Pravda Lounge / Vodka Bar

Chinatown / Nolita, New York –

Opened in 1996 by nightlife bigwig Keith McNally, Pravda is a former It spot that now draws a sociable crowd of young professionals who appreciate the authentic Russian theme, stylish clubhouse atmosphere, and great selection of vodka and caviar.

A spacious lounge area on the first floor features gilded vaulted ceilings, wrought-iron mirrors, and Soviet-styled light-box street signs that cast a warm glow on the well-dressed patrons chatting over cocktails in the red studded leather club chairs and circular booths.

Russian sayings painted in large Cyrillic lettering on the arches provide a conversation starter for flirty singles, as does the bar itself, a signature McNally mirror-and-lights “altar of booze” offering specialties like coconut vodka martinis and a bar menu of traditional nibbles perfect for soaking up the six-shooters.

While noshing on crêpes, dancing, and chatting with outgoing table neighbors are the order of the night downstairs, those looking for a more intimate place to flirt with the other good-looking patrons can head to the tiny upstairs lounge.

Although the place is often packed to capacity with a lively crowd on the weekends, Pravda is an equally good option during the week when a laid-back “we’re all comrades” vibe prevails.