The best breweries in Prague. Czech beer – famous brands, best varieties

18.10.2019

Prague is distinguished not only by the grandeur of its cathedrals and ancient castles, but also by its ancient beer recipes. Preparing the intoxicating drink is considered an integral part of the city’s traditions, and bar hopping is a popular theme on tourist routes.

If you have long dreamed of trying exotic types of beer, then you cannot find a better place. And in order not to waste time looking for decent pubs, we recommend going . You will visit the main breweries, learn interesting facts from the history of Czech brewing, taste the most unusual varieties and try hearty traditional snacks.

For those who want to get acquainted with the beer culture of Prague on their own, we will tell you where you can drink the best Czech beer, how much a glass costs, and which producers are valued most by city residents.

Prague is home to 30 breweries that produce classic and original beers, as well as more than 70 places where you can try them. The oldest beer houses are considered to be “U Fleku”, opened in the mid-15th century, “U Medviku” and “U Three Roses”. In these places, beer is prepared according to ancient traditional recipes, and they also create signature drinks with a variety of flavors.


How much does beer cost in Prague? 2018

Interestingly, prices for intoxicating drinks in the capital of the Czech Republic vary in a fairly wide range: from 20 to 70 CZK per glass. As a rule, the minimum cost is offered in city bars. For example, in Krumlov you can drink a glass of beer for only 20 CZK. In restaurants and well-known breweries, prices will be much higher, but it is in such places that you will find rare and tasty varieties. For example, in the Strogave Monastery a beer mug will cost 70 CZK, but this place is considered one of the most picturesque in the city.

When choosing a place for tasting, carefully study the signs. In many pubs, menu prices can be seen without crossing the threshold of the establishment.

What beer to bring from Prague as a gift

Tasting a freshly prepared drink in large city breweries is, of course, good, but it’s even better to buy a few bottles as a gift. Moreover, beer is on the list of the most popular Czech souvenirs. You can buy famous brand drinks in any supermarket, as well as in some souvenir shops. For example, on Vodickova Street you will find several shops with rare varieties that are perfect for gifts. Another good place to buy beer is the Brewing Museum.

Among the brands, we recommend taking a closer look at the manufacturers “Budvar”, “Svijany”, “Novomestsky Pivovar”, “Pilsner” and “Svijansky Maz”. Interesting souvenir sets can also be purchased at breweries. But keep in mind that a bottle of beer with a branded sticker and a glass will cost more. And some types of drink have a shelf life of no more than 4 days.


Beer tasting: famous brands and varieties

The popularity of Prague beer is associated not only with its impeccable taste, but also with the high quality of preparation. Before hitting the shelves, the drink undergoes thorough testing and, in its finished form, fully complies with a number of standards. There are separate laws for brewing in the Czech Republic, so you can rest assured of its quality.

There are a huge number of beer brands in the city. Among them, the most famous are Krusovice, Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, Velvet and Velkopopovicky Kozel. Please note that alcohol under the label of these companies is also produced in other countries. But it is in Prague that it is made according to ancient recipes in compliance with all norms and rules. Therefore, if you are interested in the question of which beer to try first, it is better to start getting acquainted with well-known companies and continue tasting drinks from mini-breweries.

Czech beer is prepared only from natural products: hops, yeast, wheat, barley, corn. In bars and establishments you can try the classic types: light, dark, semi-dark and cut, made from different proportions of the first and second. Fans of original flavor combinations will be able to drink apple, berry, herbal and cherry beer. In breweries you will find many more interesting varieties, for example, smoked or spicy. The main thing is that even exotic tastes are of impeccable quality. All drinks are prepared without adding syrups or fruits, but are initially brewed with the necessary ingredients.

If you want to learn all about the culture and history of brewing in Prague, then be sure to check out the Beer Museum located near Charles Bridge. There is an interesting exhibition here, as well as more than 30 types of drinks that you can taste during the excursion. In addition to popular brands, the museum sells craft beer from Czech mini-breweries, and also has a bar where you can order hearty snacks to accompany your alcohol.

Best restaurants and pubs

The European tourist town is extremely rich in establishments that generously treat their guests to freshly prepared beer. Therefore, choosing a suitable place, especially if you are visiting Prague for the first time, is not so easy. Among the many pubs and breweries, we present to your attention those that are definitely worth checking out:

"U Supa"

Those who want to feel the spirit of antiquity will definitely like this establishment. U Supa is considered one of the oldest breweries in Prague; it welcomed its first visitors back in the 15th century.

