laura lewis white bear yacht club

StarTribune

What a voyage for lara dallman-weiss: from white bear lake to tokyo games.

The A-scow skims across White Bear Lake, and a half-dozen sailors duck and dodge, yank and cajole ropes, and volunteer themselves as human ballast. They look like a surgical team performing Pilates on a Disney water ride.

They hook their toes under a padded strap and lay out over the water, the back of their legs catching spray, their faces buffeted by the wind, their abdominal muscles protesting. The scow flies by the White Bear Yacht Club and the docks of local sailing legend Fletcher Driscoll and a historic Chris-Craft boat burnished so that it glows in the fading sunlight.

This is where Lara Dallman-Weiss first hopped into a beginner's boat called an Optimist Dinghy and ... hated it.

She didn't like being alone in a small craft. When she tried a bigger boat, boys picked on her. She didn't fall for sailing until she found the right partner and the right vessel, and she didn't commit to sailing until she decided to leave the Midwest for college. Somehow, this unlikely track led to Tokyo.

Dallman-Weiss will become the first sailor from White Bear Yacht Club to compete in the Olympics, trading in that quaintness for the immensity of the Pacific Ocean, in the women's 470 (two-person dinghy), along with teammate Nikki Barnes. Barnes and Dallman-Weiss, one of 17 Olympians from Minnesota in Japan for the 2021 Games, begin competition July 28.

"My goal is to be at the top of the podium,'' Dallman-Weiss said. "I've played that over and over in my head, dreaming about the perfect race. I've already been to Japan, sailing on these waters, every night before bed.''

As a child, she gravitated toward basketball, dance and running, and after graduating from Mounds View High School she accepted a scholarship to Wisconsin-Eau Claire and planned to run for the Blugolds. She lined up a roommate and her finances, and then called home.

"She said, 'Daddy, I think I've made a big mistake,' " said Lara's mother, Sue Dallman. "She said, 'I think if I don't go to Eckerd, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.'"

Her father, John Weiss, thinks of that as a turning point in her life. In part because she chose independence and an ocean, in part because she had to handle the logistics of a school change and financing on her own.

At Eckerd College — a small school on the beach in St. Petersburg, Fla. — Dallman-Weiss would turn her former hobby into a passion, then a profession.

Meet Minnesota's 17 Olympians who competed for the United States

Dallman-Weiss has proved that "Olympic dream'' is an oxymoron. She made it to Tokyo through 100-hour work weeks, a long search for the right teammate, intensive fundraising, constant workouts and world travels.

"My Dad taught himself how to sail,'' Dallman-Weiss said. "My Mom put me into the sailing class at the Yacht Club, and I did not like that it was just me in the boat. What I found was that I love sailing with another person in the boat.

"Eventually, my parents got me an X-boat, which is the youth double-handed boat, and I was able to sail with someone else. That's what made me fall in love with sailing. But I never really cared about racing. It was just super fun.''

She would bring her waterproof radio and cruise the picturesque lake. Her equipment in Tokyo will be more advanced.

"I had my serious moments of competition in high school,'' she said. "It was fun to start winning, but it wasn't until college that I started to feel, 'All right, I'm here to do a job.' "

Have to love it

She competed in the nationals all four years at Eckerd, occasionally facing this question from others: How does a kid who grew up in Minnesota become a dominant sailor?

She could have mentioned Lindsey Vonn.

Vonn, one of the greatest skiers of all time, grew up on the mild slopes of Buck Hill in Burnsville, honing her technique until she was ready for the Rocky Mountains.

Dallman-Weiss graduated from scooting Optimist Dinghies around the kiddie docks at the White Bear Yacht Club to hanging horizontally off her boat over various oceans.

"This is really a great place to learn to sail,'' said Jay Rendall, a former coach who has led Dallman-Weiss' fundraising. "You may get more out of dealing with the ever-changing winds on White Bear Lake than with a direct 12-mile-an-hour wind on the ocean, or even a bigger, calmer, lake.''

Rendall played tour guide to a sailing novice over the past couple of weeks, explaining that White Bear Lake became home of the yacht club, and a popular place for vacationers, after trains began running from St. Paul.

