Russian Samovar: The regal Russian Samovar is a Theater District legend, renowned for its flavored vodkas (around a dozen fruit- or herb-infused varieties) and part-owner, Mikhail Baryshnikov. In this little Ruskie corner of Midtown (the Russian Vodka Room is across the street), specialties like borscht or pelmeni please the plethora of ex-pats, celebs, and tourists who want to peek behind the Iron Curtain. There’s an old-club feel to this eatery thanks to a baby grand (and its pianist) that takes center stage here nightly, as well as small square cabaret table lamps, a wood floor, and dark wood trim. The upstairs cigar bar offers a smoky recollection of the old days. Be wary of gregarious Russians bearing shots of potent homemade vodkas. On the other hand—if it doesn’t put hair on your chest, you may just make it in Mother Russia, comrade. |