The establishment is distinguished not only by a large selection of beer, but also by its original interior. It is a restaurant with national Czech cuisine, combined with a city brewery. In addition, “U Supa” has a summer terrace and a garden. Interestingly, the production of the drink takes place behind glass walls, which makes it possible to see the preparation process. And the main pride of the brewery is the semi-dark beer of the same name.

Restaurant "Pivovarsky Dom"

In this cozy place you will find out exactly what the best beer is in Prague. The restaurant was opened in 1998 and today has a large hall and a basement where you can observe the production process.

Thanks to its impressive assortment, the restaurant is among the top ten best breweries in the country. They serve 8 varieties of classic live beer: light amber, dark and cut. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a separate menu with dessert options: banana, cherry, coffee and nettle beer. The highlight of the establishment is the Champ beer champagne.

Among the advantages of the “Brewing House” it is also worth mentioning beer sets for tourists. This is “Giraffe”, which is suitable for large groups, and “Carousel” is an original way to drink 7-8 varieties at once.

Restaurant "Novomestskiy Pivovar"

The establishment is located next to Wenceslas Square and has been welcoming guests for more than 20 years. Novomestsky Pivovar is a three-story restaurant with 10 rooms connected by labyrinths. The premises are decorated in country style. Wooden furniture, vine branches hanging from the ceiling, barrels and baskets create a very homely, cozy atmosphere here.

Despite the general theme, each room has its own individual design. In some rooms you will see Gothic elements, in others you will be pleasantly surprised by the decor in a rustic style. In the middle of the halls there are boilers where the drink is brewed.

The prices in the establishment are not considered low, but the alcoholic menu is impressive in its variety and quality. The restaurant serves fresh beer and also has bottled drinks from a variety of brands. Visitors note the wide range of Czech cuisine with meat snacks, salads, vegetarian dishes and fish.

Craft beer from Prague monasteries

In Prague, monasteries were among the first places where beer was brewed. Here its production was carried out by hereditary craftsmen who kept their unique recipes for centuries.

One of them is the Břevnov Monastery, founded in 993. It is located in the historical part of the city, which is included in tourist routes. Here you can taste traditional varieties made according to ancient recipes, as well as the famous Benedict brand in the city.

Another option is to go to the Strahov Monastery, which has been active for more than 4 centuries. The selection here depends on the time of year. In any season you can appreciate the taste of amber and dark varieties. At Easter and Christmas, brewers delight visitors with festive wheat and dark beer. And the signature drink here is “St. Norbert”.

"Brewing Club"

One of the most popular establishments in the city. “Brewing Club” differs from other pubs in its combined format. Based on the interior and level of service, it is classified as a restaurant. And with its fun atmosphere and varied beer menu, it feels like a bar. It serves fresh drink from six taps and also offers guests more than 250 types of bottled beer. Here you will try traditional varieties from large breweries, imported alcohol and rare types of drink with different tastes.

In addition to a wide selection of alcohol, the club offers a menu of various snacks and meat dishes. Culinary delights such as beer soup and beer burger are very popular among visitors. The prices of the “Brewing Club” will pleasantly surprise you.

Ship "Brewer"

If you find yourself in Prague at the end of spring, consider yourself lucky. The city hosts an annual beer festival from May 10 to 26. The festival is held in the Letne park area. During the 17 days of the marathon, you can try more than 100 types of Czech beer, enjoy national cuisine, dance at a live music concert and even watch a play.

Another excellent variety of leisure time will be a guided walk through closed Prague clubs, where there will be a lot of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, funny stories, authentic interiors, music, competitions and games. possible online.

If you are traveling to Prague, you probably dream of trying the famous Czech beer, which is famous all over the world. Of course, it is better to do this not in catering establishments, but directly at breweries. This is where you can feel the atmosphere of Czech brewing and get acquainted with the skills of local brewers. In addition, most breweries also offer delicious dishes of national cuisine.

The choice of breweries in Prague is truly great. Each of them offers something special. To make things easier for you, in this article we will list the best breweries in Prague.

Brewery "U Medvidku" - the strongest beer in the world

Medieval was rebuilt into a modern hotel with 33 rooms. After the reconstruction, the features of the original interior were preserved: the atmosphere of antiquity is reminiscent of beamed ceilings and Gothic beams. Hotel guests and anyone else can visit a local restaurant and try the truly unique beer XBEER-33, which is considered the strongest in the world! The brewery is located in the very center of the city.

