The Czech restaurant and beer hall U Dvou kocek “At Two Cats” is located almost in the very center of Prague, a few minutes from Wenceslas Square. Open every day from 11:00 to 23:00.
The restaurant was opened in 1678 and is very proud of its ancient origins. The interiors and decoration in the traditional Czech medieval style are pleasant to the eye, the atmosphere is calm and cozy. A special pride of the establishment is live music - throughout the evening musicians entertain customers by playing the accordion or harmonica. Here you can hear old Czech melodies and modern hits in folklore arrangements. However, you should not be surprised when this service is included in the bill - this is the peculiarity of the establishment.
The restaurant has a capacity of 180 seats. This includes a bar, a beer hall, a restaurant itself and a “cat salon”. It must be said that the cat theme permeates the entire establishment - from the interior design to the names of dishes on the menu and even the types of local beer. So in their own brewery they brew three types of beer: Svetla kocka “White Cat” - light, Polotmava kocka “Striped Cat” - semi-dark and Tmava kocka “Black Cat” - dark. In addition to your own, in the beer hall you can try other types of Czech beer, for example, Plzensky prazdroj (Pilsner), Psenicne pivo (Wheat), Master Polotmavy (Master semi-dark). The average cost of a large mug 0.5 l is 80 CZK, a small mug 0.33 – 48 CZK.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Czech cuisine, and every day a “menu of the day” (Denni nabidka) is available to customers, when their favorite dishes and drinks can be ordered at a good discount. The restaurant menu is adequately translated in Czech, English, German and Russian. But prices for dishes may differ slightly, which is not uncommon in a tourist environment. You should be prepared for the fact that the bill often includes all additional services - water, bread, spices, butter, the aforementioned live music.
The waiters in the restaurant have absorbed all the pathos and pride of the establishment, so you can only get a clear answer in Czech. The range of dishes and prices vary from broths and light soups such as Staroceska bramboracka (Old Bohemian Potato Chowder) for 29 CZK to complex meat dishes and steaks such as Mix Grill “Hradcany” (assorted grilled meats “Hradcany” with a vegetable side dish) for 298 CZK. A large portion of spaghetti will cost only 98 CZK.
The establishment has access to wireless Internet, but whether this service is paid or free, it is better to check with the waiter. There are more likely to be no non-smoking places than there are – tobacco smoke still accumulates in the back part of the hall where these places are located.
In short, the U Dvou kocek beer hall is ideal for quenching your thirst and light hunger after a long tour of Prague Castle. But the establishment is hardly suitable for a measured and plentiful dinner - although there is wonderful beer and a cozy atmosphere, the price level and quality of service leave much to be desired.
Restaurant U Two Cats Prague Czech Republic
Our restaurant has been serving authentic Czech cuisine since 1726. The restaurant is located in the center of Prague, near the Old Town Square (Staromě-stské-ho ná-mě-stí-). Every evening you can hear the accordionist play here. The quality of food and beer has been tested by thousands of customers who constantly come to us not only to taste our dishes, but also simply drop in to “drink” a glass of beer. Come and try our excellent cuisine and drink excellent Pilsen beer.
About Us
We offer:
- authentic Czech cuisine
- wide selection of food and drinks
- evening live music - harmonica playing
- advantageous lunch menu (set)
- favorable prices for tourist groups
- possibility of holding weddings, graduations and other celebrations
- reservation of tables
"At Two Cats"
Czech beer traditions
While few people now remember the once famous names of this house,
almost everyone will tell you where it is “At Two Cats” (U Dvou koč-ek). Of course, at the Coal Market (na Uhelné-m trhu)! "Two cats" became a symbol of good food and good drinks. The pungent taste of the world-famous Prazdroj from the Gothic crypt “At Two Cats” has become famous far beyond the borders of the Czech capital.
