Nasha Rasha

B on most recent Health Grade :/​. Dark as a motherplucker in this place.
Those were the 2 first observations about this place.
This is HEAVILY Russian themed, from the blood red drapes, picture homage to some Russian leaders, TONs of vodka (you can not comprehend how much vodka is a lot until you come check out this place), and excellent décor.
Most of the vodka if not all are infused by flavors which I don’t have the Irish liver to try them all.
Maybe next time.
Happy Hour is 2 shots for $ 10 which is really $ 5 per shot which isn’t really happy hour friendly considering that I can get the same shot for $ 3 or even $ 2 at other places.
I came in when they first opened for business for the day and it was as empty as it was dark.
But the bartender told me that it turns into a lounge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so I will check out some hopefully Russian themed girls on the next occasion.
Maybe they’ll even get an A next time on their health grade.

The food was meh, no flavor. The worst part was that my husband and I had food poisoning from them. Afterward, I checked with the NYC Dept of Health and Hygiene and they got a B rating with the following sanitary violations:
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Appropriately scaled metal stem-​type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.
3) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/​or non-​food areas.
4) Pesticide use not in accordance with label or applicable laws. Prohibited chemical used/​stored. Open bait station used. Never again will we go back.
Never again will we go back.

I can’t wait to come back. Luba really took care of us. I’m so glad we came early so that Luba could take her time and explain everything to is. Felt bad that she took so much time but it was worth it. I love the pineapple pepper vodka We all got different things so I got to experience all kind man of vodka.
Then Luba brought out Slava (who makes the infused vodka) who made us vodka drinks based on what we liked. Oh my, I need to take a cab home, but it’s so worth it. From the pork belly to the potatoes with kielbasa, (My Russian friend says this is the best pork belly she’s had in NYC). I can’t say enough about the food here as well. Amazing night. Thanks Nasha for an amazing evening out with great friends.
Can’t wait to come back.

Take me back to the former glory days of communist U.S.S.R.
My birthday 2014 celebration adventures took me on a vodka binge. My ginger vodka was calm and subtle while my second imbibe on his Russian Roulette. I casually mentioned my birthday as a reason for this joyous celebration to my second, which the bar tender overheard and gave me a vodka aloe shot on the house.
Nasha Rasha is a vodka and Russian restaurant revolving to the Hammer and Sickle with red star, a communist symbolism. The bar tender, with great pleasure, passed Russian military hats with a single red star and/​or Russian winter fur hat «Ushanka” — military style with Soviet red star badge at the bar. The atmosphere dates Cold War dankness with a oversize red star behind the bar. Yes, Happy Hour is available to whom I challenge my second to solely imbibe the $ 30.00 + tax vodka of 12 shots (absolutely no sharing). Due to the nature of vodka, water is immediately dispensed to us before we placed our drink orders. The menu for vodka concoctions are pages with every flavor imaginable: aloe, bacon, chocolate, peanut butter, cucumber, et al. Russian Tapas are available for dinner as well. Hands down as this is as close I can get entering Russia.
It made a dent for a memorable impression and I would surely return again.

A former colleague and I were looking for an energetic, festive environment to enjoy while we caught up for the first time in a year. Great spot for that. Double height ceilings and decked out in festive décor. Absent were the old-​timeyness and Cold War dankness of Midtown’s authentic Soviet haunts like the Russian Vodka Room. That novelty is replaced by an equally awesome youthful dancey vibe. The stereotype of blunt, almost harsh Russian service was also defied. My servers were two of the kindest most patient people I’ve ever been served by, spoke with us at length about their New York Stories (both were from the Motherland), and gave us some vodka tastings on the house.
All of this made up for the fact that the place was almost empty on a Thursday night, and the IMO average pilimeni and Beef Stroganov. They didn’t come close to my girlfriends’ parents. But I will give it another chance!

Still one of my favorite bars in the city, but they don’t do all you can drink for an hour anymore, but stop you after twelve shots.
Still a great pregaming deal at $ 30! And the new waitresses and bartenders are all awesome.

