Rhythm & Blues Cafe is a live music club-restaurant on Starovagankovsky Lane, behind the Russian State Library, and this guide to Rhythm & Blues Cafe Moscow explains what it is and why a visitor should confirm its status before going. It describes itself as the first music club-restaurant in Russia, founded in May 1998 by the musicians Stas Namin, Valery Meladze and Andrei Makarevich.
The club offers live music, food and a democratic atmosphere in the spirit of the 1970s, in the very center of the city, according to its own description. Hours differ between listings and the current status could not be confirmed, so the sections below focus on what is known and on what to check.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Рок-н-ролл блюз кафе (Rhythm & Blues Cafe) |
|---|---|
| Address | Starovagankovsky Lane 19/2, Moscow (Староваганьковский пер., 19, стр. 2) OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Arbat |
| Type | Live music |
| Opening hours | Listings suggest opening around midday and closing late in the evening, with differing times, so check the club's contacts for the hours and the program of the night you plan (as of October 2026 – check the official source). |
| Best time to visit | Concert evenings are the liveliest, and listings suggest opening around midday, so the early afternoon is calm. Check the program for the night you plan. |
| Recommended duration | 2–3 hours |
| Music | Live music, with a blues and rock-and-roll character and a relaxed spirit of the 1970s, according to the club's own description. |
| Entry and dress code | The door policy, dress code, minimum age and any ticket or cover charge for concerts could not be verified; bring a photo ID, and check the program before going. |
| Price level | ₽₽ · moderate |
| Reservations | Table reservations could not be verified; for a concert night, contact the club ahead of time, since the room may sell out. |
| Last updated | October 9, 2026 |
Why Visit Rhythm & Blues Cafe?
Rhythm & Blues Cafe has a place in the story of Moscow nightlife as a music club-restaurant founded in 1998 by well-known musicians, at a time when few places combined concerts and a full kitchen. The club describes a democratic atmosphere in the spirit of the 1970s and live music in the very center.
It is in a lane behind the Russian State Library, close to the Kremlin, so it can be combined with an evening walk. Because the status, hours and the program could not be confirmed, check the club’s own contacts before going.
Highlights of Rhythm & Blues Cafe
A pioneer music club-restaurant
The club describes itself as the first music club-restaurant in Russia, founded in May 1998 by the musicians Stas Namin, Valery Meladze and Andrei Makarevich. Check the club's story on its own contacts.
Tip: Ask staff about the club's history if the evening is quiet.
Live concerts
The club presents itself as one of the few places in the city where high-quality live music is played, with a program that varies by night. Check the program for your night.
Tip: Choose the night by the band.
A spirit of the 1970s
The atmosphere is described as democratic, in the spirit of the 1970s, with a restaurant kitchen alongside the stage. Check the menu on arrival.
Tip: Eat before the concert starts.
The graffiti facade
A local guide mentions a huge graffiti facade with bands and musicians that carries the club's name in the courtyard of Starovagankovsky Lane, which is hard to miss. Check the lane on a map app.
Tip: Look for the large mural to find the lane.
Behind the Russian State Library
The club is in a quiet lane behind the Russian State Library, a short walk from the Kremlin and Pashkov House. See the walking itinerary for Arbat. Check the route on a map app.
Tip: Walk past Pashkov House on the way.
Next door to a craft beer bar
The lane also has the craft beer bar Rule Taproom, so the two can be combined in an evening. Check the hours of both before going.
Tip: Start with a beer and end with the concert.
Atmosphere
The room is a simple, wood-paneled hall with a stage at one end and tables facing it, and the walls carry posters and photographs of musicians. The sound is a live band, from blues to rock-and-roll, over the clatter of the kitchen.
The crowd is a mix of music fans, regulars and visitors, and on concert nights the room fills and the show begins in the evening.
History of Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Rhythm & Blues Cafe was founded in May 1998 by the musicians Stas Namin, Valery Meladze and Andrei Makarevich, and it describes itself as the first music club-restaurant in Russia. It has been known as a place where live music, food and a relaxed atmosphere in the spirit of the 1970s come together in the center of Moscow.
