Sasha Zlunitsyna, a 29-year-old photographer from Kyiv, takes her dog Tara with her wherever she goes — whether it’s work, vacation or even a meeting in a café.
“When she’s next to me I don’t have to worry whether she’s safe and sound, whether she misses me,” Zlunitsyna says.
Tara, a small, hairy dog of uncertain ancestry, is well-behaved, so there’s no problem when she spends time in public places — the only problem is that there are still few venues that welcome pets. “I understand those rules. Some pets are just too active,” Zlunitsyna says.
But the number of pet-friendly places is growing in Kyiv along with the number of responsible pet owners. “The more pet owners care about the comfort of the people around, the more dog tolerance grows in the society,” Zlunitsyna says.
The Kyiv Post has found seven pet-friendly cafes and bars:
Milk Bar
The staff of this cozy place, whose top chef is an American, like to play with visiting pets. It offers brunch on weekends from 9 a. m. to 11 p. m. Special all-day breakfasts are also available. Guests can try soups, sandwiches, salads, freshly squeezed juices and more.
Prices: Milk Bar Banana Pudding — Hr 85, Passion fruit merengue — Hr 95, Greek salad with homemade pita bread — Hr 119, and oatmeal porridge — Hr 79.
16 Shota Rustaveli St. 8 a. m.-11 p. m. Sat-Sun 9 a.m‑11 p. m.
Blue Cup Coffee Shop
Nestled in the heart of Kyiv, this place offers a rich choice of coffees before that long walk with a pet. The café also offers salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts, cocktails and more.
Prices: Cappuccino Orange — Hr 59, Raf Coffee Lavender — Blurberry — Hr 53, Cheese pancakes with homemade jam — Hr 89, Irish Coffee — Hr 109, and English Cheesecake — Hr 67.
5 Pushkinska St. 9 a. m. — 10 p. m.
Dogs & Tails
Another American-style café, owned by the Milk Bar creator, its name refers to the hot dogs and cocktails it serves — not the dogs it welcomes.
Hot dog options include Coney Island with chilli cheddar cheese and chopped onions, Pablo Escobar with pineapple salsa and chilli, coleslaw and parmesan, and more.
Prices: Pablo Escobar hot dog — Hr 149, summer hot dog- Hr 175, Rum Fashioned — Hr 180, Lichi Martini — Hr 160, and Trio Citrus — Hr 180
19 Shota Rustaveli St. Sun-Wed 12 p. m. — 1 a. m. Thu-Sat 12 p. m. — 3 a. m.
3B Café
Come to this place and satisfy the 3b craving for burgers, beef and beer. The menu also offers steaks, beer snacks, desserts, cocktails and alcoholic drinks for every taste.
Prices: Burger Philadelphia — Hr 199, Burger 3B Special with Texas Brisket — Hr 159, Burger stuffed with Roquefort and strawberry — Hr 159, and Oyster Chaser- Hr 49
22A Shota Rustaveli St., 23 Khoryva St. Sun-Thu, 12 p. m. — 11 p. m. Fri-Sat, 12 p. m. — 4 a. m.
Come and Stay
With cheerful baristas, this is a homelike café that offers teas, coffees and desserts. They also serve milkshakes and lemonades.
Prices: Ice coffee with lemongrass — Hr 50, Cappuccino — Hr 40, Tart with custard and berries — Hr 48, and Homemade granola — Hr 45
Individual bowls of water and special treats are served to pets.
23B Velyka Vasylkivska St. 8 a. m. — 10 p. m., Sat-Sun, 11 a. m. — 10 p. m.
Litpub Krapka Koma
Visitors can order grilled meat produced by local farmers and dishes made of fresh seasonal products. Alcoholic drinks and live music are on offer too.
Prices: Cheesy Dzhendzhyk — Hr 138, Summer Marseillaise — Hr 138, The silence of the cow- Hr 158, Guest Tap beer — Hr 60
14 Antonovycha St. Sun-Thu 12 p. m. — 1 a. m. Fri-Sat 12 p. m. — 2 a. m.
Alltrueeast
This place offers Middle Eastern cuisine, cocktails, salads — and a separate coffee shop. Alltrueeast serves breakfast from 10 a. m. to 12 p. m. on weekdays until 2 p. m. on weekends.
Prices: Hummus with mushrooms — Hr 109, Israeli chicken stew with pita — Hr 169, Tel Aviv Breakfast — Hr 139, and Merringue with mascarpone cheese and passion fruit topping — Hr 99
Bowls of water and special treats like meatballs are served to pets.
1 Antonovycha St. Mon-Sun 10 a. m. — 11 p. m. n
