We know Estonia
15.12.2015 | Leisure

THE PARTY OUTSIDE OF THE OLD TOWN

THE PARTY OUTSIDE OF THE OLD TOWN

Tallinn nightlife isn’t only in the Old Town. There are plenty of intriguing night spots all the way down the stretch of road leading you from the edge of the Viru gates to Pirita, the seaside area of Tallinn that once hosted the 1980 Moscow Olympics’ sailing segment. There’s a lot to see that isn’t usually discovered by the average tourist to Estonia, and not all of it’s scary, or expensive, either.

 

Cubanita Live Cafe

Narva mnt 5, Tallinn

http://www.cubanita.ee/en/

We begin with a cafe that is a favourite of Tallinn-based foreigners, as well as many locals. Cubanita is an established name in Tallinn’s bar scene, but is bestknown for its weekly salsa nights. The bar, which is situated in the gold-exterior, garish Foorum centre, actually manages to beat off its Trump Tower-style surroundings and is pretty classy when you get inside.

The cocktails are excellent, as is the salsa party. Salsa is, of course, a great way to get to know new people, as it often requires people to pair with someone they have not met before. However, it’s really not awkward, if you get into the spirit of the event. The DJing is invariably excellent, and the fact that a Tallinn bar is so long-running, in what is traditionally a city in which franchises change hands at a rate of knots, tells you a lot about the bullet-proof popularity of Cubanita.

IO Restoran & Lounge

Narva mnt 63/4, Tallinn

http://www.io-restoran.ee

A short taxi-ride away from Cubanita, IO is a new night-spot, which transforms from trendy lunch hangout for the monied Kadriorg set, to a kind of polished entertainment Batcave through the kind of technology Christian Bale’s Batman would have been proud of. The floor-length windows surrounding diners are obscured at night by electronically-drawn full-length curtains, that, when the mechanism has completed its work, reveal a Renaissance-style mural.

If you’re at IO for a meal, the staff are courteous and serve with a sense of humour. I was a little disappointed by my main course, but of course if you’re a nightlife-seeker, you will come to IO for the events, not for the food. As an event venue, IO is almost unbeatable. The vast central performance and dance area is surrounded by dining tables, with great sightlines to the action wherever you are. You will find that you can get served with drinks pretty quickly wherever you are, as staff are attentive to your needs.

Black Taverna Lounge

Pirita tee 20, Tallinn

http://www.blacktaverna.com/index.php/en/

First-language Russian-speakers might often opt for a post-club spot like the Black Taverna, situated just next to the Song Festival Ground on the way to Pirita, although this bar is a great place for anyone to go, and we are merely stating who makes up the majority of the clientele. Step inside and it’s dark, low-lit and intimate – perfect for quiet chats about what you’ve just seen, or done, on the dancefloor.

The food is the best thing at Black Taverna. No matter what time of night you arrive, you’ll be greeted by waiting staff who are happy to see you, and a plate of the finest sushi you’ll find after midnight. When you take into consideration the problems finding food after clubbing in the centre of Tallinn that doesn’t taste like rubber, it’s a welcome change to find such great meals at such an early hour of the morning.

 

 

Click on the address to see the location

TEXT STUART GARLICK

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 | Leisure

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