Navigate Local Czech Pub Etiquette and Foam Styles

Czech beer culture is taken seriously, and knowing local tavern etiquette will instantly earn you better service. When you enter a traditional beer hall or hospoda, seat yourself and immediately place a cardboard coaster in front of you. Placing a coaster down is the universal signal to the server that you want a fresh pour of Pilsner.

Do not be alarmed when your draft arrives with a substantial crown of thick, creamy head. Czech beer is intentionally poured with foam to preserve freshness and taste. You can order different pour styles: Hladinka (standard smooth pour with half foam), Šnyt (small beer in a big glass with plenty of foam, perfect as a refreshing nightcap), or Mlíko (a glass almost entirely full of sweet, dense foam).

When paying the bill, Czech servers do not typically leave you to calculate the tip on a receipt. Instead, tell the server the total rounded amount you wish to pay before they run your card or take your cash (standard tipping is 8% to 10% for good service).