Prague is known for its thriving nightlife, but students are easily caught spending their weekends at overpriced and overrated bars. The city is full of quirky and classy spots for students to discover, so here’s a list of a few bars to spice up Friday night.
Parlour – Krakovská 15, 110 00 Nové Město
Tucked away on a side street in New Town, Parlour is the ultimate ‘hidden gem’. Its cozy playlist and intimate atmosphere is perfect for a date night or getting a drink out with friends. The best part? There’s no menu. Instead, the bartender asks for your drink preferences—sweet or sour? Fruity, herbal, bitter? Returning to your table with a tailored-to-you, expertly crafted cocktail. It’s around 200-300 CZK per cocktail, but for the quality of the drinks and the wonderful service Parlour offers, the price is fairly affordable and well worth it.
Al Capone’s The Cocktail Bar – Bartolomějská 305, 110 00 Staré Město
If you’re looking for something more casual and affordable, you might want to try Al Capone’s The Cocktail Bar in Old Town. There’s no direct correlation to the 1920’s American gangster, but the cramped, winding space and moody red lighting evokes a ‘speakeasy’ atmosphere akin to the era of mobsters. Creative shooters and mixed drinks are all under 100 CZK, and the buzzing atmosphere encourages conversation and rowdy card games. Al Capone’s is cash only and there’s no ATM nearby, so don’t show up with an empty wallet.
Ideas are Bulletproof Bar – Jungmannova 11, 101 00 Nové Město
Bulletproof Bar in New Town has a distinct ‘American old western’ ambiance, with a rustic brick and wood interior and bourbon barrels as decor. It sports an extensive but quality food menu and as the decor indicates, offers a large curated collection of bourbons and whiskeys. To any American students missing typical US bar food—or Europeans craving fat and preservatives—Bulletproof’s BBQ ribs, mac-and-cheese bites, and buffalo wings (to name a few) will absolutely hit the spot. Signature cocktails average 250 CZK, but beers are under 100 CZK and wine averages around 125 CZK. They also offer games that customers can borrow, and card games are welcome.
Anonymous The Shrink’s Office – Jungmannova 11, 101 00 Nové Město
Located underneath Bulletproof is Prague’s coolest speakeasy. Unlike during American Prohibition, there’s no need to ‘speak easy’ at The Shrinks Office–simply walk to the back of Bulletproof, press the red button and wait for the wall to open! Inside you’ll find brick walls, warm lighting and squashy (therapist-like) armchairs. The bartenders wear (slightly terrifying) black-and-white masks that are inspired by Rorschach, a character from the post-modern comic book series “The Watchmen”. Instead of a curated cocktail menu, customers are offered an inkblot test to determine which unique drink you’ll get. An Inkblot drink costs around 300 CZK– yes it’s pricier, but you’re paying for the experience. The space is small, so Anonymous The Shrinks Office recommends booking a table, although walk-ins are welcome until 19:00.
Orange Bar Prague – Haštalská 755/15, 110 00 Staré Město
Located both in Old Town and on the Michelin Guide, Orange Bar’s game is creative and experimental drinks. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming due to its warm (orange) lighting, and the interior takes on a cave-like appearance, with funky plants growing around the room. The service is friendly, and adventurous cocktails cost around 200 CZK. With names like “Text Your Ex” and “Squid Game Invitation,” (both of which are delicious cocktails) you are sure to have a fun night out.
