Places to hang out in Minsk
It’s a common stereotype that good bars and restaurants are a very rare thing in the city that reminds us about the past of the Soviet Union. But as far as the night comes, it becomes obvious that Minsk possesses places for fun in abundance. As many other European cities there are streets that are a hit with young people in Minsk. There are three streets, that are especially popular among Minskers. Those streets are called Zybitskaya, Kastrychnitskaya and Kamsamolskaya. And here is short guide of these streets. Due to special atmosphere and high amount of guests this street was called a Broadway of Minsk.
Zybitskaya street
Zybitskaya street is probably a winner in the race for the title “Street with the greatest number of bars per square meter”. As long as you stay here, especially in summer, you do not really understand how you switch from bar to bar. There is one building that houses 11 bars simultaneously! But anyway, I will advise you the best on these street, depending on what do you expect.
DIY Bar. A cozy dungeon in the heart of Minsk on the most hooligan street Zybitskaya. Fuzzy hookah, a rake, charming bartender and a daily hugs with the guests happens daily. The only bar with hookah on this street. Moreover the bar is famous for its parties with good electronic music. Very often they ask talented DJ-s to perform in the bar. The address is Zybitskaya street, 6.
Banki-Butylki. Loft-style bar, unusual and delicious cocktails on sorrel and blackcurrant, lots of craft infusions. Guests do not smoke and love noisy parties with wild dances. You will really love this place. The price policy in the bar is democratic. For example a series of tinctures is prepared on the basis of local seasonal berries and spices, so it promises not to hit the pocket. Justifying its name almost all of the bar's food is served in cans (including a special dessert), and some cocktails are served in unique bottles, so you can drink at the bar, and take with you. The prices for cocktails start from 12 BYN (6 dollars).
El Pushka. If I had only 3 words to describe this bar I would use these – small, noisy, tequila. It is the smallest bar close to Zybitskaya street, bar that has 157 review on TripAdvisor, Latinoamerican tequila bar which is hidden under outdoor sign “Casa de siesta”. Popular bar among young people. Inside there are several tables, a small bar, also there are 2 small tables right at the entrance. Sangrita is the most popular drink (it is a tequila mixed with tomato juice and other 11 ingredients (including hot sauce), always positive bartenders will help you to choose Latinoamerican drink.
Malt and Hops. Malt & Hops pub is divided into 2 halls. In the first is the widest bar, behind which, sipping from a beautiful glass of real Irish beer and exchanging a few words with the "neighbors", you might think that the yard is really great Britain. The second room is designed for meetings with large companies: wide leather sofas, large tables — relax here comfortably and at the same time fun. In addition to leather in the interior there is a noble solid wood and even a fireplace. Music further helps to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of harmony between English luxury and simplicity.
Alcohol card also surprises a wide range of whiskies from the UK and other countries. Beer here is also mainly English and Irish, but you can find varieties that are popular, for example, in Germany or the Czech Republic.
Address: Zybitskaya street, 9.
Other bars located in close vicinity of Zybitskaya street:
Bessonica. (Insomnia). It’s a place located in the Upper Town open 24 hours. It offers a simple menu and cocktail classics. If for example after a long walk around the city you will feel hungry at 4 a.m., go to this bar. "Insomnia" is a bar, which is absolutely no matter how much time is on the clock. The place never falls asleep and is always ready to welcome guests. Here you can enjoy a cocktail or a full Breakfast or just a snack. The Insomnia bar offers a cosmopolitan menu. Here you can taste steaks, seafood dishes, burgers, pasta, risotto, pastries and other popular dishes from Minsk. The interior of the bar "Insomnia" is decorated in a modern style with elements of classics. The design traces the traditional combination of black and white, diluted with red accents, geometric shapes, the theme of travel and, of course, the motives of dreams. Attention is drawn to non-trivial elements of the decor, made in the spirit of" Alice in Wonderland": inverted chairs, lamps and even Windows. In the warmer months, you can sit on the summer terrace.