Why does this place not have atleast a hundred more reviews?
Great service. unbelievable variety of infused vodka. perfectly relaxed atmosphere.
Natalya has been a gem each time we’ve been here. Super attentive, gives great recommendations, and always remembers us. I world never leave this place without a fire starter at the least.

I haven’t felt very motivated to write a review in a long time, but Nasha Rasha has caused me to no longer lie dormant. Now, you may be wondering WHY that is. I was going to write this review a few weeks ago after I visited, because it does deserve a review, but then I got lazy again (and now you are wondering why I only gave it three stars, aren’t you?).
It was the Olympics and the whole #SochiProblems thing was flooding the Interwebs, so I decided it would be a delightful idea to go and get my Russian on the best way I know how — by stuffing myself with copious amount of processed meats and drinking enough flavored vodka to kill a small army. It is best to do this while in costume (which they provide). My friend and I arrived around 8:30pm on a Saturday night and there was one large party of about 15 people sitting at a table and then no one else really in the place. We needed to make a quick decision; table or bar? Which would give us the experience we were looking for? Of course we chose the bar. So we sit down and ask for menus. The bartender immediately starts telling us about the 150+ flavor infused vodkas they have. Our minds were spinning. I went with the mango at first. Then, we decide to order some food. We order kielbasa (mmmmmeat), potato pancakes (OMGGGGGGG) and then something else that looked like a pizza which was OK (we thought we ordered dumplings). As we were sitting there, a woman comes over and asks us how our evening was and blah blah blah. She then says, «Why don’t you do the unlimited vodka for $ 30 for one hour?» We just stared at her blankly for a moment. She could tell we were contemplating so she followed up with, «for you, I will make it two.» Next thing I know I am trying every flavor of vodka under the sun. Pickle, aloe, chocolate, mango, jalapeño, mushroom, chicken… yes chicken. If you were wondering, chicken vodka is not good. It is vile and disgusting and I don’t recommend it. Next thing we know we are the only people left in the place and it is nearly midnight. We basically paid $ 10/​hr to drink vodka all night. Not too shabby. Overall I would highly recommend Nasha Rasha… but, here is the caveat… I would pay in cash only. Today (exactly one month after my visit) my debit card was charged $ 20 mysteriously by Nasha Rasha. The same thing happened to my friend. No bueno in my book. I will come back for sure, but with cash in hand. The food is too yummy and it is just a plain olé fun time.

Personally, I think most flavored vodka is repulsive. And although Nasha Rasha did very little to change my mind on that front, I still like the joint. Because sometimes you need to take 6 – 10 shots after work, and $ 10 for two shots and some meat dumplings is a damn good deal (especially since the owner is a sweetheart who is bound to send a few complimentary shots your way).
The selection of shots is overwhelming as they literally have hundreds of flavors available. Some decisions must be made on your own, but if you’re looking for my input I can report that of the many I’ve tried (bacon honey, spicy tangerine, chicken, PB&J, aloe, cucumber melon, jalapeño), I wouldn’t recommend the vast majority of them.
What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been around the block, and from now on I will take nothing but sour pickle shots. It’s like a pickleback but without [the deliciousness of whiskey and] the work of having to take two separate shots. I find it to be the most bearable of the options.
The Russian army gear at the bar is good for a photo op as well, and I can happily report that they did not give me bed bugs. So that’s nice.

The Russian army coats and hats available for wear when sitting at the bar are enough to warrant fan-​dom in my book. Throw in approximately 200 vodka infusions (including chicken, borscht, and aloe flavors), a $ 30 unlimited vodka hour, a $ 10 happy hour inclusive of 2 shots or beers with accompanying meat dumplings … and I’m sold.
As far as décor, it’s as kitschy as you might expect — think mid-​90s Sochi style. But that only adds to the authenticity. Don’t go expecting fine dining or modern allure, it’s almost a dive bar and perfect for a group of rapscallions looking for a happy hour «experience» that won’t be written about in New York Magazine. Our bartendresses were friendly and informative in that great Eastern European style («don’t order that, it tastes like sweat») and even offered our group samples of some of the edgier vodka flavors and finished off with a shot on the house. Pure hospitality.
All of that, and you’ll get drawn in quickly by a soft buzz and empty stomach gurgling that might lure you into splurging for a $ 150 caviar and blini platter, or perhaps a $ 7000 Russian import bottle… so keep your eye on your bar tab and take advantage of the specials. It’s cold out there. Na strovya!

