Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar, restaurant and cocktail lounge in Manhattan, New York, US
Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar is a restaurant and cocktail lounge in Manhattan's theater district with traditional decor, warm lighting, and wooden furniture arranged in intimate seating areas. The space features a main dining room downstairs and a separate lounge upstairs, a bar serving cocktails and spirits, and a piano where live music is performed during evening hours.
The location was originally called Jilly's Canteen and was owned by a friend of Frank Sinatra, who attracted famous visitors like Sinatra and the Rat Pack in earlier decades. It was later transformed into a Russian restaurant while original furnishings and artwork from that era were preserved within the space.
The name comes from the traditional Russian tea kettle, the samovar, which reflects the place's connection to Russian culture. The dark interior with red decorations and live music performances create an atmosphere where visitors experience Eastern European traditions in the heart of Manhattan.
The restaurant is conveniently located in Manhattan's theater district, making it easy to visit before or after a show, and it stays open until late evening. Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights, as the intimate space fills up quickly and walk-ins may face waits.
The restaurant once had a connection to dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, who was a co-owner and owned the piano on stage. That original piano remains in the space and is played during live music nights, creating a direct link to his artistic legacy.
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