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One avenue west of the block where the Russian Vodka Room and the Russian Samovar face off in a battle of ostentatious Soviet anachronism, Uncle Vanya's beckons Russian ex-pats with a more relaxed atmosphere, Eastern European beers, and simple, hearty plates . As befits a modest cafe named after a Chekhov play, the restaurant-bar is more provincial than cosmopolitan. There's a narrow dining room decorated by yellowing Russian theater posters and pictures of playwrights, as well as a small drawing room with a Tudoresque bar, a dour fish tank, a weathered player piano, and a sofa. — Daniel Maurer

 Live piano music plays every evening from 7pm to close.