Jon Wood of The Russian Lady in Hartford (Melissa Byron photo) |
Jon Wood
found at: The Russian Lady (Hartford)
What's the same and what's different since The Russian Lady closed in 1997?
There are new owners but the name remains the same. We have expanded the space, we've added about 5,000 square feet. That extra space on the third level is specifically for darts, pool tables, multiple TVs and a dance floor. There is also a vodka bar on the second floor; we have 15 different infusions and carry over 100 vodkas.
How close to the original bar did the owners get it back to?
The owners hunted down the original hutch, which is against the wall in the main bar, and the Russian Lady statue outside is back. We also brought back the infamous Russian Lady Iced Tea, which we have specific glasses for. If you were a customer and you have one of these, you can bring it in for a refill, $5 on Thursday and $6 the rest of the week.
Where is the cocktail scene headed next?
A bar’s touch on homemade cocktails with different infusions and fruit. I think bars are trying to put their own touch on vodkas, whiskeys and tequilas.
What's the most difficult thing about closing up at the end of the night?
The hardest part is ending the party prematurely. Being behind the bar I lose track of time so when the lights come on and it's time to leave it's a bummer for me and of course the people are depressed too.
found at: The Russian Lady (Hartford)
What's the same and what's different since The Russian Lady closed in 1997?
There are new owners but the name remains the same. We have expanded the space, we've added about 5,000 square feet. That extra space on the third level is specifically for darts, pool tables, multiple TVs and a dance floor. There is also a vodka bar on the second floor; we have 15 different infusions and carry over 100 vodkas.
How close to the original bar did the owners get it back to?
The owners hunted down the original hutch, which is against the wall in the main bar, and the Russian Lady statue outside is back. We also brought back the infamous Russian Lady Iced Tea, which we have specific glasses for. If you were a customer and you have one of these, you can bring it in for a refill, $5 on Thursday and $6 the rest of the week.
Where is the cocktail scene headed next?
A bar’s touch on homemade cocktails with different infusions and fruit. I think bars are trying to put their own touch on vodkas, whiskeys and tequilas.
What's the most difficult thing about closing up at the end of the night?
The hardest part is ending the party prematurely. Being behind the bar I lose track of time so when the lights come on and it's time to leave it's a bummer for me and of course the people are depressed too.
