Kharkov is one of the largest cities in Ukraine, and it’s known for incredible architecture, green parks and vibrant nightlife. Some of Kharkov’s bars specialize in wine and appetizers, others offer an immense choice of signature cocktails and gourmet cuisine. Kharkov is a city where everyone finds a venue to their liking. Here are 10 that are popular among locals and travellers alike.
Loza Strekoza
Bar, European, $$$
Loza Strekoza is a trendy bar located in the central part of Kharkov. Here, the culture of wine consumption is alive and well, and a pleasant atmosphere makes the experience all the more enjoyable. The bar features a collection of drinks from France, Italy and Portugal. You can always ask a sommelier for advice and find a tasty snack to pair with your choice.
Fabrika got its name for a reason. The building, where the bar found its home, used to be a four-story factory (fabrika in Ukrainian) that distributed seeds. The venue is designed like a loft and is situated on the ground floor of what is now a co-working space in Kharkov. The key feature of the interior is a screw elevator, which was used to lower sacks of seeds from the upper floors. It gives the bar a special vintage charm. On the bar menu, you can find a range of classic cocktails, like old fashioneds and margaritas, as well as a few signature ones.
At Lumber Gastro Bar, you will be greeted by panoramic views of Freedom Square through French windows. The interior is designed as a minimalist loft with various industrial objects such as iron bars and pipes. It is not a posh or exquisite bar, but it is a place to enjoy a beer, burger, steak or snack with friends before hitting the town.
Port Wine Bar attracts guests not only with its huge list of wines, but also its beautifully designed interior. Most of the ingredients for the drinks in the venue are local and delivered directly from the Ukrainian port city Odessa. There are also foreign ingredients and recipes produced in Portugal and Spain. Port Wine Bar’s signature drinks include fruit wine (made from fruits other than grapes) that is one-of-a-kind.
Depstor Friendly Bar is a cosy bar for friends, where you can feel complete freedom and serenity. You will find a place for gatherings in the lounge, and if you’re in the mood for a dance party, there’s a large dance floor. In the summertime, guests are welcome to spend a pleasant evening on the terrace, eating delicious food and drinking juicy cocktails.
Despite Ukraine being a European country, the shisha or hookah culture is extremely developed here. Therefore, there are a lot of bars and restaurants that offer a smoky shisha to their guests. One such bar is Manhattan Bar, where you can also get a tasty cocktail and enjoy popular music. On the weekends, DJs play great music. If you are looking for an unobtrusive ambiance and friendly personnel, Manhattan Bar is a great place to spend the evening.
The bar menu at PiPa was created by the famous barman Oleg Yakobenko. So if you want to try an extremely delicious cocktail, this is the place to come. The bar food is also worth a taste. The chef combines different cuisines, providing a fusion of unique tastes. In addition, the venue differs from all others in the city of Kharkov with its interior design and music. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Hawaiian motifs.
At Biblioteka Bar, you’ll have access to the most unusual signature cocktails. It combines beverage flavours with quality food and literature. The atmosphere of the bar encourages pleasant conversation and time spent with a good book. Listen to performances in the style of funk, jazz, soul and pop-funk from local and foreign cover bands. You might even stumble across a party entertained by popular DJs.
Fazan is another pre-party spot to start your evening at. It’s a venue where guests can have a pleasant chat and enjoy a fine dinner before getting the party started. Fazan offers craft cocktails at affordable prices – 70 UAH ($2.50). Hookah fans can also pop in to relax and try new flavours. The central location of the bar allows quick and easy access to popular neighbouring nightclubs.
Bro-bar is a place where you’ll never get bored. Come here with friends to play table games, slot machines or watch a football match on TV. The menu includes all the classic cocktails and pure drinks, as well as European cuisine and affordable lunches. In addition to the main hall, Bro-bar offers a terrace for guests to enjoy their drinks in the summer. Don’t forget to book in advance, this is a busy venue, especially in the evenings.
