Lovely little bar with a great history. The patrons here are exceptionally friendly, which is good…read morein a place that's so tiny (even by Helsinki standards). The jukebox is legendary and you can even ask to hear a song written about the bar itself. A must-go for lovers of Helsinki history and kitsch, and a big shout out to the wonderful bar owner who is committed to retaining the charm of days gone by.

So you want a Revolution?! This place is better than…read moreBorsht! It's a legit Russian bar. I strutted in there with the few Russian words I remember (I can order a beer like a Stalinist!) They immediately responded in Russian, and brought me a Baltica. Aaahh- reminds me of Moscow. The bartender was really a local, who is in the local Russian Language Club, where they meet up here to periodically discuss Russian cinema, books and so forth. While here, you're sure to hear about many Russian thoughts and ideas- they speak of revolution! It's a great place for an American to get some alternative viewpoints on the "system." By your third Russian Standard you're sure to be joining with the workers of the world to unite! The bar is small, and authentically decorated in drab Soviet accouterments. They have authentic Russian LPs behind the bar, and a sign from a defunct Soviet airline. Even the paintings have that kind of weird Soviet charm. They have 3 kinds of Baltica, as well as the cheaper Carlsberg Beer from the tap. Don't expect a Siberian tour of beers here- they have the basics and that's all. Don't be a greedy capitalist wishing for more beers than you can sample. It's a great place to people watch here- don't mind those burly guys in the corner in slick shark skin suits and their hair all slicked back- the Russian that they're quickly speaking to each other in hushed tones is only friendly. It's a little hard to find this place, as there's no flashy neon sign, or any sign at all, for that matter. It's a place that I found hidden behind an unmarked glass door covered in curtains next to the Mexican cantina, Corona.

Quite possibly one of my favorite stops in Helsinki, and definitely memorable. One can only…read moredescribe it as being very Soviet inside: dim, red lighting, surly bartender, old music. Order a Baltika and shot of vodka and just enjoy the fabulous ambiance. Pro tip: they stock Żubrówka, a delicious Polish bison grass vodka that is a little hard to find. Drink it here.

This is a very large bar with an amazing selection of gin - 97 different kinds, in fact! The gin &…read moretonics are garnished with various berries and spices, depending on what's compatible with the gin you selected. So while it has the appearance of a steampunk-themed dive bar, they know how to make a good drink. My one complaint is that we were offered small tastes of a couple different gins - combined it was less than a shot and we didn't request them, so I was surprised when we were charged €7 (on top of €11 per drink). Otherwise, great decor, fabulous music from the 40s, and vey friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit, and I loved the bar's own brand of gin.

I went here with a small group to celebrate a friend's birthday party. Noticeable even before…read moreentering the bar was the music, the main attraction of this establishment. There was a 3€ entry fee/coat checking. The steam themed decor was scant, at best, and the service was lackluster. Many of us did not get drinks for half an hour. Despite the music (the live DJ was on top of his game) this bar receives a 1 star due to an inexcusable flaw and service policy. While at the steam bar, I wanted to take a break and use my steamer (an electronic cigarette.) They do not have a smoking room, so smokers are to go outside. I went to the coat-check with my ticket, (late October in Helsinki), and told them I'm going to step outside and return. I was informed of a policy they have, not to return jackets but instead to loan out a thin 'blanket' to smokers. Not only was I adverse to the idea of sharing a blanket with every previous bar patron who wanted to step outside, but my personal vaporizer was in my jacket. When I informed the two people at the coat check of this, I was told that I "could go buy cigarettes at the bar." After making it clear that I want my vaporizer from my jacket and that I do not want to buy cigarettes, that the purpose of me having a personal steam machine is to prevent me from smoking cigarettes, they agreed to release my jacket to me. At a cost of an additional 3€. This is not a joke, and after being polite more than long enough I even began to argue the point of jacket extortion to no avail. I was told "every time I want to touch my coat, it will cost an additional 3€. As a line formed behind me, I eventually told them that I'll take my jacket, and pay the fee upon return. As a matter of principle I did not return, and missed the rest of my friend's birthday. This bar had a lot of potential, but poor hygiene, rude staff, greedy management and terrible rules made creating a yelp account worth the effort.

The atmosphere here is one of the unbeatable spots in all of Helsinki…read more Good jams. Anywhere from electronica from 2008 to black metal classics. Reasonable prices. Some folks from spotless and "safe" countries might think this is in a seedy part of town, which isn't completely untrue given all the massage parlors, but it's absolutely safe. At least from an Angelino's perspective

I had a couple beers here with friends to start a Kallio run. The place is small and it was…read moreunderstandably packed and loud on this Friday night, but with sufficient elbow use we managed to squeeze into seats. No doorman or coat check, so pretty laid back in that respect. Molotow is charming and I can see why it attracts its clientele. It's got a bohemian vibe -- I hesitate to throw the term hipster out there for fear of negative undertones, but the shoe fits rather well. I had a Magic Stone Dog Ale and a Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale, both bottled. The former was solid but the latter tasted like Christmas exploded in my mouth. I was disappointed with the prices -- admittedly due to my Kallio prejudice. I just don't expect to pay upwards of 8 EUR for bottles in this neighborhood. Good selection yet on the pricey side, so it kind of averages out for me. Nevertheless, it's certainly worth making Molotow a stop on your Kallio visit. I'll be back :)

A dive bar with a unique atmosphere for Helsinki. People actually say hello to each other here :).read more

From the owner: Jo vuodesta 1986 perinteitä kunnioittaen!read more

I love Bar Base. Originally from San Francisco, this is one bar that reminds me so much of home:…read morecozy, kind of dive-y, hidden back rooms, and no-nonsense but great bartenders. It is quite easy to become homesick but Bar Base makes me feel like a little piece of San Francisco has been teleported to Helsinki. Did I mention the bartenders are really great at remembering what I drink regularly and don't even have to ask- this is bartending at it's best. Also- quite patient with this American Finnish resident who tries hard but always ends up speaking my own hybrid of Finglish. Love the wooden paneling and semi-creaky floors, the young and lively crowd, and the people who work here. Also- their drinks aren't outrageously expensive. Highly recommended on the following counts: value, service, charmingly semi-dive bar feel, and location. If I had to live in a bar, I'd probably bunk in the back room at Bar Base. Or on the terrace at Torni, but that's a different review. Someday my reviews will be written in Finnish ;) For now, I hope they're moderately helpful for English speakers :)

What about checking out a new bar today? Maybe something pretty basic? With some rock music in the…read morebackground? With a rough but friendly atmosphere? If that sounds interesting to you then you should visit Base today. You find the bar in Kalevankatu between Stockmann and Torni. They serve beer for a reasonable price (at least for the center of Helsinki). And they fill up your glass till the rim. Really good but it makes it tough to get back to your seat without spilling anything. All in all it's a nice place for a drink for a Saturday night. Have fun!