Speciality coffee, flaky pastries and real beer: A foodies guide to Prague's Karlín
A courtyard full of atmosphere
If Karlín had its own "centre of the universe", it would be the courtyard between Křižíkova and Sokolovská streets. This is where you'll find Lokal Hamburk, the Dva kohouti brewery, and Bufet. It's a place where it's alive from afternoon to night, full of clinking pints and a real neighbourhood atmosphere.
And if you haven't been to Bufet yet? That needs to be put right. Grab a beer at Dva kohouti, walk right out the door and follow your nose. It may be a small place, but the kitchen holds its own and the bar is set high. Wednesday through Friday for dinner you can also enjoy specials like a smash burger, toast with meat topping or a sausage with your own horseradish. But there's also a regular menu. Here's a little teaser:
- Beef burger: A hefty portion of meat with mustard mayo, raclette cheese and pickles. A sure thing that always tastes good.
- Hamburger and fries: The beef burger's little brother. Ask for extra cheese.
- Dutch schitzel in a bun: A lunchtime sure thing. Brisket + eidam = love. Add a pickle and you'll be pretty full.
- Fried chicken in a bun: A classic you'll want to revisit. Again and again.
And keep an eye out - every month they have three new, tweaked recipes. It's worth checking out their Instagram or website so you don't miss anything.
Caffeine and pastries to the rescue (morning and mid-morning)
Before the day switches into beer and backyard burger mode, here's how to spend your busy morning. Karlín offers endless options - pastry lovers will not be disappointed by the bakery Eska, where they offer delicious breakfasts, breads, cakes, and many other goodies to go. Another bakery gem is Praktika, renowned for their work with stoneground flour.
If the synonym for morning is a fine coffee, you've come to the right place in Karlín. You'll find one on every corner. Ema Espresso Bar or Typika are safe bets. Můj šálek kávy and Etapa will serve you a brunch you'll never forget. And if you want to try something different, you can get your green energy boost at Atomic Matcha or stop by the cosy BA-LĂM Coffee.
Where to go for a sit down lunch?
Fancy a classic lunch or dinner at a restaurant? Karlín offers a variety of tastes. If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, go for HongKong. If you're short on time, grab sandwiches at Banh-mi-ba. For lovers of Italian cuisine, there's Sugo, with its original and flavourful pastas, while for a quick, reasonably priced, quality lunch, you can head to Eatery. If you're looking for a place everyone can eat, including vegetarians, head to Spojka Karlín which will amaze you with its green jungle.
If you want to indulge a bit, the canadian fries with cheese and gravy at Garage Poutine are the perfect comfort food for more than just the cold weather. And Karlin is now home to a new location of the popular Geműse Corner Kebab.
On the other hand, for more festive occasions and a fine dining experience, run up the stairs above Eska to Štangl, newly awarded a Michelin star. You can also enjoy a pleasant family atmosphere in the Bistro Proti proudu.
A breath of fresh air
If you need a leg stretch after all that food, a walk somewhere green is the way to go. Lyček Square invites you to enjoy a pleasant sitting area overlooking the beautiful school building, and in summer you can also enjoy the colourful and well-kept flowerbeds. Baroque Invalidovna, with its large park, invites you spread out a blanket and relax, or take a bike and ride along the cycle path past the HolKa footbridge.
And when the sun goes down? Evening Karlín has its own charm. Cultural enthusiasts head to Kasárna Karlín, a unique space in a former swimming pool with a cinema and bar. A slightly wilder, freer atmosphere is offered during spring and summer at Port 18600, right by the river. Beer drinkers who like to experiment will appreciate the offer in Diego beer bar or Sedm, while wine lovers will enjoy the cosy Veltlin.
A bakery and kitchen full of life
