Hemingway Bar
Hlavní město Praha, Czechia · Nové Město
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Hemingway Bar
Hemingway Bar in Nové Město has earned its reputation as one of Prague's most serious cocktail destinations since opening in 2009, channeling the spirit of its literary namesake through expert mixology and a devotion to classic cocktail craft. The bar's impressive arsenal includes over 200 rums and what may be the Czech Republic's most extensive absinthe selection, served traditionally with period fountains. With its 1920s speakeasy aesthetic—dim lighting, dark wood, leather banquettes—and a bartending team that competes internationally, this is where Prague's cocktail culture reaches its most sophisticated expression.
Good to know
Book a table in advance online rather than attempting a walk-in—the bar's popularity means you'll likely face a wait or be relegated to the basement room, which lacks the main floor's energy.
The chef
Jordan (Brazilian chef)
The cocktail program at Hemingway Bar is driven by head bartender Tomáš Kuchyňka and a team of internationally competing mixologists who have built the bar's reputation through dedication to classic technique and creative innovation. The bartending brigade approaches their work with the same rigor found in serious kitchens, studying spirits terroir, perfecting dilution ratios, and sourcing quality ingredients. Their philosophy centers on respecting cocktail history while pushing boundaries through imaginative flavor combinations and meticulous execution.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
While cocktails take center stage, the bar snacks are thoughtfully curated to support serious drinking—think quality olives, nuts, and small plates that won't interfere with the delicate balance of a well-made drink. The kitchen understands its supporting role here, providing proper accompaniments rather than attempting to compete with the liquid creations. Expect bar food executed with the same precision that goes into the cocktail program.
Vibe
LivelyThe atmosphere strikes that rare balance between sophisticated and welcoming, with house rules (no laptops, specific ordering protocols) that maintain focus on conversation and craft. The intimate, dimly-lit space fills with a mix of serious cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking a refuge from Prague's tourist circus, creating an energy that's engaged without being loud. Booking ahead is essential—walk-ins often face waits or are offered the downstairs basement tables, a smaller, more secluded room that some prefer for its extra privacy.
Service
The bartending team represents the real strength here, with knowledge that runs deep on spirits, technique, and cocktail history—they'll guide you through the extensive rum collection or explain the nuances of absinthe preparation with genuine passion. Service is attentive and educational without being pedantic, with staff who take time to introduce each drink and help navigate the menu based on your preferences. The team's dedication to their craft shows in every interaction, though on busy nights pacing can occasionally feel rushed.
Setting
The 1920s speakeasy design feels authentic rather than contrived, with vintage details, warm wood tones, and leather seating that transport you to cocktail culture's golden age. Located in Nové Město, the bar's intimate scale (reservations are necessary for a reason) creates an exclusive feel without pretension. The dim, moody lighting and period touches—including absinthe fountains and proper glassware—show a commitment to historical accuracy that extends beyond mere decoration.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- World-class cocktail craft and an extensive rum and absinthe collection that rivals any in Central Europe
- Knowledgeable bartenders who treat mixology as a serious discipline and can guide you through spirits education
- Authentic 1920s speakeasy atmosphere that feels transported from another era without gimmickry
Don't go for
- A casual drop-in drink—the booking requirement and higher price point demand intentionality
- A full dining experience, as the focus is decidedly on liquid craft rather than food
Details
Opatovická 1737/3, Nové Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia
€€