Bars & cafes – All our local tips

The old Aida was located in Týnská, few steps from Old Town Square. As it was very well hidden, you just had to know where to go to find this crazy place. Now, in a new location, this venue is also not very promoted. Fortunately all the other advantages have remained. They offer great and cheap beer: Primátor. 10° for just 20 CZK (less than 1€), but also 16° on tap and bottled specials. Too many pictures on the walls, old-fashioned music from 70’s, a strange mixture of regulars and easy-going bartenders / owners who banter you to drink more.

There isn’t much space inside, so usually during the evenings you have to be lucky to grab a seat, but you can wait for a while chatting with the bartenders and sipping from a glass of glühwein (hot wine with cinnamon, cloves and sugar). There is also a selection of teas, one or two items from the kitchen and I like the fact they serve Czech soft drinks, not just “always Coca Cola”.

Aida Club is G&L friendly too (meet the owners and you get it quickly), while still remaining a typical, one would almost say “traditional” Czech pub.

PS: The closing hour might not be taken very strictly, especially on a crowded night.

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Aida Club | Bars, Music | Primátor 10° CZK 20
Na Zderaze 8 | Praha 2 | +420608121323
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 22:00, Sat 16:00 – 22:00

In a small street near the tram-stop Národní divadlo there is an exceptional place. It is somewhat hidden – it is very easy to just walk by, not even realizing there is a bar. I consider myself as a sort of an expert concerning the Prague pubs and clubs but if it hadn’t been for a friend of mine who showed it to me recently, I might have just died without even knowing this place. And that would be a shame.

First of all – Al Capone’s bar is not just small – it is tiny. I guess if twenty people fit in, it feels already crowded. However, most of the time, there are just about two or three, so you will easily find a spot. Second: this place has a very exceptional atmosphere. I don’t even know why – but if you walk through the narrow hall into a small room – you feel like entering another world. Or more precisely: this place feels as if you were stoned even if you are not – the weird haze, the grave light, the silent music, the pictures of gangsters on the walls…

And third: it is just so cheap! Honestly, it might be the cheapest bar in Prague I know, when it comes to drinks and cocktails. „A Long island ice tea for less then 100,- CZK? You must be kidding me.”, is what I said during my first visit. But they weren’t and I had a great time. Try yourself!

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Al Capone’s | Bars | Cuba libre CZK 60.00
Bartolomějská 3 | Praha 1 | +420224241040
Mon – Thu 17:00 – 02:00, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 03:00, Sun 18:00 – 00:00

There is couple of hubs in Prague and Anděl (means Angel) belongs to the most interesting ones. It is relatively off the main tourist track (even though near are hotels – like Mövenpick and big office houses, as well as some sites), but day and night busy and crowded.

Here lot of tram lines meet, it is also underground line B station and very close there is a bus station serving passengers heading south and south-west of Prague. There are also two multiplex cinemas, many pubs, restaurants (featured on Spotted: check the Hombre del Mundo article), clubs or cafés. A huge shopping mall Nový Smíchov is also here – with large Tesco opened till midnight, Marks & Spencer or many other shops.

The area looked very different yet in early 90’s, and if you want to find our more on the very special genius loci it once hosted, you can read an excerpt from the book Anděl by Jáchym Topol – published in Post Road Magazine. It used to be a dirty, gray factory area. Now the only big “industrial” company remained is the Smíchov brewery (as of now part of Anheuser Busch-Inbev, the biggest world beer producer). Instead of machinery factories (which were the reason of boom of Smíchov by the end of 19th century), Anděl is a place where media houses, pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies resides, as well as Seznam, Czech rival of Google.

But the best part is watching the crowds of all kinds of Prague residents how they hasten somewhere. Also check out the Plzeňský restaurant Anděl – one part is 24/7 with best Pilsner all around, so the last beer that night might be the best one.

(The photo shows tough winter 2010 – and the grey building in the middle is … a synagogue!)

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Anděl | Bars, Cinemas, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (intern.)
Anděl | Praha 5
24 hours daily

Atmosféra is a favourite student place. It is spacious, consisting of three separate parts, two rooms and a garden with tables in between them. The rugged space even provides two entrances from various streets. And also makes this café somewhat more interesting.

On the walls you’ll find oldschool-like satiric posters usually with some smiling face and text saying for instance „Tequila – have you hugged your toilet today?” on them. In Atmosféra, there is also a table-football, a very popular pub-game in Prague.

It is not just the interior and equipment that makes it visit-worthy. It is very much thanks to the food. It is cheap, rich and tasty. You can for example buy half a kilo of there-made fried potato slices which they serve with three different dressings. It is a fair snack for four (or food for two ) and costs only 70 Crowns. They also have great Mexican specialities. And five types of cold cheap draft beer… Not to forget, they have a free Wi-Fi access.

Atmosféra is located right in the center, five minutes from Charles Bridge or National Theatre (check the National Theatre article). If you are ever around, hungry and thirsty, you must care for a visit!

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Atmosféra | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (International) | Pilsner, 0,5 l CZK 35
Smetanovo nábřeží 14/ Karolíny Světlé 33 | Praha 1 | +420222222114
Café 11:30 – 01:00 daily | Pub 12:00 – … | Garden 11:30 – 22:00 daily

A cocktail bar, that offers not only plenty of well-made cocktails, but also large doses of music from local DJ`s and a rich selection of dishes. So if you feel like spending time in a vibrant atmosphere, without checking your watch, this is the place.

