We know Estonia
17.2.2015 | Leisure

FANCY PANTS

FANCY PANTS

This month, The Baltic Guide takes a look at the bars in Tallinn where you can dress up to the nines, clink Champagne glasses, and impress any fellow-traveller. Come with us, on a journey through time, space, and luxury.

 

Wabadus Cafe

Vabaduse Väljak 10, Tallinn Old Town 

Check on the map

Wabadus used to be known as Cafe Moscow, and is a long-time fixture of Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square). Inside, the 1970s feel, much-loved by customers, continues, while it’s possible on the lower floor to recline in very comfy soft chairs and people-watch through the full- length windows that offer the best possible view onto the square.

The menu has a selection of some good café classics and the opening hours have sometimes seemed arbitrary, but if you’re willing to look past the bar’s idiosyncrasies you’ll find a cosy, relaxed, yet sophisticated experience with which to start your night out.

Deja Vu

Vana-Viru 8, Tallinn Old Town

Katso kartalta

Deja Vu has long been a favourite of Tallinn’s Russian-speaking community, perhaps due to its decor, which is certainly unsubtle, with murky black and dark brown wood mingling with red upholstery. There is a smoking room upstairs that looks like Liberace’s boudoir, for people to use if they want a water pipe, and all the usual flavours are available.

Downstairs, musical performances and fashion shows are regularly held, many of which are by up-and-coming artists and designers. The food is among the best that you will find in the reasonable price bracket, and the bar’s chefs offer a comprehensive restaurant menu alongside a sizeable sushi card.

Though this well-run bar is frequented by the high-fashion and big-business set, and may be a bit too glitzy for the hipster in your life, if you enjoy the atmosphere, it’s among the best places to grab adrinkandabitetoeatinthe Old Town. Remember to reserve a table if you’re going in on a Friday or Saturday, as it’s incredibly popular. Sit back, relax, and you’ll want to come to Deja Vu all over again.

Klubi Teater

Vabaduse Väljak 5, Tallinn 

Katso kartalta

Klubi Teater is, as the name suggests, a club in a theatre. Sitting next to the Russan Theatre (Vene Teater) and looking across at Vabaduse Valjak, the club is a last-days-of-Rome hymn to decadence. If you have a business client from Finland or Russia who wants to sample Tallinn’s good life, or you just have a wish to dance around trees while the best-looking dancing showgirls in town do their thing on plinths, this is the place for you.

The bar-staff are fast and efficient, even the security guards are polite, and though this author suspected he would feel excluded from the party atmosphere, the whole experience is, thrillingly, quite inclusive. Wear a shirt if you’re a man, a nice dress if you’re a woman, and you’ll be totally fine.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Klubi Teater is that it’s a nightclub that welcomes people. Though it has a reputation as a ”Russian club”, all nationalities mix without any trouble.

The night I was there, I decided to buy a VIP ticket, to see what the smaller room was like. What impressed me most was that the VIP room was spacious and pleasant, but the main room, unlike in rival club Vabank, was equally nice to drink and dance in.

I encountered a problem with a young man wearing a bowtie and an attitude problem, who tried to convince me the VIP room was for his employer’s company party only. Impressively, the security guard earned my respect by, rather than following the money, apologising to me and telling me to enjoy the room. This was a fantastic customer-service experience where I had not expected it.

To learn more about this and similar topics

21.3.2024 | Leisure

Jack Holmes brings his fearless style of comedy to Tallinn

Jack Holmes brings his fearless style of comedy to Tallinn

British comedian Jack Holmes will perform his latest show, “Light in the Dark,” twice this week at Heldeke in … Read more

19.3.2024 | Leisure

Explore Tartu by bike for free 

Explore Tartu by bike for free 

Every Tuesday at 6 pm between now and the end of April, cyclists of all ages are invited to … Read more

11.3.2024 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

21.02–30.03, Pärnu Fotofest 2024, Pärnu 07.03–23.04, Tribute to Queen, around Estonia 09.03–18.05, December Rain Ballet, Tartu 11.03, Mike Oldfield … Read more

8.3.2024 | Leisure

Tallinn Boat Show begins

Tallinn Boat Show begins

This weekend the biggest boat show of the year in the Baltic states will take place in Tallinn. In … Read more

7.3.2024 | Leisure

Pamper your lady this Women’s Day

Pamper your lady this Women’s Day

In Estonia, Women’s Day is celebrated by giving flowers and gifts to women. If you don’t see men in … Read more

5.3.2024 | Leisure

The Winter Swimming World Championships are underway in Tallinn

The Winter Swimming World Championships are underway in Tallinn

The week-long Winter Swimming World Championships started yesterday in Tallinn. The event, which is the largest of its kind … Read more

4.3.2024 | Restaurants

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

21.02–30.03, Pärnu Fotofest 2024, Pärnu 05–09.03, Student Jazz 2024, Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Pärnu 06–09.03, Secret Service Concert, Tallinn, Tartu, … Read more

2.3.2024 | Leisure

Say goodbye to winter at the Kolkja Sled and Onion Route Winter Festival

Say goodbye to winter at the Kolkja Sled and Onion Route Winter Festival

With the uncharacteristically warm weather at the moment. The Kolkja Sled and Onion Route Winter Festival this Sunday (March … Read more