131 Rivington St.
at Norfolk St.
New York, NY 10002
212.260.4555

There really should be a restaurant like Schiller’s in every neighborhood. The third baby in bistro magnate Keith McNally’s empire, Schiller’s is another exercise in perfection. A bustling, loud boite on the Lower East Side, its vibe remains appropriate to its surroundings: As good as Pastis or Balthazar, but far more laid-back (and, at times, boisterous). For an extra touch of LES authenticity, old subway tiles cover the walls. The food is tasty, basic French fare, and you order wine by the price—either “cheap” or “expensive.” Afternoons are perfect for lazing around with your laptop (yes, there’s WiFi), and the late night dining scene is always, well, a scene. (Seriously, the best time to make a rezie is 10 p.m. Although even if you’ve called weeks in advance for a rez, you’ll still find yourself waiting for ages at the always-crowded-busy bar.) Plus, in addition to a usual crowd of cute boys, we’d like to point out that we once saw Josh Hartnett here. Ooooh, and speaking of cute boys—you might run into one in the bathroom. Seriously (the men’s and women’s restrooms share a common sink). Schiller’s is filed under Food&Drink: Group Drinks, Food&Drink: Restaurant Bar, and Food&Drink: Free WiFi.