Back Doors is a pretty large place, an underground cellar, cleverly furnished and with a very well supplied bar equipped with skilled barmen. Sometimes it’s pure pleasure just to watch them, especially when I get a bit tired of conversation -  perhaps because of my favourite Daiquiris … I don’t know, hard to tell .-)

Inspired by similar clubs in the Netherlands and New York, the founders’ idea was to create a space offering everything you need for pleasant evening entertainment. No windows to the outside world ensure complete cosiness. As the hours go by and the glasses empty you can also experience a total lack of a sense of time. But who cares? Nobody goes to Back Doors to work, except the staff.

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Back Doors | Bars, Music | Daiquiri CZK 80.00
Na Bělidle 30 | Praha 5 | +420257315824
Mon – Thu 11:00 – 02:00, Fri 11:00 – 04:00, Sat 18:00 – 04:00, Sun 18:00 – 23:00

The wine bar Bokovka (meaning Sideways – the inspiration by the movie is obvious) was founded in 2005 by a group from the local art crowd. The co-owners have also regular shifts behind the bar, so if you would be interested eg. in a conversation about film with two contemporary Czech film directors, you have a chance

The size of the spot together with tasteful interior and friendly staff makes Bokovka good for a date or a gathering over a glass of wine, but don´t be mistaken – when there is a party, the ambiance can be quiet lively. Bokovka is a strictly non-smoking place.

The wine list contains wine mainly from Europe, but you can find there also wines from the „new world”. Domestic wines are represented by Moravian wines. If you don´t want to order whole bottle, you can choose from the offer of wines by glass.

Good wine is even better with good food. In Bokovka, they have a likable approach to it – you can choose from a selection of olives, tasty cheese and sausages; or try one of the prepared plates – I love the tuscany one (99 CZK).

So if you will be in the mood for a glass of wine and relax a little bit after a day of walking, go sideways …

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Bokovka | Bars | Glass of wine (1,4 dcl) CZK 39.00
Pštrossova 8 | Praha 1 | +420721262503
16:00 – 00:00 daily

Žižkov used to be a part of Prague with a shabby reputation. During the communist era the old art-deco houses fell apart and even though it’s a neighbourhood very close to the city center, it stayed somehow on its own. But in the end the low rents and houses led many different types of people to join the crowd of Gypsies and “white trash” – now you can meet Asians, Americans and students among others. Žižkov has became a kind of Kreuzberg for Prague.

And as every vibrant area, there are places which seemingly do not belong here. Like the cocktail bar Bukowski’s (named after the famous writer) run by Glen Emery, the veteran of expats in Prague, who was in charge of prominent bars of the 90’s like Jo’s Bar or Thirsty Dog. Now he looks after the quality of a long range of cocktails in a cozy place in the heart of Žižkov. Good music, cosmopolitan spirit and friendly staff earned the place its reputation.

There is a low-lit back room with comfortable sofas on the left, the beer tastes good and you can chat here for hours. And if you’re in the m

ood for a classic pub, you can just cross the the street and visit Nad Viktorkou, another local legend.

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Bukowski | Bars | Mai-Tai CZK 120
Bořivojova 86 | Praha 3
18:00 – 03:00 daily

Café Imperial, that really stands for its name, is famous for many reasons. Firstly, its tiles. Walls and pylons covered with ceramic, handmade tiles almost a century old, have been recently restored – and with them the whole interior including furnishing.

Here you can experience the golden time of European grand cafés, while enjoying one of the many delicious dishes made by Zdeněk Pohlreich. A second good reason to have a lunch here.

This very experienced chef of the Prague culinary scene is the genius of truly Czech cuisine – in the original 20-30’s style that was as light and fun as italian cuisine today. Forget heavy sauces with stony dumplings – and experience taste in Czech style like never before.

The third reason? Let’s take a little detour first. Before reconstruction, there was an odd thing on the menu: a plate of donuts for 2000 CZK (approx. 70 EUR). That gave you the right to …

Well, a famous Czech novel, Saturnin (which was translated to English too) gives some idea of what might be in store:

„Let’s take a man without fantasy – in a half-full café who looks on a plate of donuts untill lunch – without the slightest idea of what to do with them. Then there are people, who after seeing this plate of donuts will imagine how delightful it would be to start throwing them at others … and, then there is the third kind, who are carried away by such fantasy, that they get up and do it!

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Café Imperial | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Czech) | Main meal CZK 150.00
Na Poříčí 15 | Praha 1 | +420246011440
07:00 – 23:00 daily

My favourite club to go out with friends. It happens quite often that some of my friends has a birthday party there or I visit some of the concerts as a photographer.

It’s not only the dance club which is on the minus first floor, there is a lively bar on the ground floor and a “Live underground” concert room or the minus second floor.

I like the design of the place, each floor has its own specific features. For photos, feel free to look here. Sometimes the bar gets quite crowded and it’s not easy to find a place to sit. A lot of foreigners come there but I think they mostly aren’t tourists, probably students or people who moved to Prague.

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Chapeau Rouge | Bars, Music | Mojito CZK 110.00
Jakubská 2 | Praha 1 | +420222316128
No fixed opening times (I’ve never seen the place closed though)

Get swallowed by a living mechanical organism, moving in the rhythm of ska-punk-rockabilly-techno-drone-dnb-jungle-hip hop-chill out.