Brewery "Bon" - natural unpasteurized beer made with well water



photo: valasska-pivnice.cz

The Bon brewery opened in 2003 in a former monastery complex. Here they brew exclusively natural beer using healing water from four local wells. You can try this delicious unpasteurized and unfiltered beer, brewed according to old Czech recipes, in a stylish restaurant on Hradcany, from the terrace of which you can enjoy a beautiful view of old Prague.

Monastery Brewery "Stragov" - loyalty to traditions


photo: klasterni-pivovar.cz

Together with the restaurant it is located in the Strahov Monastery complex. Three signature beers are brewed on it: dark, semi-dark amber and IPA. In honor of Catholic holidays, they offer traditional beer (Three Kings, Christmas, Easter, etc.). In summer, the range also includes refreshing wheat beer. The menu of the local restaurant includes a rich offer of Old Bohemian dishes and a variety of snacks.

Brewery "U Fleku" - unique beer based on a historical recipe


photo: ufleku.cz

This is one of the oldest and most legendary breweries in Prague. was founded back in 1499, and since then beer has been brewed there without interruption. The brewery invites guests to visit the original atmospheric restaurant for 1200 people, consisting of several stylish rooms. Here you can taste old Czech cuisine, visit the brewing museum and enjoy live music. The local brewery brews the unique beer “Flekovskaya thirteen” according to a historical recipe. Tourists from all over the world come to try it.

Trebonice Craft Brewery


photo: pivni.info

The Trebonice craft brewery, which is located in Prague 5, invites you to try its beer at the Gusta restaurant. You can get here by bus No. 249 from the Luka metro station, line B. You need to get off at the final stop. The restaurant is located in a camp in a small village. The brewery's menu includes a wide selection of different types of Czech beer, including exotic varieties. Address: K Řeporyjim 4, Prague - Trebonice

Brewery "U Bulovki" - variety of beers

photo: pivovarubulovky.cz

Brewery with restaurant located in the center of Prague. It brews high-quality beer from natural ingredients. Czech musical groups perform in the restaurant every Friday. The beer selection changes frequently. Only the main types of beer remain unchanged - Czech Lager (Ležak), Düsseldorf Alt beer, Munich Helles, Dortmund Export and Weizenbock white wheat beer. The pride of the U Bulovki brewery is the first beer archive in the Czech Republic, which contains all existing beers.

Igomnest Brewery - the best brewing traditions of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany


photo: jihomestskypivovar.cz

Opened in Prague in 2010. It was founded on the site of a former boiler house by experienced brewers F. Richter and D. Poboril. Beer lovers should definitely visit this brewery, which boasts not only a rich beer list, but also a stylish interior. Local beer has a rich taste and bright hop aroma. It is cooked not only according to Czech, but also according to Austrian, Bavarian and German recipes.

Brewery House in Prague - the largest selection of beer in the Czech Republic

In Prague 2 offers among all beer restaurants in the Czech Republic. Here they brew classic Czech light and dark lagers, as well as a variety of exotic varieties: banana, green nettle, cherry, coffee, smoky, wheat beer, beer champagne, etc. The unusual interior of the restaurant makes the beer ceremony even more memorable. Right in the room you can see the beer bottling control, a fragment of the brewhouse and barrels in which young beer ferments.

New Town Brewery - hundred-year-old brewing traditions


photo: npivovar.cz

Can be found in the center of Prague on Vodickova Street. The restaurant at the brewery consists of several rooms decorated in different styles. Guests of the restaurant have a view of the brewing kettles or beer barrels. They brew light and dark beer of excellent quality: light and dark lager, unfiltered beer, etc. In addition, the restaurant offers a wide selection of Czech dishes, including national garlic soup and baked pork knee.

Neighborhood brewery "Bashta" - the best dark beer


photo: ubansethu.cz

In Prague 4 it offers everyone the opportunity to try exceptional semi-dark mature beer 12% and high-quality light aged beer. The Bashta brewery, founded in 2007, has already been highly appreciated at beer festivals. The above-mentioned types of beer took first place in them. You can also try the brewery's products at the nearby restaurant U Banshetu.

Brewery "At the Three Roses" is the youngest brewery in Prague


photo: u3r.cz

In Prague 1 on Husovaya Street it opened quite recently: in May 2012. Vaclav Klaus was also present at the opening, who appreciated the quality Czech beer. Now the young and promising brewery is actively visited by residents and guests of Prague. The local beer is really worth a visit!

