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Party Earth Review 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... ... read full review
281 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012
B, D, F, M: Broadway-Lafayette Street-Houston Street; 6: Spring Street-Lafayette Street
212-226-4944
M–W 5pm–1am, Th 5pm–2am, F–Sa 5pm–3am, Su 6pm–1am
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.
Easygoing young professionals, late 20s to 40s.
DJ spins a mix of disco, 80s, Top 40, rock, and hip-hop.
Americanized Russian bar food and caviar, as well as pizza, burgers, and entrées.
Appetizers $8–$15, entrées $12–$27, caviar $16+/one ounce or $30+/two ounces. Wine 9+/glass or $34+/bottle, cocktails $13, mixed drinks $10+, shots $10+, vodka six-shooters $50.
Office attire, business casual, jeans and button-downs, edgier looks from mid-range fashion labels like J. Crew and DKNY.
Fridays for the best crowd, though Saturdays are also consistently packed.
If the Russian cuisine is off-putting, Café Habana (17 Prince Street) is perfect for those looking for south of the border fare.
Pravda User Reviews