$ 10 for two shots of vodka and a Russian dumpling appetizer?
$ 30 for an hour of all-​you-​can-​drink vodka?
Vodka flavors such as chocolate + bacon, PB&J, and of all things, chicken?
These are just a few reasons why after one visit, Nasha Rasha has become one of my favorite new bars in Manhattan. Add to that impressive happy hour roster a super friendly group of employees and communal jackets and hats to wear during your stay and you have quite the memorable experience for any night on the town.
Bookmark this place ASAP and see what you’ve been missing!

Roaming around this area early on a Friday night is totally unrewarding — 1 hr waits at Raines and Boqueria, everywhere else too crowded to bother learning their names. Meanwhile, Nasha Rasha, a huge Russian-​themed restaurant and bar, sat empty. We were lured in by happy hour until 7pm at the bar: $ 10 for two shots/​beers/​wines plus a small appetizer of Russian dumplings (must be per person).
The interior is definitely notable: soaring ceilings and red drapery, walls covered by a gigantic star or hammer and sickle. On a Venn diagram of «tacky» and «fun,» Nasha Rasha sprawls unapologetically across the middle. They were playing the «rah rah Rasputin!» song, which is awesome. Military overcoats on the backs of the bar chairs were a confusing choice of décor («Is someone sitting here?»).
Nasha Rasha’s [primary] shtick is infused vodkas. The brightest part of the room is the bar, underlighting rows of uniform, variously colored bottles holding every flavor imaginable — from the obvious (e.g. blueberry) to the cringe-​worthy (e.g. beef!). Considering each shot is normally $ 9, the anytime tasting special is a great deal: $ 30 for 1 hour of unlimited shots, or 2 hours if each person gets an entrée. Our chosen shots came 8 at a time. It sounds like a soul-​crushing amount of alcohol… But keep in mind that these «infused» vodkas are all watered down.
I tried around 20 different vodkas (heh heh), but liked very few of them. Most of the herbal or spicy flavors tasted blunted and stale. The jalapeño wasn’t spicy (though they have one called «fire» which is nothing but heat). The rosemary tasted more like dust. I usually gravitate away from sugary flavors, but the best vodkas were the sweet ones, like cinnamon and honey. But even some of those were obviously made with artificial flavoring — skip anything with watermelon or chocolate. Several aloe-​flavored vodkas (not on the list) were highly recommended by a waitress.
The Russian dumplings (which made their way out 40 minutes after we ordered them!) were tiny, dry, and reminiscent of processed tortellini put in a toaster oven and served with sour cream. I hope their actual food is more worthwhile.
Our bartender was very friendly, but her supervisor was unsmiling and decided that our hour was up even though we had a good 10 minutes left. Otherwise, the tacky-​and-​fun rule holds true. They even have Soviet military hats behind the bar, for when it’s time to whip out your phone for goofy photos (unlimited boozing means this is inevitable). The deserted atmosphere can be awkward, but if you want a cheap «open bar» with plenty of space on a Friday night, here’s an option.
And the solution to the eh-​tasting vodka is: shoot, don’t sip.

My wife and I heard of the 900 different vodkas available at Nasha Rasha. The infused vodkas were so smooth and delicious. We tried the jalapeño, Molotov Cocktail for a flaming experience. Then we cooled it down with a pomegranate wodka. when we sweetened things up with a honey and cinnamon shot. In between these, we enjoyed the Caviar served over crepes. The lamb dumpling were also fresh and delicious. There was also thin slices of smoked pork belly fat that helped slow down the absorption of all those shots.
The desert was a warm cheese cake. it helped slow down the absorption of the wodka in our belly. It was a very enlightening experience and if you this you know about vodka and think that Grey Goose is the best? Then you need to experience what amazing is. I will definitely go back for more, we still have another 885 different wodkas to try.

