Anyone visiting Prague for the first time will probably visit Prague Castle, just like my wife and I did on day 3 of our stay here. The castle and cathedral are stunning. And the view of the city from the castle grounds is breathtaking.

Once you’ve completed your castle visit, you may wish to sit and relax over food and beer. About 1/2 mile up the street from the castle is Klasterni pivovar Strahov (The Monastic brewery) and restaurant St. Norbert. The brewery and restaurant are situated in the Strahov monastery area, established in 1142 by King Vladislav II.

I found this place by reading about it in article written by Owen Ogletree of Brewtopia Events LLC (www.ClassicCityBrew.com). Owen is a renowned beer expert and writer. He is also my most trusted source for beer travel information.

Today’s brewery and restaurant were finished in 2001. The brewery was restored and production of St. Norbert beer line began. The restaurant focuses on traditional Czech cuisine.

The brewery produces 3 different beers year-round – an amber lager, a dark lager and an IPA. They also produce 7 different seasonal beers. On our visit the seasonal beer was a summer red ale. All of the beers were packed with delicious flavor.

The amber lager is clear, with malt caramel flavor as well as moderately hoppy and slightly dry. The beer has a beautiful carbonation. This was my favorite of the 4 beers and is also their biggest seller.

The small brewery is visible from the bar area.

My only negative comment is about some of the staff. Once we had completed our visit, our waiter would not call us a taxi service. It took us quite a while to find a staff member who would help. This is the only restaurant/bar establishment I have ever visited with staff refusing to call a taxi service. So if you go, have your transportation approach pre-arranged.