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Pravda Vodka Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 2 am
Sat 6 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
64 reviews for Pravda Vodka Bar
Review Highlights
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"...beyond awesome and kept the happy hour drinks a flowing to..." In 11 reviews -
"And their (girlie) martinis are deee-lish." In 19 reviews -
"Live music on Weekends." In 4 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Daniel H.
Mississauga, ON
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here with my girlfriend for happy hour before our dinner at Lucien, and man, such a great idea!
Happy drinks are priced spot on, not only that, they circulate passed hors d'oeuvres which was a nice surprise.
I recommend Pravda for a "date before a date" kinda deal or small group gatherings. Definitely impressive either way. -
Review from Aviva S.
5/2/2012 2 photos
The pravda about Pravda is that's it's a 2.8.
The decor in here is WOW. Bold, red, two floors, statues, pictures. Lots of tables but most of them are reserved so it's not a walk-in place. They staff had to see if they could fit us in on tiny tables near the glass front of the bar. When they said they did, I felt SO special and honored. They play music that doesn't really fit the whole communist theme and they had a flautist which was...random and out of place.
The menu is okay. Not amazing. There's expensive sets of different vodkas, you can get individual shots, and there's vodka martinis/cocktails that are....not that good. What's good though is that they do have happy hour where $11 martinis become $6 martinis.
You get more than a few people serving you. One that checks if there's a seat for you, another takes your order, another brings you the drink, another brings you a complimentary appetizer (Both myself and my friend are vegetarians and we really appreciated that they especially tracked down a vegetarian one as the regular appetizer has meat in it), etc. etc.
The staff are all very nice but the problem with the staff and the place in general is that it's very inauthentic. The staff aren't very knowledgeable about vodka and I'm sure they and most of the customers don't know much about Lenin (the statue guy), the Soviet Union, or communism. I was born in the soviet union and can't relate to my culture yet I felt like the most authentic person in there - which is problematic. It feels like a place where slightly snobby people come in after work.
Pravda means truth in Russian and this place does not fit that name. Skip it, go buy authentic premium vodka at LCBO. If you do come here, come during happy hour and get a reservation. -
Review from Maheen M.
3/26/2012
I was at Pravda for a couple of friends' birthday celebration this past weekend. This lounge has an interesting vibe, all red with Russian pride. They have free coat check upon entry. Pravda has two floors of lounging goodness. Most folks like my friends, made reservations in advance for their own booth.
Drinks are $8+, a bit on the mid-price end of Toronto's club scene. You could pick the various vodkas they had in your drinks, but be prepared to pay!
The crowd is your average Toronto club scene, mostly everyone is with a group of friends. Music is a mix of top 40 and house, the music added a good vibe.
Pravda has happy hour through out the week, their regular $11 martinis are $5.90! It would be definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Kent P.
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Like much of Russia, Pravda needs a bit of a facelift. Looks great when you first open the door but upon closer inspection, the furniture is dated and grimy. Drinks are sort of pricey, but for the area it's located in you shouldn't expect a deal. They play the Russian national anthem twice a night, I think. That can get annoying.
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Review from Cecille C.
10/26/2011
They say the island of Manhattan contains everything. It's not true. At least, there is no bar in Manhattan as Pravda for the communists!
I definitely love the decor and the theme of this venue. I guess the tiny red part of my brain must be actively triggered when dancing here! All the Soviet symbols, banners with pictures of communists look very masculine. But if you look into the details, the lighting, the couch, the interior, it's actually very sexy and feminine.
When everyone in this bar were standing up, singing, toasting while the Soviet Union anthem was started, I seriously thought of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune, the Canadian communist doctor who had helped China in the war... O Canada! -
Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
10/11/2011
The average life expectancy for a Canadian male is approximately 78 years.
The average life expectancy for a Russian male is approximately 58 years.
Russia has one of the lowest life expectancies in the developed world, and unlike the Canadian figure, the number is falling dramatically.
One of the chief reasons for this disparity is the near-endemic incidence of alcoholism in that country. According to the infallible wikipedia, alcoholism is a pervasive problem in the country, while alcohol consumption is a chief revenue-generator for the government. As many as one in eight deaths in Russia may be attributed to alcohol.
So you can imagine how it feels to write a straight-edge review of Pravda vodka bar.
The most appealing aspect of this place is the sheer variety of vodkas available, on ice, as they should be. This compared to the lukewarm Diet Coke I nursed while admiring the surroundings.
And there's what to admire; the room is a series of caverns and alcoves, surfaces covered in rich red fabrics. Past Party leaders glower at you from above, in all their brutalist glory. If you're a history buff, you'll know that given their penchant for assassinating each other, they'd be better served keeping an eye on each other.
Wear a flashy suit, and you too can feel like a young oligarch in training.
The main area is dominated by a bar one one side, and a large communal table on the other. Servers and busboys try to slide by mid-conversation, which limits one's flow. Not that there's much room for conversation. The place is packed, and the noise is loud enough to rival a proletariat demonstration against the bourgeoisie.
Live music plays on your way into the bar, but you're shuttled to the back, and a constant stream of indistinct techno. Periodically, somebody recognizes the beat and a brief roar goes up from the crowd. It's too small a space to dance, so we all groove and sway on our feet as one.
I've often wondered what a real Soviet ex-pat would say about this kind of place. Is it a kitchy reminder of home, or a slap in the face to those who were brutalized by a totalitarian regime. Yeah, I may be a bit of a kill-joy, but it's hard to think of Stalin as a benevolent cartoon character.Listed in: Jonathan's Straight-Edge Guide…
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Review from Renata R.
