Café entertainment in Russia
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A
Datscha
If you are up for a night of bar-hopping, you can't do better than Dumskaya ul. Datscha is crammed into a crumbling, classical façade, along with three other hot spots for drinking and music. Shabby chic décor, cheap drinks and a strict 'no house or techno' policy.
reviewed
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Chaikhona No 1
Hermitage Gardens (495-971 6842; 2pm-last guest; Chekhovskaya); Gorky Park (495-778 1756; Frunzenskaya) Housed in an inviting, exotic tent, laid with oriental rugs and plush pillows, this cool Uzbek lounge and café is one of the best chill-out spots in the city. Enjoy fruity drinks and spicy hookahs. If you are hungry, there is plov (meat and rice) and shashlyk on the menu. There are other outlets around the city but the setting can’t compare to these park cafés.
reviewed
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B
Lebedinoe Ozero
The name means ‘Swan Lake’ and, yes, it overlooks a little pond where resident swans float contentedly. Aside from the idyllic setting at the southern end of Gorky Park, this place is a happening summertime haunt thanks to lounge chairs in the sun, (expensive) fruity cocktails and a small swimming pool for cooling dips or late-night aquatic dancing. To really cure the summertime blues, book some time in the massage hut (per hour R1400 to R1600).
reviewed
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C
Apshu
It was a little fishing village on the Baltic coast that inspired this trendy place. Once discovered by worldly Muscovites, the village was transformed into a bohemian beacon – a magnet for artists and other creative types. This so-called club-café tries to do the same in Moscow, offering inexpensive food and drinks, board games, art exhibitions, concerts…basically something for everyone.
reviewed
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D
Mir Igry
This casino complex has three great bar-restaurants (meals R100 to R400), each with its own theme and atmosphere. It’s popular with young professionals and a great place to strike up conversations over a shot of vodka or 10. The large beer and shashlyk terrace is the place to eat on sultry summer evenings.
reviewed
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E
Bilingua
Crowded with grungy, artsy, student types, this café also sells books and funky clothing. If you can stand the smoke, it’s a cool place to grab a bite to eat and listen to some music or peruse the literary offerings. Despite the name, there’s not much in the way of foreign-language literature.
reviewed
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F
Kofeynya Shokolad
Remarkably suave for the surroundings, this minicafé makes the best macchiato in town and serves 11 types of latte. It’s built into the front terrace of the Buryat National Theatre building and uniquely enjoys simultaneous views of Ulan-Ude’s two finest churches.
reviewed
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G
Coffee Break
Not just a café, but also an art gallery. Infused with the sounds of chill-out music and the aromas of fresh-brewed java, this modern space is a delightful place to get your daily dose and admire the local artwork. The choice of coffees, teas and other drinks is impressive.
reviewed
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H
Coffee-Time
One of Ufa’s most popular spots for a coffee break. Jazz music, B&W photos and a menu featuring crêpes instead of bliny give this place a European flair. In the evening, the café is often crowded with couples on dates and other fashionable young folk.
reviewed
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I
Black & White
So perhaps the black and white décor is a little predictable, but the location on Vasilevsky’s Island main strip is unbeatable. The sidewalk seating offers a perfect place to sip your joe and watch the world go by. Also serving breakfast and business lunch.
reviewed
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J
Zerno Istiny
While the décor is nothing special, this cosy café has friendly service, decent coffee and – bonus – free internet access. Bring your own computer or borrow one from the bar. Thirty minutes free with the purchase of a cup of coffee.
reviewed
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K
Coffee Base
Pleasant coffee house with sensibly priced espressos. If your palate differentiates between 80% and 100% Arabica beans, consider the more expensive ‘Elite’ blends. Food includes decent mini-bliny, pricey cakes and steaks.
reviewed
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L
Grand Café
Atop the ferry terminal, behind the train station, this MTV-ready club/restaurant goes for glittering parties at night, but its wide-open views, sandwiches and roof deck make for good beer or coffee sips during the day, too.
reviewed
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M
Monet
Overpriced and pretentiously dubbed a ‘coffee fashion club’, the Monet’s most intriguing feature is its downstairs oriental lounge illuminated with fragrant candles and big-screen Russian MTV.
reviewed
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Ounce
Hiding behind the tea shop, a chic salon overlooks a quiet courtyard. Twinkling lights and comfy couches make for a sublime setting to sip your tea. Sample from hundreds of varieties of black, green and herbal.
reviewed
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O
Capital Coffee House
Apart from making good coffee and nice international food (breakfast R150), these people promise to fix any cocktail, according to your recipe. There are three PCs with internet access (R30 for half an hour).
reviewed
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P
Che
The smart set may have largely moved on from this Euro-trendy café-bar, but it still serves good coffee, wine and snacks; there’s often live jazz in the evenings and it also does a good breakfast.
reviewed
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Q
Wiener Café
Alluring coffee house with marble-top tables, Parisian-bar chairs and sepia photos. Reasonably priced pastries and freshly prepared porridge make this a great breakfast retreat.
reviewed
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R
Le Goga
At the heart of the ‘Five Corners’ area, this contemporary café-bar does a nice line of creamy cakes and fortifying drinks with a side order of groovy atmosphere.
reviewed
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S
Café Rico
The coffee is well made at this laid-back café with South American–influenced décor. It also offers a wide range of coffee cocktails and snacks.
reviewed
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T
Retro-Kafe Dezhavu
This very pink piano-café has love niches for romantic couples and menus are presented as old newspapers. Serves breakfasts till 11:00.
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Krem
Krasnoyarsk’s top coffee house has black-and-white photography and dark, modern wooden furniture, spotlit by metallic pod-lamps.
reviewed
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V
Coffee Shop No 7
A pleasant location on the plotinka, smooth jazz and frothy cappuccinos. What more can you ask from your local coffee shop?
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Cafe et Chocolat
Each outlet in this chain represents a different European coffee-drinking culture. This one resembles a Parisian café.
reviewed
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X
Mig 24
MiG fighter jets are the theme for this popular downmarket bar. Basic Russian meals are also served here til late.
reviewed
