The South Street Seaport district’s only wood-frame building was also home to NYC’s oldest bar. Located at the corner of Water and Dover Streets, the house was built in 1794 and has housed a drinking or eating establishment on its ground floor since then. One such iteration was McCormack's Bar & Restaurant which catered mostly to seamen and had all the earmarks of such an establishment. (The Yuppie-ization of the South Street Seaport hadn't reached that far in the mid-70s).

During my stint at 26 Federal Plaza, a couple of my co-workers and I would eat lunch at McCormack's from time to time. Walking into the restaurant you'd put down $3.50, $4.00 or $5.00 to the "maître d'". The price varied according to the main dish. From a nearby table, pick up a plate, utinsels, and napkins, walk into the kitchen and scoop from the pots on the stove, whatever was offered or seemed appealing at the time - as much as you want! The food was usually pretty good and the ambience added to the dining experience.

Better finish your plate. You get yelled at if you don't!

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