10/24/2011
I absolutely LOVED this place. Besides the obvious AWESOME vodka selection (have the tastings!) and totally incredible martinis, the decoration is one of the best I've ever seen - I'm a huge, huge fan of soviet design, they're full of posters of the soviet era and all red! The Lenin poster in the second floor is something I'd have in my living room for sure! He's almost dancing! DO THE LENIN!
Staff is friendly and knowledgeable, service is FAST (I went there in a FRIDAY NIGHT AND IT WAS PACKED!) and the DJ is decent! Despite being full of, uh, those kind of people you see in the entertainment district, I loved the place.
It loses a star because of the bizarre table reservation policy. I simply don't get it: bar is full, with lots of empty "reserved tables". So I suggest going with 4+ people and reserving a table in advance.
Not a place to go everyday, unfortunately. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2011
I have been there a few times now, so my review is not based on a single negative or positive experience.
In fact the first time I went there was years ago at their old location closer to Yonge St. next to the fountain. Oh, that visit time was quite strange... Some girl tried to pick me up by asking a guy that liked her to buy us vodka shots and HE DID! Then almost got me into a fight because she insulted some random girl while smoking outside by staring at her for a bit too long(?) Her boyfriend through that I was the strange girl's BF and challenge me to a fight right after he told me to "get your fat cow to mind her own business!"
Odd, odd, odd!
Anyway weirdness aside, I remember the place having a nice decour and a reasonable place to chill, however I do remember thinking their prices to be outright silly.
Well, I have been there twice or three times since they moved and I still think people are getting ripped off by their prices. Sure, if you have a LOT of cash in your entertainment budget --which I did before I bought my condo-- then you might not mind, but still, it does not take away from the fact they are still ripping you off.
For example, for $11 I expect an awesome Martini and I find their selection to be uninspired. You want a Martini done right? Go to Byzantium. About the best Martini they can make is a classic martini but THEY HAD TO, if you call yourself a Vodka bar and you cannot make a decent classic martini then just close your doors down. Oh yes, and they do have a $6 Happy Hour Martini, which I unfortunately got there a bit too late to get, I think it ends at 7:00pm.
Last time I was there was for a small going away party and one of my friends got their Caviar Taster for $18 and he might as well just gone to St. Lawrence market and bought his Caviar there, because for $25 you get an actual tin. Here for $18 he got... imagine dropping three tiny drops of mustard from a plastic bottle onto tiny crackers. That is how much he got. Tiny, miserable specks, less than 1/3 of an oz which INCLUDED the weight of a quail egg. Not cool.
I am not a vodka connoisseur but I have had Wyborowa and Chopin with friends in the past and those are the brands they normally drink including Grey Goose and although they are good stuff, they are definitely not ubber premium . Which I think Pravda wants to pass themselves as. Unless we are talking about Grey Goose La Poire Vodka which is $103 a bottle but I did not see it on sale because it is French and also because at their prices they would charge you $45 a shot.
The decour is 'Pseudo-Russian Retro Overkill,' with Lenin statues --check the one just on top of the entrance-- and old (possibly real?) period posters hanging off some walls. The actual furniture and ambience has a circa-Czar decoration vibe, plus lots of reds and blacks to remind you that you are supposed to be in a room pre-1917 Russia but not later, 'cause that just depressing.
Also, thanks to my friend Reggie who reminded me of the statue of MAO to the left, when you go up the stairs, which is you know, slightly out of place. Also we were there with a Russian couple who found Pravda silly because in their opinion the place wasn't even remotely Russian.
There are some attempt at live music at the top of the stairs with one or two guys playing jazzy/chill music, which sometimes works, sometimes it does not. Depends at what time you show up. I have been at the back for a birthday party and on a Friday it's a pain to use the bathrooms as they are downstairs in the front. I have also sat at the couches up front, which is interesting for people watching but must be avoided once the weather gets cold as you will be getting the cold draft as smokers come in and out.
Yes, you see a lot of Bay Street types trying to show off and on Friday and Saturday nights you might get border-line skanky dressed women in tight dresses, make-up and sporting expensive shoes or handbags. Don't get me wrong, I think I clean well and I like to wear blazers when I go out so I could try to fit in, however I do get the impression Pravda is not so much about having good old fashioned fun but more to show off, try pick up and buy some overpriced alcohol so you can tell your friends you were there.Listed in: My Reviews
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Review from Faye C.
10/18/2011
This was a pseudo regular hang out for me and girls for a little while, mostly b/c of it's location, kind of between downtown and the east end, making travel relatively equidistant.
Pros: the decor - we take this for granted, but when I meet up with people who haven't been here before they are noticably wowed.
They have some interesting martinis (either wednesday night or thursday night, I can't remember which) which have these fabulous toppings.
Cons: It's somewhat pretentious, and usually just a little too loud, and full of randomly obnoxious people...
For those reasons, I probably won't be back often. I have preference for lower key places, with good drinks and good friends. -
Review from Simika K.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went there on a Friday night with a group of friends. It was quite fun, so thought I'd do a quick review
Pros - 1) their snacks and drinks (order their Cream Sickle - a delicious concoction of Vanilla Vodka, Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice!, sliders and Fries Stroganoff. 2) their decor - memorable and eclectic, it creates a funky atmosphere. 3) Staff - friendly and efficient, comes by often but not in an in-your-face kind of way, which I liked.
Cons - it's a tad bit too loud and too crowded for a lounge. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
After my NYC eating/drinking Vacation, I now always have urges and desire going to bars/lounges and having a cocktail or two... Talking about bad/good influences from my Yelp peers in NYC! :)
Since I am not really into the crowds or going to places that are really hopping, Pravda Vodka Bar is perfect for a night cap on a weeknight! Quiet but still have patrons...and for sure you can get good services or have your requested fulfilled!!
