I stumbled upon this place. It's low key and unassuming. Small, dimly lit. I came in because they had a funky lower east side exterior and an intriguing menu posted outside. The menu does have Russian food items (pate, stroganoff, Russian style beef dishes), but I didn't sample any food. The highlight here are their in house vodka infusions. I had the Katherine the Great, which contained pomegranate and black pepper infused vodka, served with rose water and pomegranate juice. I also had the Siberian Bloody Masha, a spicy out of this world rendition of a Bloody Mary, containing horseradish and beet infused vodka and spicy tomato juice. With such a creative cocktail menu, I will definitely return, but it's the vibe I loved the most. Cozy, intimate. The staff are so fun and friendly. While I was waiting on the bartender to arrive, a staff member offered me a shot of horseradish vodka (whew! It was strong). She asked me to come back and see her sing Russian and gypsy songs the following week (they often have live entertainment). This spontaneous experience is the type of thing I love about New York. Give the unexpected a try.

Nice place to have a martini and listen to live music. We enjoyed listening to Puma Perl and her friends. Also the martinis here are great!!

The ambiance here is incredible. Feels like a true hidden gem. I came with the live band and they play right in front of your face. I want to come back and try the Borscht martini as someone who goes a lot recommended it to me.

A great date place. Fantastic infused vodka. Live music every night. The food is excellent and a great selection of imported beers.

This is such a cool place. The infused vodka martinis are no joke. Very strong, smooth, and bold. I got the dill martini, and you definitely taste the dill. My friend got the chocolate martini, and it was very, very delicious. For food, we shared the salmon pelmeni (dumplings) and the crepes with salmon caviar and sour cream. If you're thinking salmon overload, think again. They complemented each other beautifully. They have musicians playing live music most nights, I believe. We went on a Wednesday night around 7:30 and the musicians started playing around 8. They played such a wide range of music from the Godfather theme song to Ukrainian folk songs, it was really awesome.

What a great place to stumble upon. Intimate and no frills Russian fare with infused vodka drinks and great service. Don't forget the live music. The Borscht martini 4/8/5: Unique and super savory; I liked that I could taste each of the elements. Maybe a tad too much salt sprinkled on top but the cucumber, beet and dill settled it. It was also really good to eat a piece of the bread with this! Katherine the Great Martini 4.6/5: My mom got this, and she loves pomegranate much more than I do. Frankly, I remember it being not too sweet and more tart and floral with the rose water. I just give this a 4.6 since I don't love rose... but he recommended this if you are unsure of the savory options. My mother and I shared the "Zakuski of Anyway" a sort of tasting plate that was 10/10. It came with a pate, mushroom mouse, salmon, some type of cheese dip, and a beet salad, along with capers, pickles, pickled carrots, and delicious pumpernickel (I think?) bread. So good. The best was the pate if you like pate. Also great price for 2; it was very filling! We got free shots of the lychee vodka at the end - DELICIOUS! 10/10 would recommend!

We are from Texas and stopped in here on a Friday evening (Oct. 8) for appetizers and drinks before our dinner reservations. We arrived just as a very talented 3 piece jazz band was starting to play and these guys were terrific! We ordered a couple of appetizers and they were outstanding. Perhaps it's because of the two shots of horseradish vodka that I can't remember exactly which appetizers we ordered. :) The vodka was very good as well. We spent an enjoyable hour here and plan on returning the next time we are in NYC.

This is my local go to for spot for drinks. It's relaxed , bohemian chic, cozy and has the most unique vodka drinks in town. Also - absinthe served the traditional way. Service is very friendly - and there's a good chance you'd get an on the house shot. There's live music every night ! Everything from Russian folk music complete with accordions and regional guitar to just a bluesy singer covering a song. If you like mojitos they do vodka renditions called capiroska with many different flavors from berry to anise! Borscht Martini is so unique. A must if you like borscht

The best cocktails...dare I say in all of NY. Their martinis are something to travel for - I personally love the chocolate and lychee martinis. Very strong so be careful but for ~$13 per drink, it's also an amazing value!! Live music inside with speakers outside so you can still sit outside, in their COVID safe, heated seating and enjoy :)

Amazing spot in the East Village that I stumbled upon because I heard a jazz band trio performing from inside. The food is really exceptional. It's not just filling, but all the creme fraiche and caviar makes each dish mouth watering and to die for. I highly recommend sampling some of the crepes. As well as order the traditional absinthe, which is prepared in front of you so it's a lovely little fire show, before enjoying a perfectly smooth and sweet libation.