Harry Potter, GTA Vice City and a Soviet pub
We have put together a selection of atmospheric themed places in Almaty: from a Harry Potter-style café and a medieval dungeon to a GTA Vice City-style hookah bar and a Soviet pub.
Dive into your favorite (or not so favorite) universes and eras with a glass of Butterbeer, a Playful Fairy, or Jim Morrison.
Text by Zhangir Dzhangildin
Address:
metro station "Theater im. Mukhtar Auezova", Auezova, 104B
Telephone:
+ 7 747 575 71 21
Opening hours:
08:00 – 21:00/22:00
The Harry Potter-themed coffee shop chain has three branches: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each of them has a concept of a certain school faculty. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are located next to each other at the same metro station. Slytherin is also nearby.
The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, pancakes, and bowls, as well as specialty baked goods and drinks themed after the universe's attributes, such as butterbeer and candies shaped like magic wands and hats. There's also a shop where you can buy outfits, figurines, books, rings, stickers, and more.
Address:
st. Nauryzbai batyr, 50
Telephone:
+7 705 651 11 44
Opening hours:
18:00 – 01:00/02:00
This is a bar designed in the style of fantasy medieval times. The interior, design and concept of the establishment give off the atmosphere of a gothic dungeon of Europe during feudalism. Recent events there included: an ethno-rock concert, a vampire-themed party, a celebration of an ancient Celtic holiday and a master class in medieval dancing.
The menu includes a variety of authentic cocktails such as the Witch's Youth and the Playful Fairy, as well as hearty beer-pairing dishes and desserts.
Address:
st. Zheltoksan, 96/98
Telephone:
+7 707 043 07 67
Opening hours:
17:00 – 05:00
The bar reflects the eccentric atmosphere of the musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". It's as if it's Halloween every day. Rocky hosts various drag shows, burlesque, cabaret, musical-theatre performances and house parties.
The main feature of the menu is signature cocktails. For example, you can try "Rocky Horror Pisco Show", "Bohemian Sour", "Mushroom Milkshake" and "Georgian Mary". You can also order first and second courses, street food and desserts.
Address:
Tole bi st., 72
Telephone:
+ 7 777 228 88 54
Opening hours:
15:00 – 02:00
Imagine Almaty during the era of stagnation: Olzhas Suleimenov leaves the Writers' Union building, turns the corner and goes into a bar to knock back a couple of liqueurs and eat herring sandwiches. A similar vibe can be found in the Bright Future bar. The interior, music and menu items contribute to this.
For a small amount of money, you can drink beer and stronger drinks, as well as eat chebureki or potatoes with mushrooms.
Address:
st. Zhandosova, 58/1
Telephone:
+ 7 701 880 55 03
Opening hours:
15:00 – 05:00/06:00
The concept lounge bar pays homage to the GTA Vice City game. The lighting of the establishment is done in blue and pink tones, and inside you can find various interior attributes dedicated to the popular game.
The menu includes personalized cocktails dedicated to codes from the game, as well as hookah, European, Eastern and American cuisine.
Address:
st. Seifullina, 555a
Telephone:
+ 7 777 360 83 99
Opening hours:
19:00 – 02:00
The bar's theme is based on the "27 Club" – famous musicians who passed away at that age. If you like strong bourbon and Janis Joplin, then this is the place for you. After all, where else can you order a beer in honor of Jim Morrison and listen to an unplugged Nirvana concert?
The menu includes about a hundred types of whiskey and bourbon, craft beer, themed cocktails, and snacks.
Cover: Aleksandr Popov / Unsplash