Buy a drink in one the bars and then sit down. I tell you – that’s the best position to admire a fan made of scrap iron and car-exhaust pipes. Lights above the tables consisting of gearboxes, drain pipes and kinetic sculptures of many kinds. All polished and mounted with care, animated with extreme effort and unlimited imagination.

Cross club is truly one of the most original Prague clubs. Gives enough space for whatever I feel like doing. Two stages, a theater and two to three bars are open for all kinds of concerts, poetry readings, exhibitions, and I shall not forget to mention the Ghettolledge – a street university.

Be sure that by your next visit there something will have changed – because the world behind the looking glass is never the same, including the numerous corridors that made you feel like you were lost in the rabbit hole the very first time you entered.

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Cross club | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Theaters | Ticket from CZK 100
Plynární 23 | Praha 7
From 16:00 (until the barman is in sleep) daily

Well, some might say it is pointless to feature such a place on Spotted by Locals. After all, The Hard Rock Café can be considered a chain like many others – and we don’t cover Starbucks or McDonalds, right? But for once, let us make an exception.

Why? Because it is one of the few places in Prague where you can get a real hamburger. Because there are really good shows with great musicians. Because it is the largest European HRC (they claim 1900 square meters) and really full of various items which belonged to famous musicians – from Bob Dylan to Korn or you can sit just next to Depeche Mode keyboard.

The place is large, since the historical building – few steps from the Old town square – is built with big proportions, elegant stairways and gallery on the first and second floor. And yet it doesn’t feel hollow or cold, but classy and comfortable. Especially if it is not you who pays – cause this is the downside of the experience. Bottle of a mediocre Moravian wine costs over 300 CZK, and hamburgers around 400 CZK.

Reservations are recommended if you want to sit next to an exact item of history of rock music!

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Hard Rock Café | Bars, Music | 0,75l Veltlín – Moravian wine CZK 335
Malé náměstí 3 | Praha 1 | +420224229529
11:30 – 01:00 daily

A laid back atmosphere, exquisite Mexican cuisine and welcoming staff are the main reasons why I can be found in this restaurant just off Anděl metro stop several times a month. As their kitchen is open well until midnight, it’s a nice place for a late dinner.

The chef in Hombre del Mundo masters, without a drop in a quality, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, grilled meat, vegetables, salads a of course deserts too. If I should pick one plate to recommend you it would be „Sartén filetés de carne”. In other words fine slices of sirloin put on hot oil with rosemary and green pepper – and brought directly to your table. So beware – it is hot and incredibly good. Perfect with warm vegetables or french fries, as you wish.

But the barman does not lag far behind the chef. What about a Daiquiri as a starter and Mojito as a desert?

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Hombre del Mundo | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants | Main meal from CZK 90.00
Nádražní 21 | Praha 5 | +420257326902
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 00:00

This is a pub with a perfect location. I suppose every visitor of Prague intends, sooner or later, to visit the Prague castle. Well, this spot is only a 10 minute walk from there and definitely worth (not only) seeing!

The area of the Castle is quite big and it takes some time to see it, moreover when you decide to visit some of the indoor stuff. A quick refreshment afterwards seems to be very convenient then Cerný vul (Black bull) is an old-fashioned Prague pub, but don’t expect any touristic fancy stuff – you will only find one room with narrow wooden benches to sit and heavy wooden tables to put your beer down. However it is said to serve the best dark beer in Prague and its atmosphere is unique.

Around lunchtime you will find here at least several people with suits and ties – most probably employees of the near Ministry of Foreign Affairs coming to have their meal. In the evening it usually gets a bit crowded (by locals mostly) and it may occur that there won’t be any more places to sit. You can still have one “nastojáka” (= on the feet).

As for quality of the service, the beer is simply great here. The staff consists of two usually kind of grumpy guys, but they simply fit there. The variety of meals isn’t very wide but they have all you need to eat with a beer (sausages, pickled Camembert, toasts…). I know this is not a healthy diet but it is delicious and hungry you won’t be!

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Hostinec u Černého vola | Bars, Restaurants (Czech) | Beer Kozel 0,5 l CZK 28.50
Loretánské nám. 1 | Praha 6 | +420220513481
09:00 – 22:00 daily

My long-time favourite in the area. When I was rather new to Smíchov neighbourhood, I was looking for a comfy place with free and fast internet access, good music, coffee and beer – and I’ve found all of that (and something more) in Hugo z hor.

I like the causal feeling even though it is far from shiny and new  - it makes you sense the “local” spirit. Many customers are regulars and often chat with the staff, but guys and girls don’t forget to serve the crowd first. I highly recommend the Bernard 12° beer (Staropramen 10° is a no-brainer if you shall choose), but you can have a cup of coffee without worries too or some small snacks. The prices are “for locals, not for tourists”.

I was always pleasantly surprised how the music fits my taste – ranging from rock through jazz to chill-out, 95% I liked it. The table football in the other room belongs to rather unusual types, but actually it makes the game funnier if you are not used to it. And a warning: if you dislike orange colour, forget about this one

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Hugo z hor | Bars | Cuba Libre CZK 69
Vodní 17 | Praha 5 | +420777000367
09:00 – 22:00 daily

Prague is famous for many because of jazz clubs and festivals. You have plenty of options to choose from, and many of the clubs gained reputation throughout last 15+ years. But Jazz Dock is the new rising star.