Brewery of the Břevnov Monastery - the oldest brewery in the Czech Republic


The Břevnov monastery and brewery were founded in 993. This is the oldest brewery in the Czech Republic. During its existence, brewing stopped several times. Production was finally updated only in 2011. It offers beer brewed according to traditional Czech recipes. The brewery has a large restaurant decorated in old Czech style. In addition to different types of delicious beer, here you can try Czech and European cuisine. The restaurant is located right in the historical monastery complex, which is also of interest to tourists. You can try beer in the restaurant "Klášterní šenk" at Markétská 1/28, Prague 6.


Brewery "Staropramen" - the widest selection of beer

photo: staropramen.cz

In Prague, Smichov offers visitors the widest selection of Czech beer of different brands. The offer includes national brands “Staropramen” and “Branik”, as well as regional brands “Ostravar”, “Mneštyan” and “Vratislav”. The highlight of the brewery was the velvet beer “Velvet”. All these types of beer can also be tried in a network of restaurants, sports bars and beer outlets .

Prague Bridge Brewery near Valsu

photo: prazskymost.cz

Located in the very center of the Old Town (Staré město) not far from Bethlem Square and Charles Bridge. The restaurant was opened in 2006 and since that very moment they have been brewing and treating visitors to their own beer “Prague Bridge” 12°, which is presented in three versions: light, dark and cut.

Brewery Hosrivar


photo: pivovar-hostivar.cz

The first beer was brewed in early 2013, so this restaurant can be considered relatively new. Despite this, the brewery offers a very diverse range of beers. Here you can try: 8°, 11°, 12°, 13°, wheat, 14°, 15°, 17°, black 13° and Pale Ale. In addition to a wide selection of beers, the brewery boasts a varied menu of snacks and meals. Address: Lochotínská 656, Prague 15. Website: http://www.pivovar-hostivar.cz/

Even ardent fans of German and Austrian beer admit that the Czech Republic has the best and most aged beer in the world. And they add that in this country there are so many varieties of foamy drink that it is impossible to count them.

Czech preferences

In fact, this is not so - in reality there are about 20 famous brands of beer in the Czech Republic. The rest can be called beer varieties, which differ in density, color and amount of alcohol. Today, Czech beer with a density of 12–14% is at the peak of popularity, although the Czechs themselves have recently increasingly valued 10% varieties. In terms of alcohol content in the Czech Republic, the most popular beer is with an indicator of 4.5–4.7%.

The local population prefers to drink Pilsen lagers with a tart taste and a gravity of up to 14%, vaguely reminiscent of Irish top-fermented ales. Light beer versions are not recognized in the Czech Republic and “low-volume” drinks are contemptuously called “beer for children” - you will not find them on the menu of reputable bars.

Czechs divide beer into dark (černé, tmavé), light (světlé) and “cut” (řezané), which is a mixture of light and dark varieties. It also differs in strength (volume fraction of malt wort): yes "ten"(aged up to a month - 4.5% wort) and “twelve” (aged up to 90 days - up to 12% wort). The Czechs, by the way, are the inventors of the world's strongest beer, X-Beer 33 (33% wort).

Choose beer to suit your taste

The question of which beer is the most delicious in the Czech Republic is meaningless: there are many varieties, and they are all tasty, unique and different. The Czechs themselves say that it is impossible to try all types of beer in Prague, even if you have lived in it for 10 years! Therefore, you should drink only the most famous and famous ones - this way you will get a general impression of the capabilities of Czech brewers.

The best varieties have been produced in České Budejovice for many years - Budvar and Samson sold in 60 countries for over two hundred years. One of the oldest beer brands - Krušovice, which has been produced since 1583. Prague is famous for its Staropramen And Velvet, in Pilsen they brew the famous Prazdroj (Radegast), Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus Brno supplies Starobrno and Lezak, produced in Benesov Ferdinand, in Velkopopovice - Kozel.

Connoisseurs recommend paying attention to several types of beer, which are brewed only in the Czech Republic in limited quantities and, naturally, do not go outside the country. Be sure to try it Budweiser 12 (Bad), fruity (“feminine”) Velvet, semi-dark Staropramen Granat, classically e Pilsner Urquell, dark Master and strong X-Beer 33.

