Beer etiquette
Prague has a rich beer culture with unique customs that can enhance your drinking experience. Knowing how to order, pour, and handle your glass like a local will make your time in the city even more enjoyable. From tipping etiquette to serving traditions, these tips will guide you through Prague’s beer culture with ease. Cheers to drinking like a pro in the heart of the beer capital!
The more you know about beer, the more you’ll savor every sip in Prague. After experiencing a few poorly poured pints in dirty glasses, I can truly appreciate the difference quality makes. Understanding the nuances of Czech beer not only enhances your experience but also allows you to choose the best brews for a truly enjoyable time!
In Prague, beer lovers often encounter two distinct types: tap beer and tank beer.
Tap beer (čepované or točené pivo) is the most common, served from traditional kegs and available in many pubs. It’s typically well-managed and delivers a fresh taste, but it may undergo pasteurization, which can affect its flavor.
Tank beer (tankové pivo), on the other hand, is a special treat. Stored in large, temperature-controlled tanks, it’s unpasteurized and served directly to the tap, preserving its original flavor and freshness. This method allows for a more authentic taste, making tank beer a must-try for those seeking the true essence of Czech brewing.
Seating, ordering and drinking
Seating
In Czechia, the seating experience in pubs and cafés can vary widely. Many traditional pubs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing patrons to find their own seats and order directly at the bar or from their table. This casual approach fosters a lively and sociable atmosphere.
In contrast, some cafés, particularly in popular tourist areas or during peak hours, may require guests to wait to be seated. These establishments often manage reservations and can get quite busy. Regardless of the style, whether it’s a quick drink or a leisurely coffee, the welcoming ambiance makes every visit enjoyable.
Drink-only visits
If you’re entering a restaurant just for drinks, be aware that you might be turned away during busy times. Many places prioritize diners when at capacity, so it’s best to ask at the door, check ahead or visit during off-peak hours. However, Czech pubs are usually more than happy to welcome you for a quick drink, letting you enjoy the lively atmosphere!
Here are some etiquettes regarding to ordering beer:
Once you are seated, the waiter will shortly arrive. I have never waited for more than a couple of minutes.
- Wait for the server: In traditional Czech pubs, the beer is often brought to your table by the server. Don’t raise your hand or go to the bar to order unless it’s a more casual venue.
- Placing a coaster on the table is usually enough to get your first beer automatically
- Nodding to the waiter, when you have almost finished your beer, is a sign that you want another beer
- Never pour the last bit of your old beer into a freshly poured one - that’s a big no-no in the Czech Republic.
- Topping up your beer: In many places, especially traditional pubs, the server may keep bringing you new beers when your glass is almost empty without you asking. To stop this, place a coaster on top of your glass.
Dirty or clean glass:
- The glass should be cold and rinsed before using.
- The glass should be clean. When you see a lot of bubbles in the foam and the foam decreases within seconds, you know you have a dirty glass.
Thick foam without bubbles
Ddirty glass
Quote
“The biggest mistake that I see on a daily basis is not caring about the glassware and not caring about the beer in a bar. The glasses are not washed properly. The beer is not served in the proper way. In Czech culture, the beer should have a nice head because it protects the beer against oxidation. And oxidation in beer will lead to a change in the taste.” – says Václav Berka, Brewmaster, Pilsner Urquell
Toast, enjoy respectfully and pay
When enjoying a drink with friends or family in Czechia, it's customary to raise a toast. Czechs have their own unique way of toasting, though it’s quite similar to practices in other European countries. Sharing this moment adds to the camaraderie and warmth of the occasion, making every sip even more enjoyable.
Czech Toast:
- When toasting, make eye contact with everyone around the table and raise your glass. It's polite to clink glasses with each person.
- After the toast you say Na zdraví! (Cheers!):
- Don’t toast with an empty glass: Always wait until you have beer in your glass before joining a toast.
Quiet Enjoyment:
- No loud drinking games: Traditional Czech beer culture is more about quiet enjoyment than rowdy behavior. Loud or disruptive behavior in a pub is frowned upon, especially in more traditional settings.
- Please refrain from taking your glass outside unless it’s explicitly allowed.
Paying for Your Beer:
- If you want to pay, wait for the waiter with the bill. In pubs and cafes its is common to go to the bar to settle the payment there,
- Tabs: It's common for groups to pay per round rather than individually after each beer. The server keeps track of what you've had (on a piece of paper) and settles the bill at the end.
- Seperate payment: In Prague, it’s common to settle the bill separately, and they may ask for "dohromady" (together). Especially when there are meals involved.
- Tipping: Czechs generally round up the bill to the nearest 10 or 20 CZK. A tip of around 5-10% is typical for good service.
By following these simple etiquette rules, you'll blend in with the local beer culture and enjoy your time in the pubs of Prague!