What does a Smelly Pirate Hooker, a Mugatu Mule and the F***ing Catalina Wine Mixer have in common? Well, besides being classic Will Ferrell lines and characters, they’re also now the names of cocktails at “Stay Classy New York” -the Lower East Side‘s new, you guessed it, Will Ferrell-themed bar. While the official opening date is October 25th, the bar, located at 174 Rivington Street, has been going through a preview and we decided to check it out.
The concept was developed by Zach Neil and Brian Link, two Will Ferrell megafans that have been best friends since they were 14. The bar pays homage to one of their, and America’s, most beloved comedians with all types of fan paraphernalia. Neil commissioned local and national artists to paint Will Ferrell-inspired pieces and the collection does a great job at visualizing Ferrell’s filmography. Even lesser quoted movies like Megamind (2010) have a spot on the wall.
The bar itself is not unlike your typical dive bar. There’s one bar in front and a narrow seating area that opens into small screening section in the back. Both the TV behind the bar and the larger one in the screening area loop Ferrell’s greatest hits. But the cocktail list is really what seals the deal. Not only is the list hilarious – including “Milk Was A Bad Choice,” (Vanilla Stoli, Vanilla Schnapps, milk, and ice) and “Did We Just Become Best Friends?” (two house shots, one for you and one for a friend) – but also, quite delicious! For a full list of the menu, click here.
In an interview with WPIX, Neil explained that he wants this bar “[to be the] kind of like the place where a 35-or 40-year-old person could come and sit and not be intimidated by loud techno music but still be surrounded by things that are funny and ridiculous and kind of get it. That’s what Will Ferrell has always meant to us.” His description was pretty spot on, however, the age range on our visit was slightly younger, appealing more to twenty-somethings.
The bar will also be hosting a Halloween Party on Friday, October 23rd. Best costume will receive a cash prize – we suggest you go with something Ferrell-y.