Once upon a time, White Bear Lake was "Up North,'' a place to buy or rent a cabin and enjoy the Minnesota summer. John O. Johnson, an inventor and entrepreneur from Norway, emigrated to the United States in 1893 and settled on White Bear Lake, starting a boat-building company after working for fellow Norwegian Gus Amundson.

Johnson would invent the scow, which would become the world's fastest boat, one of which would hang in the Smithsonian Institute.

"This became a mecca for building, pioneering, and sailing technology,'' Rendall said.

The Pillsburys on Lake Minnetonka and Ordways on White Bear were among the wealthy families who invested in the boating culture. Steve Johnson, the grandson of John O. Johnson, still sails the lake.

Last week, Johnson agreed to take the novice out for a race on The Gryphon, a vintage A-scow built in 1963 and believed to be the last such boat built out of wood.

As the crew pushed The Gryphon out of dock, a piece of equipment failed and the crew shrugged. Rendall motored toward a boat on the lake preparing to race, and asked that they take a visitor on board.

"Sailing is a challenge,'' Rendall said. "Your stomach and your thighs are burning. They're just constantly moving and working to get every little speck of speed out of the boat. It's hard work, and you have to be in tune with your teammates.

"Lara meditates every day. She's really into that, and diet and training. Everyone I've talked to says she's the hardest-working person they've ever seen.''

Dallman-Weiss said she spends about eight hours a day on the water. She also works out daily, and has to manage the shipping of her boat to Tokyo and constant fundraising.

Sailing connotes wealth. That can be deceiving, in Dallman-Weiss' case. Rendall has methodically raised tens of thousands of dollars to help Dallman-Weiss buy and ship equipment and fund her team. He noted that, for children, sailing at White Bear Lake is relatively affordable, and that they don't need to own a boat to start.

But qualifying for and competing in the Olympics requires cash.

"We don't have our government giving us funding, so we're fundraising full-time,'' Dallman-Weiss said. "Then we're doing all of our logistics, which means shipping our boat around the world and spending on Airbnbs.

"I'm three years into this campaign and I clearly don't have any money in the bank. We're not treated as professionals and that's something that I would love to change, to see American sailors make a living and be able to treat this as a normal job. To spend all of this time and effort, you have to love it.''

Fan club growing

Sue Dallman calls Lara "the kindest person I know.'' John Weiss, her father, remembers Lara demonstrating strength and determination at a young age.

"When she was 4 years old, we did a lot of bicycling around town,'' said John, the principal race officer at the Yacht Club. "A lot of times, she was pushing me to go faster.''

Rendall said sailing lessons teach children self-sufficiency and problem-solving. On a recent weeknight, a group of boys sailed in "Optis" while others skippered 420s (meaning 420 centimeters). Dallman-Weiss competes in a 470.

She once coached Kate Cox, now the White Bear Sailing School waterfront director. "The kids have just been loving this,'' Cox said. "They realize now that you can go somewhere in this sport.''

Toby Sullivan grew up on the lake and sails at Drexel University. He hopes that Dallman-Weiss' story will bring more children to the lake, and the sport.

Sullivan also was once coached by Dallman-Weiss, and he grasps the difficulty of her journey.

"I have some friends who were trying to get to the Olympics,'' he said. "They're my age, and they finished school one year early to spend every day on the water. Eight hours a day, out on the water practicing, and they still didn't make it. It's an endless time commitment.''

Dallman-Weiss said that it takes a village — or at least a Yacht Club.

"I have a really supportive group of people around me, especially my parents, who are saying, 'You have already accomplished enough, it's incredible what you've done,''' Dallman-Weiss said. "So there can't be any disappointment for me. But it's still all about searching for that medal."

Jim Souhan i s a sports columnist for the Star Tribune. He has worked at the paper since 1990, previously covering the Twins and Vikings.

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White Bear Yacht Club Sailing

The White Bear Yacht Club   formed in 1889 to sponsor yacht racing at White Bear Lake, MN. We’re proud to have been one of the founding members of the I nland Lake Yachting Association and host to the first ILYA Championship regatta held in August of 1898. Learn more about our history here . Club races are scheduled every Saturday morning and afternoon, and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer months. Sailing instruction is available for adults and children through our White Bear  Sailing School  (WBSS) .

