Visitors consistently praise the restaurant's interior and concept: reviews mention newspapers used as wallpaper, old doors, enamel sugar bowls, a deer rug on the wall and cosy armchairs that create a convincing communal‑flat atmosphere. Several reviewers say they felt nostalgic and enjoyed examining the photos and little artifacts; one reviewer even highlighted that the place felt better inside than it looks from outside.
Service is repeatedly singled out as a strong point. Multiple reviewers name staff by first names and thank Alexey, Lyuba and Ivan for attentive, friendly service; others remark on the youthful, professional team. Reviewers also note quick serving times and that portions are generous — several people mentioned large portions and good value, with an average check reported around 700 rubles.
Food gets mixed but generally positive marks. Many visitors praise the borscht as one of the best they tried in the city and highlight housemade pelmeni and comforting dishes reminiscent of home cooking. A recurring theme in reviews is the house collection of настойки (homemade infusions): guests rave about the variety and recommend trying the cocktails and shots. At the same time, a common complaint is inconsistency — a few reviewers report that draniki were 'tough' or 'hard' on some visits, and pelmeni quality varies between visits. One reviewer criticised the concept as a stereotype of Soviet clutter, while others defended the deliberate eclecticism.
Practical tips from visitors: weekdays 11:30–17:00 feature set lunches, and Fridays/Saturdays have brighter music nights, which many find fun but a few say can be louder than comfortable. Several reviewers recommend coming in the evening for atmosphere and drinks, asking staff for infusion recommendations, and being prepared that some menu items may vary in quality from visit to visit.