Underdog Bar
Underdog Bar hides in a basement at Maroseyka Street 4/2, down a narrow staircase that opens into a low-ceilinged room of exposed brick, candlelight, and about 45 seats spread between the bar counter and small wooden tables. The speakeasy aesthetic is understated rather than theatrical: no secret entrance or password, just a small sign at street level and stairs leading down. The cocktail menu runs about 25 drinks, with a focus on spirit-forward classics and seasonal originals. The bar team takes their craft seriously, and the consistency of execution puts Underdog in the top tier of Kitay-Gorod cocktail spots. House-made syrups and infusions feature prominently, and the menu changes quarterly. A small snack menu covers cheese boards, bruschetta, and nuts. The basement acoustics concentrate sound, so the room gets loud when it fills up on weekend nights, but the intimacy of the space creates a charged atmosphere that works in the bar's favor.
What to Expect
Descending the stairs, you leave Maroseyka's street noise behind and enter a brick-walled room lit primarily by candles and a few low fixtures. The air is slightly warm, carrying the scent of citrus peels and fresh herbs from the bar. The sound is immediate and enveloping.
Intimate, candlelit, and slightly mysterious. The basement location creates a sense of discovery that enhances the drinking experience.
Jazz, hip-hop beats, and soul at medium volume. The mix is laid-back and curated, fitting the basement lounge feeling.
Smart casual. The candlelit basement invites a step above pure casual, but nobody is checking. Dark colors work well with the setting.
Cocktail lovers seeking quality at Kitay-Gorod prices, date nights, small groups wanting an intimate setting
Cards and cash. Tabs can be opened with a card.
Price Range
Cocktails 500-850 RUB, wine 400-650 RUB, beer 300-400 RUB, snacks 350-550 RUB
Cocktails ~$5-8.50/~4.50-7.50 EUR, wine ~$4-6.50/~3.50-6 EUR, beer ~$3-4/~2.50-3.50 EUR
Hours
18:00-02:00 Mon-Thu, 18:00-04:00 Fri-Sat, 18:00-00:00 Sun
Insider Tip
Grab a bar counter seat if you want to chat with the bartenders and get personalized drink recommendations. The basement gets warm on crowded nights, so dress lighter than you would for other bars. Weekday evenings offer the best cocktail experience with no wait for seats.
Full Review
Underdog Bar earns its reputation the honest way: through cocktail quality and atmosphere rather than marketing or location. The basement at Maroseyka 4/2 doesn't announce itself, and the interior doesn't try to compete with the more designed spaces elsewhere in Moscow. What it does is make excellent drinks in a room that feels good to sit in.
The cocktail menu balances accessibility with ambition. Classic cocktails are executed with precision: proper dilution, correct proportions, appropriate glassware. The seasonal originals show more creativity, using house infusions and unusual ingredient combinations without losing sight of drinkability. A rosemary and grapefruit gin cocktail from the winter menu was aromatic, bitter, and perfectly calibrated.
The bar counter is where the action is. Six seats face the bartenders, and the proximity creates a dynamic that table service can't match. You can watch techniques, ask questions, and get drinks tailored to your preferences. The staff is knowledgeable and engaged without being performative.
Comparisons to other Kitay-Gorod bars are inevitable. Underdog offers better cocktails than Enthusiast or Craft Re:Public, which are primarily beer venues. Against Mitzva Bar, Underdog is quieter, more focused, and better suited to drinking seriously rather than socializing loudly. The closest competitor in cocktail quality is Mendeleev Bar in the Tverskaya area, but Mendeleev charges more and requires reservations.
The basement has its drawbacks. Ventilation is limited, and the room warms up when capacity approaches 45 people. The low ceiling amplifies conversation into a steady hum. These aren't dealbreakers, but they mean Underdog is better experienced on weeknights or early on weekends before the crowd peaks.
The Neighborhood
Near the Kitay-Gorod metro end of Maroseyka, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and hookah spots. The Pokrovka bar strip is one block north. The area is dense with nightlife options, making bar-hopping natural.
Getting There
Kitay-Gorod metro (orange and purple lines) is a 2-minute walk. The bar entrance is at street level on Maroseyka, marked by a small sign. Look for the stairs going down.
Address
Maroseyka Street 4/2
Other Venues in Kitay-Gorod
Enthusiast Bar
Popular craft beer bar on Pokrovka with rotating taps and a young crowd. No pretension, just good beer and conversation. One of the area's most consistently busy spots.
Craft Re:Public
Spacious craft beer hall near Maroseyka with over 20 taps. Pub food menu, communal tables, and a friendly atmosphere that draws both locals and expats.
Chaynaya Vysota
Tea house by day, cocktail lounge by night. Occupies a converted apartment with mismatched furniture and a literary atmosphere. Good for quiet drinks and conversation.
Mitzva Bar
Israeli-themed bar on Pokrovka serving Middle Eastern food and cocktails. Lively atmosphere, loud music on weekends, and a mixed crowd of regulars and newcomers.
Denis Simachev Shop & Bar
Designer concept space combining fashion retail with a late-night bar. Hosts DJ sets and themed nights. The crowd skews fashionable and international.