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Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge - Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge, New York, NY

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

4.5
4.5
787 Reviews
$31 to $50
Russian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 21 times today
  • Great for live music
  • Charming
  • Lively
There is only one way to describe it: Classic Russia in the heart of New York.
The history of Russian Samovar starts well before the restaurant itself. Originally Jilly's Canteen, and owned by a friend of Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Samovar was the go-to hot spot for Sinatra and The Rat Pack.
In 1986, Roman Kaplan, founder of Russian Samovar acquired the property and was joined in 1987 by friends and business partners: Legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Award Winning poet Joseph Brodsky. Baryshnikov's baby grand piano is still used daily by our performers and guests can still request the Brodsky table, where the legends used to sit and drink away the hours. Guests of private events also enjoy our private dining room, where Baryshnikov filmed Sex in the City.
​Samovar has remained a celebrity hangout over the years. We've been lucky enough to feature impromptu shows by Liza Minelli and rumor has it that Mel Brooks adapted The Producers to film while sitting at our bar.

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Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Russian, Continental, Eastern European
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon 16:00–23:45 Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:45 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:45
  • Phone number
    (212) 757-0168
  • Website
    http://www.russiansamovar.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small<br />Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. <br />We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. <br /><br /><br />russiansamovar.com
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
  • Private party contact
    Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168
  • Location
    256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
  • Area
    Theater District
  • Cross Street
    52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
  • Entertainment
    Live Piano Music!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
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Menu

Soups

  • BorschtUS$13.00

    Traditional Russian Beet Soup

    • GribnoiUS$14.00

      Wild Mushrooms And Barley In A Hearty Broth

      • FrikadelkaUS$11.00

        A Light Broth With Delicate Chicken Meatballs

        • Seasonal

          Traditional Russian Salads

          • OlivierUS$14.00

            Chicken, Potato, Carrot, Onion And Peas In A Light Mayonnaise

            • VinegretUS$14.00

              Roasted Beet, Potato, And Pickle Salad In Sunflower Oil

              • ShubaUS$15.00

                House Pickled Herring Diced; Layered with Egg, Beet, Potato, Carrot, and Onions

                • Eggplant CaviarUS$15.00

                  Puree Of Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, & Peppers

                  • Russian TrioUS$29.00

                    Olivier – Vinegret – Shuba

                    Signature Salads

                    • GardenUS$12.00

                      Fresh Vegetables Tossed In Vinegar And Oil

                      • DuckUS$19.00

                        Arugula, Sliced Duck Breast And Poached Pear

                        • BabushkaUS$12.00

                          Cucumber, Tomato, And Dill Tossed In Sour Cream

                          • Prawn & AvocadoUS$19.00

                            Chopped Prawns In An Avocado And Mango Melange

                            • Tomatoes & BryndzaUS$12.00

                              Slices Of Feta And Tomato Drizzled In Balsamic

                              • CaesarUS$13.00

                                Romaine, Cherry Tomatoes And Parmesan

                                • CrimeanUS$19.00

                                  Romaine Lettuce, Basturma, Olives, Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, And Red Onion

                                  • Salmon RoseUS$19.00

                                    White Wine Poached Salmon On A Bed Of Mixed Greens

                                    Poultry

                                    • Chicken KievUS$29.00

                                      Bone-in Chicken Breast Filled With Herbed Butter, Lightly Breaded, And Baked. Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

                                      • Duck a la RusseUS$29.00

                                        Crispy Pan-Seared Duck In A Plum Reduction

                                        • TabakaUS$29.00

                                          Roasted Cornish Hen, Split; Topped With Garlic Butter, And Home Fries

                                          • PozharskyUS$26.00

                                            Breaded Plump Chicken Cutlet, Served With Mashed Potatoes And A Mushroom Gravy

                                            Fish

                                            • Seafood BlinchikiUS$28.00

                                              Shrimp And Scallop Wrapped In Blini With A Light, Creamy Saffron Sauce

                                              • Grilled Atlantic SalmonUS$29.00

                                                With Seasonal Vegetables

                                                • BranzinoUS$32.00

                                                  Served Whole Or Filleted With Grilled Vegetables

                                                  Appetizers - Cold

                                                  • Fish PlatterUS$34.00

                                                    Assortment Of Smoked Fish And Cured Salmon, Served With Blini

                                                    • Salmon BliniUS$28.00

                                                      Our House-Cured, Thin Sliced Salmon Served On Blini with Chopped Egg, Red Onion, Capers, And Sour Cream

