I had gone to Cafe Prague with my sister a little over two months ago, mostly because it's within walking distance from my home, and honestly I haven't gone since. Not that it's anything personal, I just really wasn't impressed.
Upon entering, we were met with a stuffy stench that was literally unbearable. It was an incredibly warm, breezy, and pleasant day outside, and yet nobody found it necessary to let a little air in? There were these wide dusty sofas indoors, with tiny Ikea-style side tables, and TV's everywhere, which gave the impression of a somewhat dark gloomy living room, and made eating or drinking anything without holding it consistently in your lap impossible. We quickly decided to sit outdoors, by one of the metal tables under a parasol. Getting in and out of our chairs was quite a challenge though, considering that there was literally no walking space between the tables, and we were forced to push and slide through. Still, it was much better than the heavy living room atmosphere.
Service... I don't really know how to classify the service we've received. The girls who work there seemed nice and polite, although not genuinely so, with a sort of smirk and attitude about them. And I'm guessing this place is geared specifically towards men, because both my sister and I received a full view of the waitresses busts and bottoms every time they leaned over us to serve us or pick something up. I felt pretty bad for them, because besides the fact that they were almost half-naked, they also had to move about on sky-high heels, balancing those cappuccinos, beers, etc. as they barely wobbled along... It was a miserable view.
As for the rest... I had a cappuccino or latte, or something of that sort, which really did not taste like anything special. It was just... mehhh. As for the dessert, I remember it was called Raspberry Surprise, and it definitely was a surprise... In a bad sense. At first it looked impressive, served in a martini glass, topped with a mint leaf and all... But upon closer inspection, I noticed that it was just a tiny bit of vanilla ice cream, topped with still frozen raspberries, you know, the type you can buy at the supermarket, and absolutely smothered with heavy whipped cream. All for $10. If I wanted to stuff myself with half a can of whipped cream, I'd get it at the store, and for a lot less than that.
I remember I didn't feel good for the rest of that day. There was some kind of a slight revolution going on in my stomach, and I haven't gone back since.
I pinpointed the aspects that I remember the most, that were embedded in my memory. And every time I think of Cafe Prague, my stomach turns and... I'm not going back there any time soon, not until this nausea goes away.
As good as it gets!
I was born in the Czech Republic and I do know what traditional czech food and a beer should taste like. You got it. Exactly like that. You go there because you have a taste for it or you'd like to try something for you original and for that country traditional. Â Since the menu doesn't have 10 pages what is on the menu is actually really good. For prices and the menu you can always go to their website.
By the way the girls there are truly beautiful, always smiling, and always friendly. Service is as good as it can get.
For the Czechs, you may be surprised to hear more polish than czech. For Americans, you probably do not care since you may not be able to distinguish between czech and polish anyway. Like if that mattered.
You may also be lucky to run into live music during the weekends. I wish they had it posted on their website. They may if it is something more important. I am not sure.
The setup and design of the place is rather unique. On your right will be a restaurant part and on your left a lounge with big sofas and armchairs. Farther in more tables in the middle are separating the bar area from the dance floor.
I live closer to the downtown than to that area so I do not go there that often. On the other hand I have never been disappointed over those years. So for me five stars.
Went in, not knowing what to expect.  The Czech places that I'm accustomed to had  retirement-home clientele, old dated interior, and big portioned meals that were cheap.  Cafe Prague isn't one of those places.
Inside was anything but dated, had the exposed brick thing going, which made the interior look modern. Â The set-up was different as it looked like it was half restaurant/dance club. Â The constant loud trance music was a bit much, especially for 3:30 on a Thursday, which felt like walking into a trendy salon. Â
Had my heart set on the beef goulash but the barmaid said that they didn't have any and she said in a cute and enthusiastic heavy eastern European accent to not go without trying one of her homeland favorites, either the Moravian Pork or the Czech Roast Beef in Creamy Sauce. Â Hungry and enjoyed hearing that accent, I decided with the Czech roast beef in creamy sauce. Â
The few slices of roast beef with bread dumplings covered in some type of yellow gravy didn't look appetizing at first, but the sauce was pretty tasty, had a definite sour cream taste to it. Â Roast beef had zero fat on it and was very good. Â The sliced bread dumplings had pieces of bacon inside. Â
The lady there was nice and very pretty, but expect to feel a little out of place if you don't speak Polish. Â 3.5 stars
FYI park in the Walgreens lot for a spot
When you hike out this far out to the west side, chances are you will get past the K, L, M, O, and maybe even P streets. Out by Cafe Prague you'll run into the mad Polish hood where if you don't speak English, you might feel just a little bit out of pace!