Lychee Martini ($11) always my choice of Martini since I love lychee..so it was easy for me to decide. I let my Yelp drinking Buddy to have his vodka tasting instead since I am just a light weight when it comes to alcohol.
And he for sure has a delighted experience being served by the friendly, knowledgeable and sexy bartender. Each vodka selections was explained thoroughly and my friend was too busy enjoying the moment and for him every single one tasted the same :).
Pravda Vodka Bar for sure is a date place on a weekday. The soft lighting, the atmosphere, the rich and red deco and those velet loungers!! Anyone would have feel romantic and chic having a drink here!
Then my Yelp Drinking Buddy just woke me up from my dream.......
I need to be back during Happy Hour for their ($6) Martinis!! Now I know where I will wait for my hard working Yelp friends while I have a drink or 2.
PICK ME UP at Pravda!! -
Review from Justine H.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Restaurant: Pravda Vodka Bar
Cuisine: Bar
Location: St Lawrence Market
Address: 44 Wellington St E
Price Range: $15-25
1: Poor 2: OK 3: Good 4: Very Good 5: Excellent
Food: 3
Service: 4
Ambiance: 5
Overall: 4
Extra information:
*Live music on Weekends
*Happy hour Martinis $6.15 with complimentary appetizers, 5 to 7pm, M-F
*Only place in Toronto with 70+ types of vodka
Pravda Vodka Bar is different. It's not your ordinary fancy lounge, nor is it your neighborhood pub. This 2 floor lounge/bar hidden away on Wellington St near St Lawrence Market is a old themed Russian Vodka Bar.
Once I walked in, I was amazed by their beautiful interior made with red velvet curtains and chandlier. Choose from chairs, booths or sofa- whatever caters to your mood or occasion. They have lots of space for any kind of gathering and you will be amazed by hidden seating areas around every corner.
I dropped by around 8pm on a Saturday night with a friend not knowing what to expect. When we were going in, it worked like a regular restaurant, but keep in mind that when we left around 11'ish, they changed into a 'club' with the bouncers at the front checking your ID.
Their food menu consists of Salads, Caviar, Sliders, Perogies, Flat bread to Meat/Cheese boards for sharing
Ordered: GREEN APPLE MARTINI 5/5
*My all time favorite martini for $11.00
*Sweet, tart and refreshing
*Piece of Green apple garnish on top
*Came ice-cold which I liked
Ordered: LEMON BREEZE MARTINI 3/5
*Subtle lemon flavor
*Came with sugared rim which got messy and sticky near the end
*If you like sour drinks, this would be good for you
Ordered: LYCHEE MARTINI 4/5
*Bursting with Lychee flavor
*Canned lychee as a garnish
*Tasted too much like canned lychee juice
Ordered: MEAT PLATTER 3/5
*Big platter consisting of meat, pickles and condiments for $17
*Turned on flash to take picture of this cause it wasn't showing up very well
*This would be good to share between 3-4 after a meal
*I expected something special from the platter along the Russian theme but it was just ordinary
*Salami, Prosciutto, Italian sausage, Pate, Pickled mushroom, Cabbage coleslaw, Pickles and Flat bread
*Would have liked bread instead of flat crackers
To be honest, I didn't expect much from the food we ordered, since we weren't there for meals anyway. But the service was exceptional! Our waitress checked back constantly and she was super friendly. We were there for around 2.5 hours and with the seats we were at, she could have easily forgotten about us but she probably checked back 10 times or more. We sat in the corner of 2nd floor which was more so on the quiet side and was perfect for chatting. It would have been the perfect spot if we were on a date but 'unfortunately' I was meeting up with a highschool girlfriend :)
Around 9'ish, there was live music by the stairs with electric violin, African drum and trumpet. I loved the live music and around 10o'clock, it was getting very crowded with people standing by the bar and mingling.
Pravda Vodka bar is not cheap but the atmosphere and the live music makes it worth that extra few dollars.
Additional Note: I actually went back 2 more times after my first visit here but again only for drinks. Last time I went back I brought my friend visiting me from Vancouver and she fell in love with this place. Except that time we sat downstairs and our waitress was just horrible. Following a not so great service throughout the night, she spilled one of our drinks on the floor when she got to our table and it splattered all over my friend's feet. The martini glass shattered when it hit the floor and she didn't even check if we were ok, it was actually me who first spoke and asked her if she was alright. She completely ignored me and didn't even apologize to my friend who was clearly wiping her legs covered in spilled martini- plus she didn't even bother cleaning it up after. I guess it will dry eventually but what if other people step in it and slip or hurt themselves? I guess she didn't care. Before we left, we let her know how dissatisfied we were with her service and made sure to let the owner know (he's always at the front) when we were leaving about how horrible she was. He was very friendly and understanding, telling me next time I visit, I should find him and he would give me a free drink but obviously I didn't tell him to get free stuff out of it. I didn't have a chance to go back since, so I am not sure if anything was done with her.
Summary: Other than that horrible experience with that specific waitress, I still absolutely love this place. Their drinks are awesome and the live music with the old Russian theme just blows me away. If I am going for a drink or a friend is visiting from out of town, this place will always be on my list. -
Review from Richie S.
Stumbled here after an early birthday dinner. Rather early in the evening, we were given a "Reserved" area, as we were going to have the Red Army Vodka Tasting menu with premium vodkas.
Out comes the cutting board with a honking loaf of rye bread with an emptied jar of sliced pickles. Great idea - bread to "cleanse" the palate and pickles to make you thirsty.
