Lower Manhattan

At the foot of Brooklyn Bridge [1] is Manhattan [2]’s oldest restaurant building, said to date back to 1794. It’s now home to the casual, atmospheric Bridge Cafe (279 Water St., near Dover, 212/227-3344, $24), serving lots of solid seafood dishes and a popular brunch.

A downtown branch of the acclaimed midtown bistro run by chef-turned-writer Anthony Bourdain (author of Kitchen Confidential), Les Halles Downtown (15 John St., between Broadway and Nassau St., 212/285-8585, $20) is heralded for its “American beef, French style” and lively atmosphere.

For scrumptious Argentine take-out, including more than a dozen types of empanadas, stop by Ruben’s Empanadas (15 Bridge St., between Broad and Whitehead Sts., 212/509-3825).

Watering Hole: Feel like a Wall Street [3] tycoon and have a drink on the balcony at the Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall St., 212/699-4096) and enjoy the private club atmosphere.