Where to go in Moscow tonight

A long-running, Irish-founded basement pub near the Irish embassy where Guinness, rugby on the screens and an English-speaking Sunday crowd make newcomers feel at home.

Tip: Open until 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays; service slows at peak times, so order at the bar when it's busy.

A 17-year-old Myasnitskaya institution with a huge beer and whiskey list, football on every screen and a Monday pub quiz that suits sociable newcomers.

Tip: Book ahead for big matches and ask for the upstairs lounge; open until 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

A faithful copy of the Dublin original with décor shipped from Ireland, a stage for bands and comedy, 20 screens for sport and a serious whiskey corner.

Tip: Tables go fast at weekends — reserve online; open until 06:00 on Fridays.

A hand-painted, old-school pub by Novokuznetskaya with one of the best beer lists in town, cover bands, basement comedy and a summer terrace that runs until dawn at weekends.

Tip: Friday evenings get packed — book a table online; open until 06:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The busiest central branch of the Irish pub chain, with weekend live bands, a friendly walk-in crowd and hours that stretch to 06:00 — a reliable default for groups.

Tip: Walk-ins usually work, but seating is tight at weekends — arrive before the band starts.

A football-mad English pub steps from the Kremlin, hung with club scarves and shirts, showing the Premier League and Champions League with 22 taps and proper fish & chips.

Tip: Book for big matches; the kitchen closes at 22:30 and bills include a 10% service charge.

A veteran expat bar running since 1995, now sharing a Nikolskaya basement with Beverly Hills Diner — a noisy, international last stop for cover bands and salsa.

Tip: Door security is strict but polite; check your bill before paying.

Moscow's classic chrome-and-neon American diner, open around the clock, where expats have long come for towering milkshakes, 20-plus burgers and pancakes at 4am.

Tip: Skip the steaks — burgers, shakes and breakfasts are the safe bets.

A cult bar on the Red October island whose summer rooftop looks over the river and Christ the Saviour, drawing a young mixed local-and-foreign crowd for over 15 years.

Tip: Outside summer it mainly opens for Friday and Saturday parties; in season, arrive before 18:30 or book by phone.

Chef Luigi Magni's neo-bistro near Patriarch's Ponds, loved for breakfasts until 4pm, beautifully plated dishes and inventive cocktails — an easy start to a Patriki night.

Tip: Tables are tight — reserve via Telegram or by phone for weekend brunch.

A boulevard bistro with nearly 25 years behind it: a Parisian feel, fair prices, onion soup and cheap wine — and open until 5am Thursday to Saturday, a rarity in Moscow.

Tip: It books up — reserve ahead for Friday nights; a night menu runs after midnight at weekends.

The flagship of Moscow's best-known café chain, in the Conservatory building and open 24/7, with a celebrated summer terrace for long breakfasts, desserts and after-party coffee.

Tip: No reservations, so expect a short wait at weekend brunch; staff English can be limited.