You're reading: Art Club 44 is two in one: dancing at the bar, drinking at the club

Kyivans seem to have plenty of opportunities to get loose with all the best night clubs at their feet.  But the truth is many clubgoers are tired of all the fancy noisy parties. On a recent Saturday night this month, I was one of them. Therefore, after several oscillations, I chose a great place called Art Club 44, one of the oldest venues in town. The name of the club refers to its location in a courtyard on 44 Khreshchatyk Street.

The cover charge was Hr 50, an acceptable price since the club is in the very heart of a relatively expensive city.

The club’s nights usually start with some live music and proceed with dancing. Entering the club that night, I found the Wake Up band performing rock covers. The lead singer had a nice voice, but unfortunately, she had to support her spirit with a shot of vodka after every song, so she was quite tipsy by the end.

The atmosphere was surprisingly cozy with the audience playing a key role in that. The club’s guests, mostly people under 35, were dressed simply but tastefully, with no killer heels or flashy gold jewelry.

The club has two halls, one in which the band plays, the other, a haven for those who prefer conversing.
Its interior has a simple design, but nice. A round bar in the center is surrounded by vintage-looking wooden furniture, and the walls are plastered with posters of The Beatles. The only flaw was a TV on the wall, broadcasting the M1 music channel, a poor pick for such a place. Thank goodness it was muted.

All the tables were taken, so I took a seat at the bar and enjoyed one of the best things at Art 44 – random chatting. Conversation flowed easily with strangers and it worked well for a relaxed night. Of course, alcohol played a part in it, but not a critical one.

Unfortunately, the staff was surprisingly unfriendly. I wondered whether it was the club’s policy because the bartenders seemed very serious.

Bar prices turned out to be average. I ordered a vodka with juice for Hr 25, a cheap and simple mix, which seemed a popular order that night. Naturally, many visitors chose beer (Hr 20-30 per bottle). The main menu includes salads, fried cheese, sausages and more, but to my disappointment, no fries. On the other hand, food is not the most substantial thing in a nightclub.

At midnight the concert ended and the dancing began, but it wasn’t the best one can imagine. Not many danced to music from the 1990s and early 2000s, but the club’s atmosphere didn’t encourage much dancing.

The place itself is hardly an unforgettable place. It is more like a blank page where one’s evening can become crazy fun or incredibly boring. So in the end it’s all up to one’s mood and choice of company.

Kyiv Post intern Christina Geyko can be reached at [email protected].