The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 254

U medvídk* (At the Little Bears) This 5-centuries-old pub off Národní t r ída
was the first in town to serve the original Budweiser, Budvar, on tap. It also serves typ-
ical Czech pub food, including cmunda, potato pancakes topped with sauerkraut and
cured meat. It's smoky inside, but it's easier to breathe here than at most local pubs.
Open daily from 11:30am to 11pm. Na Perst;nê 7, Praha 1. & 224-211-916. www.umedvidku.
cz. Metro: Národní trída.
The Bar Scene
The city has acquired a much wider selection of bars in recent years to complement
its huge array of beer pubs. The competition has brought out a variety of watering
holes—from country to French, from straight to gay to mixed—that match the offer-
ings in most any major European capital.
Barácnická rychta (Small Homeowners Association) In the heart of Malá
Strana, just off Malostranské nám ê stí, you can find and taste a little bit of old-fash-
ioned good times. Sample good Czech food with Czech beer. Open daily noon until
1am. Trzistê 23, Praha 1. & 257-532-461. www.baracnickarychta.cz. Metro: Malostranská.
Chateau/Enfer Rouge Hidden on a small Old Town back street, this loud and
lively ground-floor place has twin bars, plank floors, and a good sound system play-
ing contemporary rock. It sells four types of beer on tap and features regular drink spe-
cials. It's busy and fun—if you avoid the headache-inducing concoctions from the
frozen drink machine. Open Monday to Thursday noon to 3am, Friday noon to 4pm,
Saturday 4pm to 4am, Sunday 4pm to 2am. Jakubská 2, Praha 1. & 222-316-328. Metro:
Námêstí Republiky.
Jáma (The Hollow) This place has been popular for several postrevolutionary
years. It feels a lot like an American college pub; Czech and international food is
served and Czech beer is on tap. Open daily from 11am to 1am. V Jámê 7, Praha 1.
& 224-222-383. www.jamapub.cz. Metro: M*stek.
Gay & Lesbian Clubs
Prague's small gay and lesbian community is growing in its openness and choices for
nightclubs and entertainment. Go to http://prague.gayguide.net for more informa-
tion. You should also see the review for Radost FX Café on p. 251.
Friends Its atmosphere of an old bar is combined here with a comfortable setting,
a super sound and video projection system, new dance floor, and private lounge. Free
Wi-Fi Internet connection available. Open Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 3am, Friday
and Saturday 6pm to 5am. DJ parties start at 10pm Wednesday through Saturday.
Bartolomêjská 11, Praha 1. & 224-236-772. Metro Národní trída.
Tingl Tangl A popular nightclub attracting a mixed gay, straight, foreign, and local
crowd near Charles Bridge, Tingl Tangl offers the most extensive cabaret shows in Old
Town, with comical drag queens featured during the weekend and Wednesday shows.
Open daily from 8pm to 5am. Karolíny Svêtlé 12, Praha 1. & 224-238-278. Cover charges 250Kc
($10/£5.40) for show nights. Metro: Národní trída.
SIDE TRIP TO KARLSTEJN CASTLE
29km (18 miles) SW of Prague
By far the most popular destination in the Czech Republic after Prague, Karl s tejn Cas-
tle is an easy day trip for those interested in getting out of the city. Charles IV built