Located in a great spot, literally sitting on the river with a stunning view, it brings a wave of a fresh design and concept. The glass wall reflecting the opposite 10 meter long bar is impressive, especially at night. There is a long list of spirits (including some hard to find specials) or simply go for a beer (35 CZK for jazz club is a fair price). For meals they offer a simple set of tapas and salads, but all fresh and well prepared. For winter evenings they came out with a seasonal menu with some yummy options and drinks that will warm you up! The cocktail and wine lovers will surely choose the right pick from the menu too.

But the main point is of course: jazz music. Jazz Dock in my opinion grabbed the no. 1 position in Prague. It’s due to a great selection of musicians, cheap entry (150 CZK for most of the shows, and only 90 CZK if you are >25 or 65+, 20% discount for regulars) and long opening hours – the concerts starting at 10 PM are followed by jam sessions that might last till 04 AM! On Fridays and Saturdays there are two concerts (at 19:00 and 22:00), Sunday belongs to dixie shows!

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Jazz Dock | Bars, Music | Kozel 11° CZK 35
Janáčkovo nábřeží 2 | Praha 5 | +420774058838
11:00 – 04:00 daily

Visiting this cinema is almost a tradition for me. It is actually the first one I’ve ever been to in my life – Lion King was on and I just turned 5 years old At that time there were no multi/megaplex cinemas in the Czech Republic and Svetozor was just an “ordinary cinema”. Since then it started to be more focused on art films as well as festivals. Two screening halls are in service.

Every week there is a premiere of an art film, Mondays are reserved for screening of documentary films and Wednesday nights for minor and experimental genres such as video art, net art, animation, commercials, video-clips, short films etc. Also there are special screenings for seniors, children and the deaf.

Svetozor is not only a cinema. There is a bar underground (open of course NOT only for people with cinema tickets) used as a photographic gallery at the same time. Free WI-FI Internet is available as well. If you’re thinking of going, check the program.

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Kino Svetozor | Bars, Cinemas, Festivals & events | Ticket from CZK 60.00
Vodickova 41 | Praha 1 | +420224946824
Bar Mon – Fri 12:30 – 23:00, Sat – Sun 10:30 – 23:00

Újezd is an area where many of the Prague locals spend their time. There aren’t many tourists, it’s in the centre, there’s number of nice bars and cafés, the Petřín hill is just across the road…

One of the best-known bars is (surprisingly) called Klub Újezd. Open since 1990, it is a night-life classic. It started as a music club but live music performance was forbidden some ten years ago. It’s no big deal, though – it is a great place to visit anyway.

Currently, Klub Újezd is a three-floor bar. In the basement there is a small bar, a few tables, a DJ’s stage and a table-football. The first floor is more spacious with a large bar. But, if you plan a party, you should definitely make a reservation to the second floor which feels somehow most comfortable of all. It, among other, offers a very nice sight at the street and Petřín hill.

What makes Klub Újezd unique, are the decorations and paintings. For instance, on the walls there are paintings of strange persons with disfigured faces – as well as many other, sometimes even more pleasant scenes. Plus, the whole club works also as a free gallery – of photography, usually.

Thanks to its very late closing-hours, Klub Újezd is a very common place for late-evening or early-morning chill-outs. Add very reasonable prices and you’ve got a place you have to visit!

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Klub Újezd | Art & culture, Bars | Pilsner, 0,5 l CZK 35.00
Újezd 18 | Praha 1 | +420257316537
First floor bar 11:00 – 04:00, The rest 18:00 – 04:00 daily

Half way between the Charles bridge and Národní třída, you will find a café I very much recommend visiting. It is called Krásný ztráty and it has become quite famous here, so famous in fact, that a regular TV talkshow is being recorded there. Krásný ztráty is a place where a lot of interesting people gather. It is one of the few places where you can find students, intellectuals and celebrities at once.

Although it is called café, once again it has the character of a regular restaurant. They cook all day and the food is great, although the prices are quite high. I can particularly recommend visiting this place for a breakfast or a brunch. The place is calm with a very nice design of interior. So if you are in the centre and need to work a bit, you know where to go (they have free wireless LAN).

Apart from being a café, a bar and a restaurant, Krásný ztráty is also a wine shop a book shop, a gallery and an occasional music club or theatre stage. There are many events taking place there so you might want to check that out at their website.

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Krásný ztráty | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (General)
Náprstkova 10 | Praha 1
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 12:00 – 01:00

In one the most famous Prague passages is the no less famous café Lucerna. Lucerna is in fact a whole complex of buildings belonging to Havel`s family – the one from which the first Czechoslovakian president Václav Havel comes from.

This architectural jewel in Art Noveau style was built by Stanislav Bechyně in years 1907-1921. It`s worth exploring the whole complex, and then relax in the café upstairs, which is literally just behind the statue of St. Wenceslav flogging the dead horse (made by enfant terrible of Czech art scene, David Černý, also the author of Entropa (check the Entropa article).

Why do I recommend this spot? Because it is one my most favourite places in the centre of Prague, Despite its lazy waiters and acid wine – which actually both got much better recently – it fulfills my need for an esthetic and stylish enviroment. I love sitting by the window, watching people passing underneath while sipping my coffee or wine. They also have a very useful free wi-fi spot.

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Lucerna café | Art & culture, Bars | glass of wine CZK 40.00
Vodičkova 36 | Praha 1 | +420224215495
10:00 – 00:00 daily

This is an extraordinary place, yet it is not suitable for everyone. Imagine a one-room pub (it used to be an apartment) located in the garden of Prague botanical garden and occupied mostly by students.

