Oh I love it here! From the live band, to the friendly staff and tasty drinks. It’s a small spot, but you know small spots are always the best. My friends and I come here when we wanna get nice and tipsy.

We came here for post-dinner drinks and hanging out, and it was so fun with live Russian music! There were two musicians dueting and they were really fun.Their infused-vodkas have some really interesting looking flavors; we tried the lychee one and BOY it was delicious! So easy to sip it was dangerous. We also got the glintwine (essentially a mulled wine) and it was quite tasty as well. Fun place!

A perfect place to try Russian food and flavor infused vodka. Live music, relaxed atmosphere, very friendly hostess, the place is historic - literally.A hidden gem, an absolute must to visit if you are in the neighborhood.BTW, my favorite vodka flavor was horseradish, but they have a dosen to try.

Really cool place, great atmosphere and nice jazz music

This place is a wonderful reminder of a New York City from days bygone. Filled with live music, tiny tables and all the beautiful Lower East Side weirdos you ever dreamed of. The cucumber martini is whats up. Cash only.

Amazing! Unique place with great live music every night, and a stellar borscht martini

Fun little restaurant in the East Village. Plenty of outdoor space and also limited indoor space. The staff was friendly, fast and efficient. The food esp the braised short ribs was amazingly delicious. The cocktails are strong and delicious as well. By the time I left, there was a long line waiting to be seated. The food and drinks must be that popular to bring a crowd who are willing to wait long to eat.

Great and fresh food, but staff forces you to pay with cash! Kinda ruined my experience.

Great place. Live entertainment, fantastic staff and great drinks. Not much else to ask for.

The most romantic ambience youll get in an East Village Bar.The food is very decent. However its the music and service here that rock the show.

This is a friendly, intimate space that occasionally hosts local music. There are also tables set up outside for dining.

Great cocktails + great musics with Jenn Jade and Mathis Picard.

This is a great place for an amazing vibe. Its a Russian bar and the place is small and cozy. There was a live band too when I went there. When I say live band, there was a musical performance which was all in Russian! I loved it. The place might get packed pretty fast but i loved the experience. Food was also great. Be sure to try their amazing drinks like a lot of different kinds of Russian and Eastern European beers.

Great place, delicious food, great infused vodka, and live music! Cash only

Fantastic place. Great staff. Great music. Chocolate Martini and Espresso martini are to die for .

Best night Ive had in years. Drinks and live music by Jenn Jade + Matiste made the whole vibe even better.

Im going to give it 3 stars because I liked the place, the decoration and the atmosphere. The food was also delicious especially the chicken stroganoff and they had international beers. Something that I loved was the live music..What I did not like about the place was the waitress. One of my friends couldnt drink alcohol and asked for a coffee because it was cold outside and we assumed that they have coffee for the name of the place (ANYWAY CAFE), but The waitress was very rude and told us that if we wanted coffee should to go to the corner. Really? The whole night she was rude, she looked like drunk.

Always a great time at Anyway! The smallest location out of the 3, 2 are in Brooklyn. But very cozy and food never disappoints! Nice and friendly staff!

Fun cozy place with great music and cocktails. Very relaxing and easy going. Try the borscht martini, I did and was pleasantly surprised how good it was.

Cozy, friendly, tasty, great live music, closely. bohemia is going here ... no coffee, no tee, no desserts🤷‍♂️

Wonderful place with lovely service! Delicious food, great drinks and live music🙌

The food is fantastic here, its really great because there arent a lot of places nowadays to get this type of Russian-style cuisine in the neighborhood. I loved the latkes (potato pancakes) as they were so filling, as well as the bikini (crepes) since the caviar on them was superb. There are so many wonderful vodka-based concoctions to sample, or traditional absinthe if thats your thing. And they sometimes have live music, which is so entertaining.