                                                      • Russian Charcuterie PlateUS$30.00

                                                        Homemade Roulette, Bastruma, Beef Tongue, And Smoked Meats

                                                        • SaloUS$19.00

                                                          Thin Slices Of Cured Berkshire Fatback On Toasted Russian Black Bread with Spicy Russian Mustard

                                                          • HerringUS$16.00

                                                            Fillet of Baltic Herring, Boiled Potatoes And Pickled Red Onions

                                                            • SatsiviUS$20.00

                                                              A Georgian Specialty Of Chicken In A Spicy Coriander Walnut Sauce

                                                              • Pickled VegetablesUS$16.00

                                                                Pickles, Cabbage, Cherry Tomatoes, And Apples

                                                                • Marinated MushroomsUS$16.00

                                                                  Wild Mushrooms In A Special House Marinade

                                                                  • Beef TongueUS$27.00

                                                                    Thinly Sliced With A Spicy Horseradish Sauce

                                                                    • KholodetzUS$18.00

                                                                      Appetizers - Hot

                                                                      • Siberian PelmeniUS$14.00

                                                                        Homemade Veal And Pork Dumplings Served In A Light Chicken Broth

                                                                        • VarenikiUS$16.00

                                                                          Potato Dumplings Pan Fried With Mushroom & Onions

                                                                          • KhachapuriUS$18.00

                                                                            A Savory Georgian Cheese Pastry

                                                                            • Mushroom and PotatoesUS$19.00

                                                                              Wild Mushrooms, Onions, And Homestyle Potatoes

                                                                              • DerunyUS$15.00

                                                                                Pan Fried Potato Pancakes

                                                                                • DolmaUS$18.00

                                                                                  Grape Leaves Stuffed With Lamb And Rice

                                                                                  • PirozhokUS$6.00

                                                                                    Choice Of Potato & Onion, Potato & Mushroom, Spinach, Or Cabbage

                                                                                    • Beef PirozhokUS$7.00

                                                                                      • Mushroom Vol-AuventUS$16.00

                                                                                        Creamy Wild Mushrooms In A Pastry Shell

                                                                                        • KulebyakaUS$26.00

                                                                                          Salmon Filet With Vegetables' And Herbs Wrapped In Puff Pastry

                                                                                          • Pelmeni StroganoffUS$25.00

                                                                                            Meat

                                                                                            • KarskiUS$0.00

                                                                                              Grilled, Marinated Double Cuts Of Lamb In Georgian Spices

                                                                                              • MPUS$0.00

                                                                                            • Braised Short RibUS$33.00

                                                                                              Tender Short Rib Braised In Port Wine Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

                                                                                              • StroganoffUS$29.00

                                                                                                Strips Of Tenderloin In A Mushroom Cream Sauce. Served With Egg Noodles

                                                                                                • Lamb Country StyleUS$34.00

                                                                                                  Simmered In A Red Wine Reduction With Peppers And Herbs, Served Over Kasha

                                                                                                  • ZharkoeUS$26.00

                                                                                                    Beef And Vegetable Stew Served In A Bread Bowl

                                                                                                    • GolubtziUS$26.00

                                                                                                      Last updated: 28 June 2024

                                                                                                      What 787 people are saying

                                                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                      4.5
                                                                                                      4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                      • 4.6Food
                                                                                                      • 4.2Service
                                                                                                      • 4.4Ambience
                                                                                                      • 4.1Value

                                                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                      Review summary

                                                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                      Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers a "fantastic experience" with delicious Russian cuisine, a charming old-school NYC vibe, and vibrant live music. Guests rave about the "excellent service" and "amazing infused vodkas." While some note the decor is a bit dated, the overall atmosphere is lively and memorable.

                                                                                                      788 Reviews

                                                                                                      1. Tendu

                                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                                        23 reviews

                                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                                        23 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        Great ambiance, delicious food experience, great service. The borscht soup was very tasty. The herring and cured beef appetizers were of big portions. Babushka salad was good, a bit too much sour cream for my taste but still good. The beef stroganoff was the highlight of the evening. We ordered everything for the table and shared. They have a good selection of vodkas, infused vodkas, and cocktails. Their bread is very good as well. I recommend finishing with tea which comes with cherry preserves.

