Prague: A World Beyond Pilsner
Ah, Prague! The city where cobblestones tell tales from the medieval times and Gothic spires pierce the skies, making it a paradise for both history buffs and architecture aficionados. But for those more interested in lively nightlife than ancient architecture, worry not. Ready your pint glasses and cocktail shakers as we embark on a comically compelling journey to the 10 coolest bars in town. Bring your sense of humor—and maybe a spare liver—because these watering holes are bound to lift your spirits (pun intended).
1. Hemingway Bar
Oh, Hemingway, you old dog, you! This bar does justice to its namesake, Ernest Hemingway, by offering some of the best cocktails in the city. Get ready to sip on absinthe, the stuff that made Van Gogh lose an ear, in an establishment that feels like the gentleman’s club you wish you were invited to.
2. Anonymous Bar
Fedora hats? Mysterious masks? A cocktail menu hidden in books? If that sounds like your alley, this bar will spark more joy than Marie Kondo cleaning out a closet. The mixologists here are not just bartenders; they are über-talented chemists who are as good at hiding their identities as they are at crafting cocktails.
3. The Alchemist Bar
No, you won’t have to turn lead into gold here, but you might feel like you’ve discovered a new elixir of life. Try their “Element 79,” where smoking potions add flair to your alcoholic experience. Wizard hats are optional but encouraged.
4. Black Angel’s Bar
Tucked beneath the Old Town Square in a vaulted cellar, Black Angel’s Bar isn’t just a drinking hole; it’s a time machine. Step inside and get whisked back to the 1930s with their historically-accurate cocktails. If Prohibition didn’t stop you back then, why should it now?
5. Tretter’s New York Bar
Fellas, slick back your hair, and ladies, perfect that winged eyeliner. Modeled after a chic New York speakeasy, this spot serves cocktails that scream high society with a side of jazz. Just remember to leave your chewing gum at the door; after all, we wouldn’t want you sticking around too long now, would we?
6. Bukowski’s Bar
The gnarled poet would have either loved or sued this place for defamation. With an eclectic vibe and good-priced drinks, it’s less talk, more drink, and lots of fun. You’re more likely to find a group debating Nietzsche over a cheap pint than discussing last quarter’s stock market reports.
7. Aloha Wave Lounge
Aloha in Prague? Absolutely! This place will have you shouting “Mahalo!” for its tropical cocktails and kitschy Hawaiian decoration. Don’t forget to try the Zombie cocktail—just ensure you have a support group to get you into a cab afterward. It’s known to awaken the walking dead!
8. Vzorkovna aka The Dog Bar
Pet lovers rejoice! This no-frills bar wins extra cool points for having their own resident dog. The only thing more welcoming than the pooch is the affordable Pilsner on tap. Make sure to pet the dog; rumor has it, he holds the secret of the perfect hangover cure.
9. Vinograf Wine Bar
If you prefer a snobby swirl of Merlot over a lowly lager, Vinograf is the elegant escape you’ve been searching for. Known for its extensive wine list, this bar allows you to flaunt your ‘extensive’ knowledge of tannins, body, and finish (even if you have no idea what any of those words mean).
10. Bar and Books
A book club meeting or a whiskey-tasting event? At Bar and Books, why not both! With leather seating and walls adorned with—surprise—books, this bar offers a quiet, sophisticated night out. High chance you’ll finally get around to starting “War and Peace,” or at least pretending to.
Whether you’re a local or one of the many tourists exploring bars in Prague, a night out in Czech Republic’s capital is incomplete without a visit to these hotspots. Laughs, libations, and unforgettable memories await those daring enough to brave the city’s coolest bars. Cheers!