Do you ever walk past the Woolworth Building on Park Place and wonder what it was like in those charming storefronts decades ago? It was considered the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930 and remains one of the 100 tallest buildings in the U.S. Fast-forward 2023 and you’ll find the building intact with modern upgrades to include the extremely popular Five & Dime, which has been wowing fans of artisanal cocktails, European coffee, and excellent bar food since 2017. Five & Dime is truly a step back in time with its vaulted ceilings, marble bar, and dark wood trim.
DOCTOR KNOWS BEST
Five & Dime is the first dining establishment we visited that is owned by a medical doctor (who happens to love a good cocktail)! Dr. Mark Mohrmann, the head of Highline Orthopedics, has been practicing at 16 Park Place since 2015, so he quickly grabbed up the space that is now Five & Dime when he heard it was becoming available!
Dr. Mohrmann tells NYL that being a newcomer to the restaurant game fueled his enthusiasm. He recently told us, “Creating a restaurant/lounge in such a historic space was a thrilling experience. We stumbled upon the space through extensive research and exploring different locations that held architectural significance. The moment we discovered this historic gem, we knew it was the perfect canvas to bring our vision to life.”
BAKED GOODS & BAR BITES
Menu-wise, Five & Dime specializes in great bar bites and they large charcuterie trays brimming with hand-curated olives, classic Margherita pizza, and slices of bread/pastries baked specially by the legendary Balthazar Bakery. Dr. Mohrmann reveals The menu development process was a collaborative effort involving our talented team. We wanted to offer a unique cocktail/after-work experience that encourages sharing and socializing. That led us to choose a small eats theme that goes well with our uniquely crafted cocktails. The concept allows guests to savor various flavors and textures, fostering a lively and interactive ‘chill’ after-work atmosphere.”
MIXING & MINGLING
The Five & Dime crowd is varied, although due to location, they get a lot of businesspeople from the Financial District who mingle with Tribeca natives. “We attract a range of individuals who appreciate exceptional cocktails, food, and musical evenings,” states Dr. Mohrmann. “We offer opera singers live every Tuesday, jazz nights, and more musical experiences. While we respect the privacy of our guests, we have had the pleasure of welcoming some celebrities to our establishment. Their presence adds to the vibrant energy and charm of the place.”
When NYL visited Five & Dime, we ordered a great charcuterie board that was four or five feet wide. We enjoyed homemade mozzarella, salami, prosciutto, Spanish olives, nuts, and more, followed by one of the most gorgeous Margherita Pizzas we have ever seen! (FYI: You may order the pizza to your preference, including all-white pies and adding multiple toppings.) The Chicken Parm Sandwich was perfect, as the golden crust stayed firm even through a healthy dose of homemade red sauce. We asked The Doc what his favorite items on the menu are, and he remarked, “Choosing favorites is always a challenging task when you have a menu filled with delectable options. However, I am fond of our famous Pizza, Eggplant Parm Sandwich, and Charcuterie Boards.”
A TOAST TO YOU
Five & Dime’s drinks are over the top in terms of the quality of the liquors used, presentation, and names. “Our mixologists have crafted a delightful signature cocktail called “Naked And Famous,” a vibrant blend of Aperol, Chartreuse, and lime. Also popular is the “Hopefully Inquisitive,” which consists of gin, lime, Creme de Violette, and “My Honey Is Spicy,” made with tequila, mezcal, honey syrup, and lime. I find these ingredients refreshing and enjoyable.”
Included on the drink menu is the “Carole Baskin”—those who follow Tiger King know who this lady with the “black widow reputation is and will undoubtedly chuckle! The cocktail is a lovely summery drink made with McClelland’s Speyside Whiskey, rosewater, and lemon. The Happy Hour is from 3 – 6 pm each weeknight except Friday when it is all night.
LOOKING AHEAD
Wonderful things lie ahead for autumn, including extending Five & Dime’s already huge coffee list (they are said to have the best Mocha Latte in town) and types of artisanal beer and ale on tap. Concludes Dr. Mohrmann with a smile, “As we move into fall, we are excited to introduce new tapas creations that embrace seasonal ingredients and flavors. Our culinary team is working diligently to curate a menu that will surprise and delight our guests. Additionally, we have unique events planned, including live music performances and themed evenings, to enhance the overall experience.”
Five & Dime is “so New York” that you will say that you cannot picture it being anywhere else in the world. For those who want to grab-and-go, a list of amazing coffees makes Five & Dime the place for workers heading to their nearby offices in the morning or a pastry or croissant for a quiet moment to enjoy in the park across the street.
Amazingly, this quaint storefront space is in its original configuration with ornamentation and design perfectly preserved. This is unusual in a town where so many grand old places are being knocked down and replaced with minimalist towers. Five & Dime has so much charm that you will always feel that it’s always worth the trip down to Park Place!
For more information on Five & Dime, visit fivedime.nyc