Welcome to Explore San Francisco
Explore San Francisco----------------------
The Sights, Sounds, and Places that Make San Francisco Special
Welcome to the first online edition of "Explore San Francisco" a daily blog that captures the restaurants, events, places and sights of San Francisco. Whether you are a tourist or a local who is searching out that favorite little-known, out of the way place, you will read about it here. As this is the first edition, changes are going to be slowly over time as I find what works better. Feel free to e-mail suggestions or use the comment tracker on the page as a way to write about your visits to the featured locations. Now feast your eyes on...
Cafe Prague
584 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)433.3811
Last night, a visit to North Beach prompted the desire to experience a laid back drink in an atmosphere different than the glittery showcase of porn shops and dance clubs of Broadway Avenue. Tucked along the side street of Pacific Avenue lies San Francisco's link to Czechoslovakia; Cafe Prague. Inside the lofty ceiling yields cozy seating in the narrow building and walls adorned with maps, prints and pictures of Prague. No stranger to out of town Czechs, you may be lucky to dine and drink alongside Czech political figures (the walls are full of pictures of the President's visit) as well as celebrities.
During my visit yesterday, one of the new employees entertained the Tuesday night crowd with his violin playing. By random chance, a MUNI ride on the L Taraval reunited myself with him on his way out to the Sunset and he told me that he just graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory. On some nights jazz fills the air and oftentimes onto the street and Wednesday nights Czech movies are played onto the walls.
If you desire a cafe experience coupled with great food, than Cafe Prague is a worthy stop. You will find that most of the Czech expats in the city visit here, and it is owned by a Czech couple. All your favorite beers will be on tap including the very dark and tasty Lion beer. Dinner is made traditionally and the apple strudel desert served with ice cream and a zig-zag smattering of caramel should not be missed.
When other cafes are crowded and searching for a table may be difficult, Cafe Prague is laid back and relaxing. Those who wish to linger and savor their food and coffee will not be scolded if a few hours tick slowly by. Cafe Prague is a definite answer to a North Beach alternative. For those searching for parking in the often tight neighborhood, patience while waiting with your hazards on Pacific Avenue usually yields a spot.