A lot of the vodkas were hit and miss. Pretty sure I could have started my car with at least two of the samples, but they had my favourite (Reyka from Iceland ***NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN THE LCBO, so grab what you can while you can***). They did have Dan Aykroyd's Crystal Head Vodka (not allowed in our LCBOs) and it was quite nice.
A little ridiculous with some of the prices (Most were $8, but some were $15 and $21 a shot, from bottles that may be limited edition, but are still available at your local lickbo.
Really friendly and mostly knowledgeable staff. Free bday shots were given.
We played Name the Bushy-Browed Leader and staggered off to find a gin bar... -
Review from Himashi H.
Scarborough, ON
2/6/2012
Saturday night
I went to Pravda for my friends 25th birthday. She had reserved a booth for 15 people and she was required to sign a contract saying we had to spend $600 at least total. So we got bottle service for $150 and everyone ordered food as well. The food was surprisingly good and service was fast. The sliders and poutine were particularly good. The wait staff was really attentive and would continue to pop in to make sure tables were clear and to ask if we needed anything.
There is not too much room to dance but the music is really good. Top 40s/house. There's also a live bongo player who was awesome.
If you are going, I would recommend a booth unless you like standing around and getting jostled by the crowd. Try to get one of the two booths at the back because it's a lot more private.
Overall it was a great place. The bill came up to about $740 with HST and 15% gratuity. -
Review from Manuel C.
7/8/2011
I wish I could have stayed longer in Toronto. Loved the decor. Decadent pseudo-Soviet icons long bereft of communist leadership.
Love the vodka selections. Had dirty martinis. Wonderful, attractive professionals and inebriates. Better to arrive on Sunday through Wednesday if you wish to get a spot .
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are busy nights, please reserve or send your posse ahead to stake out a place or better yet, reserve a spot. -
Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
4/20/2011
I have to admit...I am not a big Vodka person. And I wish I had such a hearty liver that I would be able try all the vodka's at Pravda in one sitting, but alas, I can only attest to my fave, the Zubrowka Vodka from Poland. Let the party begin!
Intro. I was invited to a special birthday fete at Pravda and was very excited. I mentioned the place to a couple of my coworkers and all said they had a great time. The inside of Pravda is swathed in lush reds with statues of Stalin and other bearded, patrician looking men all around the restaurant. I am led upstairs...and upstairs to a private-ish area where I could see a stocked bar and cozy seating for a good 9-10 people.
I ordered the Black Bison Martini which is my FAVE - made with Zubrowka Vodka (this Vodka is made of some parts of the grass in a special magical field where the Bison's graze...I don't know if I truly liked the Vodka, or rather the fairy tale marketing gimmick). In any event, it was a berry-licious drink...with lots of alcohol. Let me have another order please! My amour had the Chocolate and then the Espresso Martini which was very tasty as well considering I usually don't like coffee-ish drinks. At the very start of the night, the manager (I presume) came up...I was thinking to wish the birthday boy, but it was more of a warning for us not to have drinks in hand while over the balcony. He explained that many a party before, people would dance with drinks over balcony = alcoholic drinks with cranberry or grape juice splashed on patrons below = gross.
Food. Soggy Tempura was the first dish. I found it weird to be served a typical Japanese dish in a not-so Japanese restaurant. Not my fave. But, as the birthday boy told me later on while recounting how drunk I was, the perogies were AMAZING! And I do remember they were big, thick and covered in a creamy sauce. YUM! Then, there was a salmon with lox and a beef dish. All in all, you wouldn't come to Pravda for the food, but its food that goes well with a lot of alcohol (thereby allowing you to drink more...YESSSS!)
Ambiance. I really liked Pravda. I don't like bars, clubs usually because of the dance floor, as in, being jabbed by elbows and hands and the inability for one to dance without bumping into someone else followed by evil stares. We had the most upper floor to ourselves so dancing and drinking was FUN. I do agree with another review I read about the trek to the bathroom which is all the way downstairs. Towards the latter latter part of the night, the place was PACKED! Going downstairs to the loo meant clawing your way around people and finally gathering your breath downstairs...I see it as exercising the perogies I ate, so not a complete bad point, but just something to be aware.
I think Pravda would be a GREAT stop over for vodka martini's after work or even before shows at the Sony Centre. It's within walking distance of Union Station, although if you're going for a night of debauchery, taxi's are a plenty. Great for groups...it is just a fun, fun, place to be. -
Review from Giuliana B.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
3/4/2011
I was looking around for a place to go for drinks,nibbles and some dancing that wasn't a club, and after asking around, I decided on Pravda.
I called about a week prior to make a reservation for a fairly large party, and the person I talked to on the phone was very helpful and accommodating. She also advised us that there would be a minimum $400.00 spending limit for a party my size.
When we got there, we realized that our reserved table was right beside the entrance, and that it was barely big enough for all of us. Either way, we all managed to pile in and soon our server was introducing herself to us. We wanted to get a couple of bottles and some food, so she took us to the back freezer to try some Vodka's before we made our decision. We also got a couple of platters of cold cuts and cheeses.
My major problem with this place was that it was freezing by our table! Because we were right by the door, and people kept coming in and out, we had cold gusts of wind hitting us every few minutes. Some of my friends even kept their coats on the whole time. You'd think that with all the time they had to secure our reservation, they could've at least given us a better table, away from the damn cold.
We came on a Friday and the place was packed!!! It was really hard to move through the crowds to get to the bathroom or to the upstairs area, where there's a kind of "dance floor". Once we did make it to the "dance floor" we realized that it was equally full and it was hard to find even a little bit of space where to dance. The music selection was pretty decent though, and they had bogo and drum players that would play along to the music, which was kinda cool.