It is not very nice (the interior hasn’t changed much since maybe 1992): there is only simple wooden furniture and one toilet. What makes this spot interesting is the people who come there. I have never seen anybody older than 35 years in here.

Mrtvá ryba (Dead Fish) is the nearest bar/pub both from 1st Medical Faculty of Prague and Natural Sciences Faculty so students coming here after their lectures usually attend one of these schools. It is a great place to meet some local people from Prague, especially if you’re about my age or even interested in the same fields.

People come here to study, hang out, drink, kill time between lectures or also work on computer (plugs are available). Another advantage of this place is the price range, it shows this place is really a student one.

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Mrtvá ryba | Bars, Coffee & tea | Beer Staropramen 0,5 l CZK 21
Benátská 4 | Praha 2
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 23:00, Sun 14:00 – 23:00

The Vinohrady ares hosts some of the nicer cafés in the town, and usually there is something special about each of the best ones. Šumava is a region, in English usually translated as Bohemian Forrest – and the whole place shows it. Not only it is located on Šumavská street, close to tram stop Šumavská, they even have Šumava in the brand of the beer on tap (King of Bohemian Forrest). All around they showcase photos and paintings of the region, and you can buy some of the local specials – like honey or matches.

The beer is strong and good, and they take good care of it. On Fridays and Saturdays you can often taste some specials – different beers from Bavarian side, check out the time-table. You can also have a tasty cup of tea or coffee – it is a café after all. One of the most important points is the quality of the service – always caring and smiling. The main room is a non-smoking area. The interior resembles cottage in the hilly Šumava, to somene it might seem a bit kitchy. Better make a reservation if you’re a bigger company.

So if you want to claim you were not only in Prague, but also in the mountains and the countryside – come here and – check, you have it

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Na Šumavě | Bars, Coffee & tea | Šumavský sulc CZK 46
Šumavská 31 | Praha 2 | +420775688180
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 22:00, Sat 15:00 – 22:00

Dejvice are a very unique part of Prague. One could even say that they are a „city inside a city”, you can find there everything you need for life. There are shops, restaurants, bars, parks, woods… As I moved there half a year ago, I started discovering the secrets of this city quarter. The Dejvice locals showed me quite a lot of nice places (Check this link for other nice Dejvice pubs) – Restaurace na Urale above all of them.

The name comes from the name of the street „Uralská” (most of the streets and lanes in downtown Dejvice are called after some war heroes or Russian places or people). It is a restaurant but lots of locals just go there for a beer. They offer the traditional Gambrinus and Pilsen beer for very reasonable prices. The service is usually very compliant, even so much that you will probably get a new beer before even finishing the previous. Call it weird, we consider it an advantage.

The menu offers a rich traditional Czech cuisine. I can recommend ordering for instance some of the „bramboráks” (sort of potato-pancake). Also, you should try their pear brandy, they even put bits of pear in it and it is just soo tasty!

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Na Urale | Bars, Restaurants (intern) | Gambrinus beer, 0,5 l CZK 24.00
Uralská 9 | Praha 6 | +420224326820
11:00 – 02:00 daily

Have a drink or two and maybe meet some friends. That’s one of the reasons why I pop into the NoD bar time to time. The  other important reasons are the concerts, exhibition openings, and performances.

Experimental space NoD is connected with Roxy (see this article), a famous Prague club, and one of the oldest. Roxy downstairs, NoD upstairs. A perfect combination for those who feel frisky day`n`night.  NoD defines three subdivisions: theatre NoD, gallery NoD, and multimedia NoLab. They are connected by their openness to any good quality projects, efforts to uncover strange juxtapositions and dialogs.

When you arrive, get a drink first. The huge bar cannot be overlooked. Do not worry where to sit, there will always be a space, by the bar itself or on the platform next to the bar, or by the alcoves with jungle plants. And let me know, if you manage to work out any sensible connection between the neo-classical stuccos on the ceiling and the crazy paintings on the walls!

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NoD | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Snacks, Theaters | Show from CZK 100
Dlouhá 33 | Praha 1
14:00 – 22:00 daily

Why most bizarre? Because of 3 reasons:

1. – location
Nested at the corner of the park at the bottom of Karlovo náměstí, on the corner of a very busy crossing – 3 lanes of cars coming down the hill, 2 trams lines running up and 2 car lanes running across. Maybe like 50 cars and 3 trams a minute? Not to mention the all-day long traffic jam and time-to-time ambulances, fire engines and police cars…

2. – the “building”
The bar itself is located where a former public toilet was. So it is really quite small. And redone with a great affection for street art. They have the tiniest DJ table I ever saw in my life. Is there a toilet? Yes, the tiniest. But drinks here are graciously large.

3 – terrace
Take into account the location and its’ former use. And then walk upstairs onto the terrace and enjoy the perfect sofa/seats, and look down onto the daily buzz of stressed people, each of them in their own very small enclosures of carefully polished metal boxes on wheels.

You can watch the jolly public inside on their o2bar website.

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o2bar | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Mojito CZK 100.00
Karlovo náměstí | Praha 2
Afternoon till late daily

Czech Republic is well known for the quality of its lagers – Pilsner means “from Pilsen”, as this type of beer came from the city of Plzeň, home to Pilsner of all pilsners – Pilsner Urquell. On the other hand, in a an usual pub you have two or three types on beer on tap, which might be a disappointment for many. But – not here.