The popularity of the place also, of course, contributes to the convenient location and the genuine antiquity of the building. A connoisseur will recognize several architectural styles here, and the picturesquely combined disparate elements will inspire a lover of antiquity with poetic inspiration. During the restoration, completed in 1941, the sensitive hand of the architect Františ-ka Krá-sné-ho not only did not change anything recklessly, but also mastered the complex task in such a way that the preserved integrity and individuality of the house were even better presented. Visitors will appreciate how period architectural details, a remnant of the middle part of the old building with a window, have been gracefully incorporated into the interior. Two cats are sitting in front of the window, surrounded by medieval architecture. One is red, the other is green. Glass. However, the visitor's eye, after a proper dose of the local good, cool Pilsner beer, may not notice them. Cats sit high up, squinting and watching for someone.
Today, Two Cats has returned to its traditional house beer glory. They serve traditional Prazdroj and brew their own beer. Gourmets are attracted here by excellent cuisine, a beer hall with an unusually rich assortment of beer, and its own brewery. Real delights include country-style fried pork knuckle (vepř-ové- peč-ené- koleno) or wild boar goulash. And with all this, Czech beer is great to drink!
We can confidently assume that today the House of Two Cats occupies a leading position among the first-class pubs in Old Prague. And may it always be so.
Brewery "Cat"
Famous Prague beer
The restaurant “At Two Cats” is famous not only for its Czech cuisine, but also for its extraordinary beer. In addition to the fact that one of the best varieties of Czech beer, Pilsen Prazdroj, is traditionally bottled here, beer is also brewed here in its own brewery.
“Cat” (Koč-ka) is the name of an unfiltered bottom-fermented light beer that is famous in Prague. “Cat” attracts beer connoisseurs from all over the area and, despite its relative youth, is inextricably linked with the restaurant. The brewery is part of a historical building and is integrated into the interior of the restaurant. A 200-liter copper boiler can still be seen at the entrance to the restaurant, as well as six fermentation rooms in which beer is fermented. The seventeenth-century cellar houses beer in barrels, for which the cold Baroque walls are ideal.
The main raw material for brewing Koshka is first-class Žatec hops. Žatecký- č-ervený- poloraň-á-k - hop variety) and Horky Sládek hops (Hoř-ký- Slá-dek) both together with Czech malt give “Koška” an irreplaceable taste that is appreciated by beer connoisseurs .
The brewery offers light unfiltered bottom-fermented beer (Svě-tlá-koč-ka) and dark beer (Tmavá-koč-ka).
We are holders of the Plzeň-ský-Prazdroj beer quality certificate, which indicates compliance with high standards of quality and purity of draft beer.
Operating mode:
Monday - Sunday from 11.00 to 23.00
Prague is the European beer and tourist capital. When planning a trip to an unfamiliar country, study the morals, customs, and taboos. This will save you from awkward situations, help you plan your voyage, calculate your budget and your own strength.
The Michelin Red Guide has selected three restaurants as the best in the Czech Republic:
- La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise,
- Alcron,
- Field.
Located in the heart of Prague, close to popular tourist sites, these are high-status establishments with their own philosophy. Traditional seasonal dishes made from farm products are served here, with a signature twist. Local grape snails, half-forgotten rutabaga and, of course, beer add local flavor.
Restaurants that have not “reached the stars” are noted by the Michelin Guide. Seven restaurants in Prague received the Bib Gourmand award:
- Maso a Kobliha,
- Restaurant Eska,
- Sansho,
- Divinis,
- Na Kopci,
- Aureole
- Sa Sa Zu.
These establishments are united by impeccable cuisine and reasonable prices.
Closer to the center of Prague does not mean more expensive. You can have lunch or dinner in the Old Town at a reasonable price, and then come across an expensive establishment on the outskirts of the capital.
Rating of the best restaurants of national cuisine from Sputnik8
1. Na Kopci
The family restaurant, awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2015, offers signature dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. It's not easy to find a restaurant located on a hill among private villas, but it's worth it. It is better not to take a car, but to walk. And although you will have to walk uphill, you can admire the views of Prague. The ideology of the establishment is “haute cuisine for reasonable money.” The lunch menu will cost approximately 5 euros per serving. The prices are attractive, the food is wonderful, the service is friendly, and there is a wide selection of Czech wines. They say that the most delicious tartare (tatarak) in Prague is prepared here.
