Calling itself “a Will Ferrell character-themed bar in NYC,” Stay Classy New York has become an online sensation without actually being open to the public. Having its grand opening today, October 1st, Stay Classy promises plenty more than Will Ferrell references, as 1950s-style pin-up girls, an art gallery, trivia, karaoke, food and special events are also on the agenda. Located at 174 Rivington Street, Stay Classy is right at home on the Lower East Side.
On behalf of Downtown, I had the opportunity to talk to Zach Neil, who created the place with his business partner Brian Link. Zach’s enthusiasm about the establishment is contagious, and his “last words” ought to be inspiring for the majority of readers.
As an added bonus of sorts, after our Q&A, Zach informed me that starting in November, the bar will open at noon every day and “will be including a wine bar and baked goods” – and yes, cupcakes ought to be included in the selection of baked goods. More information on Stay Classy New York can be found on its official website: http://www.stayclassynewyork.com.
Stay Classy New York partners Zach Neil and Brian Link
In your opinion, what is the most underrated Will Ferrell movie? In my opinion it’s The Other Guys.
Zach Neil: I think Semi-Pro is probably one of the most underrated, but I agree that The Other Guys did not get enough love as well.
Is The Other Guys represented in any way within your bar?
Z: Yes! Actually we have a drink special called the “Dirty Mike And The Boys,” which is any two draft beers and a house shot for $12. We also have the bathrooms labeled “F-shack 1” and “F-shack 2.”
When people say “oh, that’s the bar about Will Ferrell,” is that something you’re cool with?
Z: Yeah totally! Just to be clear, this is a totally relaxed, laid-back neighborhood bar in a great neighborhood full of amazing people. We don’t want to change that dynamic at all. It really is a classy place! And that is what makes it funny, it’s not a college or frat bar, it’s a classy artsy place that happens to have a Will Ferrell character-inspired art gallery and drink menu. We love Will Ferrell, we think he’s incredibly funny and has been a constant source of joy for us since childhood. So when deciding what to do, it was like “I’d love a place where you could sit and drink a great cocktail, watch a funny movie and share conversation with people without blasting music in uncomfortable surroundings. That is exactly what Stay Classy is to us and hopefully to all those that check it out.
Has anyone from Will’s camp reached out about the bar?
Z: Unofficially, we believe they think it’s great!
Will Ferrell references aside, what else is great about your bar?
Z: So many things, our staff and entertainers are amazing. We don’t hire typical bartenders, we work with entertainers, we have a magician who is amazing, he just walks around busting tricks on people and he’s very talented. We have models, singers, artists etc. All of our people are in the arts industry, including a few who are very well-known friends of ours. I’ve worked in the entertainment industry in my daily life for many years, so this is also a hub for that. We are hosting lots of industry parties, mixers and just some fun nights. We are having a trivia night, a movie night, three Buddy The Elf-themed Christmas parties, an Anchorman Halloween party, etc. Who knows, in a year we may decide to be a Ghostbusters-inspired bar. We’ll follow our tastes, humor and our guts and try to continue to provide a great fun atmosphere for everyone. After all, that’s the whole point in all this, me and my best friend since childhood getting to open a bar in the greatest city in the world in one of the coolest neighborhoods inspired by our favorite things. What’s more fun than that?
What else can you tell me about the Anchorman-themed Halloween party and the Elf-themed events?
Z: The best Ron Burgundy costume will get a cash prize and a ton of Internet love as well as a bunch of stuff from Red Bull and some great local businesses restaurants. They will be on October 23th, 30th and 31st, each one from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. The three Elf-themed Christmas parties will have similar prizing, plus Christmas caroling and maple syrup drink specials, including a maple bacon martini! More will be announced within the next few weeks. Also, we expect to have weekly trivia and karaoke titled “Kareok n Roll.”
Who are the people behind the bar that patrons can expect to meet?
Z: Well, myself Zach, and my business partner and best friend Brian are always around, so they can expect us to be around talking, laughing, fixing toilets, changing beer taps, or just hanging! We each spend a few days per week on-site, and of course there’s the amazing staff that I mentioned.
Might there ever be live music at the establishment? Perhaps jazz flute?
Z: Yes and this is an open call to all jazz flute players, please get at us ASAP! Also we can accommodate acoustic singer/songwriters, singles and duos, and anything that lends itself to a small-size performance.
Aside from your bar, do you have a favorite Manhattan drinking establishment?
Z: Oh man, hmm…well I like Donnybrook [35 Clinton Street] and Schiller’s Liquor Bar [131 Rivington Street], which are both in our hood as well.
Finally, Zach, any last words for the kids?
Z: Don’t believe anything they tell you! You can absolutely take your love for silly things like movies or comedy or art in general and you can turn it into a job with your best friends and have an absolute blast doing it. Love everyone, treat everyone kind and have a great time winning every day! And most of all: You stay classy, New York!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
