Kaliningrad is the most western port city of Russia. However, it was not always part of the country, so many buildings are different from what they are used to seeing in other regions. Of course, all this leaves its mark on the restaurants and cafes of Kaliningrad. Often they are original and therefore very attractive to residents and visitors of the city. Among them, two popular establishments can be noted - Hercules and Pier. Each of the restaurants offers not just delicious food, but a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. True, they use completely different methods for this.
Beer restaurant "Hercules"
Among the German buildings at the end of Prospect Mira is the Hercules Brewery Restaurant. Why such a name? Its owners have a legend in this regard. It was built on the site of another institution of the early XX century with the same name. The same inn was named after the Russian Hercules - Eugene Sandov. Whether this is true or not is difficult to verify. However, in the nearest park you can find an interesting bas-relief depicting a hero of Roman mythology.
The main highlight
Throughout Kaliningrad , the Hercules restaurant is primarily famous for its brewery. Only here they offer unique varieties of hop drink brewed according to original Austrian recipes. These are Red Ale, Light Lager, Black Stout and Light Wheat. All of them are prepared in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant, so this is live beer, the taste of which you will not confuse with anything. True, in today's variety it seems that 4 varieties are few. But this is not so.
Light Lager is a classic beer with an amber hue, a specific clove aroma and a bitter taste. In contrast, the Black Stout variety has a more astringent taste and has a darker color, due to the addition of burnt malt and a high alcohol content. The pride of the establishment - "Red Ale" - is brewed using a special type of malt of the same color. Other beer restaurants of Kaliningrad cannot brag of this grade. Lovers of classics will definitely like light wheat beer brewed according to an old recipe.
Not just beer ...
However, if only beer were good at Hercules, it would hardly have become famous throughout Kaliningrad. The restaurant had to offer something more. First of all, it is a cozy atmosphere in each of the halls. Although the design used the classic style characteristic of fashionable establishments. In total, the restaurant can accommodate from 30 to 400 people. In addition, live music performed by local and guest musicians plays in the evening for visitors.
But the main thing is the proposed menu. There are no author's dishes or any culinary revelations in it. Most of them are a great addition to existing live beer: home-made sausages, hot cheese balls with bacon and pink sauce and the like. By the way, you can evaluate the quality of the offered dishes using the special offer - order a business lunch from 12 to 16 hours. For a relatively small fee, a full lunch is offered, consisting of the first and second courses, side dish, salad and a drink of your choice.
Coastal Restaurant "Pier"
Located on the lake, the restaurant has a leisurely rest. After all, when a beautiful view opens onto a smooth water surface, it pacifies and helps to forget about all the worries. However, this is not only why it is recommended to visit everyone who comes to Kaliningrad. The restaurant is famous for its interesting menu, which meets the best dishes of Russian and European cuisine.
Marine style
Having crossed the threshold of this place, many visitors forget for a second where they came from. The main hall of the restaurant is so unusual and original. For him, all conceivable and unimaginable shades of blue and blue are used. Because of what a feeling of sea cool is created even in the summer heat. In this case, there is no feeling of discomfort indoors. Everything looks harmonious and expensive.
In the summer, you should sit on the summer open veranda, which offers a magnificent view of the lake. There are both individual cabins for 8 people and tables for 4 people. True, they should be booked in advance, as there may not be space. The veranda is designed in such a way that more resembles a coastal bungalow than an urban establishment.
Many vacationers are happy to take pictures in order to later show off their trip to Kaliningrad. The restaurant is surrounded by a picturesque park, in which both adults and children will enjoy a walk. A small platform with a trampoline and swings was specially made for the latter. While parents are tasting local dishes, the kids can let off steam nearby and run on the green lawns.
home kitchen
For a long time, those who visit Kaliningrad, the restaurant "Pier" is recommended in order to taste the dishes of home cooking. The chef does not seek to surprise guests with unimaginable combinations or complex dishes. The menu consists mainly of dishes familiar from childhood. Here you can answer a delicious fish hodgepodge, mouth-watering cheesecakes with jam "Like Grandma's" and home-made Napoleon cake.
Separately, it is worth noting that in the summer, a variety of meat and fish dishes are prepared on the open barbecue. They are prepared immediately before serving, which is why they turn out to be especially tasty and aromatic. Perhaps this is the only restaurant in such a large city as Kaliningrad, which is considered an example of Caucasian cuisine. After all, only here can make a great lamb shish kebab.