All in all, we had a decent time but its not a place I would return to unless I had to. The food was really good, and their Vodka selection is impressive (and I love Vodka) , but I just wasn't too impressed with the place in general. I prefer to go to places where I will be able to move around a bit without hitting someone. -
Review from Imran N.
3/27/2011
I used to go to Pravda when it was a whole in the wall down the street. I liked it better then. It's still a good place now in its new spot, and the vodka list is obviously great.
But now it's just gotten too much. I think it's hitting the mature phase of it's life cycle and soon will be done. This is indicated by how packed it gets now, and the fact that once upon a time, the bouncers were very friendly and never commented on any shoe choice, but now they do.
The place attracts 30+ yuppies and i've noticed a large amount of women in groups. Also be prepared, alot of douche bags in waist coats and blazers.
It's a fun vodka bar, but on the weekends, it's push and shove getting a drink, and not that fun anymore.
If you're a beer drinker, there's only one choice, and it's pricey. But if you like vodka, the choices are endless.
The place also has a live saxophonist or violinist on the weekend, which is a cool touch, but just compensating for the fact that upstairs it's even more packed than you can imagine.
Overall, the place is a better choice than a king street club. But the truth is, the best time to go is really during happy hour after work, to actually get to experience it's true purpose being a vodka bar. -
Review from CHAR C.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
i LOVE this place. the happy here is such a great deal and there's no place better to get a drink and just chill out in very cool decor. the apple martini ($6) is delicious. the food during happy hour, esp the Kalbasa, is also very tasty. there is a flute man playing for everyone's entertainment. recommended! can't go wrong.
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Review from Mariko M.
4/2/2011
Very chic and funky.
Met up with a friend here on a Wednesday night for some midweek drinks. I love the decor of the place... it's mostly red as they're going for the communist USSR look. Background music was a good variety. On this particular night, they played heaps of good old 80's pop with the occasional Russian song.
I can only comment on the drinks as we didn't eat anything. For $10, you can get one of their 2 oz. martinis. Definitely not watered down! Anyway, I was thoroughly impressed with the drinks.
I'll be back !
PS - Parking ... goodness! I was relying on street parking, but that totally didn't work. Don't worry though. South on Church, you'll find a big Green P complex. After 6 PM, it's $5 for unlimited parking (until 7 AM). -
Review from Jean L.
Mississauga, ON
12/22/2011
friday night.
Music: live violinist and hand drummer. very cool! they played popular tunes that you'd recognize. dj eventually played. mix of house/top 40. it's not too loud, so you can hear yourself speak. always a fan of not losing my hearing!
Dance floor: very small. although people dance, the dance floor is pretty small. the space is designed that you come here with bottle service. I wouldn't come to pravda unless i did (and I rarely want bottle service).
service: decent. I didn't buy much from the bar, so I can't really say.
crowd: 25+ european flavour. good lookin' people ;) -
Review from Rachel P.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2011
Stepping in Pravda I loved the lush feel of the bar; dark wood, red velvet curtains and chandeliers. I see that it also has the potential to turn into more of a bar/club later in the evening, but at 8pm on a Wednesday evening it was fairly low key.
We made the error of ordering a cocktail from the specials menu to start. Great price and lots of pomegranate flavor, but too sweet. We're here to drink vodka, right? So along came the martinis. Lovely big olives and a very impressive menu selection of both "old-world" (Russian, Polish and Ukrainian) vodkas as well as "new-world" selections from anywhere from here locally in Canada to New Zealand.
Our server was really attentive and his knowledge of the vodka menu was astounding. He could tell us exactly the process of how it was made, the glacier the water came from and the historical significance of each type. Very impressive.
We had a few light snacks. The traditional perogies that were made with potatoes and wild mushrooms and a brown butter/creme fraiche sauce. Good if you feel like a heavy/comfort food type snack. Not for the faint hearted. GREAT for soaking up vodka.
We also ordered the "From the Sea" sharing board that included Atlantic smoked salmon, pickled herring and poached tiger shrimps. The herring was delicious and there were plenty of crackers and other nibbly things to keep us happy.
One of the few criticisms I have was the music. Loads of 80s pop and early 90s hits that really seemed to clash with the vibe of this place. It also clashed with the saxophonist who was trying to play over Spandeau Ballet? Weird.
The vodka selection is amazing and I learnt so much while I was there whilst getting fairly rowdy. Great recommendations from our server on vodkas to drink that don't sit in the "premium" category helped the overall cost of the bill. HUGE thumbs up for the Russian Standard, Sobieski (Poland), and (surprisingly) Tito's from the USA was a great one to sip from a shot glass.
Great fun, although be careful because the temptation to try everything on the menu could make this place very dangerous..... -
Review from Tara A.
Updated - 4/14/2011
I will say, I ventured to Pravda last night for a pre (and post for that matter) dinner cocktail. When the bar isn't filled with Bay Streeter's, it wasn't half bad. They actually let me sit down this time around and were very helpful in helping us decide on the right vodka to mix with our drinks of choice.
Still not my favourite but definitely better than my last experience.Listed in: The shamefuls of Toronto
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/7/2009
If you don't belong on Bay St, you do not belong in Pravda. I went there a few months ago after… Read more »
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Review from Robin D.
5/13/2011
Pretty cool. Decor is awesome and they have live music, which makes for a great atmosphere.
We were really well attended and they seem to have a great selection of drinks, mixed with vodka, or just vodka. -
Review from Tre D.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2011
I recently went there for an 8 man bachelor party. We did bottle service at the top of the stairs and it was super cool. The bar has a unique 2 floor layout with bars on each floor.
The music was upbeat, and the dancefloor is... well....wherever you want, which was awesome!
