One might not easily believe the charm of the nightlife found in Kazakhstan’s former capital, Almaty. Nowadays, the mountainous Central Asian city boasts a selection of fine cocktail bars with relatively affordable prices.
If there’s something that brings even the murkiest blocks of concrete alive, it’s the people and all the stories embedded in the city. At night, Almaty reawakens with its residents seeking out the glimmers of nightlife spread across the corners of the city center.
It doesn’t take long to understand what the nightlife is all about. The craft beer and wine options being rather limited, you can’t help but notice how most bars stand out with their selection of innovative signature cocktails. With the amount and beauty of these atmospheric cocktail bars found all around, it’s difficult not to get excited.
Diving into Almaty’s cocktail bars
The cocktail scene in Almaty has had a notable face-lift in recent years. Expats and especially the large number of wealthier Russians immigrating since the start of the Ukraine war, have created a new, stronger demand for high-end bars. This wave of migration has also brought new talents behind the bar.
Although these attentively composed cocktails aren’t as accessible to everyone, they come surprisingly affordable to those traveling with foreign currency in their pockets. Even in the fanciest spots of the city, cocktails tend to cost less than seven euros per (master)piece.
Top Cocktail Bars in Almaty
While the basic level of cocktails served in Almaty is bound to satisfy you overall, there’s a handful of bars that take the ambitious extra step with their selection and execution. Think of baffling blue cheese cocktails, or ingenious popcorn bourbon sours.
Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy cocktail bars I encountered in the city.
Bee’s Knees Bar
Even if Bee’s Knees might not look that inviting located in an otherwise quiet street, it comes with some great vibes and a unique decor. This funky bar claims to have the best drinks in the city, and that might actually not be far from the truth. Bee’s Knees offers plenty of tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails and an awesome service.
Instagram: Bee’s Knees (@bees_knees_aperitiki_bar)
Address: Kunaev St 132
French 42
As the name suggests, this cocktail bar will take you decades back to a sophisticated, yet laid-back setting of a classic French bar. With the theme-fitting music and the mingling of its often well-dressed customers, you do get a fine sense of elegance – and as expected, great service.
All their signature drinks are based on gin and are often developed with a well-thought balance of sweet and sour. The overall experience is hailed by an even broader public, as French 42 was chosen as bar of the year in Kazakhstan by WHERETOEAT Kazakhstan.
Instagram: French 42 (@french.42)
Address: Bogenbai Batyr Street 117
Loop
Loop is a small and intimate space with great and engaging service. Compared to the other high-end bars of Almaty, the atmosphere in the plain but prestigious milieu of Loop is slightly more easy-going. Here it’s all about the drinks. Listen to the pop hits of the early 2000s, sit around and watch the bartenders perform their bit of magic.
As no actual menu exists, your choice of the night comes with a bit of interaction: just tell your wishes and these alcohol smiths will craft you a cocktail you’re likely to love. You might want to go with their mindblowing Bloody Mary, for instance.
Instagram: Loop – Cocktails & Spirits (@loopersbar)
Address: Furmanov Ave 137
Yellow Door
Yellow Door is the first speakeasy bar in the region of Central Asia. Given that it imitates the atmosphere of the hidden bars in times of prohibition, you can’t expect to just walk in. With no locations set in Google Maps or addresses given in their social media bio, you can only get the directions when making a reservation through their Instagram account. The gorgeous, dimly-lit and atmospheric space is thought to serve the customers with an exclusive feeling.
No physical menu exists here either. As you engage with the staff, drinks will be suggested based on your preferences. Whatever it is that you’re getting, they’ll be willing to add their unique twist into it.
Instagram: Yellow Door (@yellow_door_bar)
Address: Go figure 😉
Story
Lurking behind a discreet metal door, Story is yet another bar that’s hard to come by without getting a recommendation. Here is yours.
Story’s distinctive concept is to focus on local ingredients and deepen the cultural experience. All their cocktails are inspired and named after Kazakh cities and culture. Along with the often rather unique drink you are having, you’ll also get the full story behind it. If there’s any place you’re allowed to feel smarter with every drink, it’s Story with all its stories.
Instagram: Story | ??? ????????? ???????? (@story.drinks)
Address: Abylai Khan Ave 104
Barmaglot
Not including Barmaglot in an article on Almaty’s nightlife would have been a crime considering its fame and accomplishments. In 2019, Barmaglot was chosen as one of the World’s 50 best bars in the 50 Best Discovery nomination. One reason behind its success is the fine work on their cocktails.
These days Barmaglot serves as one the most buzzing hotspots of the city’s nightlife. For those who enjoy larger premises, a fuzz of fashionable visitors and a louder beat of bass, this might just be the choice of the night.
Instagram: Barmaglot Bar (@barmaglot_bar)
Address: Valikhanov St 170