Meet Ray, the fictional namesake of Justin Theroux’s new East Village dive bar. Co-owner Jon Neidich tells Us Weekly Ray “is probably from the Southwest, and likes cold beer, whiskey neat and working on cars.”
Sounds about right, considering that the no-frills establishment prides itself on its “local hometown-bar vibe.” Neidich says his famous business partner is partial to a tequila and soda, but the bartenders love serving up an Ol’ Wisco (see recipe below), a Midwestern spin on an old fashioned.
“It’s a drink that really exists more in the midwest more than anywhere else,” he explains. “It’s their take on an Old Fashioned. I think that with the bar kind of having your local hometown bar vibe and roots — the drink kind of felt fitting. And we serve it with a small nip of Miller High Life.”
The bar opened its doors on July 19 and since has been experiencing a successful run. “People have been really responding well to the space and I think everyone just appreciates that we’ve created a great bar where everybody can go,” the co-owner adds.
Aside from Theroux and Neidich, Taavo Somer and Carlos Quirante also own the establishment, which the group calls a “collaboration” between all the men. “The vibe of Ray’s fits squarely into what I believe makes a downtown bar great,” adds Theroux. “Not fussy, quick drinks, a place you can carve your initials into the table. The kind of downtown bars I used to work behind for years.”
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Ol’ Wisco
Serves 1
Place 1 sugar cube, 1 maraschino cherry and
1 orange slice in a rocks glass; muddle carefully. Stir in 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 2 oz Korbel brandy. Strain. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
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