VIBE

Despite the significantly less Frenchified fare than what’s usually encountered at Keith McNally’s string of New York restaurants, this brightly lit, understated corner restaurant displays the same faux-thentic Europhile vibe. At Schiller’s, McNally shows his soft spot for smoky mirrors and antique white tiles; throw in accents like a black-and-white checkerboard flooring and an evocative wall cabinet of booze, and you’ve got yourself a trendy local hangout. Despite the name, which implies a grizzled barfly crowd, Schiller’s attracts a wide-reaching mix of families, fashionistas, and urban types, all clamoring for the famed frites. Though not as in-demand as other McNally restos, like Pastis or Balthazar, Schiller’s nonetheless excels with its more affordable continental cuisine, Downtown aesthetic, and sceney surrounds.

CROWD

Laidback, fun-loving crew of 20-/30-somethings with a sprinkling of hipsters. (We have seen celebs swing by here for a late night drink.)

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Keep it casual; go for a chic blouse with hip designer jeans and boots.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; kids; significant other; a date; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s chic without being pretentious–we like how they don’t take themselves too seriously. Take the wine, for instance–it comes in three varieties: “Cheap,” “Decent,” and “Good.” We love it when life’s that simple.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The odd bathrooms. There are two gender-marked doors, but a common washroom/trough.

GOOD TO KNOW

Despite its booze-centric name, Schiller’s is open for all daytime meals and welcomes the kiddies with a decent children’s prix fixe menu. The house chefs are also executive chefs at Balthazar. Schiller’s offers free Wi-Fi, takeout, and local delivery.

OTHER LOCATIONS

None - but Keith McNally’s restaurant group includes Pastis (New York), Balthazar (New York), and Morandi (New York).

CLOSEST COMPS

Pastis (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.