Pub Etiquette

Pub Etiquette

Before venturing into a Prague pub get familiar with the subtle points of pub etiquette. First, always ask if a chair is free before sitting down (Je tu volno?). To order a beer (pivo), do not wave the waiter down or shout across the room; he knows you want beer -- most pubs serve one brand -- and will bring it over to you without asking. Subsequent rounds appear without asking. To refuse, just shake your head or say "no thanks" (ne, dekuju). At the end of the evening, usually at around 10:30 or 11, the waiter will come to tally the bill. In a traditional pub, for each beer the waiter will make one mark on a strip of paper. Don't lose the paper or doodle on it. Also, it's a good idea to ask how much each beer costs before ordering and keep track of how many you've had. Some waiters doctor the bills, especially for large groups. For tipping, the common practice is to round up the bill when paying, rather than leaving extra money on the table. Only give a Western-style tip for exceptional service.