Automat Matuška is what happens when one of the Czech Republic's best craft breweries finally sets up shop in Prague. The Matuška family built their reputation 30 miles out in Broumy, and in 2019 they brought their stellar lagers and hoppy IPAs to Dejvice with a no-frills automat-style setup — order at the counter, grab a tray, find a seat. The L-shaped room won't win design awards, but nobody's here for the decor. They're here for the beer and the surprisingly good American BBQ from Pitmaster Bob Spěvák.
The cult brewery from Broumy brought their legendary lagers and IPAs to Prague with a no-frills automat setup and surprisingly good American BBQ.
Show up before 6pm on weekdays or right at opening on weekends — the L-shaped room fills up fast and there's no table service, so early birds get seats while latecomers stand with their trays.
Prague's best craft beer, finally in the city
If you've spent any real time in Prague, you already know the name Matuška. This is the family-run brewery that built its cult following out in Broumy, about 30 miles from the city — and for years, tasting their beer meant a pilgrimage. In 2019, they opened Automat Matuška in Dejvice, and suddenly their generous lagers and hoppy IPAs were available without leaving town. The concept borrows from the classic Czech "automat" tradition: you order at the counter, pick up your tray, and find a seat yourself. No table service, no fuss.
The L-shaped room has been compared to a high school cafeteria, and honestly, that's not far off — but it's exactly the point. It's loud, unpretentious, and packed with people who came for one thing: excellent beer. The on-site nanobrewery means you can sometimes catch experimental batches alongside the core lineup, which is a treat for regulars. The crowd skews younger and a bit more affluent than your typical working-class automat, but the vibe stays grounded.
Food-wise, they've gone with American BBQ rather than traditional Czech pub grub — an interesting pivot that works. Pitmaster Bob Spěvák brings real American BBQ experience to the smoker, and the belly, roasted carrots, and oxtail croquettes are solid bets. The smoked meats pair naturally with the beer, and there are options for vegetarians too. Come for the beer first, the food second. Google's 4.4 rating across over 1,600 reviews confirms this place is doing something right. It gets packed on evenings and weekends, so show up early or be prepared to stand with your tray like a proper local.