Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg, is a bar themed on the 1990s and early 2000s, set up by Sergey Zhukov, the singer of the group Ruki Vverkh!. It is on the canal embankment near Kazan Cathedral and opened in 2012.
It has several floors, a dance floor, a game zone and a karaoke hall. This page explains what to expect and how to get home late. Hours and events change, so check the bar’s official channels.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Руки ВВерх! Бар |
|---|---|
| Address | набережная канала Грибоедова, 28/1, Санкт-Петербург OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Tsentralny |
| Metro | Nevsky Prospekt (Line 2 (Blue), A short walk past Kazan Cathedral) Gostiny Dvor (Line 3 (Green), A short walk) |
| Type | Bar |
| Opening hours | Open every evening until the early morning, reportedly from 18:00 to 06:00. (as of October 2026 – check the official site) |
| Best time to visit | Friday and Saturday nights are busiest. Weeknights are calmer and better for karaoke. |
| Recommended duration | 2–4 hours |
| Music | Russian pop hits of the 1990s and 2000s, with a dance floor and a karaoke hall |
| Entry and dress code | Guests must be 18 or older. Special events such as stand-up nights may be ticketed; check the programme. |
| Price level | ₽₽ · moderate |
| Reservations | Tables can be booked, especially for groups and birthdays. Use the bar's official channels. |
| Last updated | October 17, 2026 |
Why Visit Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg?
- A retro theme: the interior and music revolve around the 1990s and 2000s.
- Several floors: a dance floor, a game zone and a karaoke hall.
- Old consoles: Sega and Dendy games in a play area.
- Late hours: open until the early morning every day.
- Central: a short walk from Nevsky Prospekt.
Highlights of Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
The 1990s interior
The walls are covered with old mobile phones, cassettes, chewing-gum inserts and posters of idols of the era. The details are meant to feel familiar to anyone who grew up then.
The room is colourful and busy.
Tip: Walk through all floors to see the different decorations.
The dance floor
The main dance floor plays hits of the 1990s and 2000s, mostly Russian pop. It fills at weekends.
The playlist depends on the night.
Tip: Arrive after 22:00 for a full dance floor.
The game zone
A play area has retro consoles, including Sega and Dendy, for guests to try.
It is a good way to start the evening.
Tip: Play before the dance floor gets crowded.
The karaoke hall
A karaoke hall lets guests sing songs from past decades as well as new releases.
Songs are mostly in Russian.
Tip: Ask staff about the queue for the karaoke hall.
Merchandise and events
The bar sells retro items such as tamagotchis and rainbow springs, and hosts parties, birthdays and stand-up nights.
Events may have separate tickets.
Tip: Check the programme before you go.
Signature Drinks
- A cocktail from the bar list
- Beer
- A snack to share
- A shot from the bar menu
Atmosphere
The bar is loud, colourful and nostalgic, with posters, old gadgets and flashing lights on every floor. Hits from the 1990s ring through the rooms, and groups sing along.
Early in the evening, guests play consoles and settle at tables. After midnight, the dance floor fills, and the karaoke hall becomes busy. The mood is cheerful and informal, with people of many ages.
History of Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Ruki Vverkh! Bar opened on the Griboyedov Canal embankment in 2012 as a bar dedicated to the 1990s and early 2000s. It was founded by Sergey Zhukov, the singer of the group Ruki Vverkh!.
The bar later celebrated its tenth anniversary with a party and a concert by a singer of the era.
It also became a venue for birthdays, karaoke nights and stand-up events.
Entry, Tables and Reservations at Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Tables can be booked, and a booking is sensible for groups and weekends. On quiet nights, you can usually walk in.
- How to book: use the booking method on the bar’s official channels.
- Cover charge: none is known for regular nights; events such as stand-up may have tickets.
- Payment: as of October 2026, foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards generally cannot be relied on in Russian venues, and the sanctions rules of your own country may also limit the use of Russian payment services, so check this yourself. Carry cash in rubles.
Confirm current rules when you reserve.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
The bar is on the Griboyedov Canal embankment, at the corner with Lomonosova Street, near Kazan Cathedral.
- Nevsky Prospekt (Line 2): a short walk past Kazan Cathedral.
- Gostiny Dvor (Line 3): a short walk.
See How to Use the Metro, Saint Petersburg and How to Book a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Car, Saint Petersburg.
Food Nearby
Nevsky Prospekt and the streets around Kazan Cathedral have many cafes and restaurants. For sit-down options see Best Restaurants, Saint Petersburg.
What to Bring
A photo ID, cash in rubles and a charged phone for your ride home.
Photography Rules
Photography is usually fine, but avoid filming other guests. Ask staff about event nights.
Family Suitability
Not suitable for children. Guests must be 18 or older, and the bar is loud and alcohol-focused.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Arrive early to play the consoles before the dance floor fills.
- Do not expect only the band's own songs, as the playlist covers many artists.
- Check the programme for stand-up or party nights.
- Plan your ride home, as the bar stays open after the metro closes.
- Combine with an evening walk past Kazan Cathedral.
What to Do Within Walking Distance of Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
These places are an easy walk from Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg and help you plan your days:
Within walking distance
Russian Ethnographic Museum, Saint Petersburgabout 800 m away (~13 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Saint Michael's Castle, Saint Petersburgabout 1.0 km away (~16 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Saint Isaac's Cathedral, Saint Petersburg – about 1.2 km away (~20 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hours for the cathedral interior; allow another 45–60 minutes for the colonnade.Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Explore Nearby Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Metro stations near Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Nevsky Prospekt Metro Station, Saint Petersburgabout 250 m away (~4 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Gostiny Dvor Metro Station, Saint Petersburgabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Daiquiri Bar, Saint Petersburgabout 450 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburgabout 900 m away (~14 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Orthodox Bar, Saint Petersburgabout 950 m away (~15 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Katyusha, Saint Petersburgabout 400 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Gogol, Saint Petersburgabout 850 m away (~14 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
Vitebsky Railway Station, Saint Petersburgabout 1.3 km away (~22 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
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Browse more: More in Tsentralny · All Bars and Pubs · All Nightlife · All Nightlife in Saint Petersburg · All Saint Petersburg
FAQ: Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal, Saint Petersburg
What is Ruki Vverkh! Bar?
A 1990s-themed bar on the Griboyedov Canal embankment founded by the singer Sergey Zhukov.
When did it open?
In 2012.
What does it offer besides drinks?
A dance floor, a retro game zone and a karaoke hall.
How late is it open?
Reportedly until 06:00 every day. Confirm the hours.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
You should not assume so. Foreign-issued cards generally do not work, and sanctions rules of your own country may apply.
What is the age limit?
Guests must be 18 or older.
Which metro station is closest?
Nevsky Prospekt or Gostiny Dvor, a short walk.
Is it only Russian music?
Mostly, with hits of the 1990s and 2000s.
Russia Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Last updated: October 17, 2026.
How we research and update our guides
About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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