Vlada

Place was closed but said it was open on it's website, so better to call than waste the money I did taking a cab to only find it closed!

In Croatian, vlada means government or power. But then I found out it's the nickname of the Russian owner. But you know what that means....great drinks! The dual-level layout is great, as is the music, energy and crowd (and by crowd, I mean boys and their admirers). We stop by every time we're in NYC and have never been disappointed.

We stopped here after dining at 44 & X. Planned on having just a drink, but ended up staying into the night. There are two levels and more vodkas than I knew existed, fitting for a Russian-themed spot. I'm a Heineken guy, but my date adores vodka. He had nothing but thumbs up for Vlada. Me too, and I want to head back for the drag shows.

Great crowd and great music. Love the atmosphere downstairs, I feel like on on a fancy train on the way to Russia! The prices are decent and their infused vodkas are delicious!

Went here around 8 on a Tuesday and it was dead, but I've been told it picks up later in the evenings and on weekends. A pleasant, unpretentious spot with a long bar that I was told never has any stools. There are chairs and restaurant-type tables against the walls but they fill up quickly. Cheap drink prices. The few customers were quite friendly. But if you want to "sit a spell" go elsewhere!