The Prague Perspective.

Automat Matuška

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.

Jama

If you've been wandering around Wenceslas Square wondering where to find a proper burger in Prague, Jáma is your answer. This place has built a loyal following for doing the simple things right — juicy, well-seasoned burgers that actually taste like someone cared about them, paired with good fries and a cold pint. The interior is all wooden tables, music posters on the walls, and a fast-paced vibe that keeps things fun without feeling chaotic. Staff are genuinely friendly and have been known to share recipe details with curious diners — that's the kind of place this is. Beyond the burgers, Jáma has evolved into a steakhouse as well, offering dry-aged cuts sourced from local Czech farms and international producers. The aging process is taken seriously, and it shows in the tenderness and flavor. There's also a solid cocktail list and a lunch menu running from 11:30 to 15:00 at a very reasonable 140 Kč. It's one of the few spots in Prague where you can reliably catch American football on the screens, which makes it a magnet for expats and sports fans on weekends. The crowd is a mix of locals, expats, and tourists who've done their homework. It gets busy, especially on game days and weekend evenings, so don't expect a quiet romantic dinner. What you will get is good food, good music, and a staff that actually seems to enjoy being there. Voted Best Pub in Prague by Expats.cz readers — and that's not the kind of award you win by accident.

EMA espresso bar

EMA has been pouring Prague's best light-roast coffee since 2013, and the Na Florenci flagship remains the one to beat. The space is all clean lines and modern design — exposed concrete, warm wood accents, and that minimalist Scandinavian-meets-industrial look that makes you want to linger with a flat white and a book. The baristas know their stuff, pulling shots from their own roastery with the kind of precision that's earned them a loyal local following and nearly 4,000 Google reviews at a 4.6 average. The coffee here is unapologetically light roast — bright, fruity, sometimes almost tea-like. If you're used to dark, bitter espresso, the flavor profile might catch you off guard (one French reviewer noted the taste is "particular" — and that's fair). But if you're into specialty coffee, this is exactly what you came for. Pair it with one of their pastries or a light bite from the menu, which has expanded well beyond the typical café fare. A heads-up: there's no Wi-Fi, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on your agenda. The location near Florenc makes it a convenient morning stop if you're heading into the city center, and they're open 8am to 8pm daily. Go early on weekends if you want a seat — this place fills up fast.

Pho Bar

Finding solid Vietnamese food in Prague isn't always easy, but Pho Bar nails it. This modern bistro on Těšnov keeps things simple — noodles and rolls done right — and the execution is consistently above what you'd expect from a fast-casual setup. The pho bò tái is the star: the broth is rich and fragrant, the beef is tender, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy without leaving you in a food coma. Reviewers on Yelp specifically called out the spring rolls and chicken curry as standouts alongside the pho, so the menu holds up beyond just the signature soup. What makes Pho Bar work is the philosophy behind it. They built the concept around modern, fast, quality dining — and they actually deliver on the "quality" part. Ingredients taste fresh, the preparation has a genuine homemade feel, and nothing feels mass-produced. The TripAdvisor rating of 4.4 from 65+ reviews puts it in the top tier of Prague's Asian restaurants, and the ranking is well-earned. The vibe is casual and no-frills — you're here for the food, not the ambiance. It gets busy at lunch, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours. If you're after a quick, satisfying bowl of pho in the center of Prague without overpaying or under-eating, this is your spot. The veggie pho is the one weak point — the broth can lack the umami depth of the meat versions — so carnivores will have the better experience here.