Threateningly close to the prestigious Hippopotam, Barmalei has been trying to rise above its rival ever since its star-filled opening bash a couple of years ago. Alas, although it is esthetically pleasing to the eye and not as exclusive as its neighbor, Barmalei still needs some help in a few significant areas.

The greatest thing about Barmalei, located at Ul. Mantulinskaya 5/1, is that it has a fair amount of space to move around in and some interesting attractions. The main room has a central bar, a few chairs and some pool tables. A balcony leads to a sitting area outside. There is another room with a large dance floor, some more tables and chairs and another bar. Upstairs there is a cafe and, odd as it may seem, there's even a movie theater next to the main room.

However, the club falls short of some important expectations. Yes, friendly customer service is somewhat difficult to come by at Moscow clubs, especially if you're a foreigner. But at Barmalei, you'll have a hard time getting one of the bartenders to look at you, let alone to get you a drink. Unless you're standing at some prime spot, like right in front of the beer tap, which is already crowded with impatient customers, you won't get served. This may be due to the fact that, on a Saturday night, the place is full and there simply aren't enough bartenders available for the thirsty crowd.

The bar next to the dance floor is a little bit less chaotic, but about 10 degrees higher in temperature. The problem with a bar next to the dance floor is that it's too loud, it's too hot and it's too dark. There's very little room for schmoozing under those conditions.

My next gripe has to be about the music. Granted, if all you need is some beer and music and quality isn't at the top of your priority list, then you'll have no problems here. I, on the other hand, simply can't dance to just any electronic crap that the DJ decides to spin. Unfortunately, the music was of the generic and monotonous variety. Although the beginning of the evening was a little more varied and interesting, with some techno pop and even some rock, the later it got, the worse it became. Apparently, the DJ couldn't tell between good techno and bad techno when he was picking out his set that night.

The entrance fee varies, depending on what's going on that night. Apparently, though, it also depends on where you're from. My ticket cost 150 rubles, whereas my Russian friend paid 100 rubles two minutes earlier.

Also, some time around 1 a.m. there was a scuffle in the main lobby and someone got pepper-sprayed. It's possible that the security guards may be a little full of themselves or that there are some shady characters coming to Barmalei but, in any case, the whole main area was full of people coughing and I had to run to the balcony to keep from choking.

Pepper spray can't ward off eager clubbers, however, and everything resumed as soon as the air cleared. We continued to dance to terrible music while we dulled our senses with only slightly overpriced alcohol. Overall, Barmalei is a good hangout because there's stuff to do – pool, movies and dancing. As far as the service, the music and the pepper spray, you can decide for yourself if Barmalei's shortcomings outweigh its attractions.

BARMALEI
Ul. Mantulinskaya 5/1.
Metro: Ulitsa 1905 Goda.
Tel: 256-2694.
Cover: 150 rubles.
Hours: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.