If you’re a New Yorker of a certain age (40 and up), or drank in New York City in a certain era (the mid 2000s), you’ll likely recognize bartender and bar owner Steve Schneider. Back in 2011, when Employees Only was named the World’s Best Cocktail Bar, Steve was the principal bartender, having crawled up the ranks from a lowly apprentice. Not only was Steve enthusiastically and energetically slinging top-tier cocktails all night-long at EO, he was the subject of a 2013 documentary called Hey Bartender, which chronicled his come-up at the famed bar, and garnered him recognition from outside of the spirits world and bar industry.
These days, over 20 years since his first shift in New York City, Steve is busier than ever: he serves as a bar manager and head bartender at his latest acclaimed dual-concept bar in the West Village, Sip & Guzzle, and is often found running between there and the newly opened Birds, a music-focused bar serving cocktails and tunes on nearby Downing Street.
Though he currently lives in northern New Jersey, a pandemic move back to his home state, Steve spent many years living in the city — and still runs around NYC before and after work and on his days off. We caught up with Steve to learn of his top spots in and around downtown Manhattan, and learned he’s just as fired up as ever and shows no sign of slowing down—though he’ll claim otherwise (“I used to be a swashbuckler, not anymore though!”).
You’re always running between your two West Village spots, Birds and Sip & Guzzle, so you must know the neighborhood pretty well. Where do you go for a post-shift bite?
I’ll go to Dante or Boucherie for French comfort food or Bar Pisellino, where they make little aperitivos and a nice coffee. They’re always super busy. But Dante is always a good bet [and] I like going to the one on Hudson Street. I love the cavatelli pasta there. Those are my daytime digs, and I’m a sucker for a tartar anywhere I go.
But if I get into the city early and I’m hungover, I’ll hit the Washington Square Diner for an omelet. Also, I’m a Bleecker Street Pizza guy, always have been. I love the crust. I just think it satisfies the need for a regular slice.
When I was living in NoLita, I ate at Jack’s Wife Freda a lot. I love their chicken schnitzel. I like steaks and classic drinks, so I like old spots. I still drink single malt scotch [laughs]. I like to go to Keen’s for steak.
Oh, and I really like Little Charli on Bleecker Street for Roman-style pizza. I really love riding a Citi Bike around to see the city and check out new places.
So if you have a night off, where do you go? Or if you have a day off, do you have places you like to hit?
I rarely get days off, but if I have one, I’ll go to Dear Strangers. It’s run by old Employees Only colleagues of mine and it’s really dope. Katana Kitten, of course, is an after-work spot and I’ll go there for a beer (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and a shot of Toki whiskey on my way home [to Jersey]. It’s right near the PATH train.
I used to drink Margaritas everywhere I go, but I’m more of a Manhattan guy now. And on a day off I’m going to Bar Goto on Eldridge Street for the miso wings with celery, and their amazing martini made with sakura. The owner, Kenta Goto, is from Pegu Club and he’s the best. I love his work.
So if you’re there [on the Lower East Side], you’re right down the road from Attaboy and Superbueno is around the corner. I love their menu [and] usually I’ll get a taco at Superbueno and a mango martini. Then you’ll make your way to schmuck. I love the way they think and I love their vibe; I like bringing people to schmuck.
Then maybe I’ll get a beer and a shot at Bar Snack. Later, at PDT, I’ll just get a classic [cocktail], maybe a Manhattan, with any of their hot dogs. When I know I can get a good Manhattan, I go for it. It’s part of the vibe for me.
When you go out, do you usually have a drink in mind? Or a bar? Or a bartender?
Drinking for me is a mood thing. If I’m feeling a certain vibe or a certain drink, I’m going to a certain place. I’ll also support people who support me, especially if I’m in the neighborhood. I’m a firm believer in visiting bartenders, and that’s why I like Dear Strangers.
What are your favorite places to take out-of-towners? Like, people you want to impress.
For the views, Overstory. It’s so dope for the views of New York and for the hospitality there. For the drinks, schmuck. in the East Village. Then I’ll take them on my tour! [laughs]. And if it’s a late, late night, we’ll end at Employees Only.
Also, I really enjoy the area near Martiny’s on Irving Place; Meghan Dorman’s spots are always great: Raines Law Room and Dear Irving. And [in the West Village], Kee’s is really exceptional—right down the road from our spots— [bartender] Jeff Bell’s new place.
But if we’re going out early, I might grab a drink at Angel’s Share or one of our places; Sip & Guzzle opens early [4 p.m.].
What’s your favorite place to go on a date night?
Raines Law Room is really good for a date and our new place, Birds, is a perfect date night spot. It’s snacks paired with classic cocktails and live jazz.
Do you have a local? Like a favorite neighborhood spot in the city? Can you ever fly under the radar and go out and not get recognized by bartenders?
Yes! I like WXOU Radio Bar or The Four-Faced Liar in the West Village for a regular bar [experience]. I’ll even go to Down the Hatch and Bandits, all places near [my places] Sip & Guzzle and Birds. I’ll pop in and grab a beer.
Right now, I’m in a Guinness and whiskey mood. I like to think I drink seasonally.
