Go on a date with Rochelle

“Where do you want to go?” ” I don’t care- what do you think?” ” Hmmmm…are you hungry?” ” Maybe just for like a little bite, you?” ( I wish this was read by James Earl Jones and Malcom McDowell like the Sprint ads, but anyway). If you have ever had the aforementioned conversation or have stressed about where to take a date for “drinks”, then I have an answer for you: Rochelle’s. This LES spot is heavy on the whiskey,simple charm, and bar food that is delicious without being fried gooey messes or complicated gastro shit. Located on the corner of Stanton and Chrystie, I was told that Rochelle’s gets going late night (its close to the Box and open until 4), but with the ample seating, big bar, flattering lighting and tv’s, this place is the perfect option for when you are meeting someone in that awkward time where you don’t want to commit to a meal but might get hungry while drinking. It is also a great date place to meet for a drink and stay as your chemistry unfolds or implodes, whatever the case.

And drink you will! Apparently, I like whiskey sours!  I did not know this until I tried Rochelle’s version, which features a red wine floater (anyone who knows me knows that I wish it was acceptable to use wine as a mixer always).  Although there are artisinal whiskeys and such, the staff is not pretentious or condesceding if you don’t know anything about the brown stuff.  Co-owner Brett David is charming and helpful, a tattooed type in a t-shirt with no hipster ‘tide. On the food front, everything is selected to be whiskey-friendly, including the not so subtle whiskey glazed wings, homemade hummus, and a fantastic selection of salty meat and cheese (my favorite). They also feature a DBPBJ, which a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with foie gras, and drinking staple German bratwurst, which will cure your hunger and increase your thirst at the same time.  In a city almost over-flowing with drinking options, Rochelle is a good spot to keep in back pocket and call on for an elevated evening of drinks and bites, no matter the occasion or companion.

They also offer barrel service, which lets people order a one-liter barrel of whiskey for the table…giddyup