Had an absolutely fantastic night there. great russian food and vibes

Wonderful atmosphere. Feels like home !Live music ! We loved it very much

On paper this place has everything going for it: great food, great drinks, live music, the ambience of a quaint russian joint with what seem like regular locals. But in reality its a really big disappointment. The service is terribly slow, and if youre not one of the regulars or in the know, youre likely going to be sitting outside and be told that you can only stay there for an hour. It felt like I was inconveniencing them whenever I would ask for something.The first time I experienced this I chalked it up to a bad and busy night, but the second time when it was a Sunday evening with plenty of empty tables, I dont think its a coincidence.Its also a cash only establishment with decently high priced items on the menu, which just adds to the annoyance. No one wants to carry $100+ anymore, its 2021 already!

Great food, great staff, great atmosphere. Definitely going to go back. Randomly had this starred as somewhere I’d want to try and now it’s somewhere I will make plans to go to. Highly recommend.

Good food and a great venue. Perfect for a date

Just the right combination of warm atmosphere and eastern block reservation.Chicken stroganoff hit the spot and so did the music. One of those magical New York places where you meet people from all walks of life and create a lasting relationships.

Great little place! Amazing service! Delicious vodkas.

Overall I was impressed by the food and charm of this place. I highly recommend ordering the horseradish vodka

Interesting Russian outpost. Interesting that after 5 pm they no more offer coffee or tea...but lot of flights of vodka. Occasionally some excellent music from groups like Trio Frio.

Great ambiance and solid Russian food

Very happy for the support of live music and artists... BUTThe establishment itself, sadly has very little to praise. The food was mediocre at best, and the service was abysmal!I attended to see and support one of our live performers along with a friend on Wed night. As soon as we arrived, we were told that we could not sit where we originally wanted to because of social distancing. Fair enough. But not only were we basically placed in a corner under a tarp, THEY SEATED A COUPLE AT THE EXACT PLACE WE ORIGINALLY WANTED 3 MIN LATER!Im pretty easy going so, no big problem so far (I was there to support the musicians anyway). My friend ordered a drink and a potato pancake. I asked for a gin & tonic. The waitresses said No food? You MUST order food! Its a state law! Im sorry! You must have food And stormed off without me even looking over the menu to see if I wanted something. Keep in mind that we had just come from Red Lion (Highly recommended! ) and I had one drink, no food- no problem...She brought our drinks and my friends pancake... (which I did not taste but was told it was a mushy soggy mess...$13).She finally came back and asked what food I wanted. I ordered the Mango chutney ($11) if you want an expensive order of chopped mango with cayenne pepper on a bed of soggy spinach eaten plain with a fork youll LOVE this!After I finished my dish she returns with Im sorry. I forgot bread. Did you want bread? 😑She brought the bread, but I had already finished my meal...They close the bar at 11, so about 10 min before, I decide to use the restroom, order my last drink, and ask for the bill. I was told. NO.NON NO! ITS 11 oclock no more drinks. I said fine asked for the bill and proceeded towards the mens room. I was stopped for the waitresses to explain Its policy, Im not at fault thats the rules! I explained I understand and theres no further explanation needed. No no, its because we are closed, its not me, its just thats the rules... etc. I just walked away because I was already upset at being forced to sit in a different area, forced to order food I didnt want, was served overpriced diner grub, denied a drink, and now being explained to as if I were 4 years old.No matter.My friend and I got separate checks and placed our cards on top of them.Guess what? NOO NO, NO NO. No cards only cash. No Venmo nothing, only cash!Well a sign, or a warning, or common reminder when giving the check would have been nice... so I walked a few blocks to a deli and paid an ATM fee to withdraw cash. I still tipped 20%.To top it all off, we asked our musician friends once they began closing if they needed our help to pack up their equipment or store any of the restaurants equipment.As were striking things, THE OWNER IS SHOUTING AT US to Move! Out of the way!! People are moving tables! Geez...Horrible staff. Sub-par food. Expensive drinks, expect to order food or face the authorities...oh and bring cash.Great music though! ☺

Cozy and comfortable place. Atmosphere is nice. Piano of musicians is also good. Waitress is kindly. Cash only.

I love a quaint cash only spot. Food is good. Vibes are good. Drinks are great.

