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| - I'm not usually a vodka drinker, but when the mood strikes, this is where I go.
The first time I visited this place, I ended my evening rather early so I was disappointed at how empty the place seemed. After that first visit, I learned that it gets pretty packed on the weekend after 11 - a surprise to me because they serve food (some pretty good nibbles, in fact).
There is a good selection of mixed cocktails, but the whole point of this bar is to try and taste the different vodkas. I would recommend steering clear of mixed cocktails and instead trying a vodka sampler or asking a server to recommend something. The servers here really know their stuff. I have often asked for their recommendation when trying the different vodkas, and have never been disappointed.
Speaking of the servers, their "uniforms" seem a little... well, cheap. The decor in this bar is so unique with an eclectic mix of Russian and war motifs, but the war-inspired hats and skirts on the girls take it one step too far. To me, it's almost like one of those chain pubs that make the ladies wear kilts and knee socks: clearly cheesy, rather than classy. So dear Rasputin, I must say that it is possible to have "concept" decor without reducing the ambiance to "cheap theme-restaurant". Lose the hats.
Get there early if you want a comfy seat in an armchair or on a sofa. Or make a reservation ahead of time: I learned that large groups can also reserve after we were refused a particular seat because of a reservation that took up an entire section (to the staff's credit, they did let us sit there until the group reservation arrived, at which point we were pleasantly relocated). There are many bar tables in the front if you get there late, and standing room too.
For vodka, nibbles and a comfy-but-classic atmosphere, this is a place I sincerely recommend.
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