Review: Schiller's Liquor Bar

September 10, 2003 Sitting on a high rooftop on East 12th street late last night, as we gazed at the Pillars of Light again lighting up the crisp night sky, MB inquired to dining companion Ken about our meal at Schiller's. "So, how was the matzo ball soup?" he asked. "Considering we ate garlic shrimp, pork chops and meatloaf, it couldn't have been any less Jewish," Ken retorted. Indeed. We're sorry for irresponsibly spreading the "German-Jewish" rumors, cuz this joint is a bistro—straight up, kids, if you don't count the once-a-week weiner schnitzel special—with good food done at a nice price. Though you may want to travel to check it out (best reason to visit from afar: the tilework), it's really a gift to the neighborhood, a place that will be at its best 3pm on a winter Saturday. As Felix put it, "Schiller's will be a welcome addition to such places as Cafe Lebowitz, Teany and Paul's Boutique for those of us looking for a pleasant place to while away a large chunk of afternoon with a coffee and maybe a friend." [Previous Schiller's coverage: Aug 21, July 28, July 24, July 14, June 30, Mar 19, Feb 5. No mas! No mas! N.B. Conversation in thread has shifted to Paul's Boutique critique]

paul's boutique sucks - its trying way too hard - the cafe who occupied the space before was way cooler!

Posted by: j at September 10, 2003 05:26 PM

Isn't Paul's Boutique run by the same people who did its previous incarnation, Rivington 99? The menu's the same, only prices seems to have been raised a buck or two—which is the primary reason the place blows. (Secondary is that awful new space-age décor: what was wrong with cheap café tables and chairs?)

Posted by: MG at September 11, 2003 10:48 AM

i really can't get into paul's boutique because of the "simpsons" typeface on the awning. yep, kinda geeky reason but it just looks so laaaame...

Posted by: trez at September 11, 2003 03:59 PM

eh, i think it's okay. the no-normal-coffee thing is upsetting. but the mediterranean pizza is heaven. beware: no liquor for a couple weeks. something about the lawyer skipping town.

Posted by: catherine at September 11, 2003 05:24 PM

im totally with you on that awning typeface. the (new) owner of that place is actually an interior designer i hear... but what the hell was he thinking with that awning? maybe his expertise ends at the door.

Posted by: kevin at September 11, 2003 07:28 PM

A pity they changed the decor, name, and awning, but the food is still solid and the vibe more than acceptable. Some details (posted in January) about the R99 > Paul's Boutique transition.

Posted by: Lock at September 12, 2003 01:09 PM

they ruined r99 when they redesigned it. it went from an understated comfortable cafe to an uncomfortable green monster bistro wannabee. my guess is that they wanted to attract a dinner crowd (which i havent seen) but ended up alienating everyone else in the process.

Posted by: drat fink at September 14, 2003 12:36 PM

We've eaten at Schiller's several times already. Very good food. Drinks a little too expensive. The Oyster Po' boy is especially good.

Posted by: Nomi Malone at September 14, 2003 12:59 PM

I hate "Paul's Boutique". This refuge for Wallpaper Magazine wannabes has gotten even worse over time... between the ridiculously expensive coffees, the vapid, slowass employees (Incidentally, guys: matted dreads and food = bad combination) and the killable clientele, PB is a betrayal of everything fun that the Beastie's album once homaged.

Posted by: Shams at September 15, 2003 12:10 PM

My friends sold Rivington 99 to the new owner. Running the cafe was just to demanding. They're focusing on their respective jewelry and photography careers. So please don't blame them for the wallpaper* decor.

Posted by: j at September 24, 2003 03:27 PM