This week's pick — Tashkent
Kosmonavt
A basement bar near Chorsu built entirely around the Soviet space programme — mission patches on the walls, a cocktail list named after launches, and the best vermouth soda in the city. Go on a weeknight; weekends get loud.
The full list
Every bar here has been visited at least twice. Cities are added as we cover them properly — no drive-by write-ups.
$$$
Yerevan
Views over the Cascade steps, short but well-made cocktail list, book ahead in summer.
Hazar Cellar
$$
Baku
Stone-vaulted basement in Icherisheher, deep whisky list, quiet enough to talk.
Mtkvari Wine Cellar
$$
Tbilisi
Qvevri wine by the carafe, simple khinkali menu, regulars outnumber tourists.
Zailiyskiy Taproom
$
Almaty
Fourteen taps of mostly local craft beer, mountain views if you get the window seat.
Ala-Too Taproom
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Bishkek
Small, unfussy, cheap enough to become your default. Good kitchen for the price.