0 Views
Prague isn’t only a metropolis of fairy-tale spires and cobblestone streets that seem like an iconic Christmas scene every winter. Prague can be a metropolis that was constructed on the locals’ love of all issues beer.
The Czech Republic proudly holds the title of the best beer consumption per capita on the planet. Their capital, Prague, is the beating coronary heart of this brewing custom. From centuries-old pubs pouring excellent Pilsners to hip craft beer bars tucked away on facet streets, there are many methods to heft a refreshing pint on a Prague meals tour.
A Fast Intro to Czech Beer Tradition
Beer within the Czech Republic isn’t only a drink; it’s a cornerstone of the tradition, and Prague has a brewing custom relationship again centuries. Right here, consuming beer is about greater than refreshment; it’s a social ritual.
The nation is the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner, which is a golden lager first brewed within the metropolis of Plzeň in 1842. It’s recognized for its crisp taste and signature hoppy chew. Iconic names like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and Staropramen dominate faucets.
Alongside the traditional pale lager, you’ll discover clean Czech darkish beers like černé pivo, with malty, caramel notes. Tons of native breweries even have their very own regional specialties distinctive to every city or brewery.
When ordering in pubs and beer halls, the widespread transfer is to order a half-litre. Respect the creamy head of froth, which is an indication of high quality. Then at all times clink glasses with a hearty “Na zdraví!” earlier than taking your first sip.
Iconic Czech Beers to Strive
Whereas Pilsner is a must-try beer when visiting Prague, the Czech capital additionally has some nice iconic beers that deserve a style or two.
Pilsner Urquell
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons licensed underneath CC0 1.0 Common (no modifications made)
The unique pilsner, created in Pilsen within the mid-Nineteenth century, is the enduring beer of the Czech Republic. It’s a crisp, golden lager that revolutionized trendy brewing. It’s outlined by a clear bitterness, full physique, and nutty end that’s as refined as it’s refreshing
Whereas you’ll find pilsner all over the place, I believe probably the most genuine style of this beer will be present in U Pinkasu in Prague’s Outdated City.
U Fleků Světlý
Brewed on-site since 1499, U Fleků gives is a hoppy, full-bodied pale lager with 5% ABV. For a comparatively sturdy beer, it’s recognized for mellow malt sweetness and a clean end. If you wish to style it in its birthplace, head to U Fleků Pub in New City. It’s a historic brewery-restaurant with rustic interiors and stay music.
Bernard Mild Lager
Picture credit score: Megan Eaves licensed underneath CC0 1.0 Common (no modifications made)
From the family-run Bernard Brewery, established in 1597, this unpasteurized lager delivers balanced malt, delicate bitterness, and a crisp end. I benefit from the model they serve at Bernard Pub in Žižkov, the place the comfortable inside and pleasant vibe complement the beer, and it’s straightforward to spend a relaxed night there.
Velkopopovický Kozel
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons licensed underneath Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (no modifications made)
Whereas it’s not initially from Prague, Kozel is brewed close by and beloved for its approachable taste. There are two totally different variations to attempt. The darkish Kozel has complicated caramel notes and low bitterness. Whereas the sunshine Kozel is straightforward consuming and tastes a bit like a extra complicated lager. I like to recommend U Černého Vola, which is close to Prague Citadel, that exudes outdated world vibes and stays proudly true to Czech custom.
Staropramen Lager
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons licensed underneath CC0 1.0 Common (no modifications made)
Proudly brewed in Prague’s Smíchov district since 1869, this lager is clean and barely candy. I recognize the delicate hoppy character, which supplies it widespread attraction amongst Prague’s locals. It’s particularly refreshing when ordered chilly from locations like Lokal Dlouhááá,
Finest Beer Pubs and Breweries in Prague
Prague is loaded with breweries, pubs, trendy bars, beer gardens, and taprooms promoting the perfect conventional Czech beers and craft-brewed drinks. Lots of which have menus wealthy with genuine Czech meals to take the expertise to the following degree.
