Manager Michael Reynolds (right) with his girlfriend Sam outside Schiller’s on its final night. (Photo: Nick McManus)

Schiller’s Liquor Bar closed out its last night Sunday with cheers, confetti and cocktails galore. The bistro, which in May announced that it would shutter due to a rent hike, remained crowded well past its normal midnight closing hour and food was also served late. Longtime patron Michael Reynolds, who also co-owns neighboring Black Crescent, held court at the center of the bar where he stood on the stretchers of his stool, cheered, and liberally passed drinks to friends.

Patrons outside Schiller’s on its final night. (Photo: Nick McManus)

Schiller’s was part of a string of restaurants owned by Keith McNally of Balthazar and Odeon fame. While it’s been written that Schiller’s was a victim of the gentrification it created and even McNally admitted that the bistro “didn’t make any money”, its accessible prices were recently mourned by Grub Street, who appreciated how “the everyman” could enjoy the ambiance McNally had created at his more exclusive locations.

Manager Michael Reynolds (top, center) with friends inside Schiller’s on its final night. (Photo: Nick McManus)

Sunday’s well-dressed crowd reflected that notion as patrons both young and old danced to a live DJ and toasted with Tecate cans and cocktail glasses. As Reynolds, who goes by his last name, perked up on his bar stool again, he looked the part of a “fancy bar” patron but his loud, colloquial voice put you in a “public house” where everybody knows your name.

Patrons outside Schiller’s on its final night. (Photo: Nick McManus)

Correction: An earlier version of this post misidentified Michael Reynolds as a Schiller’s employee.