Its a dark, cozy, live music filled place. Has infused vodka flights and cool mixed drinks. Staff is attentive and friendly.

The waitress was real nice to us and as attentive as one could be during a busy Friday night. Loved the bucket of infused shots

Great service and menu items

This is the best known secret in the east village (slash) LES border spot. The people who work here are straight off the boat in the best possible way. You must have the infusion vodka martinis. Dill and borsht and beet are some of the possibilities. The potato pancakes are some of the best here too.

Its okay. Im still looking for my fav music genre. The ones here I dont like and the dumplings were sold out. I guess Ill have to go to anton dumpling for it

Pretty cool place!

I love it because its been here for around 25 years and what else has in our city? I love it for the owner and her delightful beautiful accent and minimalist yet striking appearance, presence and demeanor which is every bit a part of what this place is; for how comfortable both staff and patrons are; for how its a tiny little safe place in this city; for the wonderful conversations and personable, quiet, friendly, polite people Ive met here. I dont make it here near enough, and I cant wait to go back. For simple and complex drinks, that caring, imagination and time have conspired to created. The simple, mostly ethic food is just perfect. I love this place: I wouldnt change a thing. Ever.

This place was amazing. We took my mom for her birthday, the first place we had a reservation at didnt have AC so we were in a bind in the East Village and got so lucky with this place! The food was delicious, we had blini (crepe with creme and red caviar), herring, chicken stroganoff, and a salmon filet with caviar sauce. They even gave her a delicious merengue & jam dessert with a candle in it for her birthday, on the house as a surprise--I didnt even have to ask them for it. The live music was beautiful. Our server was incredible, he was the only server for the entire place, I dont know how he did it but he was still so attentive, sweet, upbeat and on top of everything. Oh and the vodka!!!! GIRL! My mom had the black currant which she loved, my favorite was the honey ginger. So glad we stumbled on this place, definitely will be back again.

I love it!! I love it!!! The vibe is incredible, food, service, drinks! Live music during Covid is the best!

Fantastic vodka cocktails & tasty authentic Russian food.

One of my favorite spots in NYC - great for friends or a date, authentic Eastern European food and drinks including an assortment of infused vodkas. Friendly staff and the live jazz is always on point

Quaint place. Will need to try out the food

Love the new location. Great food, great service.

I have some friends that are OBSESSED with this place and I must say, I get the appeal. I’ve been a few times now, but only just ate there for the first time. The food was well done, but I don’t know if it’s the reason to go. They offer a wide variety of flavored vodkas and honestly, I have yet to have a bad one. They often have live music and the place just has a nice bohemian vibe. It’s definitely a great spot if you’re looking to get away from the LES craziness.

I am in love with this place! We happened upon by accident and so glad we followed our instincts to walk down those steps and follow the music.Small and cramped, but so much character and charm.We were lucky enough to have live music with a wildly talented keyboardist and an amazing singer belting out Russian songs . . . at least i think they were Russian. Whatever language he sang in, it was amazing!!We didnt eat any food, but the menu i would love to try someday. However, we did drink! I ordered the flights of Vodka and i was adventurous. some were not my style but most were perfect. The cucumber vodka was a wonderful treat. The black currant and sour cherry were my favorites.My next east village visit will definitely include a trip back to Anyway.

Great food, very friendly staff and they make great leeche martini.

Food is excellent, you should try it!!!!

Very cozy. Highly recommend for those couples looking to get away and have a drink and be able to have a conversation. I follow up with having Katherine the Great

We were so excited to get cocktails here with the infused vodkas. Sadly, the bartender took over forty minutes to make two out of the three drinks we ordered. And we were the only people in the place. Outside of the bartenders friend and the bar that she was talking with, taking pictures with, etc instead of making the drinks we ordered. I went to the bank and took out money, paid for the two drinks and we left. Incredibly disappointing.

Tiny cafe serving Russian Staples, delicious and nice atmosphere

Cozy spot with sometimes decent and often really excellent live music every night of the week. Theyre specialty is infused vodkas and even for vodka haters their drinks are good. Staff is also really friendly!