It is based on fresh ground beef. You need to mix a lot of garlic, onions and spices yourself and spread them on garlic croutons.
2. Crystal Bistro
The downtown gastrobar specializes in quickly preparing and serving traditional, simple dishes using local farm produce. Due to the abundance of customers, sometimes you have to wait a long time for an order. Residents and guests of Prague are sure that the burgers here are delicious.
3. Kavárna Nový Svět
A small café-pastry shop in the center of Prague Castle offers generous portions of delicious coffee, coziness and a children's playground. In summer, the cafe area expands to include an open terrace. This place is suitable for both business and romantic meetings. Recommended: coffee and cakes.
4. U Kroka
European, traditional Czech and Central European cuisine. Located 25 minutes walk from the center, on a quiet, shady street. They offer a wide selection of national cuisine, the best beer, especially unfiltered beer, fast and high-quality service. They say that even by Prague standards the food here is extremely tasty, and the chef’s duck is simply incomparable. Large portions at an affordable price.
There is almost always a line at the entrance. Book a table in advance (website: ukroka.cz). Try dark beer, goulash with dumplings, and tenderloin medallions.
5. Czech Slovak Restaurant Lounge Bar
The bar's calling card is game dishes: stews and pates. The beer selection is small, but it is very tasty beer. Moderate prices by European standards and excellent service earned the establishment an honorable second place. The hall is small, only 6 tables, and therefore it is better to reserve seats in advance. The wine list includes Czech wines and refreshing cider. As a souvenir, you can buy a bottle of organic grape juice (about 9 euros).
6. Restaurant Pepř a Sůl
A small authentic restaurant located off the tourist trail, but worth finding. There will most likely be no vacancies in the evenings and on weekends. Therefore, make your reservations in advance. One of the few places where it is impossible to make a mistake when choosing a dish. His visit leaves a pleasant aftertaste; you want to come back here again.
7. V Zatisi
Elegant restaurant serving classic European and traditional cuisine. According to visitors' reviews, this is an establishment for those who are tired of pork knuckle and beer. Prices here are above average, which is quite justified for a status establishment. Large selection of wines, exquisite Czech cuisine with a slightly French accent. An ideal restaurant for lovers of silence, solitude and the modest charm of the bourgeoisie.
8. U Modre Kachnicky II
This is a restaurant serving European and national cuisine; it has something to offer adherents of vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Authentic interior reproducing the atmosphere of the 30s, live piano music. But the main things here are delicious food, a rich wine list, level of service, slightly above average prices and large portions. The average cost of dinner for three people is 80-85 euros – excluding the cost of wine. Visitors are advised to try local duck, soups and desserts. The signature dish is fallow deer fillet with lingonberry sauce. If you are planning dinner after 19.00 or on a weekend, it is better to book a table in advance.
9. U Bulinu
Cafe serving Eastern European and national cuisine. The outwardly inconspicuous restaurant is loved by local residents and guests of the city. The secret of success is reasonable prices, polite staff, cozy interior and fast service. Large portions of poultry and rabbit dishes, beer or cider - everything is good and of high quality.
10. U Magistra Kelly
A small tavern next to the German embassy. European and national food is prepared and served here; even a vegetarian can be deliciously fed. Traditional boar's knee, grilled camembert, and salad with goat cheese are washed down with beer, the choice of which, although not great, is the best (according to the staff) beer. Whether you agree with their opinion or not is up to you. A miracle tincture made from local herbs, Tatra Tea 72%, will help a chilled tourist warm up on a cold evening. The restaurant is located in the Mala Strana district - one of the oldest and most beautiful areas of the city.
