Originally Posted by apoivre

Glavpivtorg (see above) or Ryumka if they are still open (I haven't been for years but they used to be really really good). The former would suit beer lovers best while the latter is for some serious vodka tasting

Glavpivtorg is right across the street form the old KGB HQ (and is sort of a themed place, like a phantasy replica of a 1950's Soviet nomenklatura hangout - as if there were any). Ryumka is just off Tverskaya a short walk from Pushkin Square.