Really liked this place and plan to go back to sample some more of their house infused vodka. We tried the Black Currant, Cucumber Mint, Honey, Tomato Basil and Raspberry Chocolate. All were excellent. Loved the Tomato Basil, was my favorite of them all. There are so many interesting flavors I need to try out. For dinner had the Mushroom Stroganoff — which was very good. Enjoyed the ambience and the Russian themed décor — including a TV playing old Russian comedy movies. Was surprised at how quiet it was for a Friday night. But, hey that means more vodka for me on the weekends since I have a long list to sample there!

We came after 2 failed attempts at other vodka bars… too crowded. This place was empty, which gave the group pause, but we were there to catch up, not meet new people, so the vodka was really the draw!
Loved the dark décor and the kitschy decorations, especially the neon hammer & sickle! The music was good, too. I was very impressed with the long list of infused vodkas — choices were endless. I thought the pricing was good — it was like $ 9 or $ 10 for what was essentially 2 shots of vodka. The flavors were very strong — we sampled watermelon, root beer, a honey mint combo… one person in our group ordered wine (??) and they brought her a pint glass full of red wine!
We did not eat here, and the service was on the slow side, but all in all, an enjoyable evening!

Okay, so gave it one more chance for dinner because previously we had a group event here that I actually enjoyed. I’ve chosen poorly.
The food and service were both awful. I’m never coming back here again.
The server took over 30 minutes just to bring the check. They also dim the lights so much and close all curtains (when it’s still light outside) that it feels like a dungeon. It’s stuffy and uncomfortable. The food was atrocious too — dumplings need work, and the olivie salad was a joke.

I’m rushin’ to return to this awesome, fun Russian spot for Happy Hour. The ambiance is memorable and eclectic, with kitschy décor, high ceilings, and everything draped in rich reds. The infused vodka list made my Eastern European eyeballs roll back in my head: pumpkin, jalapeño, tomato basil, horseradish, borscht, bacon… na zda-rov’ye!
At two infused shots of your choice and a featured appetizer for just $ 10 M-​F from 4 – 7 pm, this is easily one of my favorite Happy Hour spots in the city. I can’t wait to go back and try the unlimited shots deal for $ 30, which I plan to do fully dressed in their assortment of awesome Russian jackets and hats (then snap a few photos to send to my proud nana Roza).
The service here is unparalleled. Luba is amazing — super cute, sharp, and dedicated to providing a personalized, special customer experience. While my friends and colleagues enjoyed the delicious chicken dumplings as part of the Happy Hour special, Luba got a special pickled vegetable plate put together just for me since my endocrine disorder limits my carb intake. Awesome. I think this just might be my Happiest Hour.
Can’t wait to go back and try some borscht, their «Russian sushi», vodka, vodka, and more vodka.

Impressive selection of about a hundred different infused vodkas! Food is good — not the best Russian food out there, but, solid. It’s pricey… about what you’d expect for this cuisine, location, etc.
Not so sure about the ambiance though. While the interior décor was fun and kitschy and waitstaff generally nice and attentive, the place was WAY too loud. We had to yell to have any conversation over the music and crowd related noise.
The #1 reason I likely wouldn’t return to this restaurant: the other patrons we encountered there on a Thursday night. There were several huge groups of meat head idiot guys yelling and high-​fiving each other throughout our entire dinner. It seemed like some sort of bad after work social hour nonsense and it was hard to tell whether or not this is a regular thing for Nasha Rasha. Either way, the happy hour douche nozzle fest is certainly something I can do without.