Surprisingly, Czech beer is completely odorless! We are, of course, talking about draft beer. By the way, Czech brewers do not take bottled beer seriously, giving unconditional preference to draft beer. The ideal place to “socialize” with this drink is beer restaurants and pubs at breweries, where live draft beer is served.

Where is the best place to drink beer in Prague?

The number of pubs in Prague cannot be counted: there is a pub in almost every house - on the ground floor or in the basement. We recommend taking a walk along Křemencova Street and stopping by the iconic 15th-century beer pub U Fleku (New Town, near the National Theatre). This is the oldest brewery in the Czech Republic and only serves dark beer.

On Perštýně be sure to check out U Medvidku(second floor). They will offer you the best varieties Budvar, Gambrinus and X-Beer 33. And in Krušovická pivnice on Národni třída there is a chance to try the most delicious honey-coated ribs in Prague with a mug of good Krušovice “lounger”. A good “lounger” is also cooked and served in Novoměstský pivovar (Vodičkova street).

We also note the capital's pub Pivovarský dum (Lípová street), Pivovarský klub (Křižíkova street) and Pivní galerie (U pruhonu street). They offer a huge selection of popular and rare varieties of light and dark beer, including regional ones. In addition, there you can choose bottled beer as a gift. By the way, not far from the Old Square there is a beer museum, which looks more like a large tasting room. There you will definitely find any type of beer that was brewed at least once in the Czech Republic, so it will be a long and slow process to leave there...

Poor students prefer the pub U Havrana (Halkova st.), where there are many types of beer and very cheap snacks. Among inexpensive establishments in Prague you can also visit Hrom do Police (Moravská street), U Rudolfina (Křižovnická street) and Branicky Sklipek (Vodičkova street).

If you are interested in beer houses with original beers, check out the pubs U Věstonického Venouše (Matoušova street), U Pižďucha (Blahníkova street), Ferdinanda (Opletalova street), Zlý Časy (Čestmírova street) and U Mikuláše Dačického (Viktora Huga street). Among the expensive establishments we note Klášterní pivovar strahov (strahovské nádvoří), u zlatého tygra (ul. Husova), Bredovskí DVUR (St. Politickýu), Malostranská Pivnice (st ), U Seminaristy (St. Spálená) and Merenda (St. Husitská) .

Finally, if you like not only to drink beer, but also to have a tasty snack, then you need to look for places that serve beer soups, grilled ribs and steaks, beef knee, beer cheese and even beer ice cream! Let's go to Zlatá kovadlina (Komunardu street), Pivovar u Bulovky-P.u.B. (Bulovka street), Plzeňský restaurant Anděl (Nádražní street) and U hrocha (Thunovská street).

Beer in pubs is drunk in two doses: first a mug in one gulp to quench your thirst, then the rest, slowly. The waiters here are extremely helpful, regardless of the status of the establishment. Your beer mug will not be empty for more than a minute! If you wish, they will even mix up a beer cocktail from different types of beer.

Each beer bar is distinguished by its own signature glassware - tall glasses with a narrowed neck. Beer is poured into glasses from a height of 2–3 cm, topped up after the foam settles, and served chilled to 10 °C.

Food in most beer establishments will cost 50–100 CZK, the price of a glass of beer starts from 15 CZK. Czechs, by the way, try to visit inexpensive establishments. At the same time, no one will allow themselves to drink bottled beer, since this is not a sign of poverty, but of poor taste. Beer in pubs is exclusively draft beer.

But if you do decide to buy bottled beer, take it Klášter or Kozel Cherny. Don’t even look for white - the Czechs don’t understand its “charm”, so they don’t cook it.

The history of brewing in the Czech Republic spans almost 10 centuries, so beer is part of the national heritage. When you visit Prague, you will be surprised by the fact that beer is often cheaper than regular mineral water. Perhaps the reason for this is the fact that the Czechs are world leaders in beer consumption per person. And, of course, the number of pubs, taverns and bars in Prague is countless.

Previously in the article:“” we have already mentioned popular places in the Czech capital where you can drink beer. Now we will take a closer look at this important issue)

It is worth separately noting the features of Czech beer. There are hundreds of small breweries and huge factories throughout the Czech Republic, but almost all of them owe their technology to the brand Pilsner, the largest exporter of Czech beer in the world. Now the word Pilsner has actually become a common noun and means all filtered beer.

