“Exclusive” Moscow: Top-5 of the capital’s non-profit clubs
Gazgolder
The club, which has been operating in Moscow from the very start, and was closed for four years, has recently re-opened. This institution does not need any special promotion, and it is content with its popularity only among “select” circles, being famous for its “imports”, shows, animations, and of course, great music.
These are large dark premises with a “loft” style interior, where iron reinforcement bars and brick walls blend gracefully with velvet “baroque” style armchairs and a cozy fireplace – welcome to the Gazgolder – the Mecca of the capital’s “anti-glamour”.
Location
Kurskaya Subway Station, 5 Nizhny Susalny Lane, bldg. 1 (entrance from Kazakova St.). You will find the building next to the Kruzhka Bar, go to the end and knock on the closed door that has no sign on it. Be prepared that they will ask you your name, or you will be asked to show an SMS with a special invitation to the party.
Owner of the club
Socialite Anna Antimony
Club’s target group
This institution is intended for “club life” old-timers, who were there at the beginning of the Moscow “rave” movement. This club is not intended for dating, being visited only by people who want to relax and “taste” quality “techno”. The ages of visitors range from 20 to 50.
Music
“Selective techno” and its variations: progressive, trance, etc. You will not hear recognizable compositions in the style of David Guetta, as the music, for the most part, is without vocal accompaniment.
Schedule
Parties are held no more than once every one to two months.
How to get into the club
You have to be on the “list”. The day before, or on the very day, the lucky person gets a message with a special invitation.
Average bill
From 1500 rubles. The prices “don’t bite”, as this is a non-profit institution, exclusively friendly in nature. Credit cards are accepted.
What to wear
Club visitors dress in extremely simple attire. Heels and dinner clothes are not welcome.
Troyka Multi Space
(https://www.facebook.com/TROYKA.MULTISPACE)
This is one of the most beautiful clubs, located in a mansion in the center of Moscow, and named in honor of the “Moscow residence registration” – Building 3 on Yauzskaya Street.
Location
1/15 Yauzskaya St., bldg. 3
You will surely notice the gate, surrounded by a crowd of people and lots of parked cars from the side of Yauzskaya St.
The club has three floors. The first of them is occupied by a cloakroom and welcome-zone. There is a dance floor and a stage on the second floor, with a second dance-floor located on the third floor. There is no restaurant as such.
Owner of the club
Two investors, who own several mansions in Moscow, opened this still fully non-profit club.
Club’s target group
Recently, the club has become more “massive”, which certainly increases your chances of getting inside. The age group is 25–30 and older.
Music
Great techno music, combined with foreign techno-star “imports”.
Schedule
The club holds exactly 12 parties each year. It is best to arrive at 11 p.m. and to stay until 3 a.m.
How to get into the club
You can learn about an event via SMS messages or through the club’s group in social networks. In addition, you can submit a request and obtain a special code on the club’s webpage, after mentioning a name of a person who can recommend you. You should know that, after the receipt of a recommendation, the administration of the club will study your profile on Facebook, before making a “final verdict”.
Average bill
You should not come here hungry, as you will not be able to order a meal in this club; there simply is no food on the menu. You will have to snack only on a berry or fruit salad. The average bill ranges from 1500 to 5000 rubles. Credit cards are not accepted.
What to wear
There is no dress code. You may come dressed in anything that feels comfortable.
Vanilla Ninja
(https://www.facebook.com/VanillaNinjaClub)
Do not get scared when you enter these dark 100% techno-oriented premises... You will soon feel the mood of the club, as the main funds are invested into DJ's and performers. The club has been operating for more than 5 years, and in that time has already “moved” to a new location, without losing any of its regular clientele.
Location
Krasnopresnenskaya Subway Station, 15 Rochdelskaya St.
Owner of the club
One of the owners is Seva Shcherbakov, a very public figure and founder of more than a dozen commercial clubs in Moscow.
Club’s target group
Fans of techno.
Music
You are the right place to hear all variations on the theme of “progressive” and “trans” music.
Schedule
There are two club days: Thursdays, for those who are in no hurry to get to work and are free to spend their time as they wish, and Fridays. You can keep track of the DJ “imports” on the club’s official page on Facebook. One week in advance, the club sends an SMS with an announcement of events. It is worth noting this club’s partnership relations with the Troyka Club – The Vanilla Ninja is closed during parties at the Troyka.
How to get into the club
Admission is only by lists, club cards or if one of the club promoters is a personal acquaintance. You can try entering through a private group on Facebook.
Average bill
Credit cards are accepted. The average bill is 2000 rubles.
What to wear
It is advisable to be dressed in the street style of “ghetto-gothic” or “street-gothic” – black color, layering and asymmetrical cuts.
Monasterio
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monasterio)
This is the newest club, which entices fans of Arma. You will feel as if you just dropped into the Moscow Berghaim (Berlin), the most famous freak disco, which is famous for its “frivolous” parties, unusual music, relaxed and incoherent clientele.
Location
15/12a Krasnopresnenskaya Subway Station, Tryokhgornaya Manufaktura. Behind the Jagger Club.
Owner of the club
Russian investors, former DJs
Club’s target group
Fans of “techno”, “tech house” and “minimal techno” music styles.
Music
Monasterio perhaps has the most high quality and expensive sound equipment. DJs from the most famous clubs of Germany, Spain, etc., play here. However, be prepared also for the “hard” music – “progressive” changing into “trans”.
Schedule
It is best come at about 4 o'clock in the morning, considering this club as an “after party”.
How to get into the club
Unlike all the previous clubs, you can get into this club by paying 500 rubles for admission, and after passing a strict “face control” process, which is not typical for the Moscow club scene, with its “free admission” policies.
Average bill
You can get a bite to eat in this club, with the food being of very good quality. Credit cards are accepted.
What to wear
You may wear what you like, but it is best to dress in black.
Petrovich Club-Restaurant
Are you tired of fashionable glamour? Do you yearn for something real, something “Soviet”? Then a place with a 15-year history awaits you, with its traditions and stunning cuisine – Olivier salad, “dressed herring”, pies, khrenovuha, salo, and of course, vodka in faceted glasses!
Location
24/3 Miasnitskaya St.
Owner of the club
One of the owners of the club is the cartoonist Andrey Bilzho.
Club’s target group
This club is intended for anyone who wants to relax and feel “at home”, for fans of “eat–drink–have fun” in good quality company. Besides this, you can always find the capital’s big names here – bankers, media people, senior managers, politicians, and journalists – all of these are longtime fans of the Petrovich.
Music
The motto of this institution is “Merry and Noisy”. There are evenings of jazz, guitar and even piano. Every Saturday there are dances to music by ABBA, Boni M and Soviet songs.
Schedule
The schedule is kept up to date on the club's website – disco of the 90s, and live music every day. The club is open until 5 a.m.
How to get into the club
Admission is strictly by club cards. You can get a card through a friend's recommendation or by filling in a form and providing a photo directly at the club.
Average bill
You must try everything on the menu – without exception! Book your table in advance, especially on weekends. The average bill is 1500–2000 rubles.
What to wear
Wear what feels comfortable for a relaxing evening and for dancing. Hipsters and glamorous socialites you certainly will not meet here.
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