There are those that discard the man-child comedy of Will Ferrell. But many other people praise his fearless and inexhaustible stupidity. He is a man who desperately seeks laughter at his expense, and he will probably do anything, including taking his pants off, to get it.
One guess as to what the theme of this party was — Photo courtesy of Stay Classy New York
A Will Ferrell-inspired bar has opened in the Lower East Side, for the people who worship the man with the range to play roles as diverse as a professional figure skater, an elf and a TV anchorman. Zach Neil and Brian Link are the brains and the funny bones behind the bar, Stay Classy New York, named after the phrase the fictional Ron Burgundy uttered at the end of his broadcasts.
It's fit to say that if there is ever a Jeopardy category with Will Ferrell references, Zach and Brian will nail it.
When you take a photo, say "Stay Classy New York" rather than "Cheese!" — Photo courtesy of Stay Classy New York
Stay Classy New York layers a joke on top of a joke with popular theme nights. Recently, the movie Elf was celebrated in the narrow confines, with staff dressed up in their festive finest.
Occupying the site of a former art gallery, the space has retained the building's artistic roots, hanging paintings inspired by Will Ferrell's many diverse characters.
This bar is the perfect meeting place for a group of people who don't take themselves too seriously and who think that wearing a faux moustache counts as getting ready for the night.
Some of the drinks are embarrassing to order, but you soon get over it — Photo courtesy of Stay Classy New York
Even the signature blended cocktails seem to be smirking, with names like "Help me Tom Cruise!" (spiced rum, ginger beer, vanilla, bitters) or "We're Going Streaking!" (mysteriously described as "Adult Kool-Aid" and the warning "Don't ask, just get naked").
Zach admits that naming the cocktails didn't take long, "We sat down and just started quoting our favorite lines from the movies."
So we had to ask, if we were to just watch one desert-island Will Ferrell movie, what would it be? Zach and Brian were unanimous in their decision: "Step Brothers, because it's just the greatest comedy ever made. Ever."
Case closed.
It's the kind of bar that has people standing close together — Photo courtesy of Stay Classy New York
Does Will Ferrell know about this tribute bar to his great comedic chops? Brian was happy to answer, "Yes he does! We are working with his charity raising money at the bar."
Cancer for College gives college scholarships to cancer survivors and Will Ferrell has supported this charity since its inception in 1993.
Zach and Brian aren't just business partners, they are also best friends. "Brian and I have been best friends since junior high school circa 1994," recalls Zach.
"Every single day from then until now we've had each other's backs, been through things most people could never face and now we are running a Will Ferrell character themed bar in NYC." He laughs, "It's great!"
Things get festive here, and not only around the holidays — Photo courtesy of Stay Classy New York
Charity, friendship and humor with your cocktails? That just adds to the warm and fuzzy post-drink glow.