Everyone there was super friendly and kept wanting to party with us (but maybe that's cuz we were pounding Vodka like no tomorrow and they wanted to scam from us...haha)
Only draw back:
There is a wierd bottleneck thing that happens with the crowd at the top of the stairs which makes it a huge pain to get to the bathrooms (which were downstairs), or outside for the smokers.
awesome though -
Review from Marie M.
11/3/2010
I just finished modeling at at Jewelry show here for Ola Finesse Jewelry. It was an awesome show, and I got to wear beautiful jewerly.
During and prior to the show, what stood out to me the most was the interior decor of Pravda: the lounge sports beautiful patterned furniture, red mostly with some black accents. I loved the music that was playing at the lounge, lots of house with some neo-soul earier in the evening. The food that came out for customers looked good and looked expensive, I didn't have any, obviously, I was there to work. The crowd that was there for the drinks and the food, not the fashion show, was mainly (near and) middle-aged plus white males and females. It seems like they have good martinis, it was on most tables. They also have very good vodka: upon being wrapped for the evening, a model and I had a shot. (I never drink before or during a gig, only after.) The only ethnic people in the lounge was at the jewelry event.
Overall, this look like a good chill spot, for the average Bay Streeter (Bay Street is just a few blocks away) or some people with alot of cash to spend on overpriced drinks/ food and a pretty backdrop/ scenery. -
Review from Sean D.
10/23/2011 1 photo
Fantastic atmosphere! Great vodka and pickles! (I may have had a pickle or two while there) You must visit for a drink or two while in town! Lots of fun, and the owner is great...passionate about vodka!
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Review from Lori D.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2011
Nice place for a Thursday. After work place for ppl in the financial district. They have a happy hr martini menu M-F. Place looks fantastic. Good to go if your from out of town. They have tons of vodka. The staff are friendly and will serve you quickly.
Try the chocolate martini or a Russian beer :)
No cover, and complimentary coat check! -
Review from LINDA R.
3/9/2011 5 photos
Extremely plush, sexy, posh place. The décor is very romantic: think red velvet drapes & intimate sofas - or try the ultra-sexy curtained booth in the back - o ya baby.
Service was prompt & very attentive. Good happy hour, but I don't really go for the lower grade vodkas used in them, so I chose 1 of their many concoctions from the extensive list. The fig & goat cheese crustini type appie was to die for 0 and paired purr-fectly with the tinis.
Eventually out comes the server, bottle in hand, describing all it's attributes, and produces 2 shot glasses, proceeds to pour & says enjoy. Well! Ok then! Why the heck not? This happened about 4 times, and the last time? The coveted "Crystal Blue Bottle" (hear the angles singing??) Again, a big red carpet presentation - and yes, I did feel like a total VIP - (especially with our neighbors staring at us wondering who we were to deserve such intimate service.
OK - now comes the bill - W T F ?! are you KIDDING me? I thought (for some unknown reason - DUH) these were all gratis ! never once was it mentioned they would charge, or how much, or this would go on the bill, or here is 1 to try (instead of 2) if you would like to in the amount of.....) $25 for a SHOT OF VODKA?! Are you nuts? And no, never ever would I have agreed to that - rather 2.5 tinis for that price, thank you very much! (guess I will forgo the mortgage payment this month, the bank will totally understand?) While the night was off the charts, and all stars were in alignment, and definitely (gulp) memorable, it sucked to have had such a horrendous drinking bill of which I had never seen just for 2 people - here in the states that would have done 4-6 with our happy hours.
So, BE AWARE of this sneaky trick of theirs that they so smoothly produce to us unaware consumers! (this was twice in 1 wk, btw, as I did go back since I was staying at a hotel nearby and was an easy place to meet with friends. So definitely not an isolated event - and I didn't know the 1st time as it was paid for me so I was uneducated as to the 1st bill).
6 stars for the atmosphere, 2 for the underhanded bill popping. Not nice. -
Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2011 2 photos
I stopped in here on a Tuesday night stroll with a friend. The atmosphere is really cool and the the service is great. Definitely a nice place for a drink.
*** DRINKS ***
I only had drinks here, vodka to be specific. This place has the largest selection of vodka I've ever seen. I tried 3 types of vodka: Effen, Wyborowa Exquisite and Chopin.
* 3 Shots | $8.15/shot = $24.45 *
I'm not a vodka connoisseur, so I couldn't really tell the difference between the drinks. However, I did notice a slight difference with the Chopin - the only one made from potatoes. It had a bit of an earthiness to it. It was the last one I tried and the only one I sipped slowly. For the most part, it's all firewater.
*** ATMOSPHERE ***
Perestroika! Lot's of red, hammer and sickles, busts and pictures of Lenin, and hot pink. It's kind of an 80's Cold War era feel. They play a lot of 80's music in the background, but it's not too loud. The chairs and sofas are really comfortable. The table has an old Russian newspaper in it with glass on top. Tables are candlelit (for effect), but the entire bar is well lit. The bar and restrooms were clean. The bar was fairly empty, but maybe it's because it was a Tuesday.
*** SERVICE ***
Glasnost! The service here is almost as transparent as the vodka. After ordering my 3 shots, the server quickly brought over 3 shot glasses and the 3 bottles to the table. She explained each vodka in complete detail (how it's made, the process and ingredients and also the bottle design) and poured each one. She was very friendly and she told me she learned all this stuff on the job, so she must be pretty good. The server was cute, so was her partner. They both wore tight black dresses with short skirts. During her explanation, she sat right beside me with legs crossed... It made me feel good!
*** PRICE ***
I never go out just to drink vodka, so I'm not too sure that the pricing is good, but I thought it was fair. There was a discrepancy in the pricing: A 3 shot special which comes with Russian rye bread and pickles is $27 and 3 shots individually cost $24.15. Is the bread and pickles worth $2.85? I didn't think so, especially since I had already eaten dinner. A special should be more worthwhile in terms of price.