Photo: Pilsner Urquell - the most famous brand of Czech beer

Beer in Prague is usually served in two different portions: male pivo - glasses up to a third of a liter, and velké pivo - half a liter, the most popular portion. For especially big fans, some restaurants offer portions of up to one and a half liters, which are called tuplak; such portions are offered by beer restaurants U Medvidku, U Vejvodu, U Sedmi Svabu and other taverns.

The most common type of beer is dark filtered, which in turn is divided into two levels: 10% beer contains less alcohol and usually has a more subtle taste, and 12% beer, which is classic in the Czech Republic. In the Czech Republic, beer consumption is not complete without a free dish to accompany the drink. Any self-respecting bar will definitely offer you a snack of your choice without demanding money for it.

Where to drink draft beer in Prague?

Pivovarský Dům (Brew House)


photo: Beer carousel at the Pivovarský Dům restaurant in Prague

Perhaps the most famous and beloved restaurant by Czechs with its own brewery is Pivovarský Dům(Brew House). This restaurant is located in the Praha2 area, so there are never crowds of tourists and just drinkers, however, there is always a place for visitors who appreciate the true taste of Czech beer. There are about a hundred different types of beer presented here, from classic recipes to the most unexpected tastes and combinations.

Beer Museum in Prague

photo; Tasting set for 1 person includes 4 types of beer🍺.

In addition to a huge number of bars, a real Beer Museum is open in the Czech Republic, where you can learn the entire history of brewing in the Czech Republic, attend tastings and taste various rare types of beer. This place is very popular among tourists and they often leave their reviews on social networks...

To be honest, when we approached the bar counter and I saw an empty basket for 4 glasses, I thought that it was designed for four people.

But when they asked me how many of us there were, and the bartender put 8 glasses under the taps, and there was no one else there except us, I realized that it was all for us.

Tasting is included in the price of admission. Additionally, you could buy nuts 🥜 ​​and something else.

The bartender gives out a tasting kit and tells you where each beer is and how it differs.
Then you can choose a place where you will taste.

There are two halls, one of them in the style of a traditional beer hall during the communist era.
Or you can go into the courtyard and sit at a table on beer barrels.

Restaurant U Zlateho tygra (At the Golden Tiger)


photo: Vaclav Havel liked to drink beer at the Golden Tiger

The popular beer restaurant U Zlatého tygra (At the Golden Tiger) on Husova Street 17 is a favorite place of the former Czech President Vaclav Havel, as well as many artists.


photo: Pub U Černého vola (At the Black Ox)

The pub U Černého vola (At the Black Ox) is comfortably located in one of the medieval buildings on Loreto Square. Another famous type of Czech beer is served here - Velkopopovets Kozel, however, you will hardly find tourists here - it is a quiet, classic beer hall with pleasant background music and a friendly atmosphere.

photo: If prejudices are alien to you, then come and have a beer with the Black Cat

On Nerudovaya Street there is another pleasant bar for friendly conversations, U Kocoura. Here, in addition to an extensive beer list, you will be offered to try national Czech cuisine at a low price. It is better to come here in the late afternoon, because after 18:00 and until the morning there is live music.

Bar U Fleků

photo: The address of this beer restaurant is in all guidebooks

The legendary U Fleků beer bar on Křemencova street 11 is a huge brewery that has been in operation since at least 1499. It has several large rooms in a simple, functional but comfortable style. There is a courtyard at the rear of the house which is used as a beer garden in the warmer months. In fact, this second most popular pub in Prague. They serve almost every type of beer in every flavor. Here you can try both classic Pilsner and beer with honey, pepper or chocolate.

photo: To all fans of the adventures of the good soldier Schweik, welcome to the U Kalicha brewery

The U Kalicha beer bar is known throughout the world after a literary work about the adventures of the brave Lieutenant Schweik. Tourists are brought here as part of the excursion program, and here you can drink excellent quality Pilsner.

photo: A very popular place among the fairer sex and lovers of panoramic views

In the Petrinske Terasy bar there are two rooms at right angles to each other; in the one located closer to the bar, regulars and beer drinkers gather, and in the far room you can often meet students and tourists. The interior is conducive to long gatherings; the stained glass windows are located in such a way that even during the daytime an atmosphere of muted twilight is created. Due to its convenient location (the bar is located twenty meters from the fashionable U Fleku), prices here are quite low, and there is always free food.

photo: Beer produced at Novomestsky Brewery is supplied only to its own restaurant and cannot be purchased anywhere else.

