Vlada 331 W. 51st St. (8th & 9th Aves.)
Hell's Kitchen
212.974.8030
Vlada:
The gays have been rushin' to this Russian-themed bar ever since it opened earlier this year. With a sleek décor and friendly staff, this bi-level lounge is an ideal place to hang out with friends and knock back shots Ruskie-style. This swanky Hell's Kitchen drinkery serves 15 kinds of infused vodka; from apple-cinnamon and cranberry to horseradish and dill, Vlada's vodkas also contain "a few secret ingredients (that only the KGB knows for sure)." And rather than have the bartender chill your drink, simply place your cocktail on the thick layer of ice along the bar to keep it at a Siberian temperature. But don't worry–the atmosphere inside is anything but frigid as the hot bartenders and patrons will remind you that the Cold War ended years ago.
Even though I dont bat for the other team, I felt completely comfortable after accidently stumbling (quite literally) into this place. My friend, who we arent quite sure what time he bats for, loved it even more. The bar is too cool for school, but the bartenders are anything but. Russia? Could have fooled me. When I think Russian, I think austere. This staff, though, was anything but.