U Fleků
This legendary brewery has been crafting beer since 1499, making it one of many oldest in Prague. I really like the country but vigorous ambiance, with lengthy picket tables, darkish wooden interiors, and accordion gamers including to the genuine environment.
Their signature beer is the house-brewed 13° darkish lager, which fits down clean with caramel notes. It’s a conventional Czech beer corridor expertise, full with frothy mugs and communal seating.
U Fleků (Kč 200–400) – Křemencova 11, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia.
U Zlatého Tygra
Picture credit score: U Zlatého Tygra
Loosely translated as “The Golden Tiger,” this can be a no-frills, standing-room-style pub in Prague’s Outdated City. U Zlatého Tygra is known for its completely poured Pilsner Urquell, which is drawn straight from chrome steel tanks.
The ambiance has an old-world really feel. Additionally, don’t be stunned when your beer comes with an enormous head of creamy foam.
U Zlatého Tygra (Kč 200–400) – Husova 228/17 Staré Město Praha 1 Praha 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia.
Lokál Dlouhááá
Picture credit score: Lokál Dlouhááá
A part of the Lokál chain, this lengthy, vibrant beer corridor in Outdated City blends an informal environment with top-quality tank beer. The inside is trendy but nostalgic, with retro Czech design and vigorous chatter.
They concentrate on tank Pilsner Urquell, which is served unpasteurized for further freshness. This provides the beer an distinctive head, which they emphasize with distinctive pouring strategies.
Lokál Dlouhááá (Kč 200–400) – Dlouhá 33, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia.
Craft Beer in Prague: The Trendy Wave
Prague can be celebrated as a house to trendy microbreweries and craft breweries.
Dva Kohouti
Picture credit score: Dva Kohouti
Positioned within the hip Karlín district, Dva Kohouti is a contemporary microbrewery co-founded by famend Czech brewer Adam Matuška. It has an industrial-chic environment that attracts a vibrant, youthful crowd.
Their refreshing lineup features a collection of house-made craft beers alongside Matuška’s well-known IPAs and lagers. I recognize how one can watch the brewing course of whereas having fun with a freshly tapped pint.
Dva Kohouti (Kč 250–500) – Sokolovská 81/55, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín, Czechia.
BeerGeek Bar
Picture credit score: BeerGeek Bar
For craft beer lovers, BeerGeek in Vinohrady is a contemporary taproom with over 30 rotating faucets that includes Czech and worldwide brews. The inside is informal, with a sporty but hip vibe. Their choice ranges from IPAs to stouts, and so they typically host faucet takeovers from native microbreweries.
BeerGeek Bar (Kč 200–400) – Vinohradská 988/62, 130 00 Praha 3-Vinohrady, Czechia.
Closing Ideas: Prague Is Finest Loved One Pint at a Time
In Prague, beer isn’t only a beverage. It’s an integral a part of town’s tradition, historical past, and every day rhythm. You’ll discover centuries-old pubs the place Pilsner flows like water to trendy microbreweries crafting daring new flavors.
So, I say skip the overpriced vacationer bars and wander into the locations the place locals collect, the place beer continues to be tapped by hand and poured with care. Increase your glass, say “Na zdraví!” as you wash down the flavors of the Czech Republic in your Prague meals tour.
Sources:
U Pinkasů. (n.d.). U Pinkasů. http://www.upinkasu.com/
Ambiente. (n.d.). Lokál Dlouhááá. http://lokal-dlouha.ambi.cz/
Hostinec U Černého Vola. (n.d.). Hostinec U Černého Vola [Facebook page]. https://www.fb.com/hostinecucernehovola
U Zlatého Tygra. (n.d.). U Zlatého Tygra. http://www.uzlatehotygra.cz/
U Fleků. (n.d.). U Fleků. http://www.ufleku.cz/
Dva Kohouti. (n.d.). Dva Kohouti. http://www.dvakohouti.cz/
BeerGeek. (n.d.). BeerGeek. https://beergeek.cz/
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Czech meals: 17 conventional dishes to eat in Prague. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/czech-foods/
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Prague meals excursions. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/prague/
