Stronger Drinks: 6 Bars to Warm Up

There are 16 beers on tap, plus familiar pub snacks and finger food. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, there are burgers, steaks, and entrecote. The format follows the classic English pub logic: beer takes center stage, and the food doesn’t steal the show. A great choice for those nights when you want to get together for no particular reason and keep things simple.

A bar counter in the middle of the room sets an easygoing tone right away: the bartenders don’t keep their distance behind the bar, they chat with guests and match drinks to your taste rather that a checklist of menu items. The cocktail menu is original, but without the extra fuss or wordy explanations. The interior is minimalist and doesn’t demand attention. Come here for that feeling of a cozy evening at home, just with professional execution.

Wine Street is a wine restaurant where bottles and food are equally important. In the tank: Sentinelle and Gillardeau oysters, plus blue lobster, seafood that plays beautifully with what’s in your glass. The wine list spans both Europe and the New World, and the team can always find the right bottle for today’s mood. Weekdays come with regular specials: wine days, cocktail days, and special beer deals. A great format for relaxed get-togethers, no occasion required.

Monte Bianco feels like an exhibition space where wine is part of the overall composition. Tall shelves with bottles, large art reproductions, and the interior’s restrained eclecticism set the tone for the night. The wine list is built directly with producers, with a broad geography and no obvious favorites. The food supports the mood: Spanish and Italian plates, seafood, and pasta served in a wheel of cheese. A great option for a Mediterranean food-and-wine trip, no flights or layovers required.

Dark Side is woven into the city’s nightlife map and leans heavily into cocktails. Up front, there’s a contact bar; upstairs, a darkened second floor for more private conversations. The drinks list brings together classics, house twists, and proper spirits, backed by a compact snacks menu. The crowd is diverse. It’s equally comfortable to drop in with friends or come solo, the evening will take it from there.

Temple is set up as a closed-door space with its own rules. You’ll be told where to go and how to find the bar during the booking process — you can’t get in without a reservation. Temple is arguably Kazakhstan’s most concept-driven bar: the cocktails here feel almost philosophical, and tastings are treated like a ritual. One more reason to visit is its spot on The World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

Photos: restaurant websites and social media, Yandex Maps