Unique Beer Guide: Prague Beer ZOO

The Prague Beer ZOO is a beer trail through the most famous Prague pubs with animal names. There isn’t any official list; the idea simply arose among regulars. The most frequent stops of the Prague Beer ZOO include about ten establishments. Some are centuries old (U Černého vola, U Zlatého tygra) and it’s appropriate to approach them with a certain degree of humility (towards the regulars and bartenders). Some establishments are brand new (Červený Jelen, Dva Kohouti).

U Černého Vola (“At the Black Ox”) Pub

The U Černého Vola Pub has a long history dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has become a favorite spot for many generations of Prague residents and tourists. Czech writers, artists, and intellectuals used to meet here. The pub’s interior is preserved in a traditional old Bohemian style, creating an authentic and cozy atmosphere. Wooden tables, historical photos, and traditional decor contribute to a pleasant experience. It is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Prague, in Malá Strana, making it an ideal place to relax after visiting Prague Castle. People have always come here for draught Kozel beer. Payment is possible only in cash.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Hrocha (“At Hippo’s”) Pub

The pub U Hrocha is also located in Malá Strana, a short distance from the Czech Parliament. Just like the pub U Černého Vola, which is only 900 meters away, the pub U Hrocha is known for its authentic atmosphere. The pub’s interior is simple and traditional, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time. A simple wave or nod, and the staff will promptly bring you another beer. Payment is possible only in cash.

Draught beer: Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Kocoura (“At the Catman”) Pub

The pub U Kocoura is known for its homely atmosphere and is a favorite spot for many visitors who enjoy Czech cuisine and excellent beer here. The pub is especially popular among Polish tourists, as years ago, the Czech president Václav Havel hosted the Polish president Lech Wałęsa here. The “Catman” is only 130 meters away from the “Hippo”.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Zlatého Tygra (“At the Golden Tiger”) Pub

The pub U Zlatého Tygra is one of the most famous and iconic pubs in Prague, with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The pub’s interior is preserved in a traditional old Bohemian style. The famous Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal was one of the regular visitors to the pub. He had his regular table and often spent time here with friends and other writers. In 1994, the then US president Bill Clinton visited the pub at the invitation of the then Czech president Václav Havel. Hrabal, who was also present, reportedly told Clinton various anecdotes.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Zlatého Slona (“At the Golden Elephant”) Pub

The pub U Zlatého Slona is located on Havelská street in the historic center of Prague. It is known for its excellent beer, and moreover, there are not as many tourists here as in other pubs in the center.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Medvídků (“At the Little Bears”) Brewery

The establishment U Medvídků was founded as early as 1466, making it one of the oldest taverns in Prague. Originally, it was a brewery. Although brewing activities ceased in 1898, a microbrewery was revived within the pub’s premises in 2005, producing several types of specialty beers. They brew one of the strongest beers in the world called X-Beer 33, which has an alcohol content of 12.6%. The pub’s interior is preserved in a traditional old Bohemian style with wooden furniture and historical elements. The brewery also offers accommodation.

Draught beer: Budweiser Budvar.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Dvou koček (“At the Two Cats”) Pub

The pub U Dvou Koček was founded in 1678, making it one of the oldest pubs in Prague. The interior of the establishment is preserved in a traditional old Bohemian style with wooden furniture and historical elements. The walls are adorned with old photographs and paintings. An accordion player performs here every evening. Today, it is popular among tourists.

Draught beer: Kočka (“The Cat”), Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Buldoka (“At Bulldog’s”) Pub

The U Buldoka pub is among the traditional Czech pubs. The pub has its own unique atmosphere, which you’ll notice as soon as you enter. The decor includes various “souvenirs” from Czech football players, athletes, and paddlers; in addition, the walls are covered with postcards from all over the world.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, Zvíkov.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

U Veverky (“At the Squirrel”) Restaurant

The restaurant U Veverky is a typical old Prague tavern, known for its tank Pilsner. The building in which the restaurant is located was built in 1911 based on the design of architect Kaplický. Even then, it housed an inn. The pub has had its current name since 2005, named after the bartender Mr. Veverka.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

Dva Kohouti (“Two Roosters”) Brewery

Dva Kohouti is a well-known and popular Prague brewery pub. It was established as a joint venture between the Ambiente restaurant group and one of the most famous Czech craft breweries, Matuška. It’s a combination of a brewery and a taproom. It was founded by brewer Adam Matuška and the tap master from Lokál, Lukáš Svoboda. Occasionally, food trucks stand in the pub’s courtyard, and culinary pop-up events are held here. Since the establishment was only founded in 2018, some die-hard Prague beer enthusiasts do not count it in the Prague Beer ZOO.

Draught beer: Matuška.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

Červený Jelen (“Red Stag”) Restaurant

Červený Jelen is the largest restaurant in Prague, covering an area of 2,600 square meters. Despite its 4 floors, 2 terraces, and seven hundred seating places, the space feels lively. It is located in a former bank building from the Czech First Republic era. The space was originally designed in a cubist-modernist style by the famous Czech architect Josef Gočár and was later renovated by architect Stanislav Fiala. Červený Jelen offers a diverse menu with a selection from many types of meat, including luxurious wagyu beef. Several outstanding bartenders, winners of the Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender competition, take care of the beer here. Since the establishment was only opened in 2019, some die-hard Prague beer enthusiasts do not count it in the Prague Beer ZOO.

Draught beer: Velkopopovický Kozel, Pilsner Urquell.

More information can be obtained by clicking on the map link:

The Best Route for Prague Beer ZOO

If you want to visit the entire Prague Beer ZOO, it’s best to split the beer trail over several days.
The pubs U Černého vola, U Hrocha and U Kocoura are located close to each other in the Prague Castle area, making them an ideal candidate for a joint visit.

Other establishments that are close to each other are U Zlatého Slona, U Dvou Koček and the brewery U Medvídků. The Červený Jelen Restaurant is then a few hundred meters from them, just as the pub U Zlatého Tygra is a few hundred meters away from here.

The remaining three establishments (Dva Kohouti, U Buldoka, U Veverky) do not have another pub from the Beer ZOO in close proximity.

Prague Beer ZOO Map

Enjoy your visit to the Prague Beer ZOO and drink responsibly!