Congress Bar

On our list of the best cocktail bars in New York.

A former produce market on Court Street now houses Congress Bar, whose menu nods to that history with the Jim & Andy, a rum, ginger syrup and lime cocktail named for the market's old owners. The bloody mary program is a point of pride, including a Pitted Queen version garnished with locally made beef jerky, cheddar and crostini. The room is small and dim, loud once it fills up, with a quieter back room and outdoor seating for anyone who wants some distance from the crowd.