1.«Parovoz Speak Easy» – is one of the best bars according to TripAdvisor reviews. Hiding from the eyes of passers-by and keeping “status-quo”, a small establishment is located in the cinema “Kyiv”. “Parovoz Speak Easy” takes first place in the ratings of Kyiv cocktail bars and is included in the Top-10 places “must visit”. The bar became popular due to its atmosphere, unique interior and drinks prepared according to proven classical recipes. Parovoz can boasts good cuisine – salads, pasta, meat dishes, a seasonal menu is provided. The institution works until late at night, and on Fridays and weekends – until the morning. On such days it’s just a full house.
Address: Velyka Vasylkivska str., 19
Contacts: +38(097)598-57-75
Work hours: Tue – Thu from 18:00 to 02:00, Fri – Sat from 18:00 to 03:00, Sun – Mon from 18:00 to 01:00.
Average bill: 400-600 UAH per person.
2.«Loggerhead» – a speak-easy bar, nestled in one of the courtyards of Shevchenko Boulevard. If you find a courtyard, look for a transformer box – this is the entrance to the bar. Ring the chopper around the front door. However, finding a bar does not mean getting there yet, as strict face-control operates here. There is almost no free space, especially on weekends, unless you book in advance a table via e-mail. The place itself is small, with an authentic interior featuring brick walls and arched vaults. The bar menu includes signature and classic cocktails, characterized by the original presentation. Prices start at 180 UAH. The food includes snacks, salads and desserts. In the evenings, live music is played.
Address: Taras Shevchenko bul., 1
Work hours: Mon – Thu, Sun from 19:00 to 01:00, Fri – Sat from 19:00 to 02:00.
Average bill: 500-700 UAH per person.
3.«Check-In Kyiv» – a secret bar on Gorodetsky street in the very heart of the capital, located in the premises of the Chicken Kyiv restaurant by the restaurateur from Kiev Dima Borisov. The entrance to the bar is hidden behind the dressing room and, to get inside, you need to check in on any of the social networks. Bar list features signature cocktails with names dedicated to the events of Kiev. All cocktails have a single price and cost 98 UAH. There is also a wine list and a wide selection of elite alcohol. The menu features European dishes. Cocktail parties are held on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: Khreshchatyk str., 15/4
Contacts: +38(050)405-405-5
Work hours: Mon – Sun from 10:00 to 02:00.
Average bill: 300-500 UAH per person.
4.«BarmanDictate» – a pub in the center of the capital, open on the site of the legendary “44” bar. The bar without any signs is hidden in the depths of Khreshchatyk behind a secret door. The interior is decorated in American style of the “dry law “ times: it has got massive furniture and brick walls. There is a main hall and a smoking room. The main feature is a bar counter with a length of 13 m (!). Bar card is the best in the capital! The range of alcohol has over 400 items and is located on a metal rack in 5 rows. The menu features European cuisine. Prices are above average. In the evenings, live music is performed by young Kiev musicians here.
Address: Khreshchatyk str., 44
Contacts: +38(050)346-16-36
Work hours: Mon – Sun from 18:00 to 03:00.
Average bill: 500-800 UAH per person.
5.«Hendrick’s bar» – another bar without signs and indicators, famous among those who know a lot about drinking. It was the winner of the national restaurant award “SALT-2017”. Must visit for connoisseurs of bar culture! A small cozy restaurant with the atmosphere of “speak-easy” is hidden behind the door of the basement, which can be reached via the True Burger bar located above it. Hendrick’s bar features the interior and music of the 1930s, signature cocktails, themed events and high-class bar-tenders. According to reviews on TripAdvisor, it has got the best signature cocktails with a unique presentation, peculiar taste and pleasant aftertaste. The menu includes appetizers, salads and bruscheta. If you want to have a nice meal, then you should go one floor up in the True Burger bar.
Address: Bohdan Hmelnytsky str., 42
Contacts: +38(099)320-77-72
Work hours: Wed – Sat from 18:00 to 22:00, Mon – Tue, Sun – days off.