Auyhuasca Social Club. "Ayahuasca" as a hallucinogenic drink that is used in the religious mysteries of the Amazon tribes (and simultaneously cleanses the body of tropical parasites) and causes visions. But people who have passed the ritual of the same name, describe their experience no less than" communication with God"," telepathy “liberation of the soul." The club is imbued with a unique South American atmosphere in a modern interpretation - elements of the interior in ethnic style combined with trendy lighting, Peruvian cuisine and classic cocktails flavored with fresh author's notes, acoustic vibrations of Hanga and DJ sets-each component of the environment and entertainment creates a unique atmosphere. For culinary enthusiasts, anticuchos, kauza, parihuela and, of course, the hallmark of Creole cuisine — CEVICHE! Juicy fruit sauces, mousses, pasta Ahi Amarillo, together with the freshest fish from all seas!
Oktyabrskaya street
One more street that is known as the street for hanging out among locals is Oktyabrskaya street. It is located not in the very heart of the city, and it is not very easy to find its location, because it is hidden behind industrial buildings.
Since 2010, Oktyabrskaya street came to life, grew up with bars and restaurants, hipsters fell in love with it and the street became free and creative. The entourage remained the same, the same red brick factories, pipes and monument to Lenin. But all this is an integral part of the history of the street.
The development began when the festival of street-art “Vulica Brazil”came to Belarus. Graffiti painters from all over the world came to Minsk to paint the walls of industrial premises. Now the street is a cool mix of liberty, graffities, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and of course, mostly local people.
The industrial past of the street has left its mark on the street. Vulica was full of factories producing alcoholic drinks, so still a smell of yeast is felt here. Just to make your choice easier I created a list of restaurants and recommendations for all tastes:
1. ENZO café. One of the first restaurants appeared on this street and it is a really good choice if you love meat and burgers. Here customers will find attentive staff, great wine and really tasty food.The main direction in the menu and cuisine of the restaurant is steaks, burgers and wine. In ENZO you can try a variety of premium and alternative steaks; burgers with different types of meat, from classic beef to fancy with bacon and pomegranate, vegetarian burgers, as well as Tartars, warm salads, author's sauces and desserts.
Enzo serves Breakfast throughout the day. From 12.00 to 16.00 Enzo has a lunch menu, which is updated weekly.
2. DEPO. This café specializes on blini (pancakes with staff), traditional snack for Belarusian people. The interior is made in a minimalist style, which is now extremely popular in the world in such diners. On one of the walls there is a painted tram, a symbol of the street.
The menu offers more than 40 types of pancakes with filling, which does not offer any café of this kind in our city. The "DEPO" presents different categories of pancakes: "world classic" - popular all over the world toppings (eg, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, olives and Pesto sauce), "DEPO ordinary" (with goat cheese, salmon and arugula) and "DEPO extraordinary" - bold combination of ingredients (with chicken, pear, cheese Dor blue, arugula and balsamic sauce). The average bill is 10-15 BYN per person which is less than 10 dollars.
3. LAUKA. A very good place for take away. Coffee, sandwiches, milkshakes, limonades. You can order the food inside the take-away point and enjoy in afterwards in a cosy shady inner yard.
4. GREEN AND GO. This café was opened here for vegans and vegetarians. I can not say that Minsk has a great variety of restaurants and cafes that serve good vegan food, but it is one of it. Interior is a nice mix of “white swimming pool” and greenery all around. Typical vegan food such as falafel, hummus, okara is served here.
5. UNDERDOG. In order to plunge into the world of aesthetic minimalism with panoramic Windows and a maximum of living greenery, you do not need to specifically go somewhere and look for a long time, because pizza place "Underdog" is located very close — on Oktyabrskaya street, in the heart of city life. Here You will find pizza from the oven and seafood dishes, a strong map of quiet wines and craft beer, as well as maximum comfort with a minimum of distractions from a good conversation and tasty dishes.
6. SIMPLE. The motto of this restaurant is “The most complicated skill is to be simple”. Simplicity is sincerity, freedom, steadfastness in actions and decisions, which, being not always simple, are taken very easily. "Simple" – exactly that, complex simplicity, about freedom of thought and space, intelligent meals each day. The restaurant offers its guests an interpretation of local gastronomy of Belarusian cuisine.
