Bar review: Palírna

Last Thursday night, the expats.cz team ventured into Old Town for some pre-dinner drinks and found Café Bar Palírna, a small, cozy pub off of Dlouhá Street. Designed by Igor Ševčik, this distillery-themed bar has a customized, artistic quality. Everywhere were playful reminders of alcohol – such as brass-sculpted bottles; wall paintings of stills surrounded by intricate wooden wall-hangings; and hand-crafted tables and chairs shaped like bottles. All was very nice, however, lacked the actual comfort we were seeking as, despite the cushions, the furniture was hard and angular.

The unfriendly ‘don´t-break-my-toilet´ expression gradually changed and he proudly had a lot to say about the place. As a Slovak himself (who spoke some English), he gave credit to the good collection of specialty spirits they served, distilled from various fruit (plum, pear, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) from both Slovakia and Czech Republic. The ‘Tatratea 52%´ slivovice (plum brandy) was the best I´ve ever tried, and had a lingering buttery flavor – which masked the piercing sting that only slivo can give you.

·   Smoking Policy – Smoking;
·   Location– Rámová 3, close to Dlouhá Třída, bus 133, trams 8, 24;
·   The Crowd – Friends (young and old), couples, small parties;
·   Atmosphere – Private and low-lit, cozy with an artistic and modern feel;
·   Attire – Anything goes;
·   Price Range – Reasonably priced. Beer 35 Kč .4l (Pilsner); Wine 44 Kč /2 dcl; cocktails 85-105 Kč; spirits average 50-60 Kč; poor selection of food, only a few items;
·   Entrance Fees – None. 5pm-11pm (except Sundays);
·   Size – Main floor, seating 30-40 people;
·   Music Policy – Radio, pop rock;
·   Service – Professional;
·   Porcelain Check – Clean, acceptable;
·   Why Would You Go – Great spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink with friends with an excellent selection of spirits;