Discover Stone Street, NYC
If you’ve ever wandered through Lower Manhattan and stumbled upon a cobblestone street lined with pubs and patios, chances are you’ve found yourself on Stone Street—a funky little aspect of New York City’s 400-year story.
Today, it’s a lively hangout spot where you can sip a craft beer while soaking in the skyline, but rewind the clock a few centuries and this street has seen everything from Dutch brewers to devastating fires.
What makes it really pop is the rare combo of historic charm and modern-day buzz. Think old Dutch architecture, colonial-era facades, and classic lantern-style lights—now throw in street-long picnic tables, umbrellas in every color, and a dozen eateries cooking up everything from pulled pork to paella.
Back When Manhattan Was New Amsterdam (1624)
Before it was New York, the city was a Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam, founded by the Dutch West India Company in 1624. One of the first streets to appear in this brand-new colony was what we now call Stone Street—although it wasn’t a single road back then.
Originally, it was two separate paths:
- Breuers Straet (“Brewers Street”) ran from Whitehall to Broad Street and was named for the breweries lining the road.
- Hoogh Straet (“High Street”) stretched from Broad Street to Hanover Square, set slightly higher than the surrounding marshy land.
The two streets were central to the growing Dutch settlement, eventually linked by a bridge spanning an inlet in Broad Street. These cobbled beginnings gave rise to a thriving community.
The First Paved Street in NYC (1658)
In the mid-1600s, Breuers Straet residents had had enough of the muddy mess and took things into their own hands—quite literally. In 1657, they pooled their funds and petitioned the city to lay cobblestones, making this the first paved street in New York by 1658.
This wasn’t just a functional upgrade—it was a sign of prosperity. At the time, a local historian noted that based on the trades and professions found on the street, it was considered one of the “best streets in town.”
When the Brits Moved In (Late 1600s)
The British took control in 1664 and gave everything a good ol’ English makeover. Breuers Straet became “Stony Street,” Hoogh Straet was dubbed “High Street,” and the neighborhood quickly became home to English merchants and tradespeople.
One particularly notable newcomer? William Bradford, who established New York’s first printing press in 1693 at what is now 48 Stone Street—today home to the bustling Beckett’s Bar & Grill.
Merging into Stone Street (1700s)
By the 1700s, Stone Street was having something of an identity crisis. Its two halves had different names—Stony Street to the west, and Duke Street to the east (formerly High Street). But after the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, New Yorkers wanted to ditch names that were associated with British rule.
So in 1794, city officials unified the street under a new banner: Stone Street, a name that’s proudly stuck ever since.
1800s Commercialization
As the 1800s rolled in, so did some serious changes. Manhattan’s footprint was growing thanks to landfill expansion, and with it came a shift in how Stone Street was used. Residential homes gave way to shops, offices, and other businesses.
In 1811, the city widened the street by four feet (about 1.2 meters) to keep up with demand—a project that cost around $150,000 at the time (which is more like $3.4 million today).
The Great Fire of 1835
Disaster struck on December 16, 1835, when a warehouse fire, whipped by high winds, tore through Lower Manhattan. Nearly 700 buildings were reduced to ash across 13 acres—and yes, Stone Street took a heavy hit.
But this wasn’t the end—it was a rebirth.
Rebuilding and Architectural Revival (1835–1900s)
Out of the ashes rose the Stone Street you can still see today. Most of the structures we know and love were built after the Great Fire, with styles ranging from Italianate brownstones to Dutch Colonial Revival and neo-Tudor façades.
Notable buildings include:
- Harry’s (1854): An Italianate brownstone on the western end.
- Adrienne’s Pizza Bar (54 Stone St): Features a striking neo-Renaissance facade added in 1919.
- Havana Social and The Cauldron (45 & 47 Stone St): Originally home to a private club, these were constructed in a neo-Tudor style.
The Rise of the Skyscrapers (1950s–1970s)
While Stone Street’s historical architecture stayed largely intact, the neighborhood around it reached for the sky—literally. By the 1950s, skyscrapers were springing up, threatening to swallow the old cobbled street.
Plans in the late 1960s even proposed demolishing the area for a 38-story tower. Fortunately, a sluggish real estate market squashed the idea in 1970, saving the street from modern monotony.
Hidden History Beneath Your Feet (1979–1980s)
Think the current cobbles are ancient? Not quite. The original 1600s Stone Street lies six to seven feet below today’s surface. In 1979, an archaeological dig at the Stadt Huys Block (near what is now 85 Broad Street) unearthed remnants of the old street.
If you’re visiting today, you can still check out this mini time capsule embedded in the sidewalk.
Stone Street’s Renaissance (1990s–2000s)
By the 1990s, Stone Street had fallen on hard times. Asphalt covered the original cobbles, potholes ruled the road, and graffiti claimed the buildings. But then came a full-blown revival.
Thanks to a $1.8 million restoration project led by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Downtown Alliance, and others, Stone Street was:
- Re-cobbled with 23,000 Belgian blocks,
- Returned to a pedestrian-only zone,
- And finally recognized as a NYC Historic Landmark in 1996 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
The transformation was completed in 2000, and the results speak for themselves.
Things To Do on Stone Street
The real magic of this historic strip? It’s not just the weathered bricks underfoot, it’s the sheer number of lively places to eat, drink, and hang out.
