Hemingway Bar — Restaurant in Prague

I wasn't prepared to like this bar as much as I did. I thought it was some silly theme bar. It's not even close. It's sophisticated and outstanding in every way. Maybe it was the disappointment from so many other highly-rated bars in the city in comparison, but I think it is more so because of the amazing service and the excellent selection of liquors, especially absinthes.

We came here nearer to the end of the evening after checking out some other places, and it was like a refreshing return to what cocktail bars are supposed to be like.

The vibes are classic and dark, but not too much. Lots of antiques and vintage feel, with an absolutely phenomenal rum collection that spreads throughout the entire premise. Rooms are full of cabinets of rum and sometimes other vintage or rare liquors.

Service from Marina was way beyond expectations, too. She was so pleasant and friendly, and gave us all sorts of great info about the city and we really enjoyed chatting to her about all sorts of topics. A true gem. And the bartender was fast and we never had to wait long for a drink.

The cocktail menu has good diversity for all tastes, unless your taste is cheap, sugary juice drinks like you get at nightclubs and holiday resorts. When my partner finds a cocktail that she loves, which is an incredibly hard task, I know it's a bar that understands balance and mature palates and styles. She was in love with the Fiesta, which is a significantly elevated take on a Bloody Mary.

I tried quite a few different ones, including the Hemingway's Garden which comes in an absinthe fountain. That is more about the novelty than the taste but is a great way to share a fun time with friends. Rituals was my favourite from their signature menu. Their Hemingway Daiquiri is a solid representation of the original.

But the true highlight? Their absinthe list. It is fantastic and huge. THIS is the place to come for real absinthe if the kitschy tourist absintheries aren't your style. Good absinthe isn't cheap and cheap absinthe isn't good, so be prepared. And they have excellent stuff, some very rare bottles and many, many highly-rated ones, and all are served properly by staff with definite knowledge about the spirit.

Also, we did walk-in here and we made reservations, and were fine both ways, except one night they were packed and there was a queue. The doorman was very chill and polite about it. I'd suggest a reso, but it's not always necessary on less busy times/nights.

Honestly, it's one of those cocktail spots where you get out what you put in. Give good energy and you'll get an amazing experience, cos everything is done to high standards here and if you are interested in vintage spirits, you'll...

You can sell 300 bottles and still have no soul. came here with genuine interest in absinthe and left feeling not only disappointed—but actively disrespected.

The so-called “Hemingway limited edition absinthe” was weak, harsh, and poorly constructed: no proper louche, sugar tossed lazily into the drink, no complexity or soul. I took a small sip before dilution—from my own glass, as I always do when evaluating spirits—only to be met with a condescending attitude from the bartender, as if I had “done something wrong.” No water offered, no curiosity, just a performance of false expertise.

When we later expressed that the drink was disappointing, another staff member defensively replied:

“We’ve sold over 300 bottles, you’re the first people who said this.” He then asked what absinthes we owned and, upon hearing just one name—Jade—he cut me off, smirked, and said, “Jade is easy.” He clearly didn’t know the scope of my collection, nor did he care. His goal wasn’t to engage, but to dismiss—to frame us as people who “don’t understand.” It was patronizing, deeply gendered, and embarrassingly insecure.

Here’s the truth: I’ve tasted absinthe in some of the most respected bars in Europe. I know how to evaluate a base spirit. I know what proper absinthe is supposed to do—on the palate and in the mind. This bar performs knowledge but delivers none. It hides behind a green name, a handful of gimmicks, and an attitude of superiority that wilts the moment you ask real questions.

If you care about spirits, walk away. They can sell 3,000 bottles—but they still don’t know what makes one...

Amazing bar - a must visit! If you like well presented, imaginative cocktails, this is for you!

We had no reservation, but we were offered a table that they needed back within about 90 minutes. So booking is probably wise.

We started with the Ocean Delights - totally recommended if you like a fresh, zesty, gin cocktail. Made with Malfi rose gin, pepper, sugar and a ‘pearl’ (a juicy grapefruit ball), it’s such an easy drink. And here’s the novelty part: it isn’t served in any kind of glass - instead it comes in three ceramic oyster shells on a plate of ice. At a glance it’s just a plate of oysters! Beautifully presented with a touch of theatre thrown in!

The ‘Winter is Coming’ was also delicious. Vodka based with blackcurrant and egg white foam, served in a gothic goblet for that added Winterfell vibe. Another very easy drink - I knocked back two in quick succession!

The staff are incredible here; they explain everything as it arrives (or as you order if needed). It was comfy and low lit; it felt both exclusive and popular all at once. It’s not the biggest of bars but there are plenty of seats; and notably, you didn’t just hear the constant rattling of cocktail shakers the whole time.

Stop by even if you just want wine, champagne or a beer. The food looked great too, but we didn’t eat here so can’t say for sure.

It was a little pricier than other places, but I think it was worth it - four cocktails for about Kč 2,000 (including tip). I’d recommend it to anyone...