Barakobamabar
Barakobamabar at Rubinshteyna Street 26 is exactly what the name suggests: a bar themed around Barack Obama, executed with the specific brand of Russian irony that treats geopolitical tensions as drinking material. The interior features Obama portraits, American flags, and presidential memorabilia displayed with a wink rather than reverence. The space holds about 45 people and maintains a pub-like atmosphere with wooden furniture, a centrally placed bar, and walls covered in political satire and pop culture references. The drink menu leans on craft beer (8-10 taps) and straightforward cocktails at prices that match the relaxed concept. A bar food menu covers burgers, wings, and nachos. The name alone does most of the marketing: international visitors come in out of curiosity, and Russian visitors come for the joke. Both groups tend to stay because the beer is good and the atmosphere is fun. The bar has become a Rubinshteyna landmark, reliably busy and reliably entertaining.
What to Expect
Walking in under the Obama sign, you enter a pub-like room decorated with presidential kitsch. The mood is irreverent and fun. Music is present but not dominating. The crowd is mixed ages and nationalities, unified by amusement at the concept.
Irreverent, social, and slightly absurd. The political theme provides endless conversation material, and the bar's self-awareness keeps it from being offensive.
American rock, pop, and R&B with occasional Russian pop mixed in. The playlist matches the tongue-in-cheek American theme.
Casual. The theme practically demands it.
Curious tourists, groups looking for a conversation-starter venue, craft beer drinkers with a sense of humor
Cards and cash. Cards are fine for any amount.
Price Range
Beer 250-400 RUB, cocktails 400-600 RUB, burgers 450-600 RUB, shots 200-300 RUB
Beer ~$2.50-4/~2-3.50 EUR, cocktails ~$4-6/~3.50-5.50 EUR, burgers ~$4.50-6/~4-5.50 EUR
Hours
15:00-03:00 daily
Insider Tip
The political-themed cocktails on the menu are Instagram-worthy and actually taste decent. The back area is slightly quieter than the main bar. Ask the staff about the story behind the name; they've got a well-rehearsed and entertaining version.
Full Review
Barakobamabar could easily be a one-joke venue, but it sustains itself through good beer, fair prices, and an atmosphere that's genuinely fun rather than merely gimmicky. The Obama theme is the hook, but the bar behind the concept is solid enough to stand on its own.
The craft beer selection is respectable. Eight to ten taps cover Russian craft breweries and a couple of European guests. The pours are proper, the glasses are clean, and the prices are competitive with anything on Rubinshteyna. The cocktails are simpler than what you'll find at dedicated cocktail bars, but they're made correctly and served without pretension.
The crowd is what makes Barakobamabar memorable. International visitors arrive expecting a joke and stay for the atmosphere. Russian visitors come with friends to enjoy the irony. The resulting mix is one of the more diverse and talkative crowds on the street. Political discussions happen naturally, mostly good-humored, and the bar's existence as a cultural artifact generates genuine conversation.
Compared to Produkty two doors down, Barakobamabar offers a bit more personality and a better food menu at similar prices. Against the cocktail bars on the street, it doesn't compete on drink quality and doesn't try to. It occupies the pub/beer bar niche and fills it well.
The main risk is that the theme overshadows the bar. On some visits, it feels like a tourist attraction first and a drinking establishment second. But on a good night, when the crowd mixes well and the taps are flowing, the Obama portraits become background decoration and the bar functions as what it is: a reliably fun spot on a great street.
One note: the political theme means the bar's longevity depends on geopolitical mood. It has survived years of shifting Russian-American relations, which suggests the concept has more resilience than you'd expect.
The Neighborhood
Mid-Rubinshteyna, sandwiched between other bars. Produkty at number 24 is a two-minute walk, and El Copitas at 23 is just across the street. The central location makes it a natural bar-crawl inclusion.
Getting There
Dostoevskaya metro (orange line), about 5 minutes walking. From Nevsky Prospekt, head south on Rubinshteyna. Number 26 is in the middle of the street, marked by signage that's impossible to miss.
Address
Rubinshteyna Street 26
Other Venues in Rubinshteyna Street
El Copitas
Tiny speakeasy-style cocktail bar that regularly appears on 'best bars in the world' lists. Seats about 25 people. No menu; tell the bartender what you like and they'll create something.
Mishka Bar
Cozy neighborhood bar with craft cocktails and a warm atmosphere. Exposed brick, dim lighting, and a bartender who remembers your last order. Popular with locals and regulars.
Produkty
Named after the Russian word for 'groceries,' this bar occupies a converted shop space. Relaxed, affordable, and social. Known for shot-and-beer combos and a no-frills approach.
Khroniki Bar
Wine and cocktail bar with an intellectual atmosphere. Book-lined shelves, candlelight, and a quieter crowd than most Rubinshteyna spots. Good for conversation and a slower pace.
Dead Poets Bar
Literary-themed cocktail bar with drinks named after famous authors. Creative menu that changes seasonally. Attracts a mix of cocktail enthusiasts and poetry fans.