This quite possibly the best restaurant and bar in Manhattan. The food is terrific, the drinks are amazing (seriously the infused vodka is pure magic), and you can often catch some awesome live music! The vibe here is perfect. I will be back here many many times.

Came here on a quiet Sunday night. Bartenders basically completely ignored us and didnt take our order even after we asked them too. (After waiting 15 minutes). Ended up leaving without ordering

I am in love with this place! We happened upon by accident and so glad we followed our instincts to walk down those steps and follow the music.Small and cramped, but so much character and charm.We were lucky enough to have live music with a wildly talented keyboardist and an amazing singer belting out Russian songs . . . at least i think they were Russian. Whatever language he sang in, it was amazing!!We didnt eat any food, but the menu i would love to try someday. However, we did drink! I ordered the flights of Vodka and i was adventurous. some were not my style but most were perfect. The cucumber vodka was a wonderful treat. The black currant and sour cherry were my favorites.My next east village visit will definitely include a trip back to Anyway.

Great live music

A very cozy, little spot that makes you feel like there’s still something like neighborhood present in The Village. A TO DIE FOR espresso martini is my favorite on the menu. The dishes are hearty, filling and well done for the style. Do not come here if you want to eat overly healthy, though. The live music is usually good but, due to the size of the space, you cannot really talk to each other while live music is playing. The staff is friendly. Go here for a real New York experience like ‘good old times’.

Remains one of my absolute favorite places in NYC. The fun and atmosphere is unmatched... If you’re an open person and not boring and snobby of course ;) The live music with the intimate setting always creates opportunities for new encounters and conversations. Food and drinks are great. Omar, Natasha, Oksana, all of them are incredibly lovely people who understand service and how to provide a good experience. I’ve been going here for years now and nothing comes close to match its charm.

Amazing live music, excellent food, and delicious house infused vodka. This place is small and warm with a friendly and eclectic crowd that skews heavily Central and Eastern European. Table service, but with a very social vibe, its a nice change from some of the more corporate and trendy spots in the neighborhood.

I love coming to little spot. They have a long list of different flavored vodka and the drinks are very strong. The food is all Russian and pretty damn good too. The server was friendly enough although he was quite busy in the little space. Love the intimate atmosphere and live music they have sometimes.

Charming and thoroughly Russian.

Cocktails were delightful- try the Katherine the Great, you wont regret. Husband had a little borsch with bread and herbed butter- very good as well. The girl working was super friendly with us and we enjoyed her presence. We would absolutely return when we are in town.

A favourite - delicious selection of vodka and great plates alongside. Hasn’t changed much over the years which speaks to the great vibe and satisfying location. Always love being here.

Very cozy and entertainingSuper nice staff, interesting drinks! Food was okay not badLive music and I was sooooo much fun and entertaining. Went with my friend and we canceled our plans after to stay there longer ;)

Good food, good vibes. Nothing out of the ordinary though.

Amazing spot but amazing service most of all. Omar was incredible. Attentive, approachable, and so sweet. Coming back for the drinks, music but also the service :)

Anyway Cafe is the perfect blend of old-world European charm and comfortable, homey live-music spot. Come for the food and ambiance, stay for the music and goodwill. All of their cocktails are especially fantastic. If you like something a little different, try their borscht martini. If you want a little kick, ask for the bloody masha with extra spice 😊

Highly recommended if you like vodka, infused vodka, or great music! Did not have the food, but Ive heard its top notch. The owner is so kind and a wonderful hostess!

Live music and great food! Had fun at this place and I highly recommend to pay a visit.

Amazing hidden gem. Go. Get crazy. Drink too much house-infused vodka. Eat amazing food. Then dance where there is no room to dance. Love life and realize that happiness can sometimes be a place.

Live music is great, Friday night there was a lovely band that does some rock covers (from guns n roses to Paul Simon) another night we were there there was an opera singer and once there was a lovely Jazz singer.Food is great but the highlight is the infused vodkas, we had horseradish, ginger honey and the winner was the place pepper vodka.Super fun place.

