Rule Taproom is a craft beer bar in a courtyard behind the Russian State Library, and this guide to Rule Taproom Moscow explains how to find it and what to expect. It has 27 taps, each customized by hand, and it is the taproom of Zagovor Brewery, so a few of the brewery’s recent beers are always on offer next to local and imported ones.
The bar is typically open from 16:00 until midnight, and until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday. The metro stations nearby, the door policy and prices could not be verified, so the sections below focus on the practical details that are known.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Рул Таптрум (RULE taproom) |
|---|---|
| Address | Starovagankovsky Lane 19 building 7, in the courtyard, Moscow (Староваганьковский пер., 19, стр. 7) OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Arbat |
| Type | Pub |
| Opening hours | Typically listed as open from 16:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Thursday and from 16:00 to 02:00 on Friday and Saturday; check the official site (as of October 2026 – check the official site). |
| Best time to visit | Early evening is calm, while Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest and the bar stays open until 02:00. In summer the courtyard is pleasant; check the official site for the hours. |
| Recommended duration | 1–3 hours |
| Music | Punk-rock, hip-hop and minimal techno sets, sometimes played by the brewers themselves, in an informal craft beer pub. |
| Entry and dress code | The door policy, dress code, minimum age and any cover charge could not be verified; bring a photo ID, and check ruletaproom.ru. |
| Price level | ₽₽ · moderate |
| Reservations | Table reservations could not be verified; check ruletaproom.ru before going, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening. |
| Website | ruletaproom.ru |
| Last updated | October 9, 2026 |
Why Visit Rule Taproom?
Rule is a bar for people who like beer more than cocktails, with 27 taps that rotate, so there is no fixed menu, and with taps that are made by hand, from a ship’s anchor chain to a bowling pin or a figure of Leo Tolstoy. Most of the beers are local, according to a local guide, and the brewers from Zagovor Brewery sometimes hang out at the bar and play music.
It sits in a quiet street in the very center, next to the Russian State Library, and in summer guests sit in the courtyard. Check the official site for the current tap list and the hours.
Highlights of Rule Taproom
27 customized taps
The bar has 27 taps, and each one is customized by hand, from a heavy anchor chain to a figure of Leo Tolstoy, a bowling pin or the top of a Soviet flag tower, according to a local guide. Look at the taps along the bar. Check the tap list on arrival.
Tip: Ask the bartender which tap is the newest.
The taproom of Zagovor Brewery
Rule is the taproom of Zagovor Brewery, so four or five of the brewery's recent ales are offered next to local and imported beers. Check which Zagovor beers are on tap.
Tip: Start with the house beers from the brewery.
A rotating list
There is no strict menu, since once one beer runs out another takes its place, according to a local guide, and the list includes sours and stouts. Check the list with staff.
Tip: Ask for a small pour to try two or three beers.
The courtyard behind the library
The bar is in a courtyard right in front of a huge graffiti facade of the Rhythm & Blues Cafe, which is hard to miss, and guests sit outside in summer. Check the courtyard on a map app.
Tip: Look for the large graffiti facade to find the entrance.
Punk, hip-hop and techno
The brewers sometimes play punk-rock, hip-hop or minimal techno sets at the bar, and punk is often on in the early evening. Check the program on the official site.
Tip: Come early if you prefer conversation to loud music.
Next to the Russian State Library
The bar is behind the Russian State Library, in the center near the Kremlin, which makes it easy to combine with Pashkov House. See the walking itinerary for Arbat. Check the route on a map app.
Tip: Walk past Pashkov House on the way.
Signature Drinks
- A beer from Zagovor Brewery
- A sour from the rotating taps
Atmosphere
The room is plain and simple, with a long wall of taps, wooden tables and punk on the speakers, and a few brewers standing near the bar. In summer the courtyard fills with people sitting outside under the graffiti facade across the yard.
Early in the evening it is quiet and suited to beer talk, and by Friday and Saturday the crowd of friends and beer fans fills the room until closing.
History of Rule Taproom
Rule Taproom opened as the taproom and headquarters of Zagovor Brewery, in a courtyard on Starovagankovsky Lane behind the Russian State Library. It became known among craft beer fans for its 27 customized taps and its rotating list of local beers.
The bar has kept its informal look, with punk music and a simple interior, and the brewers play there. The date of opening could not be verified.
The current details should be checked on the official site, and this history is shorter than requested because few facts could be verified.
Entry, Tables and Reservations at Rule Taproom
Reservations. Reservations could not be verified; check the official site ruletaproom.ru before going, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening, when the room fills.
Entry. The door policy and any cover charge 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 Rule Taproom
The bar is at Starovagankovsky Lane 19 building 7, in a courtyard 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 building 7.
- 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 bar before going if you need them.
Food Nearby
The bar's own food offer was not verified; 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 were not verified; ask staff first and do not photograph other guests without asking.
Family Suitability
Not suited to children in the evening, since this is a beer bar, and the minimum age was not verified; stroller access was not verified.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Look for the graffiti facade of the Rhythm & Blues Cafe in the courtyard to find the bar.
- Ask the bartender for a small pour, since the list rotates and there is no fixed menu.
- Come early on a weekday if you want a quiet talk with the staff about the beers.
- Combine a stop here with a walk past Pashkov House and the Kremlin.
- Plan the way home before the last round, since the Metro closes around 01:00.
- Carry cash in rubles in case a card is declined.
What to Do Within Walking Distance of Rule Taproom
These places are an easy walk from Rule Taproom and help you plan your days:
Within walking distance
Schusev State Museum of Architecture Moscowabout 100 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 Rule Taproom
Metro stations near Rule Taproom
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 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Rule Taproom
Rhythm & Blues Cafeabout 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 Rule Taproom
WA Gardenabout 350 m away (~5 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Krasotaabout 350 m away (~5 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Elevenabout 350 m away (~5 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Rule Taproom
Russo-Balt Hotel Moscowabout 450 m away (~8 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.
Related guides
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Arbat and New Arbat Walking Itinerary: Route, Sights and TimingsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Red Square and Moscow Kremlin Walking Itinerary: Route and TimingsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Browse more: More in Arbat · All Bars and Pubs · All Nightlife
FAQ: Rule Taproom
What is Rule Taproom?
A craft beer bar and the taproom of Zagovor Brewery, in a courtyard behind the Russian State Library in Moscow.
How many taps does it have?
27, each customized by hand.
What are the hours?
Typically 16:00 to 00:00, and to 02:00 on Friday and Saturday; check the official site.
Is there a menu?
There is no strict menu, and the list rotates.
Is there a courtyard?
Yes, guests sit in the courtyard in summer.
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?
This could not be verified; check the official site.
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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
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