A relaxed, house-party vibe with expertly crafted cocktails. From the acclaimed Barcelona duo behind Two Shmucks.
Will Hartman reviews Schmuck, an East Village bar offering a relaxed, house-party vibe with expertly crafted cocktails like the Larb Gai and personalized service.
This East Village bar, from the acclaimed Barcelona duo behind Two Shmucks, offers a relaxed, house-party vibe with expertly crafted cocktails and personalized service. It's a comfortable living room rather than a typical party destination, known for its unique drinks and snacks.
The bar is primarily known for its creative and unique cocktails, with specific recommendations like the 'tomato water thing' and a frozen margarita with salted cream. Some diners found the snacks, such as cacio e pepe beans and chocolate mousse, to be enjoyable. However, there are criticisms regarding a 'pastry puff pizza' being inedible and overpriced, weak cocktails.
"The 'tomato water thing' and a frozen margarita with salted cream are specifically recommended. The Larb Gai cocktail and martinis with olive oil are also highlighted positively in reviews, as are snacks like cacio e pepe beans and chocolate mousse."
Customer feedback is divided, with many praising the unique cocktails, fun atmosphere, and great staff, while others criticize the high prices, small drink sizes, and some poorly executed dishes.
Important Note
Some reviewers found the cocktails to be small and overpriced, and certain food items, like the 'pastry puff pizza,' were criticized as poorly executed and inedible. The atmosphere has also been described as overcrowded and noisy by some.
"The author had a negative experience with both the cocktails and the staff at Schmuck, noting the staff's attitude and dismissive service with bar snacks. This discouraged them from ordering more."
Negative"The author considers Schmuck to be the worst bar in the East Village."
Negative"The author defended Schmuck's innovation, citing flavor profile combinations like cocoa with bleu cheese and a unique take on a Piña Colada."
Positive"The author mentioned having the bratwurst at Schmuck and felt it was well executed."
Positive"The author did not find Schmuck to be particularly special beyond its decor and was glad they didn't have to wait in line."
Neutral"Responding to a claim of innovation, the author questioned what made Schmuck innovative and stated the three puff pastry pizza was practically inedible."
Negative"This commenter disagrees with negative reviews, stating that both the food and cocktails at Schmuck were fantastic and considered it the most innovative bar in NYC."
Positive"The author found the signature martini overpriced and weak, and also described the "pastry puff pizza" as terribly executed and inedible. They felt the restaurant prioritized style over substance."
Negative"The original poster stated that the cocktails at Schmuck were bad, weak, and small for the $20 price point."
Negative"This commenter defends Schmuck's cocktail pricing, stating $20 is standard in NYC and their cocktails offer decent value and technical craftsmanship compared to average bars."
Positive"This comment, in response to a comment about a bar in Barcelona, implies Schmuck's bar is good."
Positive"The original poster described their experience at Schmuck as one of the worst they've had, criticizing the insane prices for weak drinks and the "God awful" food, specifically mentioning the "pastry puff pizza" as a terrible dish. They strongly advise against visiting."
Negative"This commenter included Schmuck in a list of bar suggestions."
Neutral"This is listed as a recommendation."
Neutral"Shmucks is mentioned by the user as one of their top cocktail bars."
Positive"The user finds the frozen margarita with salted cream at Schmucks so enjoyable they could drink it daily."
Positive"Schmucks was suggested as a fun place with amazing cocktails, though it does not specialize in martinis."
Positive"Schmucks is recommended for its fun atmosphere and amazing cocktails, although it does not primarily serve martinis."
Positive"The user describes Schmuck as a new and pretty good place for a bar experience offering drinks and small bites."
Positive"A user noted that Schmuck 'seemed decent but nothing special,' implying a neutral impression where it did not particularly stand out."
Neutral