WBYC Sailing News

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• 2023Registration is Open!
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• WBYC Race Officer Messages
• 2022 Sailing Season is Open
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White Bear Yacht Club Dellwood MN | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting

Disclaimer:  CountryClubMag.com is an independent resource and is not associated with any of the clubs on this website. Club initiation and membership cost information are estimates only and should not be relied upon for making club membership decisions.

Nestled along the picturesque shores of White Bear Lake in Dellwood, Minnesota, the White Bear Yacht Club stands as a true gem among the state’s exclusive recreational destinations. This historic and elegant yacht club embodies the essence of lakeside luxury, offering members and guests an unparalleled experience in a serene, natural setting.

With a rich heritage dating back over a century, White Bear Yacht Club is a beloved institution renowned for its pristine waters, world-class amenities, and warm sense of community. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the timeless beauty and hospitality that defines the White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, MN.

White Bear Yacht Club History and Founding

The White Bear Yacht Club, located in Dellwood, Minnesota, boasts a rich and storied history that dates back to its founding in 1889. Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert , who later became famous for his work on iconic structures such as the United States Supreme Court Building and the Woolworth Building in New York City, the club’s architecture reflects the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era.

Founded by a group of enthusiastic sailing and boating enthusiasts, the White Bear Yacht Club quickly established itself as a hub for leisure and social activities along the pristine shores of White Bear Lake. Cass Gilbert’s architectural brilliance is evident in the club’s timeless design, which seamlessly integrates with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Over the years, the club has played host to a myriad of sailing regattas, social events, and gatherings, earning a reputation for its commitment to promoting the sport of sailing and fostering a strong sense of community. Today, the White Bear Yacht Club stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, preserving the historic charm and architectural marvels that have captivated generations of members and guests alike.

Famous Golf Tournament held at White Bear Yacht Club

The White Bear Yacht Club (WBYC) in Dellwood, Minnesota, is a private golf club that has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments over the years. One of the most famous is the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) State Open , which has been held at WBYC on several occasions, most recently in 2019.

The MGA State Open is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the United States. It has been held every year since 1898 and has been won by some of the greatest golfers in history, including Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.

The WBYC golf course has a challenging layout that is sure to test the skills of even the best golfers. The course is known for its undulating fairways, small greens, and well-placed bunkers.

In addition to the MGA State Open, WBYC has also hosted a number of other prestigious tournaments, including the MGA State Amateur Championship , the MGA Women’s State Amateur Championship , and the MGA Senior State Open Championship .

WBYC is also a popular destination for amateur golfers from all over the country. The club offers a variety of membership options, and its golf course is always in excellent condition.

Here are some other notable golf tournaments that have been held at White Bear Yacht Club:

• The Showcase @ White Bear Yacht Club  (an annual event hosted by The Golfer’s Journal)
• The Jimmy Johnston  (a 36-hole alternate shot format tournament held in honor of WBYC member Harrison Johnston)
• The Angry Bear  (a friendly event where the golf course superintendent makes the course play as difficult as possible)

WBYC is a truly special place for golf lovers. It is a club with a rich history and a course that is sure to challenge and excite golfers of all skill levels.

White Bear Yacht Club Membership Costs and Dues

Here are the estimated and rumored Membership Costs and Dues for the White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood MN:

Estimated Costs:

• Initiation Fee: $10,000-$20,000
• Monthly Dues: $400-$600
• Food and Beverage Minimum: $150/month (May-September only)

Rumored Costs:

• Initiation Fee: $20,000-$30,000
• Monthly Dues: $500-$700
• Food and Beverage Minimum: $200/month (May-September only)

It is important to note that these are just estimates and rumors, and the actual Membership Costs and Dues may vary depending on the type of membership you choose and other factors.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the White Bear Yacht Club Membership Costs and Dues:

• There is a non-refundable application fee of $250.
• Initiation fees can be paid in full upfront or over a period of time.
• Monthly dues are charged year-round, regardless of how often you use the club.
• The food and beverage minimum is only applicable during the summer months (May to September).
• There are additional fees for some activities and amenities, such as golf, tennis, and swimming.

