Prague’s Black Angel’s Bar is easy to miss, which is exactly how it was designed.
Located in Prague’s Old Town Square, just across from the city’s famous Astrological Clock, Black Angel’s Bar‘s entrance is unassuming. If you’re not specifically looking for the simple red neon sign or the plaque embedded in the walkway, you’ll certainly walk right past it. I did. Twice.
Barkeeper, Pavel
Located in the basement of the former Black Angel Hotel, now the hotel U Prince, The Black Angel’s Bar has the feel of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The bar is dark, has kept the original Gothic and Romanesque masonry in the design, and gives the feeling of stepping back in time. The atmosphere alone explains why it’s been named one of the world’s best bars, as well as 2012’s best bar in the Czech Republic.
Lemon Drop–Served in Two Glasses
Penicillin–Whiskey-based with a Potato Wedge
The menu selection is large and is divided into categories such as Forgotten Classics, Contemporary Classics, Tiki Drinks, and Molecular Mixology. I skimmed over the extensive menu and couldn’t decide what to order, so I asked barkeeper,
Snowcone Bramble–Sour Fruit Punch with Grapes
Diamond Black Angel–Blood Orange with a Diamond Ice Cube
Can a bar really be considered one of the world’s best without great cocktails? I think not, but Black Angel’s delivers. All of their cocktails are made with the freshest ingredients, homemade syrups, and they even make their own ice. Much of the Black Angel’s cocktail menu harkens back to the USA in the 1920s and 1930s. This was when the Volstead Act banned the sale of alcohol, which ironically spawned some of the world’s greatest cocktails. Using recipes found in old books, the Black Angel’s Bar strives to be authentic to their cocktails’ origins. Black Angel’s Bar also strives to keep the atmosphere intimate. Don’t think you’re going to take photos, unless you get special permission like I did.
Singapore Sling–Classic and Fruity
Absinthe–Taste of Traditional Prague
The Black Angel’s Bar reminded me of something out of a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. I half expected to see Jay Gatsby sitting in the corner with Daisy on his arm and Ewing Klipspringer playing the piano. Descending down the stairs of the hotel U Prince into the bar is a step back in time. The menu reads like a history of cocktails, but also offers unique options from some of Prague’s most innovative barkeepers. In a city known for its beer culture, the Black Angel’s Bar is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and sip on some spirits.
Hurricane–Traditional New Orleans Drink Set on Fire
In Prague, there are several other great places to grab a cocktail. Check out World’s Best Bars to find more, but Black Angel’s can certainly be added to the list of three things I’ll miss about Prague.
Join me, along with @CzechTourism, @REPUBLICA_CHECA @czechtourism_uk, @FSPrague, and @FourSeasons on Monday, April 22 10:00 am (EST) for the Twitter chat, #BestOfCity. We’ll discuss all that’s great about Prague and answer any questions you may have about the City of Spires. Find more information about the #BestOfCity chat here.
Mike (Nomadic Texan)
April 17, 2013Those are some awesome looking cocktails. If I say so myself!
Leah Walker
April 18, 2013And tasting as well. 🙂
Sofia
April 20, 2013These drinks look so beautifully presented! Bars in Prague sure know what it takes to make interesting drinks, I had a banana beer last time I was there..!
Leah Walker
April 21, 2013Banana beer? That sounds oddly good. Note to self….
Anita Mac
April 20, 2013Love it Leah – you are right – I didn’t even notice the bar when I was last in Prague. Perhaps the Christmas markets pulled focus, but it certainly looks like a place I wouldn’t mind spending a evening with friends.
Leah Walker
April 21, 2013I wish I would have gotten a chance to tell you about the Black Angel’s Bar. I think you would have really enjoyed it. I can see how the Christmas markets would have totally masked the entrance.
Tawny of Captain and Clark
April 20, 2013YES YES YES YES YES. I feel tipsy just from reading this post. A lemon drop in TWO glasses is my jam, but throw in some diamond ice cubes and you’ve got one happy girl. You’re taking us here next time we’re both in Europe.
Leah Walker
April 21, 2013Some of the ice cubes have alcohol inside, like the ice is frozen around the booze. VERY cool.
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter)
April 21, 2013Wow, Black Angel is a place I’d to love to check out! The cocktails look awesome.
Leah Walker
April 21, 2013Oh yes, Raul. It’s certainly your kind of place. Seriously.
Traveling Ted
April 22, 2013Great tip as it is hard to find anything in the twisty turning streets of Prague old town. I got lost once, and I wish I stumbled into a cool bar like this one.
Leah Walker
April 22, 2013One can only hope to find a bar like this one. Very cool indeed.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin
April 22, 2013Ah man that was such a fun and spontaneous night. Glad we got to be a part of this!
The World Wanderer
April 22, 2013Now these are exactly what I need right now. I’ll take one of each!
Leah Walker
April 22, 2013One of each will put you under the table.
lola
April 22, 2013such a cool place. love the piano man – if you remember 😉
the lazy travelers
April 23, 2013these are all so pretty! consider it on our list for our summer tour de prague.
Becky Padmore
April 23, 2013Can’t believe I missed this place on our Prague trip! Oh well a good excuse to go back! 🙂