Khroniki Bar
Khroniki Bar (Chronicles Bar) at Rubinshteyna Street 20 occupies a refined space that sets itself apart from the louder, more casual venues on the street. The interior is built around dark wood bookshelves lined with real books, candlelit tables, leather seating, and a long marble-topped bar. The room holds about 40 people and maintains an atmosphere closer to a private library than a bar. The wine list runs about 50 selections from European and Georgian producers, organized by style rather than region. The cocktail menu of 15-20 options tends toward the classic and understated, with clean execution prioritized over novelty. A small cheese and charcuterie menu provides food. The crowd is noticeably older and quieter than the Rubinshteyna average: professionals, couples, and people who specifically seek out this type of measured, conversational drinking environment. The bar represents the sophisticated end of Rubinshteyna's spectrum, proving the street has range beyond cheap shots and craft beer.
What to Expect
Entering Khroniki feels like stepping into a quieter universe. The candlelight, book-lined walls, and leather chairs create an immediate sense of calm. Voices stay low, and the clink of wine glasses is the dominant sound.
Quiet, refined, and literary. The book-lined interior and candlelight create a space that encourages slow drinking and real conversation.
Classical, jazz, and ambient at near-inaudible volume. The music is atmosphere rather than entertainment.
Smart casual. The setting rewards dressing up slightly, though the bar doesn't enforce anything formal. Most guests look intentionally put-together.
Wine lovers, couples wanting a quiet evening, readers who enjoy drinking in a literary atmosphere, anyone seeking sophistication on Rubinshteyna
Cards and cash accepted.
Price Range
Cocktails 550-800 RUB, wine by glass 400-700 RUB, cheese board 600-900 RUB
Cocktails ~$5.50-8/~5-7 EUR, wine ~$4-7/~3.50-6 EUR, cheese board ~$6-9/~5.50-8 EUR
Hours
17:00-01:00 Mon-Thu, 17:00-03:00 Fri-Sat, 17:00-00:00 Sun
Insider Tip
The Georgian wines on the list are excellent and often surprising; ask the staff for a recommendation if you're unfamiliar with the region. The window-side tables are the most atmospheric in the evening. This is a good second or third stop on a Rubinshteyna crawl when you want to slow down the pace.
Full Review
Khroniki Bar demonstrates that Rubinshteyna Street isn't just about cheap drinks and loud nights. The bar occupies its own lane, offering a wine-and-cocktail experience that's closer to a European wine bar than a Russian bar strip venue. The execution is consistent, the atmosphere is distinctive, and the crowd appreciates what the place is trying to do.
The wine program is the strongest element. Fifty-plus selections cover French, Italian, Spanish, and Georgian producers, with by-the-glass options that rotate regularly. The Georgian wines deserve special attention. Russia has a long cultural connection with Georgian winemaking, and Khroniki stocks bottles you won't find at most Western wine bars: amber wines, qvevri-aged reds, and crisp whites from Kakheti. The staff knows the list well and can guide you through unfamiliar territory.
Cocktails are executed in a classic register. Negronis, old fashioneds, and martinis arrive precisely made and properly cold. The bar doesn't chase trends or create elaborate original drinks. The approach is traditional, and it works. If you want creative cocktail experimentation, El Copitas is three doors down.
The cheese and charcuterie boards are the right food pairing. Nothing elaborate, just well-sourced cheese, cured meats, and bread that give you something to eat between glasses without disrupting the wine experience.
Compared to the rest of Rubinshteyna, Khroniki serves a different purpose. It's not a party bar, a pre-game stop, or a craft beer hall. It's where you go when you want to sit in a beautiful room with a good glass of wine and actually hear the person across the table. The prices are slightly higher than the street average, but the quality gap justifies the premium.
The limitation is energy. If you want excitement, crowds, or dancing, Khroniki will disappoint. It's deliberately calm, and the small capacity means even a 'busy' night feels composed rather than chaotic.
The Neighborhood
Toward the Nevsky Prospekt end of Rubinshteyna, near the busiest section of the street. El Copitas, Produkty, and Barakobamabar are all within a 30-second walk. The proximity to louder venues makes Khroniki's quiet feel like a deliberate refuge.
Getting There
Dostoevskaya metro (orange line), about 4 minutes on foot. From Nevsky Prospekt, turn south on Rubinshteyna at Ploschad Vosstaniya. Number 20 is near the Nevsky end of the street.
Address
Rubinshteyna Street 20
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.
Barakobamabar
Irony-laden bar named after the former US president. Craft beer, pub food, and a tongue-in-cheek political theme. The name alone draws curious visitors through the door.
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.