Best in Kyiv

What is Kyiv's best outdoor cafe?

Post photo by Viktor Suvorov
Ah! There is nothing better than sitting with friends and sipping beer at Pantragruel's Terrace.

By Steven Shaklan, Kyiv Post Staff Writer

It’s almost summertime and the living is at least a little easier. Fish may not be jumping, but Kyiv’s streets and boulevards certainly are. A walk on Khreshchatyk is no longer a hasty and huddled affair.

It’s time to sit outside, drink in hand, and watch the warmer world go by.

Indeed, one poll respondent was inspired to wax poetic on the subject of her favorite outdoor spot, "It’s Kaffa – a mysterious, lightened spot in the darkness of a side lane at night. A stylish piece of jungle during the day and redolent bait for good coffee addicts at night and during the day." Clearly this reader has logged some serious hours at Kaffa, many of those with a thesaurus in hand.

It’s no secret that for the no-frills lounger, a park bench on Khreshchatyk and a kiosk-bought bottle of Slavutych will do. But this week’s question was geared toward those who want a few amenities with their inactivity.

Kyiv offers options aplenty for those actively seeking idle pursuits. It seems that every humble cafe on Khreshchatyk has burst its confines and managed to place at least a couple tables on the main thoroughfare.

But according to Post readers, the best outdoor cafes are located off Khreshchatyk. Atmosphere was far more important than service or selection and the readers sought a little more seclusion than that afforded by the popular main drag.

The people’s choice was the cafe at Zoloti Voroti run by Pantagruel restaurant. Tree-lined Zoloti Voroti, with its wrought-iron trellis and central fountain, makes for a peaceful backdrop for reading, chatting or simply people watching. The cafe offers a full menu and reasonably priced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The covered terrace also provides shelter from those occasional summer storms.

Running a close second was an old standby: Rock Cafe. Located on Horodetskoho on a square that hosts several other outdoor establishments, Rock Cafe fans noted the shaded surroundings, the central location and the low-budget menu.

RESULTS:
1. Pantagruel Terrace (Zoloti Voroti)
2. Rock Cafe

Others receiving votes: Mlin (Hydropark), Kanary, Shelter, Miami Blues, Black and Orange, Kaffa and any kiosk in Hydropark.