Vodka And Stunning Views In St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg: the literary and artistic heritage. The grand Soviet subway stations. The winding canals and pastel facades and golden onion domes. The baroque blue hues of cathedrals. The luxurious furs on Nevsky Prospekt. The infinite rooms filled with masterpieces at the Hermitage. The warm and fragrant borscht and rich salmon blinis. But now you need a serious vodka. Where do you go?
The Idiot
Named after Dostoyevsky's famous novel, this spot looks like a literature student's rambling apartment from the Soviet era. There are full bookshelves, artworks and long rooms decorated with old wooden furniture. And there is real Russian food: blinis filled with cream and smoked salmon, light borsht with lots of dill, the inevitable Salade Olivier and more. We loved the honey pepper vodka, which you should all have as shots. If you don't like tourists, however, avoid this place. Although many locals love it, it was full of Americans and Canadians when we were there.
W Hotel Sky Bar (Pictured above and below)
Of course Russians love all things international and the new W Hotel's rooftop bar is where the party is right now. Wear your chicest furs and stilettos and head there for a drink and a stunning view on the city's neoclassical wonders. Don't worry about the cold: there are heaters and blankets everywhere in Russia. The old facade is grand, with marble and limestone, but the interior is strikingly modern. Try to book one of the two cabanas on the rooftop; and if you're hungry, take the elevator down to MiX, Alain Ducasse's delectable restaurant downstairs.
Propaganda
Yes, the Russians seem nostalgic for the Soviet days. And this bar, with its geometric decor inspired by constructivist propaganda posters, its electric chairs and Lenin statues, and the waiters' soviet Boy Scout uniforms, is channeling this longing. There's not much else Russian about the food (American and British pub, burgers!) or drinks (Guinness, champagne by the glass!), although we did spot caviar and crepes with smoked trout. Kitsch is in!
Jesus club
Now, time to dance! At the Jesus Club, techno luminaries from labels like Ninja Tune work the crowd up to a trance. There is minimalist techno, dubstep, psy-trance, drum and bass... And tall, handsome men with chiseled cheekbones... And blonde models... And lots of vodka... And everyone is young and happy...
Drago
For true mixology — with or without vodka — Drago is the place to be. Order the Beautiful Helen, a mix of vodka, vermouth and cointreau, sit back and check out the posh crowd dressed to the nines. Here there is live music, Yugoslav food and even a fountain.
Zoccolo
For good live music, Zoccolo is the place to go. Reggae, rock, indie, punk bands — they all head to this orange and green laid back spot for shows. Also a great place to dance.
The Astoria
This is one of the city's mythical palaces, with its historical facade and grand lobby. It has been visited by Madonna, Gaultier and other celebrities. We like it for festive purposes; a champagne flute and olives before or after dinner, or even late night tea — served, of course, in cobalt and gold St. Petersburg porcelain.
Top image by Geometria.ru
