It’s hard to find a good beer for a fair price in Hradčany. But Valašská Pivnice serves guests affordably priced beer from Pivovar Bon, a Czech microbrewery located in the remote region of Moravian Wallachia. Within a stone’s throw of Prague Castle’s walls, Valašská Pivnice overlooks Petřín hill on Úvoz street, and is the perfect resting spot for many a tired traveler’s hike around the castle grounds.

3 beers from the microbrewery Bon are on tap: the 12° light lager, which is also a kvasničák, their dark 14 ° lager, and a 12° weizen or wheat beer. Their kvasničák is one of the less yeasty examples of this beer style, more clear and crisp. (write more about the dark beer?)

Decorated in the woodsy, mountain cottage fashion of the Wallachia region, the interior of Valašská Pivnice is homey and cozy. This is a tiny pub, about 25 chairs fill the one room. Their menu serves Wallachian specialties, like Valašský špek (Wallachian smoked meat), or Valašská kyselica s klobásou (a sauerkraut and sausage soup). Affordably priced, the cuisine is hearty, simple and filling, even though it appears that the dishes are heated in the microwave. Service is just fine. Don’t expect a beaming smile, but expect your beer and food to arrive punctually and professionally.

Pivovar Bon, located in the small village of Zašová, just outside of Valašské Meziříčí, prides itself on its traditional recipes, using only Moravian malt, Žatecký červeňák (or Saaz) hops, Czech yeast, and water from 4 old wells. All of their beer is unpasteurized. Starting in 2003, Pivovar Bon is part of the brewing revival which is happening now in this distant region.

One of the remote regions of the Czech Republic and located to the east along the Slovak border, Moravian Wallachia is home to the Beskydy Mountains, a low-lying mountain range known for clean fresh air and beautiful hiking and cycling trails. Wallachian cuisine is heavy on the smoked meat, cabbage, and sheep cheese; all things fit for the harsher temperamental climate of the mountains.

Take trams 12, 20, or 22 to Malostranské Náměstí, and walk up Nerudova, till it turns into Úvoz. You’ll find Valašská Pivnice about midway on Úvoz. If you continue up the hill past Strahov Monestery, Pohořelec is the closest tram stop.