The legendary pub where Václav Havel brought Bill Clinton for beers in 1994, U Zlatého Tygra is unreconstructed Old Prague. Surly waiters mark beers on paper coasters, locals claim their regular tables with quiet territorial force, and the Pilsner flows in an endless stream. It's cramped, smoky despite the ban, and utterly authentic. Tourists come for the history; locals come because it's still their pub.
Location
Staré Město (Old Town), Prague
Map
Insider Intel
Pilsner Urquell, half-liter, and accept the second one when it arrives unordered—this is how it works here.
Weekday late afternoons when you can actually find a seat and the regular crowd provides the atmosphere without the tourist overflow.
Don't expect friendly service—efficiency is the warmth here. Share tables, drink at the local pace (steady), and don't linger after you've finished. Cash only, obviously.