11 Best Bars in Prague, Czech Republic

When it comes to beer buzz, nothing in recent years has come close to Dva Kohouti (translation: "Two Roosters"). This joint brewery and taproom—the beer is brewed there in the mornings then served to thirsty patrons later the same day—has quickly established itself as a neighborhood favorite. There's only one permanent local beer, but it's excellent: crisp, malty, and incredibly fresh (it's poured from a tank that is filled directly from the brewery). Alternatively, choose from one of their seasonal brews or the many other Czech lagers and ales on tap. You can also get a one-liter can to take away. Feeling peckish? Order a tasty slider and fries from Bufet (owned by the same group) just across the courtyard.

The first references to this gorgeous hilltop brewery inside a monastery are from the turn of the 14th century. And the tasty Pivo Sv. Norbert continues to be brewed on this spot, although it's no longer made by monks. There's a decent food menu and outdoor seating too.

A hot spot from the 1930s returned to its former glory provides a somewhat romanticized but enjoyable take on a Czech pub. Part of the Kolkovna chain that has locations around the city, Olympia appeals to visitors and locals alike who like the special unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell. There's also a great menu of Czech classics to help soak up all that delicious beer. Try the schnitzel or the steak tartare.

From the street, this Vršovice taproom appears entirely unremarkable, but step inside to find one of Prague's true after-dark gems. The beer is exceptional, with four home brews on tap—the award-winning 12° pale lager plus three seasonal beers—while the service is friendly and the interior is cozy. In the summer, you can enjoy your beer out on the terrace.

This brewpub may be short on history, but it makes up for that with outstanding beer. The dark, light, and seasonal microbrew beers are stellar. (Fermenting beer can be viewed through a window.) The food is good but a slight letdown when compared with the drinks, which include sour-cherry beer and even a Champagne beer for the more adventurous. Take heed: there is often a line to get in.

An authentic shopfront with a modern brewery-style look behind, Pilsnerka has a very alluring vibe. It's worth the drop-in, too; good, fresh Pilsner Urquell from the tanks---one of several spots around town affiliated with the brewery, and serving the freshest version of probably the most famous Czech export out there---and affordable, tasty takes on Czech classics in a part of town that has not previously excelled in this kind of bar/restaurant.

This industrial chic neighborhood brewpub, in a quiet corner of Karlín facing the leafy slopes of Vítkov Hill, serves a good choice of home-brewed beers (the dark ones beat the light ones) as well as hearty pub food. A good stop before or after taking in a show at Forum Karlín.

An old-school Czech microbrewery with views of the river in summer and a cozy beer-hall vibe in the winter. There's also some surprisingly fancy Italian food at the restaurant. Try the wheat beer in particular.

The oldest brewpub in Europe—open since 1499—makes a tasty, if overpriced, dark beer and serves around 2,000 pints of it every day. But the steady stream of tours means it can be hard to find a seat (in the evenings, at least), even though the place is cavernous, spread over eight halls and a garden. There's also a brewery museum and cabaret shows.

Beware of waiters putting unordered shots of liquor on your table.

If you don't insist they remove them right away, they'll be on your bill, and service can be indifferent to rude. But the raucous, beer-swilling, mug-clinking bonhomie makes up for that.

Some people claim that the way the beer is tapped here makes it the best in town, which probably explains the constant crowds. This was one of the first places in the world to offer unpasteurized beer from tanks, rather than kegs. And the place still retains its old-fashioned charm, making it one of the best authentic Czech pubs in a heavily touristed area. Groups should make reservations—a free table is rare.

This popular neighborhood hangout brews a range of traditional and well-regarded Czech pilsners, including unpasteurized and unfiltered versions, as well as an increasing number of IPAs and other ales. You can pop in for a beer or two, or make a whole evening of it with a meal in the restaurant (expect classic Czech pub food at good prices) followed by some live entertainment in the music hall (there's everything from jazz concerts to improv comedy).