White Bear Yacht Club Amenities

The White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, Minnesota, offers a range of amenities to its members, catering to a diverse set of interests and recreational activities. While specific offerings may change over time, here are some of the typical amenities you might find at such a yacht club:

• Sailing Facilities: As a yacht club, sailing is often at the forefront of its activities. Members can enjoy access to sailing lessons, sailboat rentals, and various types of sailboat racing and regattas.
• Dining: Many yacht clubs offer fine dining options, providing members with an elegant and comfortable setting to enjoy meals with a scenic view of the lake.
• Tennis and Other Sports: Yacht clubs often feature tennis courts, swimming pools, and other sporting facilities to cater to a variety of athletic interests.
• Social Events: Yacht clubs frequently host social events, including parties, galas, and special gatherings for members and their guests.
• Marina Services: Access to boat slips, docking facilities, and maintenance services for members who own boats.
• Clubhouse: A clubhouse typically provides a central hub for members, offering meeting spaces, lounges, and event facilities.
• Junior Programs: Many yacht clubs have programs for children and young adults, including sailing lessons and other activities.
• Waterfront Access: Direct access to the lake, with facilities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
• Golf: Some yacht clubs may have golf courses or partnerships with nearby golf clubs to offer golfing opportunities to members.
• Fitness and Wellness Facilities: Gyms, fitness centers, and spa facilities to promote health and well-being.
• Social and Networking Opportunities: Membership often includes access to a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for boating and watersports.

White Bear Yacht Club Event Information and Dining Options

The White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, Minnesota, offers a variety of events and occasions for members to celebrate and enjoy. While specific events may vary from year to year, common events and celebrations at yacht clubs like White Bear Yacht Club may include:

• Sailing Regattas: Yacht clubs often host a series of sailing regattas throughout the season, where members can compete in various boat classes and racing formats.
• Opening Day and Closing Day Celebrations: Many yacht clubs mark the beginning and end of the sailing season with special ceremonies and social gatherings.
• Themed Parties: Clubs may organize themed parties throughout the year, such as costume parties, tropical luau nights, and holiday-themed events.
• Concerts and Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances, outdoor concerts, and other entertainment options that the club may host.
• Junior Sailing and Youth Programs: Clubs typically offer programs and events specifically designed for young sailors and their families, including junior regattas and summer camps.
• Social Mixers: Casual gatherings where members can socialize and network with fellow boating enthusiasts.
• Weddings and Private Events: Yacht clubs often provide event spaces for weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations with stunning lakeside settings.
• Educational Seminars: Some country clubs host workshops and educational events related to sailing, boat maintenance, and other nautical topics.
• Holiday Celebrations: Special events for holidays such as Independence Day, Labor Day, and other relevant occasions.
• Annual Awards Banquet: A formal event where the club recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in sailing and contributions from members.
• Regatta Parties: Celebrations held in conjunction with major sailing races and regattas, featuring award ceremonies and social gatherings.
• Member’s Birthday Celebrations: Some clubs organize birthday parties for members, to celebrate their special days.

The dining options at the White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, Minnesota, may vary, but typical options you might find at a yacht club include:

• Fine Dining: Many yacht clubs offer upscale dining options in an elegant and formal setting. These restaurants often feature gourmet cuisine and a carefully curated wine list. Members can enjoy a refined dining experience with lakefront views.
• Casual Dining: Yacht clubs may provide more relaxed dining options, such as a grill, bistro, or pub-style restaurant. Casual dining areas are perfect for members seeking a more laid-back atmosphere and a variety of comfort foods.
• Outdoor Dining: Enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery with outdoor dining on patios or decks. Outdoor dining areas often offer a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing members to soak in the natural beauty while enjoying their meals.
• Member’s Bar: Many yacht clubs have a dedicated bar area where members can socialize, relax, and enjoy drinks and light fare. It’s a popular spot for post-sailing gatherings and casual meetups.
• Private Dining Rooms: For special occasions and private events, yacht clubs may have private dining rooms available for members to reserve. These spaces provide an intimate setting for celebrations or business meetings.

White Bear Yacht Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

The dress code and guest policy at the White Bear Yacht Club, like those at many private clubs, are typically designed to maintain a certain level of decorum, uphold the club’s traditions, and create a pleasant and respectful atmosphere for all members and guests.