3.5÷5.
I have mixed feelings about Nasha Rasha. While I consider its food to be mediocre and uneven, I still have to point out that it provides a high fun factor experience which includes a vast selection of vodka infusions, great interior design, and a cool dress up shtick.
Should you decide to stop by, make sure to sample its vodka tasting special (we chose the 2 hours deal to celebrate a friend’s birthday). Do not go here if you do not intend to drink: after getting a fair share of alcohol in my system, it still was not enough to sway me towards liking the grub.
I was genuinely scared when they rolled out a tub of infused vodka bottles, even though I knew there were many people around me, it still felt like it would be too much to handle — and a 2 hour supply? How was I going to avoid what sure seemed an imminent hangover? How was i going to make it to work the next day? Luckily my fears did not materialize. The infusions curb the alcohol levels and go down very smoothly, so you get effected gradually, over time. The variety of infusions proved great as well, ranging from fruity (pineapple) to sour (dill pickle). With the right drinking pace, when all is said and done, you still are able to retain your zip code.

Now, onto the food. The appetizers were not bad. Salo was good, though I wish the skin was softer. The Russian sushi is very creative with a crêpe substituting for the rice. The same cannot be said of the bread as it did not taste like a russian bread I expected. Did they run out and make a trip to the local grocer?
Also, the butter could have been softer as it proved too difficult to spread onto the bread, being too cold.
The entrees were lackluster at best. My entrée of the fish cutlets with buckwheat was disappointing: although the portion was quite generous, the fish cutlets were burned on one side and were over-​salted. The caviar that topped them only worked against the dish: it added too much salt to the already overpowered fish patties, and its presence in general felt redundant. The buckwheat was decent enough yet could have benefited from butter. The mashed potatoes could have had a slightly denser, more substantial texture. The chicken Kiev my friend ordered lacked the typical obligatory bread crumb coating and was on the dry side. At 24 bucks for that entrée, I would stay away.
Why is the food preparation being taken for granted here? Is it because they expect you to overlook this and not to care provided you have had enough to drink? Well, I do care.
The portions are rationally sizable (as they should be for the prices alone) which is much needed to absorb all the vodka cornucopia. Here, more is better for a different reason.
The ambiance and the vibe of the place is very cool: the glow lit vodka bottles against the soviet star; the large hammer and sickle decoration; the proletariat flags suspended from the ceiling. My favorite is the wall painting reproduction of famous historical Russian figures in the style of Ilya Glazunov. It is all very immersive. Add the participatory element involving soviet militia hats and it makes for memorable experience which makes it hard for you to put down the photo camera.
In summary, despite the entrée dishes leaving much to be desired I still felt great at the end of the day in the company of friends celebrating a birthday. I feel that the current avg Unilocal rating of 3.5÷5 is a very fair appraisal. For even though I had a great time, the entrée dishes especially left a lot to be desired and this cannot be discounted.
Happy birthday, Alexander.

This is a great place for groups and parties. I came here for a birthday celebration on a Sunday night, and we got a long bar table in the middle of the room.
They have by far the largest selection of infused vodkas I have every seen. There must be over a hundred different flavors! My friend wanted to try a strawberry-​banana flavor and it surprisingly wasn’t on the menu, but guess what, the waiter said he’ll make it by mixing two that they have, and it was just as expected. If you want the full experience, definitely get the vodka tasting for 2 hours. It’s a great value.
That being said, let’s turn to the food. Everything I tried tasted great and the portions were huge. The Russian Sushi was a great discovery. Salo was great, although the bread they served was more like the Arnold multi-​grain than the more traditional Russian Borodinskiy that I was expecting. Also, the fried fish that my friend got was a little over-​seasoned according to him, although I tried it and thought it was perfect. None of this really deserves a star off.
Finally, towards the end, when everyone had loosened up a bit, they passed out Russian military hats and jackets to take pictures with, and that was awesome.
So overall, I think this is a well-​imagined and executed Russian bar/​restaurant. I feel that to fully enjoy it though, you have to come here with a group and be looking to have a fun time rather than just a fine dining experience.