After a Chicago Fire game, my friend suggested we head to Cafe Prague for his brother's birthday party. It was a great event hall, there was a DJ table set up, balloons, lights of all colors flashing and disco ball overhead. It was class and people were dressed nicely celebrating.
Not speaking Polish, I quickly spurted Okocim when asked for what I wanted. Okocim it was and Okocim was magical. Â There was tons of foods and great desserts lying around everywhere but after spending the entire evening at the Fire game and Johnnie's Beef, more food was just not possible. We were seating at a long table with over 20 people there and people shuffle around the table and around the food at the table nearby.
Music was everywhere blasting loudly and there were plenty of people dancing. If I was Polish, Cafe Prague would be my #1 event venue!!!
Closest Czech restaurant to the North Shore. Â Otherwise, you have to drive further south to Berwyn. Â @alan S. - you are right that the setup is "interesting". Â It is a mix of bar, cafe, disco and restaurant. Â The menu is pure Czech, but the decor is modern and the clientele is Polish. Â It's a taste of modern Eastern Europe.
Review Source:My Girlfriend and I went on a Sunday Afternoon around 4:00pm. Â We both had the Moravian Style Pork Slow Roasted Pork with Aromatic Vegetables served with Sauerkraut and Potato Dumplings!!! Â The sauerkraut is homemade/handmade, no sulfites, no MSG!!! Â The vegetables were just some tiny and thin fried onions that were garnished on top of the pork, they tasted yummy. Â This was so good; I thought it was even better than what my Bohemian Grandmother would serve up! Â I was very impressed.
 Nice looking place to come anytime, especially at night to party and have some good drinks. Â
  Awesome beers on tap, Czech beers rock!  Not much of a tap selection but for 4 Bucks for a 1/2 liter, that great!! Â
  My server was nice.  The other people eating their shared some of their potato pancakes which were tasty.  We left feeling stuffed and happy.  I look forward to many returns.  I will bring my dad and grandpa for sure!  This is the kind of yummy, savory and delicious food we grew up with.
Order or even take a sample of the different beers! Â = ) Â Enjoy!
This place is a short walk from my new place, so I stopped in one day after a long moving session. The service was friendly despite my lack of ability to speak polish (restaurant a few doors down, not so english speaking friendly). The service was a little slow but the food was good and reasonably priced. We were there on what was a comedy open mic night - but unfortunately it was all lost on us!
Review Source:I attended a concert here and I am assuming they changed the set-up to accomodate more people. The stage is actually in a good spot - it is in a corner in the back of the cafe, so no matter where you are sitting, you have a good view of it.
Although the decor was not visible underneath the many people who flooded in to watch the concert, I did like the modern look of the exposed brick wall. The bar is alonside one of the walls on the way to the bathroom (someone really must have put some thought into the set-up).
Parking is a bit hectic, because they do not have their own lot, but we were able to find a spot along Belmont about a block away. Considering that the concert attracted many people, I would say that the parking situation was not bad at all.
This was my first time at Cafe Prague and I understand that they regularly feature local artists. I did not have the opportunity to try the food, but definitely will the next time I'm there.
I give cafe prague 5 stars because they have an interesting set up.
The place has an internet cafe, restaurant area, bar area, and a reading area filled with books, CDs, magazines all in czech.
They also have good margaritas, different selection of food, and alot of side dishes.
I have tried their goat cheese side dish with a glass of wine.
However, my only complaint is parking . Most places in the city have tight places for parking.
I am obsessed with stealing wireless and their iced coffee. Pretty good place to chill on a lazy summer afternoon. It's usually freezing, there's usually somebody in here who knows who ever is working and they're hanging out, and there's lots to look at with the giant windows. Haven't had the food yet, but they serve their iced coffee in these cool giant glasses. The different areas to sit are cool, and they have a pretty nice bathroom.
Yeah, I'm a fan.