The club stands in Starovagankovsky Lane, behind the Russian State Library, and the facade of the courtyard carries a large mural of musicians. The details of its later history and ownership could not be verified.
The current program should be checked with the club, and this history is shorter than requested because few facts could be verified.
Entry, Tables and Reservations at Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Reservations. Reservations could not be verified, and no official site was confirmed; contact the club for a concert night, since the room may sell out.
Entry. The door policy, minimum age and any ticket price for concerts were not verified. Arrive early on a busy night, and bring a photo ID.
Payment. Cash in rubles is the most reliable way to pay. Foreign Visa or Mastercard cards should not be assumed to work, and your country’s sanctions rules may restrict some payment services, so check this yourself.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Rhythm & Blues Cafe
The club is at Starovagankovsky Lane 19/2, behind the Russian State Library in the center of Moscow, a short walk from the Kremlin. The nearest Metro stations could not be verified, so check the route on a map app.
- By Metro: several central stations are within walking distance of the library; check the nearest on a map app.
- By taxi: use the address, Starovagankovsky Lane 19/2.
- Getting home: the Metro usually closes around 01:00, so a taxi may be needed after a late night; check mosmetro.ru for the current closing time.
Accessibility
Step-free access and facilities for guests with reduced mobility were not verified, so check with the club before going if you need them.
Food Nearby
The club has its own kitchen, and the lane has the craft beer bar Rule Taproom; the area around the library and the Arbat has many cafes and restaurants.
What to Bring
Bring a photo ID, cash in rubles and a charged phone with a map and a taxi app for the way home.
Photography Rules
Rules for photography and recording were not verified; at concerts, ask staff first, avoid flash and respect the musicians and other guests.
Family Suitability
The daytime restaurant may suit families, but concerts in the evening are for a mixed adult audience, and the minimum age was not verified; stroller access was not verified.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Confirm that the club is open and what is on, since the status and the hours could not be fully verified.
- Look for the large mural of musicians in the courtyard to find the lane.
- Combine the evening with a beer at Rule Taproom next door.
- Walk past Pashkov House and the library on the way, which are a short distance away.
- Plan the way home before the last number, since the Metro closes around 01:00.
- Carry cash in rubles in case a card is declined.
What to Do Within Walking Distance of Rhythm & Blues Cafe
These places are an easy walk from Rhythm & Blues Cafe and help you plan your days:
Within walking distance
Schusev State Museum of Architecture Moscowabout 150 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: About 1.5 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Pashkov House Moscowabout 200 m away (~3 min walk) · typical visit: About 20 to 30 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Diamond Fund Moscowabout 400 m away (~6 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 hourMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Explore Nearby Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Metro stations near Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Borovitskaya Metro Stationabout 50 m away (~1 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Arbatskaya Metro Stationabout 150 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Rule Taproomabout 50 m away (~1 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Elevenabout 350 m away (~5 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
WA Gardenabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Krasotaabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Rhythm & Blues Cafe
Russo-Balt Hotel Moscowabout 450 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bokstel Hostelabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Stella Di Mosca Hotelabout 550 m away (~9 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Rhythm & Blues Cafe
What is Rhythm & Blues Cafe?
A live music club-restaurant on Starovagankovsky Lane in Moscow, founded in 1998.
Who founded it?
The musicians Stas Namin, Valery Meladze and Andrei Makarevich, according to the club's own description.
Is it still open?
Nothing points to a closure, but check before going.
What are the hours?
Listings differ; check the club's contacts for the night you plan.
Is there live music?
Yes, the club presents itself as a place for live music.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Acceptance of foreign cards cannot be assumed; carry cash in rubles, and check your own country's sanctions rules, which may restrict some payment services.
How do I get home late?
The Metro closes around 01:00, so use a taxi; check the current rules for taxi apps.
Is food served?
Yes, it is a club-restaurant.
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Last updated: October 9, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
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About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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