You could walk past Kafe Mockba (Cafe Moscow) a hundred times and never know it’s there. Hidden behind thick draped curtains this bar is said to have been opened as a place for the owners of adjoining Corona Bar to escape.
Owned by Finnish brothers and film directors, Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, the bar is full of old film props and promises a ‘genuine Soviet experience’.
When we walked in the bartender reluctantly got up from her seat, ignored our greeting and served us a shotglass each of warm vodka.
I had heard they sell sandwiches but there’s no way I was going to ask. We were lucky to be given a glass of water. The bartender turned on some Soviet music, cranked it up and left.
Soon Hanna and I had the place to ourselves and it was about quarter of an hour before another couple arrived and took a seat near the window.
As we left I could hear them wondering about the lack of service. Kafe Mockba is famous for it and you’d be crazy to expect otherwise. It’s all part of the charm.
Eerikinkatu 1
Hey Helsinki 
So, not a place for a big night out then? Lol.
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Depends how much vodka you like. ☺️ A good place to start or swing by though for sure.
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haha I didn’t even notice that the vodka was warm! Has it ever been cold, can’t remember.
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It’s cold enough outside to drink warm vodka
; )
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Love the heading … and the story ! You should join Trip Advisor as a reviewer like your Dad !!
Must visit when I am there to do a real review from my experience !
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Thanks Dad! Yes I’ll take you there. You can ask about the sandwiches ; )
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Apropos Aki Kaurismäki:
Tonight @YLE Teema:
Teemalauantai 7.3.
Klo 21.00 Bluesia Pieksämäen asemalla, Suomi 2012. Ohjaus Aki Kaurismäki. (Konserttitallenne on vuodelta 1988.)
Klo 21.18 Calamari Union, Suomi 1985. Ohjaus Aki Kaurismäki. Pääosissa Timo Eränkö, Kari Heiskanen, Asmo Hurula, Sakke Järvenpää, Sakari Kuosmanen, Mikko Mattila, Pate Mustajärvi, Pirkka-Pekka Petelius, Matti Pellonpää, Martti Syrjä, Pantse Syrjä, Pertti Sveholm, Mato Valtonen, Puntti Valtonen, Kari Väänänen ja Markku Toikka.
Klo 22.35 Leningrad Cowboys go America, Suomi 1989. Ohjaus Aki Kaurismäki. Pääosissa Matti Pellonpää, Kari Väänänen, Sakke Järvenpää, Mato Valtonen, Heikki Keskinen, Pimme Korhonen, Sakari Kuosmanen, Puka Oinonen, Silu Seppälä, Mauri Sumén, Pekka Virtanen.
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Thanks! I’ve got a lot of catching up to do on Kaurismäki films.
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Hilarious! If I drank vodka I might go there.
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I’ll meet you there. Maybe they’ll let us have some kind of Russian wine
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Hey, Mel!
I am coming to Helsinki next month (21st to 25th of May) and I am interested in places connected to the cinema (including Kaurismaki). Could you recommend something?
I am planning to go to check out Orion cinema, as I understood there is a cinematheque too.
Regards from Vilnius,
A.
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Hi! Orion is a great place to visit. Try also Riveria Kallio. Enjoy!
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