House of Shields

What you need to know

House of Shields opened on New Montgomery Street in 1908 as a working-class saloon for the printing-trade workers and journalists who filled the surrounding buildings. The room has barely changed since: dark wood, a long bar that runs the length of the space, no clocks (intentionally, since 1908). Warren Harding allegedly drank his last cocktail here in 1923, hours before he died across the street at the Palace Hotel.

The Drinks

Classic cocktails done correctly without theatrics. The bar pours about 80 percent whiskey and the bartenders know every bottle. Beer and wine programs are tight rather than ambitious. Happy hour is generous.

The Space

Two-story room with a mezzanine. Stained-glass skylights, original fixtures, mahogany bar. The crowd is a mix of after-work Financial District professionals and people who came specifically for the historic feel.

Practical Info

Price: Cocktails $14 to $18
Reservations: Walk-in only
Address: 39 New Montgomery Street
Hours: Mon-Fri afternoon and evening, Sat evening only. Closed Sun.