This place offers the widest possible selection of beers in Prague. Not only they have 6 different beers on tap (changing them more or less on weekly basis) – but all of them are specials and rarities from various Czech microbreweries. Plus the list of bottled beers is just incredible and it covers six continents as well as tens of Czech cities, so it feels like traveling.

The club is strictly non-smoking. They also serve meals, specially Czech classic and various steaks, but they have some crazy beer-meals, like crepes with beer jam. Reservation is recommended. You can become a member of their club and start to educate yourself in the infinite world of beer!

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PIvovarský klub | Bars, Restaurants | Goulash with dumplings CZK 185
Křižíkova 17 | Praha 8 | +420222315777
11:30 – 23:30 daily

One of the places to visit at Újezd is definitely Popocafépetl. There are actually four Cafés of this name in Prague (Na Struze, Italská, Melantrichova) – this is the only one which works as a music club, though.

When you find the a bit hollow entrance and walk down the stairs to a what used to be a mid-age cellar, you will immediately smell the unmistakable odour. Then you walk into the small and only mildly-lit club with an original and sort of old-school decoration and the party can begin. You can order a coffee, beer, wine or basically any cocktail you name for a very reasonable price.

Virtually every day there is a concert on. Pick yours: Fridays and Saturdays there will be a DJ playing 80’s, 90’s and dance music, live gipsy bands play Sundays, Latino Mondays and other live concerts the other days. Just check out the program at their website. The entry is mostly free or up to 100,-. I would just very recommend making a reservation since the small club is often very crowded.

Last but not least, Popocafepetl doesn’t basically know anything like a rigid closing-time. They just close when there are not many people left – which can be either at 02:00 or 05:00. Therefore, it’s also a great place to hang out after you’ve been kicked out from somewhere else and still feel like partying…

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Popocafépetl @ Újezd | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Stella Artois, 0,5 l CZK 39.00
Újezd 19 | Praha 5 | +420602277226
16:00 – 02:00 (officially) daily

One of the most beloved and celebrated night clubs in Prague. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Prague. Would you dare to miss it? I definitely would not. So follow me.

Even a glimpse from the street will tell you that this place is definitely different. A lavish interior design, rich ornaments, glass, mirror and gold. I love this combination – I feel welcomed nad pampered, the relaxing atmosphere helps me find a calm dimension, even when it is for just a short moment.

The restaurant, lounge and café is on the street level. The café is in more classical style facing the street; a lounge with a good bar and then, further back, the last, darkest and most romantic part – the restaurant. Excellent meals are served in all of them. The lounge is my favourite for lunch with friends, the café is great for business meetings and the back restaurant works well when there are more of us.

The menu is fully vegetarian. I love their delicious entrees and appetizers that originate in kitchens of places such as Greece, India, Thailand and Mexico.

The club downstairs is worth visiting – if you like the newest style in the dance scene. There something going every day – if it is a regular programme like FX Bounce! or Soultrain Weekender, there is always something good and somebody new to meet. Have a look at the programme and you will understand why Radost FX is Prague’s first and favorite place to party.

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Radost FX | Bars, Music, Restaurants (veg) | Main from CZK 130
Bělehradská 120 | Praha 2 | +420224254776
11:00 – 04:00 daily

When I think about the times when Roxy was one of the very few options in Prague for a decent evening, when I felt like some dancing, it makes me feel like I am getting old. Hush, that`s not the topic

Opened in 1992 under the name of Roxy, after a thorough reconstruction led by architect Jan Mayer, this place become alive again. In 20`s and 30`s it was a shining pearl at the Old Town, full of people in its restaurant, cinema and a ballroom.

Today, after another rebirth in 2002  after being damaged by the enormous floods, the Experimental Area Roxy/NoD now offers a full variety of concerts, dance music, gallery presentations, internet café with wi-fi connection, theatre, films, performances and workshops. For some of their best gigs have a look yourself.

If you are into clubbing and are in Prague for couple days, Roxy is definitely the place to go – next to Radost FX (see this article). Have a look at the programme to see if anything interests you. They have regular Free Mondays and Midweek Lounge, where entry is free.

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Roxy | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Music, Theaters
Dlouhá 33 | Praha 1 | +420224826296
Depends on given programme

This is my favourite place for the last drink before I take the night bus home from Andel when the metro doesn’t operate anymore (after midnight). The fact is Shadow Café is no Café at all, it is a bar which is right next to the tram stop Újezd and so very easily accessible

What I like about the bar the most is the atmosphere which is mostly created by the stunning interior design (see this link for pictures). It consists of three small and cosy rooms and there are two high-quality foosball tables. Some pieces of the furniture are quite alternative – for example most of the benches are actually massive timbers, but very cool to sit on

I think the only disadvantage of this place is that it closes too early. Usually it is open slightly longer than 01:00 but still, once you’re there you somehow don’t want to leave.

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Shadow Café | Bars | Mojito CZK 90.00
Újezd 16 | Praha 5
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 16:00 – 01:00

I love Thai cuisine. Maybe that`s because I love spicy food, thick curry sauces and jasmine rice. I love the numbness in my mouth afterwards and the the feeling that can be described as “tipsiness”. And I feel good afterwards – spicy food is good for your body, keeps it healthy. So Thai sounds perfect for me

Noodle Bar, just around a corner from the Vltava river, is one of my favourite places when mindlessly strolling alongside the embankment below Vyšehrad and Podskalí. Seated outside on the calm street in summer or in design-sensitive interior in winter, I can watch the river, the life around, and dream about exotic trips over a plate of excellent Thai cuisine.