Street Eats & Historic Feasts
- Adrienne’s Pizzabar: This cozy, brick-oven institution dishes out crispy rectangular pies that can go toe-to-toe with any NYC slice joint. It’s part Italian trattoria, part friendly watering hole—and all delicious.
- Mad Dog & Beans: Brightly colored drinks, massive margarita towers (yep, 100 ounces of liquid courage), and fresh guac so good you’ll wish you brought a shovel instead of a chip.
- Route 66 Smokehouse: Craving Southern comfort in the heart of Lower Manhattan? This all-American BBQ joint delivers smoky ribs, pulled pork, and enough cornbread to build a small cottage. They also know their beer—so don’t be afraid to ask for something bold and hoppy to wash it all down.
- Havana Social: A cozy Cuban-Mexican hybrid where you can sip a mojito, munch on empanadas, and catch live music without ever boarding a flight. The ambience screams Havana nights, and the cocktails don’t skimp on the rum.
- Ulysses’ Folkhouse: If there’s one place that captures the Irish-American pub spirit, it’s Ulysses’. Expect hearty grub, live music, and a sprawling beer list that could put a medieval tavern to shame.
- Beckett’s Bar & Grill: Part Irish pub, part sports haven — all good vibes. Grab a beer, snag a seat by the TV, and catch the game while enjoying a plate of wings or something fried and comforting. Bonus: the building it’s in dates back to the 1600s, so it’s basically like drinking in a museum (just with fewer rules).
Cobblestone Cocktails & Al Fresco Everything
One of the best things about Stone Street? No cars. Seriously. The whole road transforms into an extended beer garden filled with colorful umbrellas, communal picnic benches, and laughter bouncing off the old Dutch walls.
In the warmer months, it feels more like a European beer garden than a Manhattan street, with every spot spilling out onto the cobblestones. This means you can enjoy cocktails and charcuterie while people-watching like it’s a competitive sport.
Block Parties & Boozy Festivals
Stone Street has been throwing parties longer than most cities have existed. Back in the 1600s, this was home to New York’s (then New Amsterdam’s) very first breweries. Fast forward four centuries, and the party’s still going strong.
Expect big-name events like the Cinco de Mayo Block Party (yep, it’s so big it takes over two days: May 3 and May 5, 2025) with tacos, tequila, and music pumping down the cobbles. Don’t be surprised if you start salsa dancing with strangers. It happens.
Another can’t-miss? Oysterfest in September—a one-day shellfish extravaganza featuring freshly shucked oysters, cold beers, and live music.
Where to Drink Like a Local
You could probably throw a stone (pun intended) and hit a bar here. Here’s a couple of our favorites:
- Harry’s Side Bar: For something a bit swankier, slip into this cozy cocktail lounge next to Harry’s. Perfect for pre-dinner drinks or winding down the evening with something fizzy and fabulous.
- Havana Social (Again!): Yes, we’re mentioning it twice. Why? Because their frozen piña coladas, flavored margaritas, and rum punches are that good. It’s basically vacation in a glass.
Things to Do Around Stone Street
Stone Street is smack in the middle of the Financial District, which means you're just a few cobblestones away from some of NYC’s most historic and iconic sights.
- Visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum: Upstairs from the tavern is a hidden gem of a museum where you can stand in the same room Washington toasted the end of British rule.
- Explore Wall Street: Snap a selfie with the Charging Bull or visit the New York Stock Exchange (just don’t try to buy any stocks with your margarita).
- Stroll to Battery Park: Head south for waterfront views, Statue of Liberty glimpses, and a perfect place to walk off all those empanadas.
- Tacombi: Born in a taco van, now a fan favorite. Get the crispy fish tacos. Trust us.
- Luke’s Lobster: Lobster rolls, chowder, and sustainable seafood just behind Stone Street. Hidden gem alert!
- Leo’s Bagels: Classic New York bagels made fresh daily. Go full New Yorker with lox, capers, and a schmear.
Visiting Stone Street
You’ll find Stone Street tucked away in the heart of the Financial District. It runs between Whitehall and Hanover Square, nestled among skyscrapers and just a stone’s throw (pun intended) from the New York Stock Exchange.
Seriously, blink and you might miss it—but your nose will probably catch a whiff of grilled something-or-other before your eyes do.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly? Anytime. But if you're looking for full outdoor vibes, plan a visit during spring through early fall. That’s when the tables are out, the umbrellas are up, and the whole street feels like a European beer garden got lost and ended up in Manhattan.
Lunchtime is great for a casual bite, but evenings are where the magic happens—when the fairy lights flicker on and the after-work crowd rolls in.
Explore Beyond Stone Street with CityDays
Loved Stone Street’s energy? Good news—New York City’s packed with places that are just as rich in history, culture, and quirky surprises. Even better? You can discover them without staring at Google Maps the whole time.
That’s where CityDays comes in. Join our epic scavenger hunt and treasure hunt tours—designed for team outings, corporate events, or just a spirited day out with friends.
These tours whisk you through the city’s hidden nooks and vibrant landmarks, challenging you with quirky clues and unforgettable surprises along the way.
Get ready to uncover the secret side of the city and create memories that last a lifetime!
