Schiller’s Liquor Bar

131 Rivington St, Lower East Side, NY

7.0

map & more

Neighborhood
Lower East Side

Cuisine
American

Nearby
Arlene's Grocery
Mercury Lounge
Pianos
Rockwood Music Hall

212-260-4555

Official Website

By Chris Stang
April 8, 2009

Brought to you by the proprietor of Balthazaar, Pulino’s, and Pastis, Schiller’s is the cheaper, louder little brother in this family of stylish brasseries. What Schiller’s brings to the table that the others don’t is its youthful personality. This is the kind of place that you hit when you are looking to kick off a big night. The bar scene is a good one, though usually a few people deep, and the food is simple and consistently great. A perfect spot to bring a date who likes to have a little fun, or a bunch of friends before you head out in the neighborhood and wait in line outside Fat Baby (you know who you are). Schiller’s is full of energy and will make you want to suck back drinks and soak up the steak frites with a forkful of fries. Also, this place gets points in my book for my most recent visit. I had a reservation for three and rolled in with (literally) twelve people. The manager actually rearranged a few diners and happily seated our party within ten minutes. Nice.

Food Rundown:

Garlic Shrimp
Served in an iron skillet that comes out red hot with shrimp floating in an insanely delicious garlic infused oil. Highly recommended, and don’t be afraid to get in there with some bread or fries after all the shrimp are gone.

Schiller’s Nachos
More of a nacho cheese dip with chips as it comes with the cheese sauce in a bowl and the chips around it. Decent, anyhow.

Fried Calamari
Pretty straightforward, pretty OK.

Schiller’s Steak Frites
The star of the menu. For what you pay ($22), this is an extremely flavorful and tender steak, and the fries are ridiculously good.

Skate Special
Watch for the specials at Schiller’s, particularly if you see a fish entree. On my most recent visit, I tried their skate which came atop a bed of broccoli rabe, golden raisins, and a bunch of other goodness. Very satisfying.