COCKTAIL BAR GUIDE The best cocktail bars in Prague (like the ones listed here) get pretty busy, even during the week. It's always good to make a reservation just to make sure you get a seat (even at the bar).
Tretter's
V kolkovne 3, Praha 1
www.tretters.cz
The Tretter family has been in the bar business for more than 90 years. So it’s no wonder this place feels like walking into a 1930’s Paris or New York cocktail bar. With soft lighting, classic decor and bartenders dressed the part in vintage cocktail jackets, the bar has become an institution. Number 82 on the map. +420 224 811 165 for Reservations
Parlour Krakovská 15, Praha 1 www.parlour.cz Maybe Parlour doesn’t want to be found – and that’s fine with us. The tiny little bar at the top of Wenceslas Square near the National Museum has a delightful speakeasy vibe to it, though it’s quickly becoming a popular secret. If you should luck out and discover the nearly unmarked entry, inside you’ll find an intimate, dimly lit bar with old jazz and R&B records playing and amazing craft cocktails served in antique glassware. Number 84 on the map. +420 777 200 015 for Reservations. L'Fleur V Kolkovně 920/5, 1, Praha www.lfleur.cz L’Fleur is just a few doors down from Tretter’s. Even before our first drink, we fell in love with 1920’s feel of the interior, complete with a Muchainspired stained glass window towards the back of the bar. The signature drinks all come with their own history, which your bartender is always happy to explain. If you’re feeling a bit more bubbly, try a selection from L’Fleur’s expansive champagne list. Number 94 on the map. +420 734 255 665 for Reservations Anonymous Bar
Michalská 12, Praha 1
www.anonymousbar.cz It’s nearly impossible to go into the AnonymouS
Bar and not smile. The bar is clever at every turn. You can tell the bartender your likes and they’ll make suggestions, or choose from the secret drink menu printed in UV ink and read with a small blacklight. Reservations are taken only until 9pm. Number 93 on the map. +420 608 280 069 for Reservations.
Le Valmont
Uhelný trh 414/9, Praha 1
www.levalmont.cz The Michael Van Cleef Ault concept was inspired by the Milos Forman movie of the same name, and is decorated in 18th-century French fashion with aubusson carpets, antique sofas, and massive crystal chandeliers. Just take note of the strict dress code at Le Valmont—no hats, hoodies, shorts, tank tops or sandals. Reservations are all but required, since the 100-capacity lounge fills up fairly quickly. Number 90 on the map. +420 224 267 266 for Reservations.
Black Angel's Staroměstské nám. 29, Praha 1 www.blackangels.cz Nestled in a cozy cellar just across from the Old Town astronomical clock, Black Angel’s will put you in sensory overload. With high cellar ceilings, chandeliers, and ornate decor, it’s a lot to take in. +420 224 213 807 for Reservations. Bar and Books Manesova 64, Praha 2 and Týnská 19, Praha 1 Bar & Books is the first overseas extension of the famous New York family of bars, with two locations in Prague (the more casual in Manisova and slightly more formal in Týnská). The bar evokes the feeling of a gentleman’s library. Dim lighting, heavy woods, ornately framed paintings, and of course books (though mostly for visual aesthetics). Number 85 and 86 on the map. Bonvivant's CTC Bartolomějská 305, P1
Bonvivant's CTC isn’t huge, but it’s cozy and has a cool 1950’s feel with mid-century wood furnishings, a pressed tin ceiling and a checkered
floor. Bartenders are a virtual encyclopedia of drink possibilities and suggestions based on your tastes. +420 775 331 862 for Reservations.
Bugsy's
Pařížská 1068/10, Praha 1 www.bugsysbar.cz Bugsy’s is another bar with a great history, popping up just after the Velvet Revolution. Their one constant has been their attention to detail and passion for good cocktails. Bugsy’s also loves their bubbly, and boasts over 130 brands in stock, as well as over 90 single malt whiskeys and 100 types of rum. Number 95 on the map. +420 224 810 287 For Reservations.
