The gay club scene in Helsinki. Note there are two lines at the door, one to the gay bar and the…read moreother to a straight bar, so make sure you're in the right line. Seems like they manufacture a line by holding people even though there's plenty of room inside. Security people at the door were rude. Checkin process is a mess - you have to pay two different admission fees, one for coat check even if you don't have a coat, and then the actual admission - ended up at like 12.50 euros. Drinks were overpriced, 11 euro for a vodka soda. Saving grace was the music, the DJ was excellent, American and European hits that were easy to dance to. Crowd seemed less gay than I was expecting, like 3/4 women, at least half of whom seemed straight, but at least a handful of cute gay guys. Not the best but not like there's a ton of choice.

Happy hour here is the happiest hour in the world i guess. Its just sooo cheap yet sooo good beer…read more Add some great music and fun people and there is nothing more you can ask for friday/saturday night. I've been there for Eurovision night. Place was packed and everything was just perfect.

There are certain bars that project a characteristic vibe, and there are others that just don't…read moreseem to make much of an impression, and Lepakkomies is in the latter group. The location is rather central and easy to reach, but it simply didn't have any kind of charm or character that make it memorable. It felt like a combination of dive bar, sports pub, and something else. Downstairs, however, is a club, which was a bit more welcoming. It was dark and cozy, with its own bar, a large space near the stage, and seating in the back. The cover was affordable (which is saying a lot for a city like Helsinki) and the beers were not badly priced either. There is a screen near the seating which shows the stage so those who don't want to stand up front can still watch it. I think I would be inclined to come back for shows, but not for any other reason.

We went to an event but didnt know it was in the downstairs club. hahah but we just asked the…read morebartender and he told us the club entrance is behind the playmachines. It was a comfort place to be not too big, the last show was Dxxxa D& Hzzzt/ Sumoposauttaja and Kasper. Were there a little bit late so... listened to the latter performers. Drinks are reasonable prices. Good vibes.

Iltakoulu is 1 of the my fav places in Kallio area. Cheap…read morebeer but bar with soul and nice decoration. Here you can see Finnish former presidents hanging on the wall ;) Must go place if you are planning "Kallio kierros" ;) Price: **** Service: **** Decoration: **** Atmosphere: ****

When pub crawling in Kallio, Iltakoulu is a place I often end up at. I hadn't been to the place in…read moresix months or so before this Friday night visit. I don't know if it's a regular thing, but the bouncer collected a cover charge / coat check fee (pakkonarikka). It wasn't much, but just unexpected for this neighborhood. Iltakoulu is roomy, so you can usually grab a booth -- even when it's busy if you're patient. Standard Finnish stuff on tap and a variety of bottles. I took a bottled Yardbird Pale Ale, which was just OK. I was surprised to see they no longer stock bottled Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The bartender told me it just wasn't selling. Hard to argue with that, but still a bit disappointing to see the selection dwindling. I've always enjoyed the relaxed feeling in Iltakoulu -- the noise level is reasonable so you can still hold a conversation, and the prices are good, even by Kallio standards. I'll be back to sip a brew and chill :)