You're reading: Enjoy great live music at these smaller Kyiv venues

Kyiv has seen some world-famous musicians perform on its biggest stages this year, but there’s some great live music to be heard in the city every night in smaller venues. The capital has lots of options for those who want to enjoy a tasty dinner, or have a glass of wine while listening to live music.

The Kyiv Post checked out some of the capital’s bars and restaurants with the best live music shows.

Charlatan Cafe

The recently-established Charlatan Café has already become a favorite place for Kyivans who want a delicious dinner accompanied by live music. The venue has a piano in its first hall, and offers all visitors live music every day, Monday through Thursday, from 8 p. m. to 10 p. m.

On Fridays, and on weekends, Charlatan’s live music shows start at 7 p. m., and last until 11 p. m.

The style of live music at Charlatan Café changes every day, as the venue invites various pianists, accordionists, violinist and flutists to perform either pop or classical music, depending on the musician’s choice.

Besides its daily live music shows and romantic atmosphere, Charlatan also offers salads or well-served and tasty tartars, as well as a range of good wines.

Prices: beef tartar — Hr 125, hummus — Hr 80, Sauvignon Blanc, Sileni — Hr 150 per glass, espresso — Hr 39

Charlatan Café (12 Shota Rustaveli St.) Mon-Sun 9–1 a. m. +38068 397 7070

Buena Vista Social Bar

For those enchanted by Latin American culture, Buena Vista Social Bar offers the chance to hear live salsa or bachata dance music, and try some traditional Spanish and Mexican food, without leaving the city center.

Located in the heart of Kyiv’s downtown, the bar invites local and foreign musicians, to perform the music of Latin America, such as bossa nova, rumba and salsa dance music, as well as blues and some traditional Spanish and Portuguese songs.

Buena Vista Social Bar has live music shows every day, from 9–11 p. m. on weekdays, and at 11 p. m. — 1 a. m. on weekends. Apart from live music shows, the venue also holds tango or salsa dance classes, and parties held on Fri-Sat after 1 a. m.

Buena Vista Social Bar also serves various kinds of tequila, traditional Mexican alcoholic drinks made of blue agave plant, and offers snacks, including tapas with a range of fillings, tacos, nachos and many others.

Prices: pisco sour — Hr 120, tapas with mozzarella — Hr 300, chili con carne — Hr 120

Buena Vista Social Bar (8/14 Velyka Zhytomyrska St.) Mon-Sun — 12 p. m. — 1 a. m. +38050 344 4812

Pink Freud

This Kyiv bar offers various live music shows for different tastes, and invites local musicians to perform mainly jazz or Latin American music.

Live music shows at Pink Freud are held three times a week, during the weekdays, giving Kyivans an opportunity to relax after a long working day and listen to live music performances as they enjoy the bar’s warm atmosphere.

Pink Freud’s live music follow an instrument-based schedule, with saxophone music performed every Tuesday, piano on Fridays and guitar music shows every Thursday, starting at 7 p. m.

In addition to live music performances, the bar is also known for its great variety of alcoholic cocktails, hot drinks, liquors, coffee drinks and many snacks.

And Pink Freud’s friendly staff is always ready to recommend something from the bar’s extensive menu.

Prices: mai tai — Hr 160, whisky sour — Hr 170, pinot grigio — Hr 90 per 100 milliliters

Pink Freud (19 Nyzhnii Val St.) Mon-Sun — 6 p. m. — 1 a. m., Fri-Sat — 6 p. m. — 2 a. m. +38068 379 2337

Barman Dictat

It is not easy to find Barman Dictat, as the venue is hidden behind one of capital’s main streets. However, that doesn’t stop dozens of people from attending the bar’s live music performances, held every day from 9–11 p. m.

Barman Dictat’s live music features saxophone, drums, flute and other instruments. The music genres vary from romantic jazz, blues and soul, to pop.
Apart from daily live music performances, Barman Dictat is well known for its alcoholic cocktails. The venue’s barmen always ready to recommend something suitable for guests’ tastes and budget.

Prices: baked camembert with pear and blueberry sauce — Hr 180, storm cocktail — Hr 185.

Barman Dictat (44 Khreschatyk St.) Mon-Sun — 6 p. m. — 3 a. m., Fri-Sat — 6 p. m. — 6 a. m. +38050 346 1636

Shyshka

Located not far from the city center, this venue has a lot to offer to its visitors. Besides its great location, Shyshka (“the Pinecone” in English) also has a decent wine and snacks menu, and holds live music shows every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9–11 p.m, when the restaurant’s visitors can enjoy live piano, saxophone and accordion music.

The range of music includes popular songs and covers, as well as blues and jazz.

Shyshka’s food and drinks menu includes lots of options for meat and fish fans, as well as a wide selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages to accompany the dishes.

Prices: espresso — Hr 35, La Vilette, Pinot Noir — Hr 120 per glass, salmon tartar with peach — Hr 169

Shyshka (61B Volodymyrska St.) Mon-Sun — 10–2 a. m. +38068 228 6161

Black Market Restaurant

Black Market Restaurant has live music shows four times a week, giving its visitors the chance to enjoy a tasty dinner accompanied by live piano music.

The restaurant invites pianists every Wednesday and Saturday to perform popular songs. Live vocal shows are held every Thursday and Friday, featuring covers of pop songs.

The live music shows at Black Market Restaurant usually start at 8–9 p. m. and lasts until 11 p. m.

Located in Kyiv’s Parus business center, Black Market Restaurant offers breakfasts and lunches, and has a decent snack and salads menu. There’s also a great selection of wines and alcoholic cocktails.

Prices: amaretto sour — Hr 230, tiramisu with truffles — Hr 195, pumpkin soup with parmesan — Hr 135, espresso — Hr 60

Black Market Restaurant (2 Mechnykova St.) Mon-Fri — 8–12 a. m. Sat-Sun — 10–12 a. m. +38050 388 3088