Russian Tea Room in New York is one of the oldest famous Russian restaurants in the United States. It was opened in 1926 by former Russian Imperial Ballet members. The restaurant has changed a few owners, was closed down a few times, and has recently reopened under a new owner but unchanged decor and atmosphere. New York Magazine article describes the interior as “vibrant red-and-green room with its samovars, its Christmas-all-year excess”. History has been happening in the Russian Tea Room and I would strongly recommend visiting it, if ever in New York.
New York Magazine article
Wikipedia article
Russian Tea Room
150 W 57th St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 974-2111
Directions
A Russian restaurant in Philadelphia that got excellent reviews. It’s open Monday through Friday for dinner. The atmosphere is casual and kids friendly. This restaurant features a wide selection of traditional Russian dishes.
Golden Gate Restaurant
11058 Rennard St
Philadelphia, PA 19116
(215) 677-9337
Directions
As a person who basically ‘grew up on tea’ I miss that afternoon cup of black tasty tea when I go out for lunch. Of course, there is always green tea in Chinese food places, but it is nothing special. A popular Russian restaurant in Chicago, Russian Tea Time offers an afternoon tea service every day 2:30 - 4:30 pm in addition to regular hours and meals. I would go there just for that every day. Here is an anonymous quote I found about this restaurant: “Russian Tea Time is the only restaurant I can think of that reminds me of the quality of dining when I was a young girl. In those days we took such dining for granted. Today your type of ambiance and food are a unique experience.”
Russian Tea Time
http://www.russianteatime.com/
77 East Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312)360-0000
Fax: (312)360-0575
Directions
“If you want to feel Russian spirit, you ought to go to the Russian restaurant, Stoli Grill” - states one of the reviews of this restaurant that I found. This is a cozy Russian restaurant in Houston, TX, where everybody knows everybody and comes not just to eat but also to hang out. The atmosphere is very friendly and unofficial which makes the gusts calm and enjoy the quality food even more. This restaurant offers Eastern European and Russian dishes.
Update: Stoli Grill is now CLOSED
“Primorski is located in Brighton Beach, “Little Odessa”, Brooklyn. Primorski is one of the oldest and finest Russian Restaurants in New York. In reality, Primorski is both a Russian Restaurant and Georgian Restaurant. Primorski’s cuisine has a Georgian flavor. This is due in part to the former owner, Buba Khotoveli, who is from the city of Kutaisi. Georgia is one of the 15 republics of the former USSR, and is located near the Black Sea. We cover our tables in a delicious smorgasbord of Cold appetizers, hot appetizers, Shish Kebabs, and of course the Russian Vodka. We also carry a large selection of Georgian Wines for the light drinkers. Primorski is also one of the most happening Russian Nightclubs in New York. At night, Primorski becomes a bustling Russian Nightclub. We have live music every night. Primorski also has a large dance floor so that you can dance the night away. So enter into the fun, delicious, and exciting world of Primorski. Book your next birthday, anniversary, or just come and party at Primorski.”
- http://www.primorski.net/
Primorski Restaurant
282 Brighton Beach Ave # B
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 891-3111
Directions
Based on the links and reviews I found about “Rossiya” it is a well-known place in Brooklyn. They offer a wide selection of authentic Russian food dishes along with entertainment, and well-designed interior. When I was looking at the pictures of “Rossiya’s” website I immediately thought of “Ivan Vasilievich Menyaet Professiu” movie. The clothes that the waiters are wearing in the pictures and the decorations are all very similar to czar-times Russia. The food looks good in the pictures, maybe it tastes good as well and one day I will try it.
Rossiya Restaurant
www.rossiyarestaurant.com
532 Neptune Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224
(718) 372-5163
Directions
One of the best Russian restaurants in New York. “Firebird” got a few quite positive reviews. This place is great for a romantic dinner, very cozy, serves high quality food, and has a very pleasant atmosphere. It seems like the decorators tried to replicate the 18th century Russian home atmosphere and succeeded. “Firebird” is located in the heart of New York City. I would strongly recommend it for a relaxed dinner with good food while in NYC.
Firebird Russian Restaurant
www.firebirdrestaurant.com
365 W 46TH St Ste 9 (Cross Street: 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10036-3810
(212) 586-0244
Directions
… or Plov Uzbekskij. I found this great listing on Russian Yellow Pages about an Uzbek cook who makes and delivers real plov around Encino area in California. There are a few types of food he makes including Samarkand, Fergan, and Holiday plov, mashkichiri, samsa, and salad. He has reasonable prices per pound and free delivery. Unfortunately, he doesn’t deliver in my area but if anyone checks it out, please let me know how the experience was.
Plov Uzbek
818-224-8052
More Details Here
“I drive 50 miles from San Jose just to buy bread there” were the words of the person who recommended Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store to me. After hearing something like this I will most definitely go and check it out when I have a chance… For now, I have found a few most positive reviews of the place. Pictures look very promising as well. I heard poppy seed cookies and pies are the best. Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store is located in the heart of the Russian community of San Francisco on Geary St.
Tbilisi Bakery Store
5540 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 668-6959
Directions