Secret Bar Scene of L'viv

Now that I've gone through most of the touristy, cultural things to do in L'viv I bet you're waiting to hear about the night life.

As you should be!

It's... so... much... fun!!!!!!

Okay, okay, okay, okay.. Where do I start...

How does a secret Soviet-times bar, in a dark alley, with a guard sound?
Good?
Okay, let's start our night there.

This place, despite being a secret bar, is pretty well known.
It's called Kryjivka.

It's not so well known that it feels mainstream.
But it's well known enough that if you asked a young person where to find it there's a 50% chance they would know and point you in the right direction.

It's at the end of a dark alley.
You knock on the big wooden door and a guard pulls a metal latch back.
"Password/пароль?" he asks.
"Slava Ukraini/слава Українi" you respond.
"Slava heroyam/слава героям" he says back.
And the door swings open to reveal...
A small room with 3 walls filled with books.

You're offered a shot of mead/Mедовуха.
And only after you take it does he throw open one of the "bookshelves" to reveal a staircase to the bunker.

The atmosphere of this place is really cozy.
Loud, hustle bustle-like.
Guys walking around with old hand-held sirens.
Bands playing.

Really great for casual drinks with friends any night of the week.
Order more mead.
Order a "zakyska" ("snack" - in Ukraine we eat a bit of something after a shot instead of chasing it with more liquid).

Then while you wait for food and drink to arrive go play dress up.

Read about the historical artifacts on the walls.

And when you see delicious items have appeared on your table go and enjoy yourself.

There's a bb gun range and some old motorcycles and cars out back which I would suggest checking out as well.

This article mentions details about the masochistic bar, Jewish bar and Freemason bar you should visit as well if you have the time.

It focuses on the outrage about the bars, but still a good article. As a side note, I agree with the guy who started them up: controversial gimmicks do get people talking and interested in things they otherwise would have ignored.

КРИЇВКА    |    Website    |     Address: Rynok sqr 14    |     Phone: +38(050)4306354