Bartender’s Choice: Stephen Yorsz of Leave Rochelle Out of It

Believe it or not, we found a bar in New York that doesn’t serve Fireball!

Not just any bar, but a WHISKEY BAR that doesn’t serve Fireball. Leave Rochelle Out of It (aka Rochelle’s) is the newest addition to the growing world of whiskey bars in the city and they don’t have a single bottle of Fireball behind the bar, under the bar, in the well, tucked away in storage, stashed in any of the bar’s infamous nooks and crannies*. Rochelle’s is anything but typical, and that’s exactly what creative directors Stephen Yorsz and Brett David were going for.

Stephen Yorsz Rochelle's Whiskey Bar

When you ask him how many whiskies they offer, Yorsz will shrug in his signature sleeveless Guns and Roses shirt and say, “I don’t know. It’s like bragging rights. It’s kind of like telling me how many chicks you’ve slept with. I don’t give a sh*t.” There’s not even a “whiskey bible” or a menu to peruse.

“That’s why I have staff,” says Yorsz.

Stop by, tell one of the tattooed, bearded bartenders what you typically drink, and they’ll make some suggestions. Whiskey beginner? Try one of their specialty cocktails, like the Barrel Aged Breukelen Cocktail (Served Snarky, and Up Yorsz).

Barrel Aged Breukelen Cocktail

Rochelle’s is hell-bent on showing you a good time; they don’t want you to spend the evening with your nose in the menu or waiting on a pretentious mixologist to whip up your eleven-ingredient cocktail. The good times start as soon as the doors open. Weekdays from 5pm-8pm, Rochelle’s offers thirsty happy hour hunters beer, wine and drink specials, along with their most popular special: $5 for a Miller High Life Split (the champagne of beers and a shot of the whisk(e)y of the week). Don’t bother asking for another whiskey; it’s nonnegotiable. Tough to beat that on the Lower East Side!

For those shot callers who truly can’t resist the Fireball urge, Rochelle’s offers their very own Homemade Fireball: a shot of the whiskey of the week topped with a bit of homemade allspice syrup. Trust us, you’ll taste the difference.

If all that whiskey doesn’t warm your soul, try one of their stick-to-the-bones dishes like the DGPBJ (foie gras, chunky peanut butter, raspberry jam, pancetta) or Whisk(e)y Wings (fried wings seasoned with rosemary, honey and whisk(e)y glaze).

Honestly, don’t be surprised to find us parked on a barstool when you stop by.

*When you stop by, be sure to check out the sign in the bathroom.

~Stefany Cesari

@StefanyPaige on Twitter and Instagram

 

Leave Rochelle Out Of It

205 Chrystie Street (at Stanton)
212.673.2400
http://rochellesnyc.com/

Rochelle’s Hours of Operations

  • Monday 5:00pm – 2:00am
  • Tuesday 5:00pm – 2:00am
  • Wednesday 5:00pm – 3:00am
  • Thursday 5:00pm – 4:00am
  • Friday 5:00pm – 4:00am
  • Saturday 5:00pm – 4:00am
  • Sunday 5:00pm – 1:00am

 Rochelle’s Happy Hour

Rochelle’s happy hour is from 5:00pm  to 8:00pm, Monday through Friday and features the following:

  • $5 Miller High Life Split
  • $8 Well Drinks
  • $5 Draft Beer
  • $7 Wine

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Showing 2 comments
  • Emma

    This place sounds great. I’m especially intrigued by the homemade fireball – and the sign in the bathroom. Will need to go check it out….

  • Whitney Ann

    I want homemade fireball NOW!

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