For each season the chef prepares a special offer. My reccommendation is Pomelo salad: a fresh pomelo mixed with sh

rimps, shallot, fresh coriander leaves, coconut and spicy sauce with Thai basil. I am glad that this great dish stayed on their offer from summer 09 – as it is one of the most delicate combination of tastes I ever had

Anyway, all their meals are freshly prepared, so count on some waiting time especially during lunch hours. Also be sure, that all dishes here are original – here it is real thai, not “in thai style”.

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The Noodle Bar | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Thai) | Main course from CZK 140
Plavecká 4 | Praha 2 | +420602370984
Tue – Sat 11:30 – 22:00

Many would swear Pilsner Urquell is the best beer in the world. And if nothing else, it is one of the few Czech brands recognized worldwide. Pllsner also often brings new standards – and this can be said about The Pub franchise. The main idea is self-serving of great unpasteurized Pilsner beer. Each table has its own tap and you can “log in”, so you see how many beers you have, how many you consume as a table and how many is the amount for the whole pub. All this you can watch on screens which shows combination of statistics of the pub and the whole The Pub chain

Turning drinking into a game is usually fun (if you know how to drink!), and here you have one of the best environment to do so. The upper part is strictly for non-smokers, the downstairs you can smoke as much as you want. Together it makes 20 tables. The machine by the tap allows you to order some of their meals too – not very cheap, but you sit in a special place in the center, so considering this, it is not overpriced.

In my opinion The Pub Prague 1 (there are also others) is the best because of a very convenient location, a relaxed lounge bar (situated before the Pub itself), wide range of meals and trendy feeling and atmosphere all around. A new approach towards legendary brand that works.

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The Pub | Bars, Snacks | Pub Burger CZK 189
Veleslavínova 3 | Praha 1 | +420222312296
Mon – Thu 11:00 – 02:00, Fri 11:00 – 03:00, Sat 12:00 – 03:00, Sun 12:00 – 00:00

When it comes down to living, different people have different criteria. For me, among others, one is the presence of a nice nearby pub (restaurant, tavern, whatever…) where I can have a beer and something good to eat when I’m not in the mood to cook. I’m lucky, in the neighbourhood Strašnice, where I live, there is a pub like that – U Kašpárka. This popular pub has been doing very well for many years and people come there from distant parts of Prague.

The interior of the characterfully furnished pub is quite indented – you can sit at the bar, in the cellar or in the lounge, I prefer the veranda. When it is warm outside, you can also sit on a nice garden, which is my favourite place.

At U Kašpárka, you can really do justice to food. On the menu, you will find both Czech, resp. Czechoslovak classics (I recommend the tasty beef tartare from starters, that is my favourite, or the chicken schnitzels with potato salad) and international cuisine (try for example the mussels on wine or chicken wings). Vegetarian can choose from tasty salads and carnivores will be certainly happy with the steak offer.

Kašpárek is not in the city center, but if you want to experience a normal pub, which do

es not pretend anything and has a nice atmosphere, then it is worth the journey to Strašnice. Since it often crowded, I recommend making a reservation, especially for dinner.

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U Kašpárka | Bars, Restaurants (Czech) | Beef tartare CZK 139.00
Dubečská 4/74 | Praha 10 | +420274784127
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 01:00, Sat 12:00 – 01:00, Sun 12:00 – 00:00

I must say the name of the place is not of the most appealing I have heard about. Literally it means “Run-over frog”, but do not worry. Every time I was there, the only frogs were pictured on the walls and the place was full of very friendly locals. Here you can learn about young chilled-out subculture of snowboarding / table-football / ganja fans. Vintage tables, worn-out design and great beer (Svijany).

There are not many meals, but still they won’t let you be hungry – some snacks including super-cheeseburger are on offer. Behind the bar there is a special “hidden part” – sitting there will make you feel like on a conspiracy meeting in a submarine! From time to time there are also concerts – you can find out more on their fancy full-of-flash website.

It maybe doesn’t sound that special, but the cosy atmosphere, funny stickers everywhere, table football, chess board, free jukebox and of course free wi-fi – and simply great sense of humour – all that makes the place special.

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U Rozjetý žáby | Bars | Frog menu CZK 120
Donská 16 | Praha 10 | +420603315981
17:00 – 00:00 daily

Disclaimer: be warned, this is nothing for posh people, non-smokers, wine lovers. U Vystřelenýho oka (it means: at the Shoot Out Eye – as the quarter itself is Žižkov, named after famous one-eyed Hussite military leader Jan Žižka) has been a special place for all rock enthusiasts, drunkards, musicians, bohemians since 1993.

Inside the pub there are often concerts, even though it makes the place too crowded and totally full of cigarette smoke. The bartender is always in a good mood – and he copes with all kind of crazy regulars with a great ease – and also serves some of the best Pilsner around.

In the summer I recommend the beer garden, but you shall still take a look inside – because it it hosts lot of cool items designed by Martin Velíšek, surreal artist. From pictures on the walls, t-shirts to be bought, funny menu cards, ashtrays resembling Hussite wagons to head-rests above urinals on Men toilets.