* 3 Vodka Premium Shots (Individual): $24.45 *
* Lychee Martini (Friend's order): $11.00 *
** Total after tax and tip: $46 **
*** GAUMARJOS ***
Pravda is a great place to have a drink with some friends. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The atmosphere is stereotypical, but fun without being offensive. I really liked the decor and the feel. The pricing is fair, though the specials should be specially priced. I would like to go back here to try the food and some more drinks. Step behind the Iron Curtain and give Pravda a shot!Listed in: Noise 'n Poison
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Review from Laura M.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2011
I love Pravda. I've been coming here for quite some time now, and I am never disappointed. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. While I've never been on the weekend, it's a great spot to grab a drink after work as they have a Happy Hour (3 hours actually!) that includes some tasty martinis and a plate of free apps. They often have a live musician and/or DJ during the week as well.
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Review from Monique L.
6/5/2009
I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could. My friend lives down the street from here and is a regular because of the proximity. He's Russian too so he likes to represent :-p. They even played the Russian national anthem once or twice.
The bar was pretty loud but the drinks were all pretty good, tons of different vodkas to choose from, as one would expect from a vodka bar. I can't say how much it cost because I never paid for a drink. Life's hard when you're me :-p. The base vodka they used for martini's and mix drinks was really smooth.
The clientele was a little older but it was great, the played a lot of early ninety's stuff.
The bathroom was very cramped. It had 3 stalls but felt like a shoe box. -
Review from chris l.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2011
2 stars is generous for this place. 1 star for the decor, another for the friendly security out in the line up.
My group decided to check Pravda since our first choice was a no go. It is always good to visit new palces anyway.
We got there around 10pm and although the line up was somewhat lenghty, the fact that many people went in and out made the line move along quike than expected. The folks coming and going was an early indication of what the place was like.
Once we got in, they were playing Lady Gaga... I just do not enjoy that nor top 40 stuff at all, so that was a first strike personally. The decor alone could not save Pravda in my personal opinion.
The bar downstairs was way too packed and to order a drink was another line up. The same went for the bar upstairs, way too many people for the lay out of Pravda. The bars are way too close to the sitting areas and that leaves virtually no space for anybody to walk through or stand around comfortably. We ordered a few drinks and were somewhat surprised and how pricey they were. It was ok, no big complaints.
We spent no more than 15 minutes in this place. The tight spaces, the horrible music, and the over priced drinks really did not make our visit enjoyable. The only good things were, the decor, the friendly security and nothing else. Head out to Foundation Room, way better. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2009
Pravda Vodka Bar is one of the premier bars in Toronto and boasts a large list of vodka from all over the world to prove it. Walking in you are welcomed with dark wood, exposed brick, stainless steel accents, mirrors, gold (lots), and little Russian decorations here and there to round out the mood. There are bottles and bottles of different vodkas that line the wall of the bar.
It was a busy Saturday night and I went in a large group of 20 and we had the VIP room on the second floor at the very back. Setting a reservation for 20 one would expect there to be enough room but we were given 3 small round tables, about 20" in diameter, a bunch of cubed ottomans, and 2 love seats. The servers were very nice and knowledgeable and tried their best to keep on top of things but this place gets really full really fast and I understand. We all ordered food, which was nothing special and definitely not worth the price but when you're hungry you eat.
Pravda offers wine, beer, and other alcohols. The drinks on the menu are spectacular and showcase their premium vodkas at a pretty penny. There's even a few vodka shots that cost well over $50 a shot... A SHOT! I am more of a scotch person but I did a vodka tasting, at the suggestion of the bartender, that had 6 different shots of vodka from different regions around the globe. The tasting was a unique experience and I would suggest it to anyone that cringes with disgust whenever the word vodka arises. The bartender was really knowledgeable and helpful and knew a lot of the vodka's characteristics off hand.
The music being played is loud and is the usual top 40 and hip hop mix. They even played, what I assume to be, the Russian national anthem at 12am. There is absolutely no dance floor as the place gets packed like sardines come 10pm but that doesn't stop people from finding a small area, table, ledge, or bar to let loose on. The bartenders even danced on top of the bar and encouraged patrons to join, with a little help from vodka persuasion I'm sure. The crowd ranges from late 20's to early 40's lots of dresses and jeans with blazers. The crowd is here to have a good time a spend a fair amount of money while doing so.
Overall, Pravda Vodka Bar is a fun, albeit expensive place for a good night and a few drinks. The drinks pack a punch with out a lot of kick. Stay away from the food if you can and use that money for more drinks. Staff are friendly even when it's busy. If you are claustrophobic or hate tight crowds stay away or reserve the private room on the bottom floor that's sheltered from the crowd and quiet enough to carry a conversation. Prices hurt the wallet but it is a premium vodka bar so that is to be expected. Come here at least once for the decor and to say that you've been. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
7/17/2009
I've wanted to try this place for awhile jusdt because of they hype. Yes, I too can give into hype.
I felt compelled to dress up for this place because of the "high end" aura it has. But really, there is no such dress code for this place. You will not feel sorry for dressing up, but don't feel intimidated if you're just in jeans. It isn't one of those places that will kick you out or have a bouncer tell you you're stylishly-challenged.
The room is quite nice. two floors and an easy lounge that is strategically set up for tight squeezes and excellent people watching while mingling with your own group. there are enough microspaces to mingle with strangers and if that's not overt enough for you there is a communal table on the second floor.
