LES Favorite Schiller's Liquor Bar Will Close In August

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — The popular Schiller's Liquor Bar is closing its doors in August after 14 years in the neighborhood, management announced this week.

The well-known restaurant and bar will reportedly close due to yet another rent hike, as has become the frequent death knell for many neighborhood establishments.

Schiller's, which is run by prolific NYC restaurateur Keith McNally, told its regular patrons via email that it would be closing its doors, as was first reported by Eater.

The bar and restaurant, located at 131 Rivington St., was lauded by it regulars but dismissed as mediocre by more particular foodies, such as when a New York Times restaurant critic panned Schiller's food in 2014. But Schiller's regulars have bemoaned the restaurant's closure, writing and posting about the space's atmosphere and history.

Last year, McNally wrote a piece in the New York Times reflecting on the more than 14 restaurants he'd opened in 36 years.

"One crucial change that’s hurt restaurants in Manhattan is the drastic rise in rents," McNally wrote. "During my first 30 years as a restaurateur, I expected to pay around 7 percent of my income on rent. Today, it’s at least 14 percent."

McNally has not publicly said by how much his landlord increased the restaurant's rent. Restaurant management did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch.

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Lead image via Ciara McCarthy/Patch.