Plus you shall not miss a large portion of craut soup with sausage (for just 25 CZK) or wiener schnitzel with potato salad. Not to forget – there is also a tea-room loosely connected called Čajírna nad Vokem, which resides just above the pub.

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U Vystřelenýho oka | Bars, Music, Snacks | Cheese & Fries CZK 80
U Božích bojovníků 3 | Praha 3 | +420222540465
Mon – Sat 16:30 – 01:00

Slightly on the more expensive side, but I used to go there, hungry after midnight, when I felt the need for some decent meal. Specially when temperature drop low below zero …

In a perfect location, just in the centre, Ultramarin gets pretty packed every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Those who sit all day long in front of their computers now sit here all evening long, in front of their drinks with friends – untill they find what are they longing for.

Do not be surprised by clubby music from somewhere down below – this place has got a good size cellar which is divided into a small dance floor and restaurant area.

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Ultramarin | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (intern.) | Daily menu CZK 120
Ostrovní 32 | Praha 1 | +420224932249
Restaurant 07:00 – 04:00 daily | Club 18:00 – 04:00daily

This is one of the coolest places I’ve ever seen in my life. I searched for its history but it is even harder to find something on that than to find this spot. Make sure you have the directions and a map when you go there as it’s really a hidden one.

So what is it like? Imagine a huge once dancing hall now filled with almost 30 Billiard tables, 2 bowling lanes and a number of other games! Sounds unusual? Yes, it is. Also, when you get there, don’t forget to look up to the ceiling – you’ll be at least surprised.

Every person who enters receives a bill where all the expenses are put down continuously (incl. games, beverages etc.) At the point of leaving you just show your bill to the staff and pay for it. This means you have to keep your bill until you leave the place, even if it’s empty, otherwise the staff won’t let you out (penalty of 1500 CZK is the way out in case of losing the ticket).

Here is the list of all activities you can do in V Cípu:

Carambol, Pool, Snooker, Russian Pyramid, Bowling, Darts, Table Tennis, Table Football (Foosball), Air Hockey, Backgammon, Chess, all kinds of card games.

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V Cípu | Bars, Relaxing | Billiard / 1 Hour CZK 119.00
V Cípu 1 | Praha 1 | +420720152044
13:00 – 02:00 daily

Many bars, pubs and restaurants in Prague may be called “hidden” simply because they are secluded, out of way, at places where nobody would expect them. U Sudu, on the contrary, is located in one of the busiest streets in Prague, very close to the all day long crowded Wenceslas Square. Still I would call it hidden since the main part of it is well covered by the inconspicuous outside looks!

Your first impression after peeping inside from the street will most probably be “a tiny wine bar”. It is not before turning right at the bar that you start to uncover its secrets. There is a quite spacious, yet cosy room equipped with a piano which is free to use.  However, the true nature of this place awaits downstairs. The steps are rather steep and the ceiling is low so watch out. Pass the “foosball room” and continue downstairs, there you will find a medieval cellar filled up with tables – the atmosphere of this spot is really one of a kind.

There are several more rooms in the underground part, and also two more bars so you don’t have to climb upstairs every time you need a drink. The capacity of the whole “wine bar” is 300 places.

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Vinárna U Sudu | Bars | Pilsner Urquell 0,5 l CZK 36.00
Vodickova 10 | Praha 1 | +420222232207
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 04:00, Fri – Sat 08:00 – 05:00, Sun 08:00 – 03:00

This little bar is well hidden in narrow streets of Smíchov, close to the river, few minutes from Anděl (metro station and an important hub). Mainly locals visit the place, and there are often regulars sitting on the bar.

They know why – the friendly atmosphere with human touch feels really like at home, they have great beer (three different kinds of Svijany – 11°, 13°, 15° – on tap) and the house wine is actually better than much more expensive wines in many Prague bars. Few steps downstairs and you face the bar – but you can go upstairs (be careful!).

There is another floor – sometimes with live music too. That actually means a group of guys playing folk or country songs and singing along – Czech are probably the biggest country music fans just after USA. In the summer there is a beer garden in the back, where you can almost believe you are out of the capital. Nothing much to eat unfortunately, just some cheese plates, a sausage (but really delicious and unhealthy) or such little snacks.

The closing hours are flexible if the party is good enough, Saturdays and Sundays depends – sometimes open You can of course also browse through their wine-shop and grab some great bottles to drink them back home. Their website is totally out of date, but I was told a new version is coming soon.

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Víno na Celné | Bars | Svijany 11° beer CZK 27
Na Celné 8 | Praha 5 | +420774045953
Mon – Fri 14:00 – 22:00

Zvonařka is a nice restaurant famous for its terrace and spicy buffalo wings. Which says it all – a perfect summer evening spot, to watch the sun go down in the south part of the city (lower Vinohrady, Vršovice and Nusle).

Restaurant Zvonařka is nestled in area of historical vineyards – some of them still exist just couple streets away. Not surprisingly – Vinohrady in Czech means vineyards. Maybe that is the secret of the relaxed atmosphere?

I like to go there for a drink after work, to revive my energies by looking across the Nuselské údolí and have a chat with friends. I adore their pickled cheese (nakládaný hermelín) – and their cuisine is pretty good allround. Just watch the time as the terrace is only open untill 22:00. But there is plenty space inside, so why worry?

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Zvonařka | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Czech) | Main meal from CZK 120.00
Šafaříkova 1 | Praha 2 | +420224251990
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 02:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 00:00