Located in Johnny the Fat Boy's Pizzeria, Papa John's club can be found behind a bookshelf door that leads to the pizzeria's basement. The dress code and face control are pretty lax, but if you do have problems at the entrance, a bit of English will usually solve them. They only charge cover on Fridays and Saturdays and even then it is not that much, yet make sure to give your money clip an advance warning, because the drinks are quite expensive (beers – 100 rubles and up, cocktails – 130 and up).

Food, however, is not that pricey, and Buffalo wings at $8 a portion are strongly recommended. However, if you are trying to save yourself some cash, look for various specials they have on weekdays, like the half-price tequilas on Tuesdays. Your other option is eat in the pizzeria upstairs, where both drinks and food are significantly cheaper.

Papa John's has always been successful at combining the American layout and quality, Latin American bartending, Italian cuisine, and cool expatriate and Russian crowds to produce awesome parties that go on until the early morning. Creative contests and shows on Wednesday through Sunday make the already high pickup chances even better.

The managers and DJs hang out with the guests and take pride in making the atmosphere as relaxed as possible. The Latin American DJs are some of the best in town and although they play a bit too much salsa, they do a great job at getting people into a party mood.

The club has always attracted a lot of expats, but ever since their original expat manager left, the clientele has become more Russian, yet reamined quite hip. Kudos goes to Jay for building a new menu, and making the already good cuisine even better.

This is a true meet market and most people are aware of it when they come here. The women are a good-looking mix of sexual revolutionaries and arrogant spillovers from nearby Club XIII. Once inside you basically have to dance because it's virtually impossible to get a seat on a good night. Yet, if you decide to do some talking, the quiet and cozy Italian Cantina reastaurant in the back is perfect for it.

Different events are held each night of the week here, attracting various types of crowds. Tuesdays are Latin nights featuring live performances by Latino bands playing salsa and merengue. Every Wednesday is a Ladies' party complete with a Wet Shorts contest for men, while Thursday is Jay's night offering turtle races and cockfights. On weekends you can watch or take part in other contests and shows including the well-known Wet T-shirt competition, taking place Friday through Sunday at around 4 a.m.

Anyway, chances are that by then pretty much everybody will be already wet, because it is hot as hell due to both poor ventilation and low ceilings. By the way, you better watch your head – some of the low ceilings can leave a mark.

22 Myasnitskaya Ul.
Metro: Chistye Prudy
Tel: 755-9554
Hours: daily 6 p.m. – 6 a.m., till 8 a.m. on weekends.
Cover: Fri. and Sat. 150 rubles for men, 50 for women.