Here are some general guidelines that are often found at private clubs:

Dress Code: The dress code at the White Bear Yacht Club may include the following:

• Appropriate Attire: Members and guests are generally expected to wear attire that is neat, clean, and in good condition.
• Formal Dress: Some areas of the club may require more formal attire, such as collared shirts, slacks, dresses, and appropriate footwear.
• Casual Dress: Other areas, like outdoor dining or casual dining spaces, may permit more relaxed attire, such as shorts and casual shirts.
• Swimwear: Swimwear is typically restricted to pool and beach areas, and cover-ups may be required in indoor areas.
• Hats and Headgear: Some clubs have policies regarding hats and headgear, often requiring the removal of hats when indoors.
• Denim: Some clubs may restrict the use of denim in certain areas, while others allow it as long as it is clean and presentable.

Guest Policy: The guest policy at the White Bear Yacht Club will outline the rules and limitations for inviting non-member guests to the club. Common elements may include:

• Guest Limits: Clubs usually have restrictions on how often and for how many guests a member can extend an invitation.
• Registration: Guests may need to be registered with the club in advance, and there could be a fee associated with hosting guests.
• Sponsorship: A sponsoring member may be required to accompany their guest during the visit.
• Compliance: Guests are typically expected to adhere to the club’s dress code and behavioral expectations.

White Bear Yacht Club in Dellwood, Minnesota, represents a cherished haven for those seeking a unique blend of lakeside luxury, nautical adventure, and a strong sense of community. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and an enduring commitment to preserving its traditions, this esteemed yacht club offers a wide range of amenities and opportunities for members to enjoy.

From world-class sailing facilities to fine dining and social events, the White Bear Yacht Club continues to be a beacon of leisure and camaraderie on the shores of White Bear Lake. Its timeless appeal and dedication to fostering a close-knit community make it a special place where members can create lasting memories and celebrate the beauty of lake life.

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Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)

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White Bear Yacht Club

White Bear Lake, MN • Private

• Best In State

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Before he moved to California where he laid the foundation of many of that state's best courses from the pre-Depression era, William Watson was a pioneer of golf in Minnesota. He arranged the first nine holes at White Bear Yacht Club in 1912 near the shore of White Bear Lake on some of the most roly-poly land imaginable. Several years later, Donald Ross, it is believed, added nine holes and remodeled the course. That rumpled, unmodified land is the heart and soul of White Bear Yacht Club. Modern architects would likely have leveled and softened the slopes and ravines, but here they bring the golf to life visually and psychologically, offering nary a level stance and asking the player to hit approaches with extreme control. Over the last two decades under the guidance of Jim Urbina the surrounding canopy of forest has been pared back to better reveal the massive, enthralling undulations of the course.

100 Greatest: The course was part of Golf Digest's original 200 Toughest Courses list from 1967-'68.

Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 191st, 2017-'18.

Best in State: Ranked fourth, 2023-'24. Ranked fifth, 2011-'22. Ranked inside the top 5, 1991-2003. Ranked inside the top 10, 2005-'09. 2023-'24 ranking: 4th.

Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot options, layout variety, conditioning.

“While still highly rated, it is the most underrated top course in the state. The variety on the course, conditions, and the unique multi-clubhouse vibe is top on the state."

“Awesome rolling topography. Great conditions. This is such a fun course to play on these hills. The 18th hole is a little bit of a let down. Truly think they would benefit from switching the 9s."

“Old Donald Ross design built on undulating ground. Beautiful set of Par 3's are the highlight here. Here's a course where you will hit every club in your bag. This is a fun course to play. Jump at the chance to play here if ever invited."

“Delightful private club on a small site with considerable elevation changes. What I lacks in length is made up in variety, uniqueness/quirk, and challenging green complexes. Very soft when played, which is probably more often the rule than the exception (though reportedly, they do strive for firm conditions)"

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The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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Restaurant-Yacht Chaika

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Pleasantly surprised, service is good so is the food. Great selection of Fusion food, a mixture of Italian, Japanese, European, Asian etc. A pleasantly nice dining experience, highly recommended, a must try!

