Mari Vanna

• Cuisine(s): Russian
  Hours: Sun 5:30pm-1am, Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 5:30pm-3am
  Price: $$$, $$$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: casual
  Features: Takeout, Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Coat Check
  Serving: Dinner, Late Night
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Accepted
  Parking: No Parking

Description

Stepping into Mari Vanna is like stepping into a 19th Century Russian novel, all warmth and tchotchkes and, of course, vodka. A matronly vibe pervades the place: crystal chandeliers dangle overhead, delicate china sits on shelves, flowery wallpaper is peeled back from exposed brick. The mood is festive, no doubt thanks to the vodka, available in either a shot or a carafe, including around 20 varieties infused with everything from apricot to cucumber and dill. Start with the house-cured herring or an assortment of house-cured pork fatback. Entrees are as traditional as can be, including chicken Kiev, Russian veal dumplings and sturgeon kebab, although a few more modern dishes like the sautéed Chilean sea bass are also on the menu. Sample a bit of everything with the Russian Table, a mass of appetizers and entrees for the entire party, or stop in for the prix fixe lunch. If you really want the Russian experience (and you just got a raise), order the Red Square ($215), a platter of both red and black caviar and a round of vodka shots.—Keith Wagstaff