Now the vodkas. they have a menu. it is large. they have a large bar that is lined with, yes, vodka. Because I gave up vodka when I was 17 (heh..yeah), I decided I would just let the bartender reccommend whatever drink (all the well knowing she could have recommended a 50$drink) just because I know if I do choose to come back here this will likely be my last vodka-based drink. It's one of those things you just need to try just because it is available.
I gave her a list of qualities I like in a drink (not sweet, dry, simple) and I asked her to reccomment a martini. I forget the name of the drink but she used a vodka from iceland. It was a martini done real (too often bars turn martinis into sweet cocktails- real martinis should really just be vodka and vermouth). the martini was $15 and it was good.
If 15$ is too steep, they also have 5-7$ options that are more on the cocktaily end but definitely not watered down with sweet fillers. They were quality too.
After the 15$ martini that I nursed for a good half hour (vodka was smooth and good but I still can't say I'm gonna go back to it) I ordered wine. the glass of house wine was also 15$.
This is defnintely not a place to be a regular at unless you have a bay street bank account.
The vibe:
red room, late twenties to 40s crowd. dressed very up and some dressed for an average pub.
crowd wasn't especially pretty, which is what I expected, but there were a couple that I glanced at more than once.
I'd go back. but I'd go during happy hour when drinks are cheaper or else I'd feel like I'd have to pre-drink- again, something you do when you're 17. -
Review from Catherine L.
Toronto, ON
3/12/2010
My go-to spot for after-work happy hour with the girls. between 5-7pm, you get $5.90 quality martinis (our faves are perestroika and chocolate), a free appetizer (only 1 per person, but it's good stuff, like a big shrimp), and usually a seat.
The bar is nice and swank and not very busy. I've come here on a Wednesday at 6pm and had no problems grabbing a seat. It's busier on Fridays for sure, but you can usually grab a seat by the bar or just stand.
They have a great variety of vodkas so it's good for tasting different types, and they will be happy to let you try multiple ones if you want bottle service. Also, on Wednesday we got free shots of vodka just for making a reservation on a Wednesday!
Service is pretty decent and the prices are reasonable. They have a lot of perogies on the menu in the $10 range, and we ordered a cheese plate for sharing that was $16. It came with 4 different types of cheeses, honey, grapes and some dried fruits and easily satisfied the 3 of us.
If you're looking for a nice place for a happy hour drink that is not too busy, I would highly recommend Pravda! -
Review from Claudia G.
Oakville, ON
2/19/2010
I recently spent a Friday night here to celebrate a friend's birthday. I have to be honest, I first heard some negative things about this place. So with that in mind, my expectations was not the highest walking in.
I think we went in around 10pm and the place already very packed. We had arranged for a table service, but we had noticed that all the tables were occupied! Hey what's going on...
So eventually after some talking with the staff, they apologized for the confused and evicted the table thieves. ;) Unfortunately the service in general was quite slow. I think by the time we were all seated, it was close to 11... and took another half hour for the drinks to finally come out.
We had three bottles, along with an assortment of mixers... cranberry, apple, redbull and something else... things got a little fuzzy toward end of the night, so forgive me ;)
The music was mostly the top 40 stuff, mixed in with some house/jungle. One thing was kind of annoying was when they started doing some live instruments (some Caribbean style drums, etc).. I was sitting pretty close to it, and let me tell you, I thought I was going to lost my hearing! And I can take loud noise.. but this was on another level. I felt this whole part was unnecessary--and actually took away from the Russian communism theme, in my opinion.
All in all though, once things got going, we had lots of fun. Their vodka selection was quite impressive course, this was to be expected.
The bill came to about $600 plus gratuity. This "took care" of about 20 happy people. -
Review from Caitlin R.
Scarborough, ON
6/30/2010
What a lovely little place to stumble into.
Absolutely everything is drenched with gaudy Russian decor, but it's absolutely fabulous because it somehow manages to be rather classy all at once.
The seating is brilliant! Couches! It's like hanging out with your friends at home drinking (except the carpets have been recently vacuumed and you are [or should be] fully clothed). Slightly suggestive as couches are more or less the go-to make out spot when you are on a date... I won't lie, some PDA happened, the couches seduced me. But everyone seemed to be in their own little worlds with their Russian vodka and no dirty looks or awkward 'EHEM's were had.
THE FOOD. WAS. AMAZING. I was not hungry upon arrival but I am so SO SO pleased that I was coerced into ordered because, by God, the food was rather flawless.
I munched on the 'Mushroom sliders'. Grilled portobello mushrooms with a goat cheese that seemed to have a honey kick to it. Little mini-hamburger-style. I was amused.
The mushroom and potato perogis were also heavenly. As was the dessert fruit plate. This dessert plate kicked ass. No crappy melon or grapes, but MANGO and blackberries and beautiful oranges and strawberries. UGH. SO. GOOD.
FYI. They also have this little dungeon room on the lower level that you can use for the night for optimal privacy if you so desire. This also came with a free shot. Be prepared to handle your vodka. And the thorough history lesson that comes with it.
Very enjoyable experience. Recommend. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2010
Busy. This one thing can ruin the whole experience. It was packed to the brim and movement was difficult. We finally got to the bar and were able to order a drink which was consumed quickly so I could leave. At one point while fighting the crowed I ventured too close to a table and was promptly reminded that those were for bottle service customers ONLY!
NO SOUP FOR YOU!!
The atmosphere is unique and the entertainment was good, there was this live violin/drum combo that got up on the bar remixing Top40 stuff and it was surprisingly good. I'd return but it would have to be when it's less busy. -
Review from K S.
9/18/2011
Decor - fun.
Drinks - martinis aren't fantastic, but they're a good deal during happy hour.
Food - good, but overpriced.
