Just west of the boom and chaos of Belmont and Central rests Cafe Prague, a cozy enclave in the center of a community rich in Eastern European culture. The strategic location and a no-smoking policy set this cafe apart from the better-known, stuffier spots up the road. "People come here to relax and feel at home and enjoy the European atmosphere," says owner Milada Chlubnova.
Raisin-colored curtains, sunflower-yellow paint and exposed-brick walls conglomerate, creating an intimate mood. Though the space has many functions—Cafe Prague is an internet cafe as well as a restaurant/bar—it manages to feel uncluttered and even somewhat sexy, thanks in part to the open patio along the sidewalk.
Bring a laptop and take advantage of free wireless internet access while nestled on a couch against the open, floor-to-ceiling windows. Bring a date and enjoy wine imported from the Moravian region of the Czech Republic, then end your night with the house-recommended palacinky, crepes filled with ice cream and blueberry sauce on a plate of fruit and whipped cream.
While the weekday vibe is generally mild, Fridays and Sundays offer a livelier feel. Locals gather to mingle at the bar over Czech beer and cocktails with freshly squeezed fruit juices. Others tune into the live performances of piano jazz on Fridays and blues on Sundays, each from 7-10 p.m.
The staff takes pride in offering meals beautifully put together at affordable prices. Dinners, including everything from fish and chicken to steaks and Czech specialties, range from $13-$25; desserts begin around $5. A gift shop presents a variety of Czech imports, from literature and movies to snacks and authentic Bohemian crystals.
Average cost: $10-$20
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
