6 Prague pubs that preserve Czech beer culture

Czech beer culture has been a source of national pride since the 19th century but the brewing tradition goes back further. Today, Czech breweries continue to innovate and, of course, pub-going remains an essential part of socializing and entertainment in Czechia; so much so that in 2022, the Czech Beer and Malt Association began the process of submitting Czech beer culture to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In honor of International Beer Day on Aug. 2, discover the places that not only serve the best and most refreshing pints but also uphold the country’s rich beer culture.

The history of beer in the Czech lands dates back to the time of the Celts. However, the first written record of beer-making in Bohemia can be traced back to the 10th century when the first monastery with a brewery was founded in Břevnov.

In 1088, the first Czech king, Vratislav II, granted the Vyšehrad chapter a tithe on hops for brewing beer, providing the earliest written evidence of beer production in the region. Just 30 years later, in 1118, the first documented brewery was established in Cerhenice.

Another notable milestone came in 1348 when Pivovar Broumov in the Hradec Králové region was established. This brewery is considered the oldest continuously operating Czech brewery and the oldest Czech company.

On Loretánské Square, you’ll find the pub U Černého vola, a renowned haunt among Prague’s regular patrons. “It’s the kind of place where they’ll pour you a beer as early as 10 in the morning, so if someone has a serious thirst, they can start here first thing,” says Lucka Janečková, a senior bartender at Lokál. If you visit, be sure to order their Velkopopovický Kozel.

“The building dates back to 1492, easy to remember since that’s the year Columbus discovered America. But it’s possible the pub was here much earlier, as the town walls used to run right through the area, and their remnants can still be seen in the cellars. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this was a hangout for First Republic politicians, painters, writers, and other interesting personalities,” explains Lukáš Berný, a writer and expert on pub history, in the podcast “Co dům dal.”

Head to the pub U Hrocha in Malá Strana for a perfect pour. Though it only opened in 1993, it quickly became a popular destination. “In the 1990s, when traditional pubs were disappearing from Malá Strana due to the influx of tourism, the regulars from the surrounding establishments ‘moved in’ to this new place, which aimed to become the classic pub. I always say that the genius loci is created by history. And here, the genius loci is enormous, so it's probably not just the history, but the people,” muses Berný.

Spotlessly clean glasses, beer with carbonation, thick and creamy foam, and the perfect temperature - you can find all that at Lokál. You’ll find seven Lokál locations around Prague, so it’s up to you which one you choose to visit. But for the original, head to the one on Dlouhá Street. You’ll be surprised by its length, 73 meters, over which they serve beer from 12 tanks. In addition to classic pours, you can also order a “šnyt,” “hladinka,” or “mlíko.”

Want to visit the spot where renowned Czech writers and notable foreign guests like Bill Clinton have savored a beer? Then make your way to the pub U Zlatého tygra in the Old Town. The walls of this small, lively establishment are adorned with photos of politicians and literary figures, and a bust of writer Bohumil Hrabal takes pride of place as a memorial. “Bohumil Hrabal was a similar case to Jaroslav Hašek. You can’t find a famous pub that he didn’t at least occasionally visit, but, indeed, he was practically a daily regular at U Tygra towards the end of his life,” confirms Berný.

Dva kohouti is located in the historic U Města Hamburk house on the site of a former inn and protected immovable cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Místní ležák is brewed in the mornings, and from the afternoon on, the taps are manned by skilled bartenders. The brewery and taproom offer seating, standing room, and an outdoor courtyard. They also pour Matuška beers from Broum and other craft brands. “We want to show people that any beer can be masterfully cared for and poured,” says Lukáš Svoboda, one of Dva kohouti's founders.

U Zlatého slona is situated in the House of the Town Hall on Havelské Square and has been open since 2011. There are several reasons why this place is worth a visit: the outdoor patio is open all year, you can order your beer in different sizes including a “šnyt” or “mlíko,” and if you collect 100 golden elephants on your loyalty card, you can become a VIP member. Once you've collected all 100 elephants, the bartenders will “gift” you one of the elephants drawn on the wall, which you can sign and claim as your own.