"Local hospitality group Ambiente (Café Savoy, Eska) was early to elevating the concept of a traditional Czech beer hall with Lokál. There are many Lokáls around the city now (of varying shapes and sizes), but they all boast the same bustling vibe and ornate-yet-abstract backlit wood carvings. Locals come almost exclusively for post-work drinks, not meals, but it’s a great first stop for visitors to try iconic Czech eats (go for the pickled Camembert and some goulash) while sipping on a crisp pilsner. This chain is all about customer volume, so if you didn’t make a reservation ahead of time during peak hours, expect to be standing along the wall or tucked under a windowsill outside." - Dan Clapson