Step into a festive Russian hideaway w/ 50+ vodkas & live piano music. Perfect for pre-theater cocktails & classic comfort food.
Arden Shore reviews Russian Vodka Room, a Theater District bar with over 50 types of vodka, perfect for pre-theater drinks and a lively atmosphere. The review highlights their vodka martinis and several Russian dishes.
This Theater District bar offers a lively atmosphere with over 50 types of vodka, making it a popular spot for pre-theater drinks. Beyond the extensive vodka selection, the menu features classic Russian dishes. The cold borscht is a standout, praised for its refreshing taste, while the kasha buckwheat with mushrooms is noted as a nourishing side.
The food menu offers classic Russian dishes to complement the extensive vodka selection. The cold borscht is frequently recommended for its refreshing and vinegary flavor. Other noted dishes include a cucumber tomato salad, chicken tabaka, kasha buckwheat with mushrooms, and Russian dumplings (pelmeni). While the borscht and kasha are praised, some dishes like the chicken tabaka and pelmeni are considered standard or slightly overboiled.
"The cold borscht is highly recommended for its refreshing, vinegary taste. The kasha buckwheat with mushrooms is also noted as a surprisingly nourishing and good side dish."
Customers generally have a positive experience, highlighting the vast vodka selection and the lively, festive atmosphere. The food garners mixed but generally favorable reviews, with specific dishes like borscht receiving high marks.
Important Note
One review suggests that while the food is decent, it may not be as high-quality or authentic as at other Russian establishments like Mari Vanna.
"This commenter implies that Russian Vodka Room is overpriced and of lower quality compared to Mari Vanna."
Negative"This user seconds the recommendation for the Russian Vodka Room, stating it's one of their favorite haunts."
Positive"This commenter suggests the Russian Vodka Room as a good option in Manhattan for trying Russian dishes."
Positive"The commenter stated their personal tipping practice is between 18-20%."
Neutral"The commenter acknowledged that tipping is a necessary aspect of American service culture."
Positive"The commenter questioned the original poster's understanding of tipping customs, implying they should be aware of the norms."
Negative"The commenter sarcastically critiqued the original poster's perceived entitlement and lack of consideration for the bartender's work, even for simple tasks like opening a can."
Negative"The commenter briefly stated that the original poster was indeed wrong."
Positive"The commenter questioned the original poster's location, comparing ordering a canned drink at a bar to ordering a bottled beer elsewhere, implying tipping is standard."
Positive"The commenter affirmed that tipping for all drinks is expected and apologized for the negative experience the original poster had."
Positive"The commenter suggested a tipping guideline of $1 for beers/shots and $2 for other drinks, regardless of the bar type."
Positive"The commenter stated that tipping the bartender is always expected, regardless of the establishment type or drink ordered. They also noted the treatment received was acceptable given the lack of a tip."
Positive"It is customary to tip bar staff, even when they simply hand over a canned drink."
Positive"Tipping is crucial for bartenders as it forms a significant part of their income. Even a small tip for future or current orders is appreciated."
Positive"The commenter suggested that if the original poster wishes to drink without tipping, they should purchase drinks from a store and consume them at home."
Positive"The commenter advised that tipping $20 for drinks would save the original poster time and effort, especially in a busy NYC dive bar."
Positive"The commenter pointed out that the bartender directly told the original poster they should have tipped, implying they were correct to do so."
Positive"The commenter confirmed that the original poster should have tipped."
Positive"The commenter suggested tipping at least one dollar per drink."
Positive"The commenter stated that the original poster should have tipped for their drinks."
Positive