Thank you for your feedback and invite you to have lunch or dinner again aboard the ship in an atmosphere of high standards of yacht hospitality.

everything was perfect - the food, the service, the desserts were the best, nice atmosphere and the location - magical

Best food, best view in Moscow. absolutely faultless from arrival to finish. Best risotto i had for many years absolutely perfectly cooked. The view on Ukrainian hotel and the white house by night is amazing

Had to wait for the food for 1.5 hours and then another 20 minutes for the check. Finally called for the manager and he offered... a 10% discount as a compensation. Simply pathetic! The food is mediocre at best. Not bad per se, but one... would expect something better considering the prices. There are many places to eat in area that are much better. Avoid this one at all costs. More

Hello, Alexander Your comment is extremely important for us, thank you a lot for it. We are terribly sorry for your time that you`ve spent waiting your order and we have already taken actions to improve quality of our service and it would be realy... More

Food is very expensive,very pretentious, doesn't worth that money. Portions are very small. We ordered ravioli and there were 4! Four raviolis! For almost 15 euros. Then we asked to bring us dessert menu but nothing, they didn't even bothered, so we payed and left... without dessert. Very poor service for that price. More

This is a very good restaurant. The food is really good, maybe the best in Moscow. The service is also good. The view from the restaurant is great. The prices are very high.

I often visit this restaurant and must say it’s one of the best in Moscow in terms of quality and service. Staff really try hard to make sure that you are happy and satisfied. Customer service is a huge problem in Moscow but Chaika sets... a great example for others in the industry! Food is delicious and the menu has lots of options for everyone! Atmosphere is great and view is beautiful on the embankment. Special thanks to German & Oleg! More

Thank you for your feedback! Again aboard the yacht restaurant "Chaika" in accordance with the high standards of yacht hospitality.

Highly recommended, great location in the city center of Moscow with a superb atmosphere. Too many menu choices, though all delicious!

Thx a lot for your review! We are looking forward to see you in our restaurants.

Visited this lovely restaurant with a friend of mine. It was relaxingly warm August evening - so the place on the river seemed like a good idea. We came quite early and the restaurant was not full. The hostesses kindly offered several places to sit... and we chose to sit on the sofas. We had some wine, which was good. We struggled a bit when deciding about the food as few options (scallops) were not available. Fish on ice on display did not look very fresh. To be honest it was an unusually hot August and it is probably understandable that some see food options were not available. However, we did manage to order something and sat waiting and looking onto the river. My long-legged friend struggled sitting at the low sofa and the manager noticed that, offering as a very good, proper table beside the open window. It was nice touch and I was very pleased by their polite observations and immediate reaction to solve the problem. Food was quite good and presentation was perfect. Perhaps I can something about the food, but 1 visit is not enough to criticize or make a definitive opinion. Overall, quality place, which of course, does not come cheap. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation. More

Good afternoon! Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are looking forward to seeing you again, we are sure that you will be delighted with our dishes!

I've been here several times during two business trip in Moscow. The overall quality for both service and food is absolutely top-notch, plus the location is very unique.

Hello! Thank you for your feedback! We are looking forward to visiting again!

Located on a boat at Krasnopresenskaya River Bank this 5 Star Restaurant transforms into a party location due to multiple groups hosting events. Impressive wine selection, Asian and European kitchen...

Thx a lot! We are waiting for you!

It is a nice place to gather specially at the lounge The service and staff very good I like the river view The food is almost like all restaurants in Russia they serve different cuisine. Staring Russian appetizer till Asian dishes Presentation and taste amazing... I consider it overpriced little bit More

Good location. Nice views. Good choice of food and drinks. European and Asian menu. Nice service. Pricey enough.

Had a large group dinner here. Food was above average and service quite good. The real attraction is the view of Moscow from the river on a nice night. Great place for a larger group dinner. More

Hello, John We are really pleased by reading that you and your friends were satisfied by our service, client`s experience is the highest value for us. We will be happy to see you again, come and enjoy some new dishes from our chef and nice... More

The luxurious atmosphere of this place, the view and the location make it quite outstanding. We had dinner here with friends and the dishes were amazing, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Chablis, it really made me feel as if it was a part of... the classic Russian movie. More

RESTAURANT-YACHT CHAIKA, Moscow - Presnensky - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4.5