There’s more to Moscow than vodka and I always miss my hometown bars with their excellent vibe, the latest dj sets and skillfully made even the most complicated cocktails.
Well, “City that never sleeps” can be applied to Moscow too. Russian do love to party and most of the places are open till 6am.
The choice of really cool trendy places is enormous and I really struggled while putting this list together. There are places I choose because they are in my area, there are places I love because of the music and there are places where everyone goes because they are newly opened hotspots.
The bars that are more about experience, less about music:
KOROBOK
Address: Ulitsa Bol'shaya Dmitrovka, 7/5
Recently opened Korobok bar is well-known for its chief-bartender Evgeny, who is the best bartender of Russia according to Diageo Reserve World Class. Isn’t it enough reason to go and check this place out?
This is a very small cave-like bar and so just you know, “korobok” means “matchbox” in Russian. Once you’re inside you will feel like you’re somewhere in Tibet due to the dark and heavy decor, the music, the atmosphere, and the staff dressed in Asian jackets. Expect to see a lot of ancient apothecary bottles and flasks with aromas made in their in-house lab.
There’s no drinks menu as such and the knowledgeable bar staff whip something up in accordance with what you’re in the mood for. There are, of course, classics like Aviation, Old Fashioned, etc but I highly recommend to let them prepare something truly special and tailored just for you.
NOOR BAR
Address: Tverskaya St, 23/12
Just a short walk from the Red Square, Noor is your friendly and easy next-door bar, but with a touch of Russia's ethereal chic. Mixology is taken very seriously here, with all the ingredients as natural as they get, and liquor flowing down like water. Service is attentive yet subtle, tuned to make you feel at home away from home.
The interior is playful and quirky, yellow walls and striking blue ceiling give this place a distinctive and fun look. There’s a real piano and guests are allowed to take it over (those who know how to play this instrument!) and sometimes they host live music bands instead of dj sets. Expect an arty but wealthy crowd.
PUBLIC
Address: Pokrovka Street, 38А
Note: you will need to call them on OR message them on their Facebook to let them know about your visit in advance.
If you’re looking for something unusual that only locals know about, a place where you can’t visit unless you messaged them in advance, then look no further than Public Bar. It’s located in the historical centre of Moscow, in an old Stalinist building. Also I should mention that this was the bar where Kanye West had lunch with Russian fashionista Gosha Rubchinskiy, which can only mean that Kanye knows a good bar.
There’s no cocktail menu so you just let the bar staff question you about your preferences and hankerings and whip up exactly what you want. Public bar is a perfect choice when you’re in need for a quiet evening of elaborate drinks.
Less talk, more music kind of places
MENDELEEV
Address: Petrovka Ulitsa, 20/1
This is not a newly opened place but it is still one of the favourite hotspots for the locals. Their own ever-changing deep house podcast is also kindly uploaded on their website for those who needs some music reassurance.
The masonry walls and the dim lighting make for a very cozy and unique atmosphere, which makes the bar feel very compact. The interior is also, very un-Moscow like, styled rather simple and cozy with inviting sofas and armchairs instead of over-the-top decor like in most restaurants.
SIMACHEV BAR AND SHOP
Address: Pereulok Stoleshnikov, 12
Ok, this is the most oldest bars on my list BUT I could not skip it because it is still a really good quality place with great tech house music. Owned by a Russian designer Simachev, this bar is all about glam, creativity and fashion.
It is open 24 hours so you can come here even after a long night to have a breakfast (or maybe brunch!). There is no explanation for such phenomenon. It is always tasty and fun here. The venue has a very concept interior, truly eclectic.
KEANU
Address: Malaya Bronnaya Street, 28
Keanu is a tiny bar with industrial but yet warm Asian interior. The atmosphere is very welcoming, bartenders will tell you everything you want to know about your drink, please also expect a lot of good deep house music with DJs starting at seven every night.
The cocktail list offers a dozen of author's creations for not more than $9 and among them I recommend to try Keanu (galingale, red currants, rum, sake on gogi berries and barberry), Spicy Island (ginseng vodka, white Martini on nutmeg flowers), Sweety (guanabana, grapefruit gin, prosecco).
LEVEL DVA
Address: Bol'shaya Nikitskaya Ulitsa, 12
To me, Level Dva is all about music, actually. They regularly invite international djs including Satori, for example. After 11pm the chairs and tables in the back are removed to free some space for dancing, which goes on into the early hours. Expect the crowd of creative minds, artsy expats, designers and architects.
The cocktail menu is very inventive and at $9 for most drinks. Try La Premiere, a cross between an Old Fashioned and a Negroni, or British Expedition, a gin-based drink with ingredients like tamarind, a curry syrup and rhubarb bitter.
Other amazing bars that I've already mentioned in my previous blogs: