14 of the Coolest Bars in Prague
Natalie Avila
Here’s what you need to know:
Czechia holds the title of the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world and has for nearly 30 years. What does this translate to? Well, the beer is cheaper than water and the country invented Pilsner so it’s not a huge surprise.
What might surprise you is Czechia’s capital Prague has some of the coolest bars in the world. Like, actually cool places. Not trying too hard, not pretentious, not ridiculously overpriced, but genuine spots with unique ideas run by people who care. Here are fourteen that will not disappoint.
You can also read my Prague First Timer’s Guide (24 to 72 hours) if you’d like more of my Prague tips.
Anonymous
If you enjoy internet culture, then you’ve probably heard of Anonymous, a collective international movement known for both intense activism and various cyber attacks against a number of government institutions. This bar, however, is a little more chill. Their homage to the group Anonymous is fascinating and shown with details like the bartenders’ Anonymous-styled masks, and the references to internet catchphrases and slogans (especially Reddit and 4chan) along the walls.
There’s an assortment of drinks to choose from, and the time of night you arrive might determine your menu options. The base menu has creative drinks as is, but later in the evening, the nightly surprise menu becomes available. Some drinks might even be hidden in the original menu. I ordered a Valerie’s Rose cocktail from their base menu as my first drink, and as a floral fan, I thought it was quite tasty. I can’t recall what my second drink was called, but it involved ice cream.
For reference, we arrived around 9:30 PM on a Saturday and snagged a couple of the last seats in the house, and after 10 PM (when the real fun started) there was a line of people waiting to get in all night.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is easily one of the coolest bars in Prague. They’re home to several whimsical cocktails like their Alice in Wonderland blend or their Black Sun cocktail, but they’re best known for a concept they have called Choose Your Fate. They’ll explain the rules better than I can, but using a handwritten set of tarot cards found during the building’s reconstruction they’ll match you with an off-menu drink presented in a delightful manner. Every detail has a personal touch here, even their ice cubes have the word ‘alchemist’ engraved on them.
Alice in Wonderland Cocktail
Harly’s
Harly’s is a stellar American biker-themed bar and club. It’s loud, rowdy, and a fun place to pop in for a drink or even to spend most of your Friday night. Enjoy their take on American biker culture while listening to a mix of heavy and classic rock, with the occasional guest DJ or band.
Get there a bit before 10 PM if you want to secure a seat because the party takes off around them and goes on until around 5 or 6 AM. I tried their house special Adios Motherf*cker which features a large glass with five types of alcohol mixed with sours and 7 Up for 222Kč (about €9/$10), and is certainly good value. There’s also a 40Kč cover charge (about €1.65/$1.80) for men, although this is likely a bit higher now.
Adios Motherf*ckers
Café Bar Pilotů
This cozy cocktail lounge is home to a creative and intriguing array of drinks presented in a relaxed and atmospheric environment. The interior is warm, woodsy, eclectic, and decorative, with so many interesting details along the walls that they practically serve as entertainment. Prices are a bit higher for Prague, but the pleasant vibes, quality drinks, and friendly staff make it worth it, in my opinion. All of their specialty drinks are comprehensively described in their detailed and playful menu.
Terasa U Prince
Visit Terasa U Prince for a drink paired with incredible views of the Old Town Square in a lovely environment. To get there enter Hotel U Prince, walk through the hotel lobby, take the glass elevator up, and then head up the final steps. Be sure to ask for a table on the rooftop patio (say you’re just there for drinks) and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The atmosphere is cozy and warm at night (they have heaters and offer blankets), and bright and airy in the daytime.
I also find the prices to be pretty fair for being a rooftop establishment in the city center. They have some lower reviews, but it seems to mainly be for their main courses and the 10% service charge they sometimes add to the meal. I’ve always skipped the entrees, but have tried their dessert. I’ve personally always had great experiences here, I just haven’t tipped additionally if they hit me with a service charge. I’ve sent a few friends here for drinks and they’ve all loved it, so I think you will too.
*Reservations are only permissible if you also plan on dining there.
Black Angels Bar
I can’t mention Terasa U Prince without mentioning their broody neighbor who lives five stories below. If you prefer more of a moody atmosphere you can head down to the basement of Hotel U Prince where you’ll find the Black Angels Bar, a bar that prides themselves in their drinks, ambiance, and wicked history. Set the mood with a live piano playing from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM most nights. The attire is smart casual and there are no photos permitted.
