Kafe Moskova

Quite possibly one of my favorite stops in Helsinki, and definitely memorable. One can only describe it as being very Soviet inside: dim, red lighting, surly bartender, old music. Order a Baltika and shot of vodka and just enjoy the fabulous ambiance. Pro tip: they stock Żubrówka, a delicious Polish bison grass vodka that is a little hard to find. Drink it here.

I thought this place was hilarious! I know next to nothing about Russia or what it would have been like during the Soviet era, but it seems to be spot on with any initial expectations I might of had. The décor and Russian «experience» is why you would come to this little hipster spot in Helsinki. It’s definitely not because of the service. When I asked what drinks they had the old woman «bartender» gruffly said «vodka and beer». So, I ordered a vodka soda… Then I see a couple girls come in and get wine. Huh? There was also weird half-​eaten sandwiches and crap all over the bar that was kind of ridiculous and funny (they didn’t have a food menu here BTW).
When we finally went to pay our tab and leave, the bartender woman just up and disappeared for like 30 minutes! When she finally came back she ignored us (and everyone else) to let people in and out of a doorway behind the bar. It just felt very strange! Like we were sitting in the front of a secret gambling club or something. I think I also had that feeling because the woman serving us was so disinterested in selling drinks… it has to make you wonder what the heck was going on?! A bunch of old people (who I think were actually Russian) loudly came out of that doorway and then took shots of vodka followed up by the traditional pickle or two. The whole place stunk like a pickle factory afterwards. Authentic Soviet feeling? I’m pretty sure the answer is «yes!». Would I come here to really get a decent drink? No. However, I think would come back and invite people with me for the entertainment value so it gets four stars.

This place is great! I’ve not been to Russia, but this place is how I imagine it. Actually, I imagine the vodka and beer are much much cheaper in Russia but I didn’t have to bribe anyone so it probably evens out.

Mi lugar favorito para tomar unas cervezas en la ciudad,
especialmente si hace frío.
Estar en este bar de los hermanos Kaurismäki, es entrar dentro de una de las películas de Aki; ambiente decadente soviético, frialdad y música en vinilo.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Very kitchy and very much for acquired taste.
Place reeks of nostalgia. With company you can easily spend all day here. By yourself, you can easily spend all day here. Must see place.