CAPITAL BARS: WHERE TO DRINK A DELICIOUS COCKTAIL IN KYIV

A good bar for me is a cocktail of three ingredients: an original concept, the right atmosphere, delicious drinks. These three Kyiv bars are different in essence, but they have all of the above components.

Hitchcook Bar

Hitchcock Bar is an institution about cinema and for cinema. The bar is located on the seventh floor of the Gulliver shopping center next to the Oscar cinema. Here you can discuss the details of the new blockbuster or get inspired to watch an art-house movie. And also – to feel like the very heroes of the tapes who in the frame enjoyed the drinks that have already become legendary: Carrie from Sex and the City sipping Cosmopolitan, Darling performed by Marilyn Monroe mixing a Manhattan cocktail in an ordinary heating pad or Ingrid Bergman, drinking French 95 and reminiscing about Paris at Casablanca

Cocktail card

“What is our life? A game!” This statement was embodied in the concept of the Hitchcock Bar cocktail card. It is made in the form of a deck of cards of 53 drinks. There is also a Joker here – this is a signature cocktail from the bartender of the institution. The price of the drinks is 80 UAH. You can enjoy them at a chic bar counter almost the entire length of the institution. Behind it fits up to 30 people: so you can even arrange a friendly mini-dinner! By the way, you definitely won’t leave here hungry: what are the only eclairs with salmon mousse (75 UAH), pork on the bone with baked potatoes and cheese sauce (120 UAH), and Napoleon with strawberry coulis (85 UAH)

This bar is inspiring. It is very atmospheric: leather sofas and armchairs with velvet upholstery, twilight, glass hanging chandeliers, original Hitchcock movie posters. Here you want to change. Make up your lips with red lipstick, do your hair a la “cold wave” and find yourself in the era of a brilliant director. And also – watch Alfred’s films (which are on the screen) and listen to good music (DJ plays here on Friday, and cover bands on Saturday).

Alchemist Bar

Already the institution itself says that there will be plenty of magic here. She is in everything: in the mysterious waiters and bartenders, in the interior, and in the unusual menu. They did it smartly here: there are three halls in the institution: the first one has a bar counter, the second one has a stage for musicians, the third one is secret (in the literal sense, to get there, you need to enter a code).

Some patrons complain about a large number of people in the bar, but, as for me, this is the charm of the Alchemist. It is cramped here, but at the same time cozy, noisy, but this does not interfere with relaxation at all. Yes, and you will agree that the level of the institution is measured by the number of guests. Live music plays here every day – the style and format are very diverse. Although the establishment is small, you can choose exactly the place where you will be most comfortable. If you want noise, parties, and loud music – you are in a large hall or at the bar counter, you dream of seclusion with your soul mate – then ask to take you to a distant hall: intimacy, twilight, cozy tables, an old piano invites romance and kisses.

Cocktail card

It is very large here: for every taste and budget. A popular cocktail for girls is Lychee Martini and Salvia. The waiters recommend Basil Beauty. Well, the classic Negroni is beyond praise. Prices: average, from 100 UAH. But the stronger sex should take note – the Alchemist refused beer. You can compensate for the drink with delicious black rum (at least my husband did). If you want to eat, then here you can find spring rolls with duck, steaks, salad with duck breast, and even potatoes with garlic sauce. Everything is absolutely delicious. But my favorite dessert deserves special attention – an incredible chocolate fondant (85 UAH)

Zig Zag

Of these three, Zigzag is perhaps the most democratic bar. This does not apply to prices – they are the same here as in the other two. Democracy is manifested in the interior (called “Berlin”): simple “buffet” tables and chairs, cement floor, rough brick walls, simple crockery. All this does not require a special dress code or an important reason for the visit. But this is the “highlight” of the institution.

It is equally good to discuss a business idea here, meet a friend for a cocktail or drag the whole company to celebrate a successfully passed session. Also, very tasty food. The choice of dishes is small, but everything is original, and, apparently, made with soul. My favorites are potato gnocchi with chanterelles in a sour cream sauce (about UAH 120) and falafel (on the menu it is listed as chickpea balls, about UAH 80). By the way, recently they have had a children’s menu. The service is very good. And in Zigzag, they like to give delicious compliments – my husband and I, along with the bill, brought two cottage cheesecakes with berries.

Cocktail card

It is small but very diverse. The price of a cocktail starts from 115 UAH. One of the most popular is Amaro Syringe. They also decorate drinks beautifully: I liked the rose petals used in the decor. Well, one cannot fail to mention the bar wall – this is perhaps the main decoration of the Zigzag.

For some reason, this installation reminded me of a huge bookshelf with classic masterpieces and fashion bestsellers. And the librarian, that is, the bartender will definitely advise you something to your taste and mood. A book or a cocktail, I think both.