Having time to spare before going to the Neil Simon Theatre, we found the Russian Samovar close by. What good luck! Small enough to feel intimate, large enough for variety, but heavily patronized by Russians - the language was predominant. Wonderful, real food - lots of protein, seriously delicious. Watch out for the flavored vodkas - you'll want to try them all. . . and they have quite a few. Thing I learned: singers will expect $20 bill per song to the jar on the piano, - ask for the singer you want. Spend a while watching and listening and you'll get the idea. Despite being in tourist mecca of theatres it draws a large contingent of Russians of all generations and so feels like a local 'pub' - for Russians. Just let them do their thing - and don't try to be Russian if you aren't. Great, great fun!!
Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Music
Cons: Gets crowded, Can't think of any
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