11. Naše maso
A small and cozy restaurant with its own philosophy. Its essence is this: meat, a lot of meat. Winner of "Traveller's Choice™ 2017". The interior is interesting, despite the compactness of the room. But the best thing about it, of course, is the meat: tartare, filet mignon, ribeye, beef sandwich. The only drawback is the lack of free seats. The format of the establishment is interesting: The dishes can be eaten not only on the spot, but also bought to take away. Or you can buy semi-finished products and “bring them to mind” in a familiar environment. The recommended dish is tartare.
12. St. Martin
Positioned as an establishment of national cuisine. A cozy cafe is located in the city center. A small place where they know how to serve delicious food in an interesting way. Meat and poultry dishes, desserts and baked goods. It is advisable to reserve a table in advance. Dinner with a glass of Czech and dessert will cost an average of 28-30 euros. Beer is a little cheaper than everywhere else. Desserts include cheesecake and chocolate fondant. For two desserts and two pots of tea, get ready to pay 11 euros.
13. Restaurace Pod Vysehradem
A small and especially warm restaurant where vegetarians can be catered for. Pleasant service, cozy atmosphere, cheese fries, boar's knee, desserts, draft Budweiser at reasonable prices. Bank cards are accepted for payment. You can have a substantial lunch after walking around Visegrad. A full traditional lunch for 3 people will be inexpensive - an average of 22 euros. Prague residents love this place - the chef will be able to surprise you with an unusual dish, such as steak with lingonberry sauce and whipped cream.
14. Rilke Restaurant
Perhaps someone will find the establishment a little pretentious, but if you take a closer look, the atmosphere of the 30s will slowly envelop you. Little by little you understand: sometimes it’s worth stopping, getting a taste of life, enjoying a leisurely conversation and delicious food. Particularly recommended: game dishes, cream soup with wild mushrooms, grilled goat cheese with lingonberry sauce. Jazz plays quietly, good service, food and wine - everything is very Czech, like in black and white retro films.
15. Restaurant U Modre kachnicky
“Sizaya Utka” is a restaurant serving Eastern European and Czech cuisine, with a vegetarian and gluten-free menu. This interestingly decorated establishment is not cheap - it is one of the calling cards of Prague. Duck is mainly prepared here: baked, fried, and served with foie gras. A large selection of traditional meat and game dishes, delicious desserts. They don't serve beer here, but they do offer an extensive wine list, including Czech ones. Dinner for three adults will cost approximately 91 euros.
16. Cyst stul
A cozy small restaurant serving international, European and national cuisine, serving tasty and understandable food at a reasonable price. Residents of Prague and tourists fell in love with it for the service and attentiveness of the staff.
17. U Mlynare
A cafe where you can leisurely enjoy Czech and Eastern European dishes. Located in a quiet courtyard, away from the bustle of the city. Nearby are tourist centers: the historical district of Hradcany and the Letný hills.
18. Restaurace MINCOVNA
Large restaurant in the very center of the city on Old Town Square. European and Czech cuisine and desserts are served here. Average prices (a glass of beer costs about 1.8 euros), good service. Overall, solid and tasty. You will be fed even after 22.00.
19. Pivovarsky club
The underground bar/pub will offer the largest beer menu in Europe. Some of its varieties are unique, such as blueberry beer or Belgian cherry Kasteel. Of the 6 varieties on tap, the local brand Štěpán (Štěpán) is especially loved by visitors. The quality of the food is not inferior to the drinks. Particularly recommended is “Pečená vepřová žebírka v medu”, where the taste of baked pork ribs and honey merge into one.
20. Kozlovna Apropos
A cozy tavern is located not far from Staroměstské náměstí. Prices are very reasonable. They serve traditional soup in bread and simple main courses. Large portions of food, fresh beer, and the level of service have earned the establishment popularity among locals and tourists.
The chain of fast food restaurants Potrefená husa deserves special attention, where a budget tourist or student can have a snack and drink Staropramen beer in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
And after exploring all the most delicious establishments in the city, we highly recommend that you visit. On our website their selection is so wide that everyone will find entertainment to their liking.
