The history of Russian Samovar starts well before the restaurant itself. Originally Jilly’s Canteen, and owned by friend of Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Samovar was the go to hot spot for Sinatra and The Rat Pack. In homage to Sinatra, Johnny Carson, and the good old boys, we decided to maintain the original red banquettes from back in those days. We also preserved the original bar as featured in The Manchurian Candidate and even unearthed original artwork from the talented people who frequented Jilly’s before we were fortunate enough to acquire this landmark location.
Russian staples & infused vodkas are served at this longtime eatery that hosts live piano music. Based on 933 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $$$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
256 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 757-0168
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Saturday | 12 PM–3:59 AM |
| Sunday | 12 PM–3:59 AM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
5 PM–2 AM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 12 PM–2 AM |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–2 AM |
| Thursday | 12 PM–2 AM |
| Friday | 12 PM–3:59 AM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
Andy Schwarz
A wonderful piano player provides the background for this Russian Restaurant. Excellent service and a number of good choices from a menu of Russian cuisine makes for an enjoyable experience. The food, is not what it should be. The Beef Stroganoff, for example was served warm, not hot like it should have been. The restaurant is in a very good location for Broadway theater.
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Alice Philbrick Potenza
Cannot love this place more. Entertainment every night. So much fun. Warm, welcoming and delicious!
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Anna Gusselnikova
Love this place! Really makes you feel like you are in “authentic NYC”, every time I visit I feel transported in time. Since I first came here in 2013 their menu has changed a lot but recently they have returned to more traditional Russian dishes. Which is great!
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Mark Velkoff
Food and drinks very thematic, authentic and delicious. This place has such a great energy. The food is absolutely stunning and very authentic, I felt like I was eating at Babushkas apartment.
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Arne Kruse
Pelmeni and Olivier were fantastic. The service personal was friendly. Ambiente: a little dark.
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John Ludewig
From the time I first learned of this restaurant I wanted to go. Yesterday, I was in the city and my feet brought me here. The ambiance was perfect for a pre theater dinner or just a peaceful moment away from the grind of the city. Prices for me, a non-city dweller, were higher than normal but I saw a menu for a pre fixe meal and went for it. I had what I thought was a traditional Russian meal which consisted of an appetizer of: Vinegret; Entrée of Beef Stroganoff, Dessert of Smetannik Cake and a Hot Russian Tea with whole cherry preserves with lemon & honey . It was a very tasty meal but for me i thought the portions were a tad small on the Entrée and dessert though at my age it was probably just right. The meal was extremely tasty with flavors I never imagined to be able to taste. The live piano music was just perfect for any reason that brought you here. My rating is low only because I expect more on my plate. Service was great and I love that it is a family run business that has its roots and traditions set in the Ukraine as well as Russian heritage. I highly recommend this restaurant for all the flavors and heritage they have brought to the United States of America.
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KeepingUpWithAnna
This is the BEST authentic Russian restaurant! If you go on Friday night there will be a few gentleman playing instruments and singing traditional Russian songs. The food is delicious and so is the tea and dessert. If you want to experience how the Russians party this is a must! I do recommend making a reservation because they get filled quick.
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Partner SuperDex
The restaurant is called Russian samovar and has a policy of “everyone” being welcome, which implies everyone actually being welcome despite of whether you speak Russian or Ukrainian. That was extremely offensive when a waitress after asking our IDs, when our friend showed her a Russian passport, told him that she doesn’t even want to touch that. Wow, we’re in the US, obviously being highly affected by the war, not living in Russia anymore, opposing the regime , and getting that attitude. Very nice service, thank you so much!!!! Oh yeah, and also she forgot to bring out a soup for that Russian friend. Will never coming back again.
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Chris Reece
Was my first time here and I thought it was a good overall experience. Food seemed authentic so it does live up to its name. Staff may not be the most warm, free flowing, but they mean well. And frankly I think it’s more of a cultural thing. Anyway, if you’re interested in some authentic Russian food, this is your spot.
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Noah Boguslavsky
The 1980s Soviet pop music playing when we entered got old real fast, since it’s basically the same few tracks on repeat, but the situation was soon remedied when live music started. Those guys were awesome, and they can render anything from Sinatra’s New York New York to Bernes’ Shalandy extremely well. Food was authentic and very good, although they were, understandably, shortstocked on the Russian beer. Would absolutely come back!
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