Average bill: 300-600 UAH per person.
6.«Bezdel’niki» – a round-the-clock cafe-bar, the entrance to which lies through a mysterious corridor with neon “youth must take the lead” sign. By the way, the inscription can be read, if you look in the mirror. This place has got several halls, double-sided contact bar, a DJ zone and plenty of space for a party. The interior is decorated in dark turquoise, graffiti and hand-made lamps on the walls. Guests can make use of a jukebox, a carousel table and a photo booth. The menu features international cuisine and a wide selection of elite alcohol. The chip of the cafe is a street-food zone, where they cook shawarma at any time of the day. In the evenings they hold DJ sets and dancing until the morning. ” Bezdel’niki ” is a great place for fun and leisure.
Address: Saksahanskogo str., 38
Contacts: +38(068)158-38-38
Work hours: Mon – Sun from 17:00 until the last client.
Average bill: 300-600 UAH per person.
7.«Bar/13» – a “speak easy” concept bar, hidden behind an inconspicuous sign. It is located in the basement, where a gloomy staircase leads in complete darkness. In fact, inside there is a cozy bar with two lounges. Dimmed lights, laconic interior and candles on the tables create a chamber atmosphere. First of all, people come here to spend time in the circle of “their” people over a glass of a good drink. The bar menu offers signature cocktails, whiskey, wine and cider. You can’t really eat tight here. Here they serve pies and light meals. In the evenings, they invite DJs to the bar and organize cocktail parties or other events.
Address: Reitarska str., 21/13
Contacts: +38(097)684-50-10
Work hours: Mon – Thu, Sun from 18:00 to 02:00, Fri – Sat from 18:00 to 04:00.
Average bill: 300-500 UAH per person.
8.«S34» – a secret bar on Vozdvyzhenka, where they prepare exceptional cocktails according to the signature recipes. The bar was aligned with the men’s hairdresser to become the “members only” establishment behind the hidden massive door. It has got laconic interior in dark colors, wood and metal decor, a bar counter on the first floor and a gent’s hairdresser’s lounge on the second floor. The bar is quite small but absolutely everyone will be able to get here delicious cocktail drink. In addition to the signature cocktails, you can order an exclusive version of the classic drink. After all, the philosophy of S34 is to enjoy life and not to succumb to stereotypes imposed by society.
Address: Vozdvizhenska str., 42
Contacts: +38(068)344-34-34
Work hours: Mon – Sun from 10:00 to 02:00.
Average bill: 400-600 UAH per person.
9.«Black Captain» – a legendary bar on the Big Zhytomyrska street, opened in the 2000s. You will not see any signs here, so you can easily pass by. A figure of the armored knight in the storefront serves as the benchmark. That’s why people call this authentic place the “Knight”. If you go inside, you will get into the alcohol store. In fact, here you can take alcohol on tap – such as brandy, wine and tinctures. This is kinda a secret medieval style pub with very affordable prices. The bar is very popular among students from nearby universities and young people of culture and art.
Address: Velyka Zhytomyrska str., 13
Work hours: Mon – Fri from 11:00 to 23:00, Sat – Sun from 14:00 to 23:00.
Average bill: 200-300 UAH per person.
10.«Cupidon» – a kneipe club in the center of the capital. This is the oldest bar in Kyiv, opened in 1995. It is believed that the Kiev intelligentsia likes to gather here. Cupid often hosts creative evenings, book presentations, master classes, intellectual films and musical evenings. The club is located in the basement. Its interior features antique furniture, posters from the early 20th century. It also locates a bookstore selling old books. You can not only come here to listen to music and poetry, but also have a cup of aromatic coffee or a snack. Prices here are quite affordable.
Address: Pushkinska str., 1-3
Contacts: +38(044)279-71-71
Work hours: Mon – Sun from 10:00 to 23:00.
Average bill: 300-500 UAH per person.