Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

4.5

786 Reviews

$31 to $50

Russian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Great for live music
Lively
Charming

There is only one way to describe it: Classic Russia in the heart of New York.
The history of Russian Samovar starts well before the restaurant itself. Originally Jilly's Canteen, and owned by a friend of Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Samovar was the go-to hot spot for Sinatra and The Rat Pack.
In 1986, Roman Kaplan, founder of Russian Samovar acquired the property and was joined in 1987 by friends and business partners: Legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Award Winning poet Joseph Brodsky. Baryshnikov's baby grand piano is still used daily by our performers and guests can still request the Brodsky table, where the legends used to sit and drink away the hours. Guests of private events also enjoy our private dining room, where Baryshnikov filmed Sex in the City.
Samovar has remained a celebrity hangout over the years. We've been lucky enough to feature impromptu shows by Liza Minelli and rumor has it that Mel Brooks adapted The Producers to film while sitting at our bar.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Russian, Continental, Eastern European
Hours of operation
Mon 4:00 pm–11:45 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–11:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–12:45 am
Phone number
(212) 757-0168
Website
http://www.russiansamovar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. russiansamovar.com
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
Private party contact
Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168

Location
256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood
Theater District
Cross street
52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
Entertainment
Live Piano Music!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

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Popular dishes

Olivier$14.00
Chicken, Potato, Carrot, Onion And Peas In A Light Mayonnaise
Vinegret$14.00
Roasted Beet, Potato, And Pickle Salad In Sunflower Oil
Shuba$15.00
House Pickled Herring Diced; Layered with Egg, Beet, Potato, Carrot, and Onions
Eggplant Caviar$15.00
Puree Of Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, & Peppers
Russian Trio$29.00
Olivier – Vinegret – Shuba

Signature Salads

Garden$12.00
Fresh Vegetables Tossed In Vinegar And Oil
Duck$19.00
Arugula, Sliced Duck Breast And Poached Pear
Babushka$12.00
Cucumber, Tomato, And Dill Tossed In Sour Cream
Prawn & Avocado$19.00
Chopped Prawns In An Avocado And Mango Melange
Tomatoes & Bryndza$12.00
Slices Of Feta And Tomato Drizzled In Balsamic
Caesar$13.00
Romaine, Cherry Tomatoes And Parmesan
Crimean$19.00
Romaine Lettuce, Basturma, Olives, Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, And Red Onion
Salmon Rose$19.00
White Wine Poached Salmon On A Bed Of Mixed Greens

Poultry

Chicken Kiev$29.00
Bone-in Chicken Breast Filled With Herbed Butter, Lightly Breaded, And Baked. Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Duck a la Russe$29.00
Crispy Pan-Seared Duck In A Plum Reduction
Tabaka$29.00
Roasted Cornish Hen, Split; Topped With Garlic Butter, And Home Fries
Pozharsky$26.00
Breaded Plump Chicken Cutlet, Served With Mashed Potatoes And A Mushroom Gravy

Fish

Seafood Blinchiki$28.00
Shrimp And Scallop Wrapped In Blini With A Light, Creamy Saffron Sauce
Grilled Atlantic Salmon$29.00
With Seasonal Vegetables
Branzino$32.00
Served Whole Or Filleted With Grilled Vegetables

Appetizers - Cold

Fish Platter$34.00
Assortment Of Smoked Fish And Cured Salmon, Served With Blini
Salmon Blini$28.00
Our House-Cured, Thin Sliced Salmon Served On Blini with Chopped Egg, Red Onion, Capers, And Sour Cream
Russian Charcuterie Plate$30.00
Homemade Roulette, Bastruma, Beef Tongue, And Smoked Meats
Salo$19.00
Thin Slices Of Cured Berkshire Fatback On Toasted Russian Black Bread with Spicy Russian Mustard
Herring$16.00
Fillet of Baltic Herring, Boiled Potatoes And Pickled Red Onions
Satsivi$20.00
A Georgian Specialty Of Chicken In A Spicy Coriander Walnut Sauce
Pickled Vegetables$16.00
Pickles, Cabbage, Cherry Tomatoes, And Apples
Marinated Mushrooms$16.00
Wild Mushrooms In A Special House Marinade
Beef Tongue$27.00
Thinly Sliced With A Spicy Horseradish Sauce
Kholodetz$18.00

Appetizers - Hot

Siberian Pelmeni$14.00
Homemade Veal And Pork Dumplings Served In A Light Chicken Broth
Vareniki$16.00
Potato Dumplings Pan Fried With Mushroom & Onions
Khachapuri$18.00
A Savory Georgian Cheese Pastry
Mushroom and Potatoes$19.00
Wild Mushrooms, Onions, And Homestyle Potatoes
Deruny$15.00
Pan Fried Potato Pancakes
Dolma$18.00
Grape Leaves Stuffed With Lamb And Rice
Pirozhok$6.00
Choice Of Potato & Onion, Potato & Mushroom, Spinach, Or Cabbage
Beef Pirozhok$7.00
Mushroom Vol-Auvent$16.00
Creamy Wild Mushrooms In A Pastry Shell
Kulebyaka$26.00
Salmon Filet With Vegetables' And Herbs Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Pelmeni Stroganoff$25.00

Meat

Karski$0.00
Grilled, Marinated Double Cuts Of Lamb In Georgian Spices
- MP$0.00
Braised Short Rib$33.00
Tender Short Rib Braised In Port Wine Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Stroganoff$29.00
Strips Of Tenderloin In A Mushroom Cream Sauce. Served With Egg Noodles
Lamb Country Style$34.00
Simmered In A Red Wine Reduction With Peppers And Herbs, Served Over Kasha
Zharkoe$26.00
Beef And Vegetable Stew Served In A Bread Bowl
Golubtzi$26.00

What 786 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.2Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers a "fantastic experience" with delicious Russian cuisine, a charming old-school NYC vibe, and vibrant live music. Guests rave about the "excellent service" and "amazing infused vodkas." While some note the decor is a bit dated, the overall atmosphere is lively and memorable.