Pivovarský klub Benedict
This is the place to go for beer lovers in Prague, and even those who aren’t too fond of beer (like myself) will find something they like here. They offer over 240 types of beers and six rotating beers on tap. They also serve hearty Czech food.
U krále Brabantského
U krále Brabantského is more commonly known as the Prague Medieval Tavern these days. This tavern would be cool just for its ancient history, but they go above and beyond to keep their medieval roots alive. Opened in 1375, kings and smugglers alike would drink here, with hidden passageways under the bar acting as pathways for Czech kings to slip in and discreetly drink among their people and forget their royal duties for a few hours. From the pure candle and torch lighting to the dungeon-like atmosphere on the underground floor, walking into this bar feels like stepping back in time.
Come here to try traditional Czech drinks, like Pilsener Uruquell, and enjoy an appetizer from their menu. I’d recommend getting a seat below ground because the atmosphere there feels even more medieval. Arrive before evening unless you’re interested in their medieval show, which honestly seems fun, but it’s of course pricier and more touristic than just popping in for a drink and snack.
Also, the waiters might be a little brash (you will probably get your bill delivered in an unconventional way), but they took good care of us.
@ Prague Medieval Tavern | I’m 99% sure those are fake skulls.
FRAME Gin&Tonic Bar
If you’re a fan of gin and tonic, or simply gin, then this gem is a must when visiting Prague. FRAME is run by a passionate owner who knows what he’s doing and genuinely wants to find the perfect choice of gin and tonic for your taste. Get ready for quality and plenty of choices at a fair price, and don’t get there too late if you want to be there for awhile, since seating is limited.
Alcron Bar
Creative drinks in a modern and vibrant environment. Their intriguing cocktails are inspired by Prague’s chic Alcron Hotel and various characters that played a role in the hotel and city’s history. Visit for inventive drinks served in a mesmerizing art-deco atmosphere. Their urban rooftop bar is set to open in 2025.
Výtopna
You might have seen a viral video of this popular restaurant at some point. Toy trains deliver drinks and delicacies to customers on an elaborate railway built inside the eatery. The train-delivered beer comes with a rotating tasting set of four beers from regional breweries and sets you back about 149Kč (around €6/$7) for all four. When you’re ready for another round a train will come around again to pick up your empty glasses. There are over 900 meters of tracks (or over half a mile for my American peeps), five draw bridges, and fourteen digitally controlled machines within the establishment.
U Sudu Wine Bar
When entering U Sudu walk through the quaint restaurant and down the short flight of stairs until you find yourself in a bar. Don’t like what you see? Keep walking. U Sudu is the bar that keeps on going. Each room you enter will have a different exit as you get deeper underground. Admittedly, the decor of the bar stays pretty consistent throughout (I think I’d call their vibe shabby cave chic), but each room has a little something different to offer like a wine cellar, pool tables, table football, or a live DJ. I can’t say too much about the drinks here, all we had time for was a quick glass of white wine, but it was refreshing.
Although it is cool to see all the rooms in U Sudu’s maze-like bar, the further you go, the smokier it can get, so this is not a place for asthmatics. In the warmer months, their beer garden is open and is located in their historic central courtyard.
Vodičkova 677/10, 110 00 Nové Město | Website (No ReservatioAnonymouS Shrink’s Office
Two Anonymous-themed bars in Prague?? I was confused too, along with a growing number of reviewers on Google Maps that seem to mix up the two. However, both Anon bars are in partnership with one another, so there’s no beef here.
The concept of this place is straightforward: masked bartenders give you a Rorschach, which is an inkblot test. From there, you’re asked a few follow-up questions to determine your taste before a personalized cocktail is created for you. Every detail is accounted for, from the sultry jazz music to the homemade bitters and blends. You’ll feel immersed in the 1920s as soon as you find the secret entrance (wait for the red light or ask to see the Shrink) to this edgy and elegant cellar bar.
VELTLIN
If you’re looking for something a little less eccentric that doesn’t sacrifice quality or originality then Veltlin is the place for you. Known for their natural and authentic wine, Veltlin doesn’t operate like a traditional wine bar with a set menu. Instead, they will open bottles based on the cravings of the customers, and what the staff feels like that day. It’s a lovely spot for wine connoisseurs.
Prague, etc.
Ready to start planning your Prague trip? Read: First Timer’s Guide to Prague: A Complete 1 to 3 Day Itinerary.
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Posted Oct 7, 2024
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