One of the rites of summer in Kyoto is the beer garden. Held at rooftops around the city, they are not just another excuse to drink (although one can never have enough), but sitting high up looking down at the city, they are a way to escape the brutal summer heat and humidity. But beer gardens can be over priced with awful food. One of the better choices is KIEV, a Russian restaurant right across from Minami-za theatre (Kawabata/Shijo), 6th floor. For 3,500 yen you get 2 hours of open bar service and a selection of food to keep you going (peroshiki, cabbage rolls, sausage and fries, etc...). Escape the Kyoto heat to Russia!