Russian Vodka Room - Review - Midtown - New York - The Infatuation
"Even if you’re a gin person, you come to this festive, windowless bar in the Theater District to drink vodka—preferably in martini form. There are over 50 kinds on the menu, so it’s fun to try one you’ve never seen before. After your first sip or two, you’ll realize that most of the other people are speaking Russian, maybe even to you. Valentine’s Day decorations are still up even when it’s nowhere close to Valentine’s Day. And the guy playing the piano while wailing in Russian gets up to smoke a cigarette every three songs. Before you can make sense of it all, the bartender will likely top you off with whatever is left in her shaker. (We don’t waste vodka in Russia, she’ll say.) RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Vodka You should drink vodka at the Russian Vodka Room. And while there is notably a cocktail menu involving something called the Sweet Russian Doggy, we say stick to the classics. Order a garlic-pepper-dill vodka infusion or pick a vodka you’ve never heard of off the long list, and get it in whatever martini form you like. Borscht You can get it hot, you can get it cold, and we’d like to drink the cold borscht out of one of those squeezie Gatorade bottles all summer long. Dill garnish, cucumber chunks, sliced hard boiled egg, and all. So vinegary and refreshing. photo credit: Arden Shore Cucumber Tomato Salad It’s a cucumber tomato salad. There’s not much else to say. Nice to have on the table and pairs well with vodka. Chicken Tabaka A chicken dinner if we ever did see one. This whole cornish flattened under a press comes with a smattering of vegetables and charmingly dated garnishes. It’s nothing special, is nice to share between two, and will absolutely set you up for success before seeing a Broadway show. photo credit: Arden Shore Kasha Buckwheat With Mushrooms Sleeper hit. This classic Russian side feels nourishing and healthy. Gluten-free and rich in fiber! Russian Dumplings The pelmeni come savory (beef, lamb, or potato) or sweet (cheese or cherries). We tend to go with potato. They’re a touch overboiled, but no one ever complains about dumplings on the table. photo credit: Arden Shore" - Arden Shore
