Chroniki

Anachronistically harmonizes the drinking cultures of a modern Scandinavian bar and a classic Leningrad “ryumochnaya” (the traditional Soviet-era watering hole). This is not a rowdy club for dancing to Eurodance all night, but rather a classic bar perfect for intellectual debates of a more cultured public. The stylish interior is very modern yet cozy, simple yet edgy, with white tiled walls, brass windowsills, gilded antique Soviet chandeliers. There is a massive wooden table for larger groups as well as a tall standing (or leaning, if you’ve already had a few) table perfect for slamming down your shot glass, or grabbing a quick bite to eat before running off on errands or to your next bar-hopping destination. The beautiful and uniquely stylish wooden bar counter. This is one of very few reasonably priced and cool bars in St. Petersburg located above basement-level, allowing its customers to gaze at passersby as well as take in the beauty of the classic St. Petersburg architecture on Nekrasova street. The black-and-white photos on the wall include images of a strict 1970s Leningrad barmaid as well as her jovial clients - a nostalgic reminder that in this beautiful northern city, its inhabitants were always capable of drinking and always loved drinking. The preferred order at Chroniki is, as per tradition at a Leningrad ryumochnaya, hard alcohol (there are many vodka varieties, from the legendary Stoli for RUB90 to Finnish, Swedish and Danish brands) and the bartenders also recommend Crimean port wine “Massandra”, locally brewed craft beer, and a house-special cocktail “Free Ingria,” inspired by the eternal confrontation between St. Petersburg and Moscow. The snack selection includes sandwiches (one for RUB100, two for RUB150, five for RUB350), distinctive “Northern tapas” served with a choice of boiled tongue, salmon, chicken, vegetables or, of course, herring (the traditional Russian chaser for vodka). The weeknights are more chilled out for quiet but steady drinki

• nightlife

Address

ul. Nekrasova 26

Getting there

Metro: Mayakovskaya; Ploshchad Vosstaniya

Website

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