Hemingway's
Karolíny Světlé 26, Praha 1 www.hemingwaybar.cz Chances are, if you’ve asked around, you’ve already been recommended to Hemingway’s Bar. The Old Town hotspot just made the “World’s Top 50 Bars” for the third time, and with good reason. The bar’s philosophy is that every customer must have a seat, so you won’t feel overcrowded here. So reservations are recommended. Number 97 on the map. +420 773 974 764 for Reservations.
Cash Only Bar Liliova 3, Prague 1 www.cashonlybar.cz Just around the corner from its older sibling Hemingway’s, this little gem is making its own name with cocktails like Pin-Up Martini, made with passion fruit, vanilla and champagne. It’s an intimate bar, and they don’t take reservations. There’s also no smoking and, you guessed it—the bar doesn’t take credit cards. Oh, and by the way, they do serve amazing hot dogs. Number 89 on the map. No Reservations. Oblaca Žižkov Television Tower, Praha 3
La Bodeguita del Medio Kaprova 19/5, Praha 1
www.labodeguitadelmedio.cz With it's colonial-style interior straight from Old Havana, La Bodeguita is on point. In addition to great food, bar staff have perfected their craft with regional drinks, from the Cuba Libre to the Mojito. There's a live Cuban band several nights of the week and an amazing cigar selection as well. . Number 97 on the map. +420 224 813 922 for Reservations.
Alchemist Bar Provaznická 1, Praha 1
www.thealchemistbar.cz A relative newcomer on the scene, Achemist is turning out quality prohibition style drinks in their ornate classicly decorated location at the bottom of Wenclases Square. Number 98 on the map. +420 251 510 940 for Reservations.
Crazy Daisy Václavské nám. 4, Praha 1
www.crazydaisy.cz Somewhat hidden at the bottom of Wenceslas Square, this one of our favourite new hotspots. First republic style interior, bar staff dressed the part and videomapping on the walls that pushes reality - it feels like you're in The Great Gatsby. Oh, and the drinks - amazing! Number 99 on the map. +420 273 130 486 for Reservations.
California Republic
Belgická 275/24, Praha 2-Vinohrady www.california-republic.cz
The California Republic Bar is a splash of Californian spirit in the center of Prague. Stand up Comedy night every Second Sunday of the month. Karaoke every Monday night. Find it on our map at Number 96.
www.oblaca.cz
High atop the Žižkov Television Tower, Oblaca is making better cocktails through science. Oblaca’s Aleš J. Števlík, genius mixologist gone mad scientist (maybe that explains the drink served in a test tube). 92 on the map. + 420 210 320 086
CLUB GUIDE Roxy Dlouhá 33, Prague 1
The Roxy is one of Prague’s oldest and bestknown clubs. The venue was a popular theatre and ballroom in the 1920’s, but now you’ll find drum and bass, house, techno, and other modern styles on the dancefloor. When the club isn’t hosting a live DJ, it’s the spot for concerts and music festivals.
Lucerna
Vodičkova 36
One of the largest and most popular music clubs in Prague, Lucerna is known for its weekly concerts and events. But it’s maybe most popular on Friday and Saturday nights, when the club’s huge projection screens come alive with 80’s and 90’s music videos. Partygoers of every age and all walks of life can be seen here, getting down to oldie hits from Blondie to Nirvana. Number 66 on the map.
Cross Club
Plynární 23, Prague 7 www.crossclub.cz
Cross Club is a labyrinth of small bars and dancefloors pumping music from dubstep and techno to reggae. The club’s psychedelic, industrial décor is a sight to see in itself—every piece of the building, from the walls to the ceiling, is constructed to move and pulsate with the music. It’s one of the most unique experiences you’ll have with nightlife in Praha, but you might want to grab an Uber. Cross Club is a bit out of the city’s center, but worth the trek. Number 67 on the map.
Meet Factory
Ke Sklárně 3213/15 www.meetfactory.cz
This music club, art gallery, theater and cinema is the brainchild of David Černý, the artist responsible for some of Prague’s most famous (and controversial) modern art. A refurbished warehouse stuffed between a motorway and railroad tracks in Smíchov, Meet Factory transforms by night into a hip bar and music venue, where
you’ll find local singers and international tours alike. Number 68 on the map.
