Cafe Prague
“We tried the following things here:
-Segedínský Guláš – This was pork goulash with sauerkraut and Czech dumplings on the side.”
“Definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a unique lunch spot in the Flatiron district.”
“And why wouldn't you, when a pitcher of Czech beer will only set you back $8, and a bottle of wine won't break your bank at a mere $15?”
Cafe Prague
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Stopped in here for breakfast randomly while waiting for a meeting and am glad I did. They have a great breakfast selection but I ended up getting a ham, egg and cheese on a croissant which was SO good. The portion size was big and the price wasn't too bad at all. Their coffee was good too. Their display case of goodies left my mouth watering – hoping I can go back soon.
A good casual place for Czech food. There are American menu items as well, in particular for breakfast, so if you came here to eat Czech food, I recommend sticking with the most popular items. In other words, although there is a cuban sandwich, why would you order it?
I had the pork sauerkraut and dumplings, which were a little drier and saltier than anything I had in Prague but that was Prague. Moreover being a cultural signature dish, I'm sure there is a lot of variation and personal preference. In American terms think styles of BBQ or chili. I (you) should be grateful there is a casual Czech place in Midtown.
If you want to keep everything very Czech, for breakfast you can order the plum lekvar, or the blueberry or strawberry dumplings (they are listed under sweet entrees – well somewhere between an entree and a pastry) and a coffee.
I would avoid this cafe if possible. There are way better cafes in the Flatiron area.
Today I ordered a medium coffee with skim milk and two scrambled egg with bacon on a roll. The cashier who took my order asked me "what milk again?" I told him skim milk and he went to start making an iced coffee??? I clearly said medium coffee. He legit gave me an attitude, slid the coffee to me and told me skim milk is in the back. Their condiment station is SUPER small. It only fits ONE person at a time which is not convenient at all.. What if it was rush hour? I would've been late to work already.
Another thing.. When I got my sandwich, I double checked and there was only ONE in there. I told the cashier I ordered two and he said "no you didn't." HOW RUDE WAS HE? no customer service whatsoever from him. He also did not seem like he liked his job at all. No smiles, no thank yous – NOTHING.
Cafe Prague, if you want to stay in business, please hire employees who want to work there. I usually don't nick pick at cafes/delis but this is ridiculous and unacceptable. I will not be returning.
Extremely busy and popular place for lunch breaks on weekdays. Cozy setup and friendly staff.
Pork sauerkraut goulash is such a comfort food dish. They add a few Czech dumplings to the order, a Czech staple item. These dumplings have no resemblance to Asian dumplings for those of you who haven't tried; its a potato based bread dumpling. The ones served with goulash are soft and perfect for dipping.
Central European cuisine alongside American lunch-time staples like sandwiches, wraps and paninis–this explains the line snaking through the tiny, cramped, disorganized space starting at noon.
I opted for the full Czech menu and was not disappointed. The borscht comes in two sizes. I found the small to be large enough. The broth is a mixture of beets, carrots and tomatoes and the soup is served chock full of chopped beets. There is a side of sour cream which is needed to tart up the borscht which, to my taste, is a little bland. I would prefer something more tangy, with a splash of lemon or vinegar or dill, but that's just me and I'm not Czech.
The beef goulash was melt in your mouth soft & delicious and served swimming in a massive amount of delicious paprika-stoked gravy that had a spicy punch. It came with what were billed as dumplings but frankly they seemed to me like three slices of soft Italian bread with the crusts cut off. Whatever, they were great for sopping up the gravy and maybe this is the way the Czech make dumplings. Like I said, I'm not Czech.
For dessert the poppy seed strudel with mixed fruit was tasty enough, but it seemed to me like the piece I was served had spent a little too much time in the cooler case.
All in all, I enjoyed my meal. It's great to have a place like this in the neighborhood so you can amble over for a casual, credible Central European meal in the heart of the Flatiron District.
Supposedly authentic Czech fare.
Took the opportunity to accompany our Czech friend for breakfast at Cafe Prague. Quickly found a booth, then ordered (at counter – no tip!) the Prague Ham, with egg and bacon. Not sure what constitutes a Prague Ham, as the dish ended up evoking a mixed scramble. Pretty hard to screw up a bacon/ham/veggie scramble.
Also tried the Czech plum-stuffed dumpling, topped with poppy seed frosting. Consistent with Czech dumplings served at Astoria's Czech beer garden, these were leaved bread balls with soggy shells (a good thing). Plum stuffing was as good choice as any. According to the expert, these are just as you'd get them in Prague. Doesn't make them life-changing, however.
Fresh squeezed (via machine) orange juice was a winner.
A go-to lunch spot down the street from my office. 🙂
TBH I usually just get the tomato noodle soup (just $5 for a large, comes with piece of bread) which is GREAT, but I rarely explore out of that comfort zone…
Good sandwich selection, they will heat anything up for you. Fruit, chips, etc… all available on the side.
And I always take it to-go.
The place is super cute, though! Not too big, but usually there are seats and tables available at lunchtime. I see people who sit down and eat having what look like great dishes. The menu is elaborate and if I ever had time for breakfast I would totally get the pancakes…
Good coffee and espresso.
Staff is friendly and if there's a line, I promise it will be fast moving.
Only $5 Credit card minimum.
Tried some Czech food for the first time with a friend here. This was a pleasant, cozy place with good eats. We tried the following things here:
-Segedínský Guláš – This was pork goulash with sauerkraut and Czech dumplings on the side. The pork was very soft and moist and was similar to pernil – quite delicious! The Czech dumplings were not what I expected at all. I thought they would be similar to the Russian pelmeni/Polish pierogi. Instead, it was exactly like the Chinese mantou (white steamed bun bread), except cut up into slices.
-Svestkove Knedliky – These were strawberry filled dumplings. Again, these were just like the Chinese mantou, except filled with strawberries. Very sweet taste and felt more like dessert or side dish, but apparently it's served as a meal entree.
-Trdelnik – I got this one from their dessert rack. It was puff pastry roll. It was a little flaky and had a good sugary taste. I'd recommend giving this one a try.