TARTU - Next time you're in Tartu; dare to venture away from Raekoja plats and the center of town. Cross the white arch bridge over the river and check out Trehv, a large bar/club that combines elements from numerous venues around town into one locale.
It's not difficult to find 's it's located on the ground floor of one of the dormitory high-rises on Narva Maantee. Despite its suggestive location, however, it isn't strictly a student hangout. You're just as likely to see a young family enjoying dinner or some sports fans watching a game as you are to see studious young souls hunched over laptops.
Trehv is large enough to accommodate big groups yet casual enough to visit alone. The sprawling space is simultaneously airy and cozy with low tables and comfy chairs that encourage lounging. A friendly and efficient young wait-staff adds to the inviting atmosphere.
The subtle decor mainly consists of painted versions of classic 70s images like Elvis and the Rolling Stones, along with a (year-round) Christmas tree in one corner. There is free Wifi and the TVs behind the bar show the Discovery Channel or sports, but these are ultimately unnecessary as Trehv provides a slew of other events and activities to keep you entertained.
For sports buffs, football games are periodically shown on a large screen next to the couches. A long room adjoining the bar area boasts 8 pool tables and 2 snooker tables, so it's not likely that you'd ever have to wait long to play.
This entire aside, music is one of the main attractions at Trehv. Live bands and DJs from Estonia, Finland and beyond occupy Trehv's stage for a few nights each week. The central tables and chairs can even be moved aside to clear space for a dance floor.
Moreover, there is an open mic night every Wednesday. Local musicians show up at 10:00 p.m. to jam and have a good time. No matter who is performing, the atmosphere at Trehv is always casual and fun, with none of the pretensions of neighboring Club Tallinn.
Two more attractions that may draw you to Trehv are the excellent menu 's which offers higher quality meals than most pubs 's and the two-hour long "happy hour" from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.
Try the lambapada, a well-seasoned lamb dish, the delicious creamy salmon pasta, or the tomato soup. For something sweet, the chocolate cake is supposedly one of the best in town. Trehv also has a daily lunch special for 40 kroons.
The one downside is Trehv's underdeveloped Web page, which lacks a schedule of events. If you want to find out what's going on, the best tactic is to call ahead or drop by to check out the posters on the door.
Regardless of what you call it 's music club, pool hall, sports bar, or student hangout 's Trehv is the perfect place to visit next time you're in Tartu. Whether you're alone or with a group, chances are Trehv has something to please everyone.
Narva mnt 25A, Tartu
Sun-Wed 12.00-00.00, Thur-Sat 12.00-01.00
Tel 740 31 36
http://www.trehv.ee/
