The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg, is a standing jazz bar on Belinskogo Street, near the Fontanka River. It recreates the feel of an American jazz bar of the 1940s and 1950s, and music is played every night as a jam session.
There is no advance programme, so a visit can bring a local trio or a visiting musician. This page explains how entry works, when it fills up and how to get home. Rules and hours change, so check the bar’s official channels.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Бар The Hat |
|---|---|
| Address | улица Белинского, 9, Санкт-Петербург OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Tsentralny |
| Metro | Gostiny Dvor (Line 3 (Green), A short walk along Fontanka and Belinskogo Street) Mayakovskaya (Line 3 (Green), A short walk) |
| Type | Live music |
| Opening hours | Open in the evening and late, with live jazz reportedly every night. (as of October 2026 – check the official site) |
| Best time to visit | Weeknights are quieter, and weekends are busiest. Music often starts late in the evening. |
| Recommended duration | 2–3 hours |
| Music | Live jazz jam sessions, from swing and bebop to blues, in a standing bar |
| Entry and dress code | Entry is by deposit, in which you receive a chip that you exchange for a drink at the bar, and the deposit is reportedly higher on Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 18 or older. There is no formal dress code. |
| Price level | ₽₽ · moderate |
| Reservations | Tables are not reserved, as it is a standing bar. Arrive early on Friday and Saturday to get in. |
| Last updated | October 17, 2026 |
Why Visit The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg?
- Jazz every night: live music in a jam-session format.
- No programme: you never know who will play.
- A small room: musicians and listeners stand close together.
- Easy entry: a deposit chip is exchanged for a drink.
- Central: a short walk from the main avenue.
Highlights of The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
Nightly jam sessions
Musicians play every night in a jam format, with local trios and sometimes visiting players. The bar has hosted many musicians who toured the city.
There is no printed programme.
Tip: Ask at the bar who is playing, as lists change nightly.
The 1950s American style
The interior recreates an American jazz bar of the 1940s–1950s, with dark wood and warm light. It is a standing bar, with limited space for sitting.
The room is small.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will stand.
The deposit entry
Entry works by deposit: you receive a chip that you exchange for a drink at the bar. The deposit is reportedly higher on Friday and Saturday.
The system keeps the bar from filling with non-paying guests.
Tip: Keep your chip until you reach the counter.
The drinks list
The bar serves a wide selection of whisky, beer and cocktails. Prices are moderate for a central bar.
The list changes over time.
Tip: Ask for a whisky recommendation if you are unsure.
The Belinskogo Street setting
The street has several bars and comes alive at night. It is easy to combine with a walk along the Fontanka.
The street is busy at weekends.
Tip: Plan a second stop on the same street.
Signature Drinks
- A whisky of the bartender's choice
- A classic cocktail
- Beer on tap
- A glass of wine
Atmosphere
The room is small, warm and crowded, with a stage corner where musicians play a few metres from the audience. The sound is live and loud enough to fill the room, and the crowd stands close together.
Early in the evening, there is space to move. As the night goes on, the room fills with listeners, dancers and people just passing through. The mood is friendly and relaxed.
History of The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
The Hat was opened in Saint Petersburg by the musician Billy Novik and a partner, who wanted a jazz bar where guests could stand and listen without a ticket. It was named after the idea that a hat brings its owner luck.
The concept later spread to sister bars in Berlin and Moscow.
In Saint Petersburg, many touring jazz musicians have played unannounced in the small room.
Entry, Tables and Reservations at The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
The bar is standing-room and does not take table reservations. Entry works by deposit, and queues can form on Friday and Saturday.
- How entry works: you pay a deposit and receive a chip that you exchange for a drink at the bar.
- Busy nights: arrive early on Friday and Saturday.
- Online booking: not known; check the bar’s official channels.
- 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 at the door.
Plan and Book
How to Get to The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
The bar is on Belinskogo Street, between the Fontanka River and Nevsky Prospekt area.
- Gostiny Dvor (Line 3): a short walk.
- Mayakovskaya (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
Belinskogo Street and the streets around it have many bars and restaurants. For sit-down options see Best Restaurants, Saint Petersburg.
What to Bring
A photo ID, cash in rubles and comfortable shoes for standing.
Photography Rules
Photography is usually fine, but avoid flash and avoid filming other guests. Ask staff if unsure.
Family Suitability
Not suitable for children. Guests must be 18 or older, and the room is standing-room and crowded.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Arrive early on Friday and Saturday to get past the door.
- Ask the bartender who is playing, as there is no printed programme.
- Stay for a full set rather than stopping in briefly.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is little seating.
- Plan your ride home, as the bar stays open after the metro closes.
What to Do Within Walking Distance of The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
These places are an easy walk from The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg and help you plan your days:
Within walking distance
Saint Michael's Castle, Saint Petersburgabout 600 m away (~10 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Russian Ethnographic Museum, Saint Petersburgabout 700 m away (~11 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Summer Garden, Saint Petersburgabout 1.1 km away (~18 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Explore Nearby The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
Metro stations near The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
Gostiny Dvor Metro Station, Saint Petersburgabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Mayakovskaya Metro Station, Saint Petersburgabout 800 m away (~13 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
JFC Jazz Club, Saint Petersburgabout 1.5 km away (~24 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
- Union Bar, Saint Petersburgabout 300 m away (~5 min walk)
- Orthodox Bar, Saint Petersburgabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)
- Bar 812, Saint Petersburgabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)
Restaurants and cafes near The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
Palkin, Saint Petersburgabout 450 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
Moskovsky Railway Station, Saint Petersburgabout 1.2 km away (~20 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Nevsky Prospekt: Route, Sights and Metro StationsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Tsentralny District, Saint Petersburg: Churches, Museums, NevskyMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
How to Book a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Car, Saint Petersburg: Booking TipsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
- Ruki Vverkh! Bar on Griboyedov Canal: 1990s Night Out
Daiquiri Bar, Saint Petersburg: Hours, Cocktails and TipsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Tsentralny · All Live Music · All Nightlife · All Nightlife in Saint Petersburg · All Saint Petersburg
FAQ: The Hat Jazz Bar, Saint Petersburg
What is The Hat?
A standing jazz bar on Belinskogo Street with live jam sessions every night.
Is there a cover charge?
Entry is by deposit, exchanged for a drink at the bar.
Can I reserve a table?
No, it is a standing bar.
Who plays?
Local musicians and sometimes visiting players, with no advance programme.
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.
How long should I stay?
Two to three hours is enough for a full set.
Are there other Hat bars?
The concept also exists in Berlin and Moscow.
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.
International sanctions affect payments between Russia and many other countries. In practice, cards issued in the EU, the UK, the US and several other countries often do not work in Russia, Russian cards usually do not work abroad, and some booking platforms, airlines and payment providers limit or suspend their services for Russia. The situation changes frequently. We do not give legal or financial advice, and this site does not encourage anyone to break or circumvent sanctions. Whatever you plan, you are responsible for following the laws and regulations that apply to you, including those of your country of residence and citizenship. Many travelers still organise their stay lawfully. It is worth asking your bank or payment provider what is currently permitted, contacting hotels, tour operators and carriers directly about the payment methods they accept, and checking which services are open to customers from your country. Clarify payment, cancellation and refund terms before you commit to a booking, and keep your plans flexible. Partner links on this site may not be available in every country, and prices, availability and rules in our guides can differ from what you see when you book.Paying for your trip: please read
Report an issue on this page
Take this guide with you
Get a free PDF of this guide to print or read offline: key facts, tips and a map link on a few clean pages.