The burger is a consistent standout—dry-aged beef that actually tastes like beef, topped with a sharp cheddar that cuts through the fat. It’s expensive. You’re in a luxury hotel in the Financial District, so expect to pay "Financial District" prices. But the quality is undeniable. They also do a mean steak tartare and oysters that are fresh enough to remind you that Manhattan is, technically, an island.
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Dealing With the Crowd
Here is the truth: The Bar Room at The Beekman gets packed.
During the week, it’s a haunt for the suit-and-tie crowd from the nearby law firms and tech hubs. On weekends, it’s a mix of tourists who saw the atrium on Instagram and locals trying to impress a date. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Thursday without a plan, you’re going to be standing awkwardly by the host stand for a long time.
Try a Tuesday afternoon. Or a late Sunday night.
That’s when the magic happens. When the room is half-empty and the jazz is playing softly, you can actually hear the building breathing. It’s one of the few spaces in the city that feels truly private, even when it’s public.
The Architecture is the Real Star
Architect James M. Farnsworth designed Temple Court with a specific Queen Anne style that was meant to scream "prestige." When you’re sitting in The Bar Room, you’re sitting in what was once one of the most desirable office addresses in the country. Writers, lawyers, and publishers walked these floors.
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The restoration was handled by Gerner Manfredi and GFI Development, and they didn't scrub away the history. They left the patina. You can see the wear on the stone and the slight imperfections in the metalwork. It gives the room a sense of gravity that a brand-new "vintage-inspired" bar just can’t replicate.
It’s authentic. Or as authentic as a multi-million dollar hotel renovation can be.
How to Do The Bar Room Right
Don’t just rush in and out. This isn't a "one drink and go" spot. To really experience The Bar Room at The Beekman, you need to commit to the bit. Dress up a little. Not because there’s a strict dress code (though looking sharp doesn't hurt), but because the room demands it. It’s hard to feel like a character in a noir film when you’re wearing cargo shorts.
- Timing is everything: Aim for "shoulder hours." Between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM is a sweet spot for a quiet conversation.
- Look up: Seriously. The atrium is the reason this place is famous. Don't be afraid to walk around a bit (discreetly) to see the different angles.
- The Menu: Check the "Bartender’s Choice" if you’re feeling adventurous. The staff here actually knows their history and can whip up a pre-Prohibition cocktail that isn't on the standard list.
- The Side Rooms: There are smaller, more secluded nooks off the main bar area. If you need to actually talk to someone without shouting over the crowd, aim for those.
The Bar Room at The Beekman isn't a secret. It hasn't been a secret for years. But some places are popular for a reason, and this is one of them. It’s a rare instance where the reality actually matches the photographs. It’s moody, it’s expensive, and it’s unapologetically old-school New York.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a visit, check the hotel's official website for their current "Live at The Beekman" schedule, as they often host jazz performances that significantly change the atmosphere of the room. Reservations for the Bar Room specifically can be tricky as they prioritize walk-ins for certain sections, so calling the concierge a few hours ahead to gauge the "vibe" is a pro move. For those interested in the architecture, the hotel occasionally offers guided tours of the historic building—inquire at the front desk upon arrival. If you're staying as a guest, you get the added benefit of seeing the atrium from the upper floors, which is a completely different (and arguably better) view than the one from the bar floor.