Our selection features places where music and atmosphere go hand in hand: here you’ll find characterful cocktails, disco, funk, and house music, and evenings often turn into small parties. Choose a bar that matches your mood — cozy or dancey — and catch some fresh impressions after the workday.
Bar «1/2»
Located on Mala Zhytomyrska Street, right in the heart of Kyiv, is the music bar «1/2» — the brainchild of screenwriter and music producer Vitalii Bardetskyi. For those who remember the legendary «GRAM» on Sichovykh Striltsiv Street, this is something of its echo, but in a different format. The name «1/2» symbolizes “half of GRAM” — a more intimate space created in the style of Japanese kissaten from the 1950s–60s.
There’s no hustle and bustle of big clubs here: instead, a few tables, massive acoustic systems, a vinyl record collection, and signature “curated” cocktails. The menu features international cuisine and new bar offerings. The atmosphere will appeal to those who want more than just a cocktail after work — they want a quality musical experience.
Live music performances often take place at «1/2», and for vinyl enthusiasts, there’s a special section where you can not only listen to records but also buy them.
Address: 16/3 Mala Zhytomyrska Street
«Khvylovyi»
The Podil-based bar «Khvylovyi» has long transformed from a simple hangout spot into a true cultural hub. It’s known as a place where Ukrainian music is always playing — from jazz evenings and chamber concerts to loud disco nights and all-night parties. Unconventional events also take place here regularly: garage sales, themed meetups, performances.
But «Khvylovyi» is not only about music. The bar has grown into a full-fledged community that supports social initiatives and is always open to new ideas. Thanks to this, it has become one of the main gathering points in Podil, where you’re likely to run into someone you know or meet like-minded people.
It’s a cozy place to start your evening after work — with a glass of wine or a cocktail — and end it to the sounds of live music or a DJ set.
Address: 18 Verkhnii Val Street
Alchemist Bar
Just a few minutes from Bessarabka, you’ll find Alchemist Bar — a cult spot for those who love signature cocktails, live music, and DJ parties. The venue was opened by bartender Andrii Kovaliov and his team, who set out to turn every glass into a story and every evening into an event.
Here, classic bar traditions meet modern mixology. The cocktail menu features unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations that attract not only Kyiv locals but also guests from out of town. The atmosphere is designed in such a way that it’s easy to lose yourself in conversation, music, and dancing at Alchemist.
Due to the bar’s popularity, it’s best to reserve a table in advance. While entry is free, there is face control at the door — without a reservation, you might not get in. This adds to the intimate vibe of the place and leaves you with the feeling that you've stumbled into a private party made "just for friends."
Address: 12 Shota Rustaveli Street
Barmaley
Located in the "Galaktika" residential complex near Livoberezhna metro station, Barmaley is a bar founded by two bartender friends — Klim and Maley. The name comes from one of the co-founder's last names. The atmosphere here is far from pretentious: it’s a hangout for locals where you can stop by for a cocktail after work or stay for the night.
The menu combines “classic cocktails with a twist” and original signature recipes.
The bar counter is decorated with a vinyl turntable, and jazz and retro tunes are often playing. In the evening, Barmaley transforms into a true music hub with DJ sets and parties. The venue also hosts mafia game nights, so it’s worth coming here not just for drinks, but also for the vibe and good company.
Address: 6E Sverstiuka Street
The Cinematographer’s Party
Located on Velyka Zhytomyrska Street, The Cinematographer’s Party (TCP) is a bar that blends music, cinematic vibes, and cocktails. The founders were inspired by filmmaker-style parties and created a space filled with retro details: red chairs from an old movie theater, a Yamaha organ from 1971, and vintage decor.
TCP regularly hosts exciting DJs, and inside you’ll hear disco, funk, and electro-wave. The music program is one of the main reasons to stop by after work — evenings here often turn into true mini-parties.
The menu is presented as "neo-bistro": simple dishes with European and Asian influences that pair perfectly with cocktails. The drink list is color-based — each cocktail has its own character and "story."
This is a space where it’s easy to feel like a movie character: a bit of intimacy, a bit of loud music, and plenty of details that set the mood.
Address: 34 Velyka Zhytomyrska Street
Odnodumtsi
Across from the Kyiv Intellectuals' Square, you'll find the cozy bar Odnodumtsi. It's a small, intimate, and truly vibey space where two concepts coexist under one roof: a bar with live music and a vinyl shop called The Vinyl. So you can drop by for a cocktail or discover a new vinyl gem.
The highlight of Odnodumtsi is its signature "musical" cocktails, each priced at 270 UAH. The venue's atmosphere fully reflects its name: it's a place for like-minded people who love music, heartfelt conversations, and the warm vibe of Kyiv’s old center.
It’s easy to lose yourself among the records, cocktails, and jam sessions — which makes Odnodumtsi one of those spots you’ll want to return to after work.
Address: 4 Oles Honchar Street
Match Bistro
After work, you can head to Match Bistro on Baseina Street — a place that looks like a casual bistro during the day and transforms into a creative-vibe bar in the evening. It was opened in 2022 by Andrii Pospolyt, Savelii Loginov, and Max Kolodin (Pappa Pia).
During the day, you can try piadina (Italian unleavened flatbread) or attend lectures about the history of coffee and cocktails. But in the evening, Match Bistro sounds completely different: space disco, house, and funk fill the space, and DJs frequently perform. Every Thursday, they host Open Decks parties, where newcomers can try DJing for the first time in front of a live audience.
The venue spans two floors with a total area of 100 square meters. The interior was decorated by the Feldman sisters — artists who created a bright visual identity on the second floor, adding even more individuality to the space.
Address: 3A Baseina Street
After work, you can unwind in a cozy bar with music — or go in search of new flavors. If the latter sounds more appealing, we’ve gathered for you a TOP 10 Asian cuisine spots in the capital — from Vietnamese pho to signature sushi.