In the center of Prague, in an old house, there is a restaurant “At Two Cats”, which has become a symbol of good cuisine and quality beer. There is “Dark Cat” and “Light Cat” - beer brewed in its own brewery.
Restaurant-brewery “At Two Cats”, photo udvoukocek.cz
The restaurant-brewery “At Two Cats” (Restaurace a pivovar U Dvou koček) is located in the heart of Prague - on Uhelný trh Square (). The establishment operates in a historical building from the 13th century. Previously, this house was the famous tavern U Dvou kocek (popularly called “At the Handles”). The creepy Prague legend about the thief Istvan and his severed hands was associated with two ominous black cats that once lived on the Coal Market Square.
The restaurant opened in 1678. Two bright cats on the facade appeared only in the last century, after reconstruction. Cat figurines are often found in the interiors of the establishment.
Restaurant interior
The building was restored in 1941. The work was led by architect František Krasny. Old fragments of the façade have been carefully preserved, and medieval architectural details are incorporated into the interiors of an authentic Gothic “crypt.” Inside the restaurant there is a vaulted ceiling and wrought-iron chandeliers, wooden furniture, prints and frescoes on the walls, compact tables covered with green tablecloths.
The establishment has 180 seats; there is a main hall of the restaurant, a “Cat Salon”, a bar and a beer hall. Local residents most often do not enter the halls. Prague residents come here for a short while to drink a glass or two of beer at the bar.
Beer and cuisine
Own brewery, photo udvoukocek.cz
They serve light, dark, and semi-dark beer of their own making: the drink ferments in copper 200-liter open tanks. All types of beer are called “cats”: light - White Cat (Světlá Kočka), dark - Black Cat (Tmavá Kočka), semi-dark - Striped Cat (Polotmavá Kočka). Guests are also offered other Czech brands: Plzeňský Prazdroj, Pshenichnoe, Master. In addition to beer, there is a signature cherry liqueur.
Local beer, photo udvoukocek.cz
The menu in the restaurant is extensive: they mainly serve Czech cuisine, although there are also other dishes. Every day guests are offered a “daily menu” (Denni nabidka) at a special price. The portions are served large. The assortment includes rich soups, many meat dishes and snacks, poultry and fish, complex grilled platters, vegetable salads, and all kinds of side dishes from potatoes and vegetables. They prepare classic vepřové pečené koleno, wild boar goulash, Old Prague sausage, and fried cheese. Vegetarian dishes are also served; For dessert you can take honey cake or strudel. The U Dvou kocek menu is written in four languages, including Russian. The waiters understand Russian-speaking guests.
In the evenings the accordion plays: old Russian melodies and Czech folklore sound, the musicians create the atmosphere of a traditional Prague restaurant. Fees for live music are included in the bill.
A large number of restaurants, cafes and pubs in Prague can satisfy all tourists. At the same time, prices here are much lower than in other capital cities of Europe. Lunch for two people will cost on average from 15 to 50 euros, the differences in cost are due to the location of such a restaurant. The closer it is to the central square of the city (Old Town Square), the higher the price of the dishes will be.
Read in this article
- You can have an inexpensive lunch on weekdays if the restaurant has a sign “denní nabídka”. A three-course business lunch will cost up to 150 CZK.
- It is necessary to pay attention to the volume of the dish served. Portions in the Czech Republic are quite large. Take, for example, “Boar’s Knee,” which weighs 1.5 kg!
- By the cost of beer you can judge the price segment of the entire restaurant. If the price of one glass is 35-40 CZK, then such an establishment will not be a budget option.
- The menu, compiled in Russian, also indicates considerable upcoming costs. This move is designed exclusively for tourists who are able to overpay for their lunch.
