What can I say, the street name just called out to me.
I decided my next Starbucks would be in the Financial District — home of the 9-to-5. Although this wasn’t my first trip to the Financial District – or FiDi as some have taken to calling it — it was my first opportunity to walk around and really take it in. The biggest distinction is the narrow streets and sidewalks, which are much smaller than anywhere else in the city. Not to mention the office buildings are some of the tallest in the city, making the slender streets seem even more confining. And although I wasn’t there during the early morning rush, I could just imagine the scanty streets cramped with suits & ties trying to get to and fro.
This Starbucks is not in the heart of FiDi, but actually closer to the South Street Seaport, where some travel in and out of the city by means of ferry. When I first walked in I was under the impression that this must be one of Starbucks’s smaller locations – equipped only to get you your coffee then get you on your way. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a stairwell leading to an entirely new level equipped with plenty of seating.
There was just one problem… I couldn’t connect to the internet. When I asked one of the baristas, he explained that they don’t have the AT&T WiFi and that this is common for most locations in the area. He also told me that this location just recently reopened after being flooded with 4-ft of water from Hurricane Sandy. I’ve yet to visit any other locations in the area to test for this lack-of-WiFi, but either way the good folks at Starbucks should probably update their App and remove “Wireless Hotspot” from the list of amenities.
Overall, the decor was nice — especially the high wall with a dozen or so different clocks on it — so come with friends, office buddies, or a good book because a laptop won’t serve you much good.
The Good:
The Size… Multi-level Starbucks with adequate room to spread out.
The crowd… as in, there is none. At least at 5pm on a Friday.
The Bad:
No WiFi — GASP!
No Power Outlets… But then again, why need outlets when you have no WiFi?
Restroom… Just one for both Men & Women (typical NYC Starbucks).
Barista Friendliness:
Friendly, informative, even chatty.
Drink of Choice:
Iced Passion Tea (unsweetened). It’s an herbal tea — so essentially flower water — but damn it taste good and no need for sugar.
Overall Starbucks Rating:
Can’t get anything more without WiFi.
Starbucks and the City 
I love starbucks in that area.!!
I think you’re being a tad harsh re: the down WiFi connection. Did you visit the area around the South Street Seaport in the weeks following the hurricane? It was devastated. A lot of buildings in the Financial District are still on generator power, and many more have yet to reopen.