Glavpivtorg

 

The name is an abbreviation roughly translated as "Main Beer Outlet." Such abbreviations were common in Soviet times, and this new restaurant presumably took the name as acknowledgement that they are located directly behind the old KGB headquarters in the center of Moscow. Big place on a corner, with a large two-story downstairs, balcony above, and separate smaller room to the side. Clean and decent bathrooms (an real issue in Russia). The main room features two huge plate glass windows looking out on the busy street, with a small stage between them. Opposite the stage is a curved staircase up to the balcony. The main room has enough seating for over 100, total capacity is about 150. White tile floor, expensive wood and stone tables for four or six, wood paneling up about 10 feet (3 meters), beige plaster above that, cream molded stucco ceiling. The music on the PA system was loud and mainly Russian, with a seasonal New Year's flair. A few photos adorned the walls, but I couldn't discern a common motiff. One big banner on the far wall advised: "Once the head settles, ask for a top up of beer." None of the beers I had displayed a large enough head to make this worthwhile. When I got there at 12:30 on a Thursday afternoon, less than 1/5 of the tables were occupied. When I left at 2:00, the place was pretty much full.

They contract brew three of their own beers: a pale, an amber and a dark. The first two were pretty standard fare, while the dark was quite tasty. Decent selection of other brews, too: Urquell, Kozel pale and dark, Spaten, Franziskaner pale and dark, Grolsh, Blanche de Bruxelles. The prices were decent (I expected more given the central location). The service was excellent: I never had to wait, and never felt rushed. The fresh bread was even served with butter - a rarity in Moscow. The food itself was pretty poor: the Borscht was very thin, and the pork cutlets standard Soviet. Nice place, great atmosphere, but the chefs still need to learn a thing or two.