El Copitas

Founded in 2015, El Copitas Bar quickly became one of Russia’s most acclaimed cocktail venues. Consistently ranked in The World’s 50 Best Bars—reaching #8 in 2021—it embodies a hidden gem ethos with Mexican heart in the center of Saint Petersburg. Located in a secluded courtyard at Kolokolnaya Street, the bar is virtually impossible to find without a reservation. Guests call ahead and are then guided to a secret staircase entrance—an experience unfolding like a mystery adventure. Inside, the space features exposed brick, dim candlelight, and a large communal concrete table around which guests mingle. Decor includes vibrant Mexican touches, skull motifs, and warm, rustic ambiance. There’s no WiFi—just mezcal, tacos, and atmosphere. El Copitas specializes in agave distillates—tequilas, mezcals, sotols—curated personally by the founders who imported most bottles before local availability. Cocktail menus rotate weekly, with signature drinks like the Verde Gimlet (tequila with cilantro-jalapeño cordial) alongside classic agave-based recipes. Each cocktail begins with a welcome copita & sangrita. Food offerings are simple Mexican snacks—tacos of the week, nachos—affordable and flavorful. Capacity is small (≈25–35 seats), service is intimate and highly attentive, often including bar team storytelling. Entry requires reservation and cash only. Cocktail prices run around 300 RUB (~US $3–4) and tacos ~200 RUB (~US $2–3)—making it exceptional value for top-tier craftsmanship. Vibe is speakeasy-meets-family: informal yet highly passionate, with a community-driven ethos. The bar’s founders Artem Peruk, Nikolay Kiselev, and Igor Zernov launched El Copitas on a shoestring—dubbed their mission “Follow the Rabbits”—and grew it into Eastern Europe’s most honored cocktail team, even founding a bartending school and hosting St. Petersburg Cocktail Week.