The Quick Answer to Ordering Beer in Prague

The fastest way to get a drink is to enter and find any open seat. Do not wait for a host to seat you in a traditional pub. Once you sit, place a cardboard coaster on the table in front of you. This signal tells the server you are ready for a beer. In many spots, the default is a half-liter of light lager.

If you want something else, you must tell the server as they approach. For example, ask for a "tmavé" if you want a dark beer. If you do not say anything, a large Pilsner will likely appear. This is the standard practice across the city of Prague and the wider country. Always keep your coaster visible to ensure fast service.

• Checklist for your visit:
• Bring physical Czech Koruna (cash) just in case.
• Learn the phrase "Pivo, prosím" (Beer, please).
• Look for a "Tankovna" sign for the freshest beer.
• Check if the table has a "Reserved" sign before sitting.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Order Beer in a Czech Pub

Mastering the local flow is easy once you know the steps. Follow this process to avoid looking like a lost tourist. Most locals follow these unwritten rules every single day.

1. Step 1: Find your own table. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Free. Where: The main taproom. Common mistake: Waiting at the door for a host to greet you. In local pubs, you just walk in and grab a spot.
2. Step 2: Deploy the coaster. Time: 10 seconds. Cost: Free. Where: Right in front of your seat. Common mistake: Leaving the coaster in the stack. The server only brings beer to people who have a coaster ready.
3. Step 3: The silent order. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: 55–75 CZK. Where: At your table. Common mistake: Waving your arms to get attention. A simple nod or making eye contact is the local way to confirm you want a drink.
4. Step 4: Monitor the tally sheet. Time: Ongoing. Cost: Per drink. Where: On your table. Common mistake: Writing on the paper yourself. The server uses this to track your rounds; touching it is considered rude.
5. Step 5: Stopping the cycle. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Total bill. Where: At your table. Common mistake: Thinking the server will ask if you want another. They will keep bringing beer until you put your coaster on top of your glass or say "no more."

Choosing Your Beer Style: A Simple Decision Guide

While the process is standard, the beer options can vary. Most local hospodas in the Zizkov district serve a few specific types. Use this guide to decide what to order based on your preferences. Most menus will list the degrees (like 10° or 12°), which refers to the extract content, not the alcohol percentage.

If you want a standard experience, order a "velké pivo" (large beer). This is 0.5 liters of golden lager. If you are not a heavy drinker, ask for a "malé pivo" (small beer), which is 0.3 liters. Most locals stick to the large size as it stays cold in the thick glass mugs.

Decision Guide:

• If you want the classic choice: Order Světlé (Light Lager).
• If you prefer coffee or chocolate notes: Order Tmavé (Dark Beer).
• If you want the best of both worlds: Order Řezané (a mix of light and dark).
• If you are very thirsty: Look for Tankové pivo (unpasteurized beer from a tank).

Essential Etiquette for Authentic Czech Pubs

Socializing in a Czech pub has its own set of rules. It is very common to share a table with people you do not know. If the pub is crowded, simply ask "Je tu volno?" (Is this spot free?). Most people will nod and let you sit. This is a great way to experience authentic experiences in Prague.

When your beer arrives, wait for everyone to have their glass. To toast, look your companions in the eye and say "Na zdraví!" (To your health). Touch the glasses at the top, then lightly tap the table with the bottom of the glass before taking a sip. Never cross your arms with someone else while toasting.

Tipping is expected but not as aggressive as in the US. Round up the bill to the nearest ten or twenty Koruna. If your bill is 272 CZK, giving 300 CZK is a generous and standard tip. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay as you hand over the cash. For more specific rules, check the Visit Czechia official site for cultural tips.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

Even if you know how to order beer in a Czech pub, things can go wrong. Service in Prague is often efficient but can seem "salty" or cold to outsiders. This is rarely personal; it is just the local style. Do not expect the server to be your best friend or check on you every five minutes.

One common concern is the amount of foam on the beer. In the Czech Republic, foam is essential. It protects the beer from oxidation and keeps it fresh. A proper head should be about three fingers thick. If your beer has no foam, that is actually a sign of poor quality or a dirty glass.

• The server is ignoring me: Make sure your coaster is out and you have made eye contact.
• I want to pay by card: Many traditional pubs are cash only; ask "Kartou?" before ordering.
• The beer keeps coming: Place your coaster on top of your glass to signal you are finished.
• The bill is wrong: Politely point to the tally sheet and ask for a clarification.
• It is too loud: Traditional pubs are social hubs; embrace the noise or find a hotel bar.
• I need a reservation: Popular spots like those mentioned in the U Zlateho Tygra guide require booking days in advance.