786 Reviews

L
Lana
Hawaii
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Absolutely the worst restaurant experience I’ve ever had. Kudos to the chef for delicious food and presentation but service was awful. Waitresses didn’t bother asking for my order so I had to call them couple of times to order. When I wanted to leave it took me 40 min to get someone’s attention to get bill and that didn’t help. I had to walk to the bar and ask for a manager in order to get my bill, pay and leave. So disappointed.
Is this helpful?
P
Paula
New York City
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Waited 35 minutes before having to ask for a server. Waited 15 more minutes for drinks. Another 15 minutes or more went by, during which time we were asked to help move our table. Took that opportunity to ask where our food was. Eventually server brought 1 of our 2 chicken Kiev orders and said the other one would be coming in a bit. We said forget about it and our side of vegetables, bring the check. My friend and I split the one chicken Kiev, which was unremarkable and the mashed potatoes were cold. Still had to wait for check & ask for it again but they did comp our drinks.
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H
Henry
Orlando
68 reviews
vip
4.0
68 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were delighted with the excellent and very polite service, the cozy and romantic atmosphere, and, most of all, the scrumptious meal. However, we chose this place not only for authentic Russian food but because they advertise Russian music and entertainment as a background. That never happened, and needles to say we were very disappointed. A couple of musicians appeared late at night, and they spent 20 minutes tuning the piano, hitting the same key loudly. Very annoying. We loved the food, but we are now having serious reservations about going back.
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I
ILYA
New York City
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We visited the Russian Samovar many times over the years. It still good: continue to serve great food, very pleasant atmosphere Classic old style restaurant
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food, drink and service. Piano was lovely.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Memphis/West TN
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great resto with nice staff and great food! Must try restaurant.
Is this helpful?
R
Ricardo
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
live piano music and great food made good experience
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Made reservations for our 25th Anniversary and upon arrival was told they closed early due to renovations. Would have been nice to been told this when making the reservations or when I called that same day and they stated kitchen was open until midnight.
Is this helpful?
N
Natalia
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This is the place where everybody knows your name even if this is your first visit. A rare place where people go to be with each other, not just eat. There is always life music late at night. Sometimes it is blues, on other days you can catch gypsy performance. On this visit a random walk in from the street treated dinners to a soulful ballad. Great voice. This encouraged one of the dinners to perform a beautiful classic. Also great, professional voice. When we visit New York, we always try to go to Samovar. The food is also great. Try a flight of vodka. It is not very strong and goes done very smoothly.
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V
Vladimir
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Amazing as always, make sure to order Chicken Kiev, it's epic
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FAQs

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 757-0168.

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge is rated 4.5 stars by 786 OpenTable diners.

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Neighborhood
Theater District
Hours of operation
Mon 4:00 pm–11:45 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–11:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–12:45 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Russian, Continental, Eastern European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Live Piano Music!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://www.russiansamovar.com/
Phone number
(212) 757-0168
Catering
We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. russiansamovar.com
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
Private party contact
Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Pelmeni Stroganoff

Borscht

Cherry

Soups

Borscht$13.00

Gribnoi$14.00

Frikadelka$11.00

Seasonal

Traditional Russian Salads

Olivier$14.00

Vinegret$14.00

Shuba$15.00

Eggplant Caviar$15.00

Russian Trio$29.00

Signature Salads

Garden$12.00

Duck$19.00

Babushka$12.00

Prawn & Avocado$19.00

Tomatoes & Bryndza$12.00

Caesar$13.00

Crimean$19.00

Salmon Rose$19.00

Poultry

Chicken Kiev$29.00

Duck a la Russe$29.00

Tabaka$29.00

Pozharsky$26.00

Fish

Seafood Blinchiki$28.00

Grilled Atlantic Salmon$29.00

Branzino$32.00

Appetizers - Cold

Fish Platter$34.00

Salmon Blini$28.00

Russian Charcuterie Plate$30.00

Salo$19.00

Herring$16.00

Satsivi$20.00

Pickled Vegetables$16.00

Marinated Mushrooms$16.00

Beef Tongue$27.00

Kholodetz$18.00

Appetizers - Hot

Siberian Pelmeni$14.00

Vareniki$16.00

Khachapuri$18.00

Mushroom and Potatoes$19.00

Deruny$15.00

Dolma$18.00

Pirozhok$6.00

Beef Pirozhok$7.00

Mushroom Vol-Auvent$16.00

Kulebyaka$26.00

Pelmeni Stroganoff$25.00

Meat

Karski$0.00

Braised Short Rib$33.00

Stroganoff$29.00

Lamb Country Style$34.00

Zharkoe$26.00

Golubtzi$26.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge restaurant rated?

Does Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offer gift cards?

Is Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information