List of the best and yet inexpensive restaurants
There are a large number of establishments that serve delicious food. But if you single out restaurants that have an ideal ratio of price, quality and comfort, then you should pay attention to the following:
"U Dvou Koček"
This Czech restaurant is located at Uhelný trh, 10, not far from Wenceslas Square. Here for 250 CZK you can order traditional Czech cold cuts, consisting of smoked pork, roast duck, vegetables and tender veal. This dish is called “Česká bašta” and one serving is enough for 3-4 people. The famous "Boar's Knee", which weighs from 1 to 1.5 kg, has the same cost.
“At Two Cats” is famous for its beer, which has been brewed here since the end of the 17th century, as well as for its variety of cuisine and hospitality. The premises have several rooms: a bar, a beer hall, a restaurant and a “cat room”. Here, the entire interior contains elements of these animals, even some dishes and beer are reminiscent of cats.
- White cat;
- Tabby cat;
- Black cat;
- Pilsner;
- Master of the semi-dark.
Moreover, the first three varieties are brewed at our own brewery. For a glass of this drink you will have to pay about 80 CZK (for 0.5 l).
"U Bansethů"
This inexpensive restaurant is located on Táborská street, 389/49. It is famous for its beer, which in 2010 was awarded the title “Best Beer in the Capital”. He was also mentioned by Jaroslav Hasek (writer and journalist) in his famous book “The Adventures of the Good Soldier Švejk”, so one table is always reserved just for him.
The establishment consists of several halls, both for smoking and non-smoking visitors. Their furnishings are somewhat different in design, but the main thing is that they evoke warmth and comfort. Starting at lunchtime, “Reserved” signs appear on the tables, indicating the great popularity of this restaurant. The restaurant itself has a summer terrace that invites everyone to relax.
From the menu you can order delicious goulash, which will cost you only 90 CZK, or a traditional Czech dish: dumplings with cracklings. Its cost is slightly lower - 80 CZK. “Goulash from Doushi” will not leave anyone indifferent - a dish that is prepared exclusively according to the author’s recipe. The menu itself is printed daily to show waiters which items are currently available.
The establishment's opening hours start from 11 a.m. to midnight.
"V Cipu"
There are two such restaurants, one is located near the Mustek metro station on the street of the same name, and the second is located on Michalska Street. Here you can have a delicious and cheap lunch/dinner in Prague and at the same time enjoy all the delights of local cuisine. The menu itself cannot boast of a wide range, but traditional Czech dishes, as well as appetizers and salads, are prepared here very tasty and at an affordable price. For example, a 0.5 kg portion of pork ribs will cost up to 100 CZK.
Spacious rooms allow even large groups to relax here, celebrating birthdays and corporate events. As for the design, classics prevail here, which provides a comfortable and cozy environment for visitors of any age.
"Zvonarka"
The restaurant is located at: st. Šafaříkova, 785/1. Few tourists come here, so it is an ideal location for those who want to experience the local atmosphere of Prague and its people. The outdoor summer terrace allows you to enjoy the excellent views of the city.
For 150-160 CZK you can order “Buffalo Wings” here, as well as other meat and fish dishes of local cuisine. The restaurant opens from 11:30 until midnight.
"Ferdinanda"
There are two such restaurants in Prague: one on the street. Karmelitska, 18, second – st. Opletalova. The establishment is not always calm and cozy, since there are often live broadcasts of football matches. Fans of this sport can have a pleasant time in the company of Czech fans, large TV screens, intoxicating beer and delicious food.
The prices here are quite reasonable. For a good portion of beef goulash and a side dish you need to pay no more than 130 CZK, a salad (300 g) costs 80 CZK. A boar's knee weighing 1.9 kg will cost 335 crowns. A glass of brewed beer will cost up to 35 CZK. Its most popular varieties are:
- "Pomegranate". It is recommended to combine it with pickled hermelin.
- "7 bullets";
- "Ferdinand" and others.
In general, popular inexpensive restaurants in Prague can boast not only of their affordable pricing policy, but also of a cozy atmosphere, delicious cuisine, attentive staff and other advantages. They are happy to host tourists from anywhere in the world and give an unforgettable experience of local dishes and drinks!
