Getting Drunk with Locals: Top 10 Bars in Ukraine
Photo by: djnavv
Ukrainians can drink beer-pong frat boy champions under the table, and Horilka—the Ukrainian drink of choice whose name comes from hority (burning)—ain’t no Bud Light. Whether it’s a holiday or a neighbor is just stopping by, shots of the 80 proof liquor are poured. In a country where drinking is so integral to daily life that one can rent a drinking buddy for the night, an interesting nightlife is a sure thing. Featuring everything from classic Irish pubs to late-night discos to renowned live music halls, Ukraine’s bar scene has something to offer to everyone.
Art Club 44 is a bar for the modern art lovers, and one of the most popular venues in Kiev. Reggae, jazz, rock, and experimental local bands play regularly in one room, while films are screened and exhibits staged in another. You can snag dinner to soak up your affordable booze while you’re there too.
Dedicated to Lepold Von Masoch, masochism’s namesake, this S&M themed bar isn’t for the easily embarrassed. Marked with a statue of Lepold just outside the door, you’ll be greeted by a hostess in leather. Tables are equipped with small whips, handcuffs and other sexually taboo gadgets to keep you busy while waiting for a cocktail. If you’re starting to feel frisky, your waitress will handcuff and whip you for free.
Bookstore by day and bar by night Babuin, “the Stoned Baboon,” is a low-key funky place for novel-nerds to get their drink on. If you want to avoid the sticky crowds of the club scene, this joint’s got book signings, art exhibits, live bands, and DJs. Forget dubstep and strobe lights—get some culture while you kill your brain cells for a change.
PaTiPa is undoubtedly the best place to get your groove on in all of Kiev, and possibly in all of Ukraine. It’s known as the best R&B dance club in the country, and has won more than a dozen awards for its interior design and atmosphere. Check out the massive amounts of confetti and totally rad disco balls hanging from the ceiling—if you’re not too mesmerized by some of the best house and hip hop around.
Photo by: Waverly:)
Tacky and delightful, Bikers’ Bar is a part of the Las Vegas-themed club ironically called Chicago. International house and techno DJs tear up the dance hall, adjacent to a bar room plastered with old Soviet gear, auto parts, Nazi flags, oil barrels, and a freakin’ old-school motorcycle. Private rooms resemble KGB prison cells, and there’s a fake shooting range on one wall. Because the Strip Bar is right next door, you might even get lucky and see a few hot Eastern Europeans practicing their new moves.
Renowned for being one of the largest nightclubs in all of Eastern Europe, Yo! has something for everyone. Seriously, forget bar-hopping—you can room hop in this crazy compound. There’s a live music hall, a strip bar, a sushi bar, a bowling alley, a billiards room, and a casino for starters. We ain’t lyin’, yo!
Kryivka is prime if you’re looking for a midday buzz, a few laughs, and some historical immersion. Translating to “secret-place,” you’ll have to tell the security guard you’re not a Communist before entering this anti-Soviet time capsule. (Hint: tell ‘em Slava Ukraine for guaranteed entrance). Guns, maps and other Soviet artifacts line the wall, while waiters carry fake machine guns. An occasional “Russian spy” might slip through just to cause commotion. The place is cheesy as hell and the food isn’t the main attraction, but it’s a good laugh if you’re feeling a bit touristy.
Picasso’s reputation has been consistent for over a decade, making it a legendary Lviv party place. This former-theatre more resembles a church than a dance hall, but it’s one of the only non-heel-carrying backpacker friendly clubs in Lviv.
Considered the best late-night spot in Odessa, Ibiza is designed to resemble a massive anthill. You can see the Black Sea from this open aired hot spot, surrounded by sound plants and neon lighting. International DJs and elaborate theme parties keep partygoers on their feet all summer long.
Churchill Music Pub is the best place to meet actors, musicians and local eccentrics. With good beer, live music and a comfortable atmosphere, this is great place to chill out and get a little bit tipsy.
Photo by: tgraham
Like other tourist destinations, Kiev can leave your wallet feeling a lighter than other areas in the Ukraine. If you find yourself strapped for cash but want to keep the party going, buy a few Lvivske from the closest kiosk and head to the Park of the Center City. Broke-ass youths are often hanging around the park, along with expats and the occasional bum.
Culturally, Ukrainians are all about slugging back as many shots as they can without actually appearing wasted. While Americans tend to take every opportunity to rip off their clothes and go running through the street, reenacting any of Will Ferrell’s Old School moments won’t make good impressions on new Ukrainian friends. Finish off the night with a few slices of salty salo rubbed in raw garlic as you slug down your last vodka, if only to ease the pain of tomorrow. In the morning be prepared to learn about “Opokhmelitsya,” when native Ukrainians cure their hangover pains with (you guessed it)… drinking more vodka.
In search of the miraculous
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Though I’ve been in Ukraine many times, I’ve only visited 2 of the list. “Yo” and “Ibiza” in Odess are really fantasctic!