The large and relatively long-open restaurant Novoměstský Pivovar is conveniently located at the end of a shopping arcade in the city center near the Národní Třída metro station and Wenceslas Square. The entire first floor of the restaurant is occupied by a brewing workshop; their beer is quite popular in the city and is sold both in the restaurant itself and outside it. In the basement there is a living room with tables and sofas in a classic wooden setting. Prices are quite reasonable considering the city center location. Despite the fact that the main part is located in the basement, the restaurant is equipped with excellent ventilation, smoking is allowed in the bar, and cigarette smoke does not bother non-smoking visitors.


photo: Beer festival in the Czech Republic is a response to Munich Oktoberfest

Every year in May, the Czech Republic hosts the Beer Festival, which is a fair where each brewer can present his product, which you are unlikely to find in Prague stores, to the public for testing. The action takes place in a sprawling tent city in one of the central parks of Prague. In addition to beer manufacturers, you can meet confectioners, butchers and bakers here, who will also be happy to treat you to their masterpieces. If you are lucky enough to attend this event, which lasts almost a month, be sure to take part in the drawings and special events that the organizers of the holiday are preparing.

Other famous Prague pubs

Kolkovna: V Kolkovně 8, Prague 1

Jelínkova Plzeňská pivnice: Charvátova 1, Prague 1

Sherwood: Opletalova 19, New Town, Prague 1

Pivnice u Hrocha: Thunovská 10/178, Prague 1

Restaurace Bredovský Dvůr: Politických vězňů 13, Prague 1

U Rudolfina: Křižovnická 10, Prague 1

U Vejvodů: Jilská 4, Prague 1

U Pinkasů: Jungmanovo náměstí 16, Prague 1

U Medvidků: Na Perštýně 7, Prague 1

Lokal - Dlouhá: Dlouhá 33, Prague 1

Lokal - U Bílé kuželky: Míšeňská 66/12, Prague 1

Beer Museum: Dlouhá 720/46, Prague 1

Kolkovna: V Kolkovně 8, Prague 1

U Černého vola: Loretánské náměstí 107/1, Prague 1

New Town Brewery: Vodičkova 20, Prague 1

Beer is the national drink and the pride of the Czech Republic, so when you come to Prague, you should definitely try Czech beer. There are a lot of types of beer and places to taste it in Prague, but you shouldn’t waste your precious vacation time and money on typical tourist establishments. We visited several beer restaurants in Prague, compared reviews on the Internet with our impressions, went on a beer tasting excursion to the Pilsner Urquell gallery, and attended a bottling school.

In preparation for my trip to Prague, I made a list of places where you should go for a beer and good food. All these objects were marked on the map of Prague and provided with comments. The map turned out to be small, but if you go to Prague not for a beer tour, but just to take a walk and see the city, then it will be quite enough. Of the 8 selected objects, we visited five and along the way we looked into a couple of popular beer restaurants.

Places where we have been:

1. U Vejvodu (At the Voivode) Praha 1, Jilska 4 restauraceuvejvodu.cz
This is the first place we went to in Prague. We took light Pilsner beer (0.5 and 0.3), goulash soup (regular, not from the signature menu), beer cheese and onion rings. All this together with two pretzels came out to 376 CZK. Prices are above average and do not include tips. The restaurant is designed for a large number of visitors, but at 15:00 there were almost none, the service was fast. Reviews praise the baked knee, salads and desserts; we only had lunch at Voevoda’s.


2. U Rudolfina (At Rudolfina) Praha 1, Krizovnicka 10 urudolfina.cz
This establishment is located near the Charles Bridge, near the University building. The location is central, but the prices are not high, the Czechs themselves come here. Following the recommendations of knowledgeable people, we immediately went down to the basement. The menu is only in Czech, there is a waiter who speaks Russian. We had lunch for 381 CZK. We ordered tripe soup (spicy), a large and a small Pilsner Urquell beer, one serving of ribs for two with mustard, cabbage, red pepper and pickled cucumber. Delicious food, very nice place.

3. Bredovsky dvur (Bredovsky yard) Praha 1, Politickych veznu 13 restauracebredovskydvur.cz
Everyone puts this restaurant first, and it is clear that it is very popular. We arrived at lunchtime (2:00 p.m.) and managed to grab a good table by the window; while we were eating, the number of customers became more and more numerous; at 2:30 p.m. there were no free tables left. The Bredovsky yard is located next to Wenceslas Square. We took dark Kozel (3 x 0.5) and light Pilsner (0.5 and 0.3), homemade brawn with onions for beer, and baked pork knee for main course (one kilo portion for two). Account 517 CZK. Despite the fact that the restaurant is popular among Russian tourists, the prices are moderate, the service is good, and so is the atmosphere.


