One of the best bars in Kaliningrad
“U Vas Gorizont Zavalen” (Your Horizon Is Blocked)

A Saturday evening and a packed cultural programme, but who are we not to demand an encore and taste some strong drinks — the people had worked hard.

Our choice fell on one of the best bars in Kaliningrad according to popular review sites — “U Vas Gorizont Zavalen”. We would find out from our own experience.
The place is in the central part of the city, near Poplavok Pond. But finding it turned out not to be so easy. The first rule of Fight Club: do not talk about Fight Club.
If it had not been for the lively crowd at the entrance and the taxi driver’s directions, we would hardly have recognised an inconspicuous porch as the entrance to a bar.

The “Gorizont” has no particular style — it is total eclecticism, a light carelessness and freedom. There are rarities, light installations, a wall decorated with mosaic and an exclusive bar within the bar, hidden from the main room by heavy curtains. Just like a rabbit hole, but with cocktails. The atmosphere there is calmer, and you can not only have a drink but also enjoy a conversation in neon light.

The setting is thoroughly relaxed: a barfront counter, the holy of holies, an area with tables and sofas, and something like a dance floor. The music, as it should be, is loud and energetic: dance hits, foreign and Russian. Everything encourages easy conversation.

We were lucky — we found a place at the bar counter, and there were plenty of guests, with no room to spare.

The place is famous for updating its cocktail list every month, and besides the menu they can make a drink to your wishes. All you need to do is tell the bartender your taste preferences — and here you go, a signature improvisation is ready. The owner of the bar, Alexey, works behind the counter, which is a nice touch. All the staff at the “Gorizont” work like clockwork and still manage to talk to guests — keeping up an easy conversation and making masterpiece cocktails.

An interesting and original selection of premium spirits of non-trivial brands that are not found everywhere. There is a small choice of appetisers and snacks. Really tiny, I would say — this is definitely not a place for dinner.

For our first round we chose the Macau and the Amulet — gin-based cocktails. The guys served the drinks quickly, and this with a full house at the “Gorizont”. Stylish presentation in elegant glasses and an unusual taste. Tart, with notes of mandarin zest and a slightly sour foam. The second cocktail also surprised us — tart combined with the tang of ripe berries.

As a snack we tried tuna sandwiches: multigrain bread toasts with a delicate pâté, herbs and paprika.

We decided to end the evening with a White Prussian with calvados. It is a thick, rich cocktail, strong, with a creamy aftertaste, the colour of coffee with milk. The final touch worked out and exceeded our expectations.

I think the “Gorizont” bar in Kaliningrad is not for nothing so popular with visitors and locals. Free and easy conversation, skilful bartenders, pleasant dance music and, of course, Brodsky: “Do not leave the room, do not make a mistake.” (c)

It would be a mistake not to visit this Kaliningrad bar with music and signature cocktails, and I think our next visit will be in a month, to try and evaluate the new menu and a fresh selection of unique cocktails.