The Old Town of Prague is the epitome of European charm with  perfectly preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings lining the street. Quintessential architecture, a plethora of attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage designation has made the historic center ripe for tourism. The cobblestoned streets are filled with travelers of all ages, sizes and backgrounds who have come to experience the Czech Republic’s bewitching capital.

With the tourists, come the tourist restaurants. In and around the Old Town Square many traditional Czech establishments have been replaced with more those offering more continental fare. Signs highlighting set tourist menus and plastic food replicas are placed notably in restaurant windows and an authentic Czech experience is almost impossible to find.

The Czech Republic is home to Pilsner Urquell and a bevy of other breweries whose beers rank prominently on the Czech food scene. Czech’s wanting to dine out will most likely actually go to a pub and along with their beer snack on hearty bar fare that have become Czech staples. Beer halls are a part of the Czech lifestyle and a visit to a genuine one is a must for those wanting to experience the true Prague. While these veritable beer bastions are ubiquitous in Prague and throughout the country, visitors to Old Town will be challenged to find an authentic one. However, deep in the heart of the historic center, hidden behind an unremarkable facade,  U Zlatého Tygra harkens back to the old days serving up fresh Pilsner Urquell and hearty meals to go with it to locals that have been coming for decades.

customized coasters

U Zlatého Tygra has long been intertwined with Prague life. The house on Husova that is home to “The Golden Tiger” dates back to 1702 and a city register from 1816 mentions a brewery at the address. Named for a relief of a marching tiger that has marked the home since its’ early days, U Zlatého Tygra has hosted many local celebrities over the years and was the favorite of Bohumil Hrabal, writer and elected life-long President of Zlatá Praha.

inside U Zlatého Tygra

The interior of the space is as original as the exterior, maintaining the look and atmosphere of old time Prague. Family style tables fill the smokey watering hole which features the brusque service that has become the hallmark of Czech dining. The noise level is high and the ambience addictive, visitors here are transported in mere minutes to the beloved Prague of old and into a world that can be described as none other than quintessentially Czech. Though not the most visitor friendly of drinking or dining choices in Old Town, U Zlatého Tygra is a must-stop for anyone wanting to participate in the real Prague experience.

U Zlatého Tygra, Husova 17, Praha 1, Prague Czech Republic, +420 222 221 111, daily 3- 11 PM