New York - August 25, 2003

The Big Schill

Schiller's Liquor Bar Opens

Time to rally, McNally groupies. It’s been years since brother Keith gave New York something new. But tomorrow he does, with Schiller’s Liquor Bar. (We know, we know: You’ve read about it a zillion times. But we feel a sense of responsibility here. This is a New York moment.)

Town Car dispatchers, prepare to get even more intimate with just how tight the streets are on the Lower East Side.

According to myriad reports, the notoriously press-shy McNally insists that the melting pot restaurant will be a far cry from his usual bistro fare. We dropped by during construction, though, and saw familiar accoutrements: smoky-mirrored walls, please-take-me-home-tonight lighting, and beautifully detailed tiles. The menu gives a nod to the ‘hood’s German immigrant history with Wiener schnitzel and spaetzle. There’s a a smorgasbord of other cultural influence, including Cuban sandwiches and huevos rancheros, and the basement rotisserie cooks a mighty fine bird. Dunk some homemade doughnuts in coffee or sip a frozen margarita. But really, who cares? You’ll go and stand in line for the scene.

And fancy yourself part of the next big thing.

Schiller’s Liquor Bar, 131 Rivington Street, at Norfolk Street (212-260-4555).