The literary café phenomenon first popped up in the 18th-century Enlightenment period in Europe, presenting itself as a place where kindred intellectual and artistic spirits would cross-pollinate—and we only assume they got hammered too once in a while. As of late, a modern equivalent has appeared in downtown Moscow, pulling a crowd of brainy hipsters to its doorstep. Founded by three young Muscovites with a combined background in real estate and design, in addition to a shared interest in literature, the Shortlist bar a tightly curated selection of books with signature cocktails and other drinks. The establishment sits on the ground floor of a stately 19th-century building on the northern stretch of Ulitsa Petrovka, a thoroughfare best known for its cluster of high-end boutiques further south, and sees an interior designed by the founders themselves. Shortlist features two rooms and sees an interior inspired by Mid-Century Modern design, and the majority of furniture pieces have been carefully sourced from vintage boutiques and flea markets. The main room features a large bar with stools and pendant lamps, and additional seating arrangements. The adjacent room is smaller and has its own bar, but here, it’s the bookshelves which define the space, paired with a reading table and additional seating arrangements. As a cocktail bar, Shortlist‘s menu features a wide range of concoctions with witty names, in addition to various small bar bites, soup options and desserts.