M1 Lounge Masná 1, Prague 1 www.m1lounge.com
M1 Lounge is a favorite of locals, expats and even passing-through celebrities, and it’s not hard to see why. The club’s well-known team of skilled DJs keep the place pumping with a mixture of R&B, hip-hop, electro and dance music until the wee hours of morning, and the upscale, luxurious atmosphere makes every night feel like a celebration. Number 69 on the map.
James Dean V kolkovně 922/1 www.jamesdean.cz/
Okay, we admit that this one’s kind of kitschy— but only in the best way. Named for the iconic rebel and actor, the bar has a classic 1950’s American diner feel turned nightclub late night. Number 70 on the map.
NEONE
Bubenská 1 www.lunchmeat.cz/
Neone got its start as a pop-up party, but it’s since grown into a well-established and respected club in Prague’s electronic music scene known for their superior sound system and live gigs. Electronic music fans, this is the spot where the latest trends in the industry meet innovative artists and dedicated fans. Number 72 on the map.
Radost FX radostfx.cz
Bělehradská 120, Prague 2
First opened in the early ‘90s just a few years after the Velvet Revolution, Radost FX is open Thursday to Saturday and offers the best of house, R&B and hip hop music—Rihanna even filmed one of her music videos there. Above the club is the venue’s restaurant and cafe, well-
known as one of the best brunch spots in all of Prague. Number 73 on the map.
Retro
Francouzská 75/4, Prague 2 www.retropraha.cz
One for the curious bored or brave. Retro has become the Czech home of hard house. Their club nights are full to the rafters until the small hours while go-go dancers whip the energetic clubbers into a house driven frenzy. A very friendly atmosphere with smiling faces and sweating brows as far as the eye can see, there are more locals and fewer tourists here than some of the other large clubs with amazing DJ’s, lasers, and vibes. Dress code is free and easy, flamboyant if you’re feeling daring. Number 75 on the map.
Chapeau Rouge
Jakubska 2, Old Town www.chapeaurouge.cz
Chapeau Rouge is a music clubs that ranks among the biggest in Prague with 3 floors, 4 bars & 3 stages. Chapeau truly has something for everyone! You may even stumble upon it all on your own: it’s in the center right behind Old Town Square The ground floor of Chapeau is a chill place to meet people from all over the world: travelers and expats alike. Number 77 on the map.
U Sudů
Vodičkova 10, Prague 1 www.usudu.cz
U Sudu is the best of both worlds with a wine bar upstairs and an underground, cave-like labyrinth downstairs. When you walk in, don’t stop on the top level. All that is up here is a normal looking bar. Keep walking until you hit the stairs that descend into one of the coolest places to drink on Earth... It is indeed smoky, but get past that and the place is just mythic. Number 78 on the map.
Harley's
Dlouhá 18, 110 00 , Prague 1
Harleys is described as the coolest hell on earth. This American-style biker bar opens late and is always rockin’ and rollin’ with live DJs and music acts. It’s also in a perfect location, just a twominute walk from Old Town Square. Number 79 on the map.
La Loca
Odborů 278/4, Prague 2
Chic, fashionable and a whole lotta fun! One of the very first smoke-free establishments in Prague entertains the crowds all day every day. The night is the time when true party colours of La Loca show. International vibes mixed with a scrumptious selection of sizzling drinks are a guarantee of a big night-out. Add a carefully selected music program - karaoke, 80s & 90s retro parties, DJ performances, live concerts and rooftop gatherings in the summer - and you can rest assured knowing you'll very likely to create memories to remember for a lifetime.
Café 80's 8)
You can't go wrong with 80's music. Whether you're nostaligic or just appreciative of all things "totally awesome", the two-story venue does features an 80's themed café restaurant on the first floor. But, the real story here is the basement. A nicely sized music club with an illuminated dance floor, plus a large bar and VIP lounge make it a night worthy of the MTV generation. Number 80 on the map.
March 2018 | THE PRAGUE VISITOR
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