This place is awesome! Great service and great drinks! Definitely a gem 💎

Fantastic music. Great vodka. Good food... plus Oksana!

It was okay.

One of the hippest, Bohemian joints in town. Love it here. Late at night its a very international, vodka-infused artsy crowd. Very talented musical acts every night.

BEST BAR IN NYC

Great atmosphere! Good food! Good music! Im glad that I suddenly found this place and not any other!

Food is tasty, drinks made from scratch and service is nice. Cozy and comfortable with dim lights in the evening and candles on the tables that add a romantic tone to this place. There is a couple of tables outside if you would like that better. Go check it out

Sat outside to chat instead of listening to music. All the food was great especially the beef dish. Great cocktails.

Tucked away east village gem featuring unique cocktails (horseradish-flavored martini?), intimate setting with closely packed tables, and best of all, nightly live music ... Gypsy Kings was a fan favorite on my last visit on a snowy Friday in January with the crowd singing along to the on-point cover artist

Great place if you love Vodka! Excellent cocktail list, with house-infused vodkas. The bartenders are efficient and awesome. I suggest trying the Katherine the Great (cocktail)!

It was a good moment. I discovered this place randomly. I just wanted a drink with a friend. They have music live sometimes. It looks fun. We did not get food but it smelled soooo good in the bar. Dont hesitate to go but bring cash!!

Fun little spot. Great drinks and people.

This tiny, easy-to-miss restaurant is a great hidden gem. Been here twice for lunch, once alone and once with a buddy. The place is pretty cozy with eclectic decor.Tried the borscht the first time, which was my first time having it, so I wasnt sure if it tasted how it was supposed to, but I liked it, especially paired with the dill compound butter that comes with the bread. Got a complimentary vodka shot from their wide selection of housemade flavored vodkas. Got the dill vodka to match my lunch. Great first impression.Second time I came with a friend and we both ordered the pelmeni variants, one beef, the other salmon. Both were good. I wasnt sure about salmon in a dumpling but decided to give it a try. It was surprisingly good. Not fishy tasting, great with the sauce, very satisfying. I also ordered the absinthe served traditionally, which means poured over a sugar cube on a strainer balanced over the rim of a glass, then lit on fire. Awesome to watch, and delicious to taste if youre into licorice. Again, a fun visit.Highly recommend a visit if youre looking for a cozy night in a quirky Russian restaurant.

Good vibes and pretty good food if you stick to their Russian selection. Live music is played every single night. Friendly people. I highly recommend the place for the music and the great atmosphere !

Dropped into this place on a snowy Saturday night. Had one of the best times of my life. Live music, excellent food, and Russian cocktails. Very small place, but excellent atmosphere.

They have great food and drinks and great music! The staff is so nice.

Intimate, underground venue that transports you back to something approaching 1920s Berlin. The food is exquisite, the cocktails are delicious (warning, no brown spirits, mostly about vodka) and the live music is perfection. The perfect place to escape East Village weekend crowds, indeed Im almost afraid to post about it.

Food is better, Drinks are better and life is just better at Anyway Café! Its a romantic little nook in the village not to be miss. I recommend the bucket of shots!

Best place in nyc!! Incredible atmosphere, great music, good is delicious, and the drinks are ridiculously good. I highly recommend the Borscht Martini!

Always amazing atmosphere. This is not just a place...its a universe of anyway)

Not happy with the food or their service. They took 40 minutes to cook my lunch order which was 5 simple beef dumplings. No one has 40 minutes to waste in NY city for lunch 😞

Cozy atmosphere with live music and good drinks. Loved it!

The freakin best drinks, class A++

Amazing atmosphere, great service, and live music with fantastic infused vodka cocktails!

I discovered this place by accident and happy I did! Very delicious Russian food, cozy old fashioned design. From now on Im friguent guest there. Going to visit this place soon for jaz music and try some of their cocktails.