There are around twenty micro-breweries in Prague and experts agree that the Prague beer market has become the most varied in the Czech Republic.
Oldest one still going strong
The oldest, and probably the best-known small brewery is U Fleků, (Spot’s) where beer has been brewed constantly for over 500 years. The latest one to appear, on the site of a former brewery, is the restaurant brewery U Tří růží (Three Roses) in Jilská street. The breweries offer special beers, becoming increasingly popular not only with the more conservative Czech beer-drinker, but also with tourists. Special beers are apparently favoured by visitors from Russia, Sweden and Finland as well as tourists from Korea and China, for whom a visit to a microbrewery is a big experience.
Flavoured beer
Banana, raspberry, cherry and even nettle beers are considered as something of a rarity and are on offer e.g. in Pivovarský Dům (Brewery House) in Ječná street, where beer is also brewed. These beers can also be tasted in several special restaurants. Of far greater popularity are special beers such as dark or black beer, semi-dark and wheat beer. There is basically a taste for everyone.
Restaurants as attractions
Besides the small breweries there are also a growing number of beer restaurants in Prague. Despite not having their own breweries, they offer beers from many small breweries throughout the Czech Republic. Many have joined together in the Aliance Pivně Inteligentních Výčepů (Beer-Smart Pub Alliance). These include Zlý časy, Kulový blesk and U Prince Miroslava restaurants, Obžerství, Merenda and První pivní tramway. The Alliance also includes restaurants outside Prague. These establishments offer beers from breweries such as Kocour, Matuška, Antoš, Únětice, Postřižín, Primátor (Pardubice), Kácov, Platan. Malý Rohozec, Rychtář and many more. The range adds up to about 40 special beers.
Why go to a microbrewery?
A visit to a microbrewery, or a restaurant serving beers from small Czech breweries, has one main advantage – the staff know everything you need to know about beer, and furthermore it is a good habit to serve food along with good beer. For Czechs and Prague people this goes without saying, for tourists it’s something of a culinary experience.