4. Strahov Monastery Lesser Town, Prague 1, Strahovske nadvori 301/10 klasterni-pivovar.cz
It is recommended to go here for the monastery's signature beer. We took the wrong door and instead of the monastery brewery we ended up in a neighboring establishment, where they also brew their own beer. 0.5 dark and 0.3 amber came out to 120 CZK with tip included in the bill. We didn't like the service and prices. According to my notes, black and amber beer should have been tasted at the monastery brewery nearby, and wheat beer had to be tasted in this place.

5. Gallery "Pilsner Urquell" Mala Strana, Prague 1, U Luzickeho seminare 11
This is the Prague representative office of the Pilsen brewery and the Pilsner Urquell beer produced there. Pilsner Gallery is the right place to taste beer and learn about the history and technology of its production. Read about it at the end of the article.


6. U Hrocha (At the Hippopotamus) Lesser Town, Prague 1, Thunovska 10
According to reviews, Pilsner Urquell beer is good, tasty pork, prices below average.

7. U Zlateho Tygra (At the Golden Tiger) Praha 1, Husova 17 uzlatehotygra.cz
Many famous and famous people, such as Vaclav Havel and Bill Clinton, drank beer at the Golden Tiger. They say it's always crowded and smoky, but you can go in for a light Pilsner.

8. U сernуho vola (At the black ox) Lesser Town, Prague 1, Loretanske namesti 107/1
Historical beer hall, low prices, only snacks. According to reviews, good dark and light Kozel, light Pilsner. It's very smoky.

Places that are recommended to tourists, but we didn’t go there:

Novomestsky pivovar (Novomestsky brewer) Praha 1, Vodickova 682/20 npivovar.cz
We went to the Novomestsky Brewery as an excursion, to see where the beer is brewed and how it ferments. This restaurant sells its own souvenirs and has specialties: beer champagne and strong Pivovice. The room accommodates 400 people and consists of several halls. According to reviews, in recent years this restaurant has become purely touristic, Russian groups come here, prices are high, a 15% tip is already included in the bill. Whether you want to dine here or not is up to you, but you can go into a museum anyway.


Pivovarsky dum (Brew House) Praha 2, Lipova 511/15 pivovarskydum.com
We lived on the same street as this restaurant, but after reading reviews on the Internet, we limited ourselves to an external inspection. A popular place among Russian tourists, most people order a “carousel” - tasting of different types of beer (banana, cherry, nettle...). They write that the prices are high, the portions are small. We ourselves did not check the other negative things about shortchanges and poor service, so I can’t say anything.

Excursion with tasting and beer bottling school at the Pilsner Urquell Gallery

The Pilsner Urquell Gallery is a quiet place in the center of Prague. Branded souvenirs are sold here, and the exhibition telling the history of Pilsner Urquell beer is free. Signatures under the exhibits are in 4 languages, including Russian. We took part in two gallery events at once: excursions with tasting and a beer bottling school.

I was there, so I have an idea about the production process of the most popular beer in the Czech Republic, but during a tour of the Pilsner Urquell gallery I learned a lot of new things. It turns out that in 1890, Pilsner beer was prescribed to Pope Leo XIII as a medicine to improve digestion (there is a replica of his glass in the gallery). The brother of our Tsar Alexander III, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, was also treated with Pilsen lager beer; he visited the Pilzensky Prazdroy plant in 1897, after which he placed an order for the supply of Czech beer to Russia.
The tasting tour costs 75 CZK per person. A specialist bartender tells how to drink beer correctly to get more pleasure from it.

We had a particularly fun time at the beer bottling school. Pilsner Urquell beer is always served only in branded glasses or mugs, the glass must be cold and wet. Bottling school teacher David showed several ways of bottling beer that affect its taste: “na glodinka” (with a cap), “chohan” (without foam, with a high CO2 content), milk (one foam), “shnit” (used for tasting beer in a new barrel). During the training process, a group of Czechs joined us and we took turns trying to master the skill of properly pouring Pilsner Urquell beer. The cost of training at the spill school is 200 CZK per person, duration 1 hour, including excursion.