Best burgers in Prague: how to choose one and order it well

A burger is a simple object: bread, meat, heat. Which is why bad ones are so easy to spot. A dry bun, a grey patty, a sauce that tastes of sugar. Prague has plenty of burgers, and some are very good, but we name none of them here: a list would date quickly and we cannot check it for you.

What you get instead is the three kinds of burger place, a short test and the questions that get you the burger you actually want.

Three kinds of place

The global chain. The big international fast-food chains operate in Prague. They offer fixed menus, fast service and predictable results. They are practical for a quick meal, and their menus and allergen information are published on their own websites and apps. Prices and offers change, so check the app.

The burger restaurant. Specialist restaurants focus on the burger: a short menu, a griddle or grill and a choice of toppings. This is where you find fresh-ground beef, house sauces and a side of fries. Prices are higher than for fast food, and the experience is slower and more sit-down.

The pub or bar burger. Many Prague pubs and bars list a burger among their dishes. Quality ranges from excellent to forgettable, and the burger often comes with beer. It can be a fine casual meal, but treat it as one dish on a wider menu. Our guide to how a Czech pub works explains the ordering routine.

Five things to check

The meat. Beef is the usual choice. Look for the origin on the menu (hovězí is beef) and any note on whether the patty is ground in-house. A menu that says nothing about the meat is not necessarily poor, but one that is proud of it will say so.

The bun. It should be soft, a little sweet and sturdy enough to hold the juices. A bun that falls apart or tastes of nothing lets down the whole burger.

The doneness. A burger can be cooked rare, medium or well done. Ask what the kitchen does by default, and ask for what you want. Many restaurants cook to a set level for food safety, and some will cook to your preference. If the staff give a clear answer, that is a good sign.

The toppings. Lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and cheese cover the classic. Sauces and extras are a bonus. Too many toppings can hide a weak patty.

The sides. Fries are the standard side, and the quality of the fries often tracks the quality of the kitchen.

Ordering

You order at the table in a restaurant and at the counter in a chain. In a restaurant, say Dobrý den and the waiter will bring a menu. For the burger, ask how it is cooked: Jak je propečený? Names for doneness vary; many menus use English terms, and a waiter will understand "medium" or "well done".

Tell the staff about allergies when you order. Our guide to food allergies in Prague restaurants lists the phrases. Gluten is in the bun, so ask for a gluten-free option if you need one; see gluten-free eating.

Vegetarian and vegan burgers

Meat-free burgers are easy to find in Prague, from bean and vegetable patties to plant-based substitutes. Check the menu for the patty and the bun, as some buns contain milk or eggs and some sauces contain egg. Ask whether the patty is cooked on the same grill as meat if that matters to you. Our guides to vegetarian food and vegan food explain what to expect.

Pairing and the Czech touch

A Czech burger often meets a Czech beer. A lager is the classic partner, and our guide to Czech beer styles explains the options. If you want something local on the burger, look for toppings such as pickled cabbage, smoked cheese or a sausage, which some kitchens add as a twist. For a more traditional meal, Czech food covers the classic dishes.

How to find a good one

Look at recent reviews and photographs, and read for details about the patty, the bun and the wait. Ignore reviews that complain only about price. Look at the venue's own page for the menu, and check opening hours; some burger restaurants open only in the evening. Visit at a quiet time to taste the food at its best, then at a busy time to see whether the kitchen copes.

If you are with a group, ask for a table when you book, and ask whether the kitchen will bring everything together. A burger is best eaten hot, and a table that gets food in waves loses that.

Takeaway and delivery

Burgers travel less well than pizza. The bun softens, the fries sag and the sauce moves. If you order delivery, choose a place that packs the elements separately or has good reviews for takeaway. Eating at the venue is better.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the best burger in Prague?

We do not rank named venues. Use recent reviews, check the patty and bun, and try two or three places.

Are there vegetarian or vegan burgers?

Yes, in many places. Check the patty, the bun and the sauces.

How do I ask for a burger cooked a certain way?

Ask 'Jak je propečený?' or use English terms. Kitchens vary in what they offer.

Are chain burgers different from restaurant burgers?

Yes. Chains are fast and predictable. Restaurants are slower and often use fresh-ground beef.

Choose the kind of burger you want first, then the place. A quick chain lunch and a long burger dinner are different meals, and both have their moment.