Best trading floors in New York??

If you mean the actual trading floor itself, UBS in Stamford Connecticut (not NY but literally on the border) is the largest and craziest trading floor of them all.

it's the biggest but i don't know about craziest. kind of quiet in there, high ceilings and all. and stamford is a HUUUUGE pain the azz

http://www.rodrickbrown.com/docs/images/ubsld1.jpg

That's one frickin' enormous trading floor!

The acoustics of the building make all noises hushed if you are more than a few yards away from someone else. I bet it will even be more hushed when its only filled to 50% capacity after May 6th.

I've actually visited UBS's trading floor not too long ago and it really is amazing. Guiness book of World Records for largest trading floor.

But back to the OP's question; who has the best? I'm interested as well because I'll be switching over and shopping soon as well.

"But back to the OP's question; who has the best? "

define "best".

Out of curiosity, what if "best" is defined as craziest, late night out, boozing and womanizing, fraternity house environment? Pure boredom is why I'm asking but figured I'd get it in before the usual prestige threads. In the same vein, are there certain desks that are "better"/worse than others in this regard, in general?

it's different by desk more than by firm, and yes desks have different personalities. fx is pretty hard partying in general.

In response to YellowLime. I think "best" as of most prestigious. I'm trying to get my foot into the door. It seems like trading would fit my personality well, and much more exciting than my current job. Where are you located at YellowLime? NYC?

ps. And yes, all that partying and stuff is fun as well, but the work hard part comes first for me. You can always play hard, once you have something to show for :)

thats exactly the response i dont want to hear if im interviewing you. people expect you to work hard but you have to have a personality. you're going to be working with these groups for at least 12 hrs a day sitting right on top of one another

Analyst 26. I never said that I don't think personality is important. All I'm saying is that partying should not be a priority in anyone's work choice. At my early age, I want to focus on learning and educating myself, however, it was never said that partying is not included in that. Plus I completely agree with you that personality is important, and if you're focused on your career (plus having fun whenever possible), then that's part of your personality as well.
Work hard, play hard, but work hard first.

Convertible bond arbitrage parties hardest.

There is no best desk it boils down to really 3 things and in this order: the people, your interest in the product, and lastly $$$ because it does matter.

The best desk is one there it is a tight bond between the members. You work well as a team, you have each others backs during and outside of work (think a well disciplined military unit), solve problems quickly, and absolutely crush the market. Traders pound their chests over who has the highest PnL not over the prestige. Enjoying what you trade is important because if you dont fit the team it could be hell for you. There have been several posts on here where people wanted out of their desk because they didnt like the product. Lastly money plays a role but really all traders across all products have the ability to be raking in 7 figures.

"Oh - the ladies ever tell you that you look like a fucking optical illusion?"