Where to Drink Like a Local in Prague: Best Beer Halls, Cocktail Bars, Pubs, & Hidden Gems

Beer Halls & Pubs

Prague’s drinking culture is legendary, but the real magic happens far from the crowds. If you want to experience more local flavor, you’ll need venture past the souvenir steins and tourist-packed pubs of Old Town and into the neighborhood beer halls and gastropubs where locals actually unwind. Many of these spots now offer quality non-alcoholic beers and zero-proof cocktails, so everyone can raise a glass.

Whether you're chasing the perfect pilsner or a cheeky absinthe cocktail, this guide will take you to the places that feel truly, unmistakably Prague.

• Branická Formanka: This nostalgic neighborhood pub offers retro décor, a quiet garden, and a truly local atmosphere. Enjoy top-quality Czech beer at old-school prices, far from the city’s more touristy zones.

• U Kruhu: A cozy, tucked-away pub full of traditional charm, it's known for its warm atmosphere and perfect pours by bartenders who have won awards in Pilsner Urquell pouring contests.

• Beer and Friends: A newer, modern craft beer bar near Wenceslas Square. It's great for beer lovers wanting to expand beyond the classics.

Nové Město (New Town) Area:

Malá Strana (Lesser Town) Area:

• U Hrocha: Another rustic traditional beer hall that's loved by locals and always buzzing with activity. Come early, stay late, and tap into the energy.

• U Glaubiců: Located near Prague Castle's steps, this family-run pub offers old-world ambiance with vaulted ceilings and candlelit nooks. It’s traditional, hearty, and perfect for a pit stop while sightseeing.

• U Černého Vol: Another institution near Prague Castle, serving Kozel and other Czech brews in a moody, wood-paneled rooms with more old-world charm.

• Lokál: A modern take on the classic Czech beer hall, Lokál has several locations across Prague, drawing both locals and tourists to its long communal tables and fresh tank-poured Pilsner. The walls are lined with playful “carvings” that mimic the graffiti, jokes, and doodles once scrawled by regulars in old-school pubs.

• U Kunštátů: Hidden in a quiet courtyard in Old Town, this bar is a haven for craft beer lovers. With rotating taps and tastings, it highlights both Czech microbreweries and international styles.

• Hostomická Nalejvárna: For beer lovers seeking something unique, this small pub specializes in unfiltered lagers from Hostomice brewery. Stripped-back and cash-only, it delivers an unapologetically local experience.

Other Neighborhoods

Specialty Cocktail Bars

• Hemingway Bar: A haven for cocktail lovers, Hemingway Bar pairs masterful mixology with an endless array of options, including an extensive stock of champagne, absinthe, and over 200 rums. Expect inventive flavors, flawless technique, and limitless possibilities.

• Parlour: With no menu, no Wi-Fi, no credit cards, and a strict limit on groups larger than four, this speakeasy-style bar keeps things effortlessly cool. Bartenders craft each cocktail to your preferences, making every visit a unique and personal experience.

• Anonymous: A moody, theatrical bar inspired by the mystique of secret societies. Expect dramatic presentations, hidden details, and cocktails that are as much performance as they are drink.

Want to dive deeper into the world of absinthe? This tasting experience is a great place to start.

Dinner & Drinks

• Restaurace U Šumavy: A reliable local haunt near the heart of town that still feels authentic. Known for hearty Czech cooking, crisp unfiltered Pilsner, and old-school vibes, it draws mostly locals unwinding after work.

• Vinohradsky Parlament: This spacious, modern pub has an extensive menu with something for everyone. Popular amongst families, locals, and professionals grabbing lunch, it offers a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere.

• Pivovarský dům Benedict: A trendy craft brewery and restaurant blending traditional Czech brewing techniques with innovative flavors. Enjoy fresh, house-brewed beers paired with contemporary Czech cuisine.

• Cafe Imperial: A favorite among tourists and locals alike, Cafe Imperial wows with its stunning Art Deco design and classic Czech elegance. Their exclusive Imperial dark beer is not to be missed!

• Vinhograf: An intimate but well-curated wine bar known for spotlighting the best Czech and Central European wines. It's perfect for those looking to explore more regional flavors.

Whether you're squeezing into a centuries-old beer hall or discovering a taproom tucked into a quiet neighborhood block, drinking like a local in Prague is about more than just what’s in your glass. It’s about slowing down, soaking in the atmosphere, and raising a pint in places that have earned locals’ loyalty.

To make things easier, I’ve created a custom map with all of the spots mentioned, so you can sip your way through the city without second-guessing where to go next. If you'd rather skip the guesswork (and gain a few drinking buddies along the way), check out this Hidden Beer Gems tour led by a local guide.

Na zdraví!

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