Like most modern European cities, the Czech capital of Prague has an ancient soul. This history is experienced best in Old Town—the medieval heart of an ever more progressive city. After a long day exploring, there’s no better way to start off the night than with a cold brew or a freshly shaken cocktail at one of this neighborhood’s hidden joints. Here are our favorites.
U Vejvodů Restaurant, Pub & Beer Hall
Bar, Restaurant, European, $$$
Located in a pre-Hussite building dating from 1403, U Vejvodů possesses a richly historic atmosphere that other bars in Prague can only hope to replicate. Like the Hangar Bar, U Vejvodů is divided into two distinct levels that each have their own personality. On the lower level is the beer hall, awash with photographs and other memorabilia from the glory days of Czech brewing and set to the tunes of classic Bohemian folk music. The upper floor is more pub-like with its modern music and younger crowds, and a fine place to while away the evening. Regardless of which space you choose, try the Pilsner Urquell beer. It comes in fresh from the brewery every day and you’ll love the price.
Perched on the roof of the Communist-era shopping mall, OD Kotva, the T-Anker Bar offers sublime views of Prague’s Old Town. Their large selection of local and international beers changes weekly, so there is always something new and exciting to try. For hungry patrons, the bar offers a changing menu of reasonably priced dishes that are all paired, by number, to beers permanently on tap. Each beer is given a short taste description so diners know exactly what to expect, and, for those who wish to venture into the sometimes-confusing realm of bottled beers, in-house ‘beer sommeliers’ can help patrons choose the best brew based on the flavors they like.
Tucked away on a side street in the middle of Old Town, the Aloha Café, Bar, and Wave Lounge is a tad difficult to find, but is certainly worth the search. With a 1930s through 60s Hawaiian theme, a visit here promises to be one of a kind. The Aloha Café & Bar serves a mixture of American and Hawaiian-style food all day, but enjoying one of their specialty cocktails in the Wave Lounge whilst listening to live music is where the fun truly begins. Try the Old Cuban, a rum-based cocktail created by New Yorker Audrey Saunders!
If you value the journey over the destination, then the Hangar Bar, located in the ‘cocktail quarter’ of Dušní 9, Prague 1, is for you. Inspired by aviation from the 1940s to 60s, this themed bar is divided into two distinct sections. The Hangar Pilot’s Lounge is a quiet space filled with memorabilia from the glory days of Pan Am Airlines, including the body of a Clipper aircraft, around which waitresses are dressed as stewardesses. The Hangar Club is dedicated to Hollywood stunt pilots, airplane mechanics, and WWII pilots of the 1940s and 50s who represented the rougher side of modern aviation. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with one of the bar’s aviation-themed drinks.
On the trendy Old Town Dlouha Street, El Mojito Café offers locals and tourists alike an escape at the end of a long day. Natural wood accents warm the space, while Latin-style artwork and bric-a-brac scattered on the walls, ceiling and various shelves create a relaxing environment. The real stars of El Mojito Café are the exotic cocktails though; all artfully assembled with fresh fruit and carefully balanced blends. Take a cue from the bar’s name and start with a mojito. With 19 different kinds on the menu, there’s bound to be one that tickles your fancy.
Named one of the top four hotel bars in the world at the prestigious annual spirit awards ceremony, Tales of the Cocktail, Black Angel’s Bar is a must visit for any cocktail-lover in Prague. Located in the renovated Gothic-style cellar of the Hotel U Prince in Old Town Square, the bar’s atmosphere pulsates with centuries-old energy, despite its 1930s public-house theme. Enjoy one of history’s forgotten drinks, like the gin-based Corpse Reviver, as you relax on one of the rich, red leather banquettes and revel in the opulence.