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                                                                                                      2. Ben

                                                                                                        Mississippi

                                                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        Another outstanding dinner at the Russian Samovar, this time for a party of 12! Everyone loved the food and the attentive, but not pushy service. Will always dine there on each visit to NYC. Great mix of locals and tourists.

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                                                                                                      3. Lana

                                                                                                        Hawaii

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        1.0

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined on 14 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 1
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                                                        Absolutely the worst restaurant experience I’ve ever had. Kudos to the chef for delicious food and presentation but service was awful. Waitresses didn’t bother asking for my order so I had to call them couple of times to order. When I wanted to leave it took me 40 min to get someone’s attention to get bill and that didn’t help. I had to walk to the bar and ask for a manager in order to get my bill, pay and leave. So disappointed.

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                                                                                                      4. Paula

                                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        1.0

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined on 11 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 1
                                                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                        Waited 35 minutes before having to ask for a server. Waited 15 more minutes for drinks. Another 15 minutes or more went by, during which time we were asked to help move our table. Took that opportunity to ask where our food was. Eventually server brought 1 of our 2 chicken Kiev orders and said the other one would be coming in a bit. We said forget about it and our side of vegetables, bring the check. My friend and I split the one chicken Kiev, which was unremarkable and the mashed potatoes were cold. Still had to wait for check & ask for it again but they did comp our drinks.

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                                                                                                      5. Henry

                                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                                        Orlando

                                                                                                        68 reviews

                                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                                        68 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined on 9 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        We were delighted with the excellent and very polite service, the cozy and romantic atmosphere, and, most of all, the scrumptious meal. However, we chose this place not only for authentic Russian food but because they advertise Russian music and entertainment as a background. That never happened, and needles to say we were very disappointed. A couple of musicians appeared late at night, and they spent 20 minutes tuning the piano, hitting the same key loudly. Very annoying. We loved the food, but we are now having serious reservations about going back.

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                                                                                                      6. ILYA

                                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                                        19 reviews

                                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                                        19 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        We visited the Russian Samovar many times over the years. It still good: continue to serve great food, very pleasant atmosphere Classic old style restaurant

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                                                                                                      7. Joanne

                                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                                        Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        Wonderful food, drink and service. Piano was lovely.

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                                                                                                      8. Mark

                                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                                        Memphis

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        Dined on 6 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        Great resto with nice staff and great food! Must try restaurant.

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                                                                                                      9. Ricardo

                                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        Dined on 4 December 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                        live piano music and great food made good experience

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                                                                                                      10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                        Los Angeles

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        1.0

                                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                                        Dined on 18 November 2024

                                                                                                        1. Overall 1
                                                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                                                        Made reservations for our 25th Anniversary and upon arrival was told they closed early due to renovations. Would have been nice to been told this when making the reservations or when I called that same day and they stated kitchen was open until midnight.

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                                                                                                      FAQs

                                                                                                      Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 757-0168.

                                                                                                      Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge is rated 4.5 stars by 787 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                      Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                      Make a booking

                                                                                                      2 people
                                                                                                      19:00
                                                                                                      Booked 21 times today

                                                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                      Google Map for Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

                                                                                                      256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

                                                                                                      Dining areas

                                                                                                      Additional information

                                                                                                      • Cross Street
                                                                                                        52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
                                                                                                      • Area
                                                                                                        Theater District
                                                                                                      • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                        Mon 16:00–23:45 Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:45 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:45
                                                                                                      • Price
                                                                                                        $31 to $50
                                                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                                                        Russian, Continental, Eastern European
                                                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                                                        Casual Dining
                                                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                                                        Smart Casual
                                                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                                                        Street Parking
                                                                                                      • Public transit
                                                                                                        Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
                                                                                                      • Payment Options
                                                                                                        AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                      • Entertainment
                                                                                                        Live Piano Music!
                                                                                                      • Additional
                                                                                                        Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
                                                                                                      • Website
                                                                                                        http://www.russiansamovar.com/
                                                                                                      • Phone number
                                                                                                        (212) 757-0168
                                                                                                      • Catering
                                                                                                        We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small<br />Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. <br />We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. <br /><br /><br />russiansamovar.com
                                                                                                      • Private party facilities
                                                                                                        We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
                                                                                                      • Private party contact
                                                                                                        Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168
                                                                                                      Gift card

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