I hate spending money, and I’m certainly one of the cheapest people I know. So coming out of Wisconsin to study at NYU, where things can be several times more expensive, I’ve become somewhat of a self proclaimed expert in cheap dining options. One place that is very popular among students here that I would NOT consider a cheap dining option is Bageterie Boulevard – 250 kr for a coffee and sandwich is just not economical for the quality of the food, especially the coffee. Here are six alternatives (plus an honorable mention) which I consider of higher quality and are much more affordable.
This is by far the number one location I would recommend you try. Situated right between Staroměstská and campus on Kaprova street, this hole in the wall cafe offers high-quality breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, all at an affordable price. I will typically get their ham and cheese sandwich with a kolache, which totals out to only 110 kr (just under 5 USD for reference!) And let me tell you, their sandwich is one of the best I have had, with a hearty wheat bread and a nice creamy cheese–it makes for a very filling and delicious lunch between classes.
This chain deli/bakery is a favorite of Czech locals, and for good reason! They offer a wide variety of open-face sandwiches and other classic deli options of good quality, as well as a many pastry and baked goods options. Libeřské lahůdky is a great location for a morning snack and will save you time and money! Their open-face sandwiches are only 39 kr, and their pastries are even cheaper. Typically I get an open face sandwich and a pastry in the morning totalling out to only 68 kr (2.84 USD)!! I’ve found this is literally a cheaper option than preparing my own breakfast, and saves me a ton of time. They also offer slices of cake, so if you’re feeling festive or looking for a sweet treat this is a great place. Not to mention there is also a location situated directly in front of the Dělnická tram station by Osadní!
3. Mistral Cafe
Mistral Cafe, though less of a budget option, I would still recommend visiting. Its pricing is ultimately comparable to Bageterie Boulevard, but with much higher quality of food and drink and with a location much more conveniently placed in relation to campus. On my visit I ordered focaccia bread with ham and cheese, a pumpkin soup, and an americano. Everything was very delicious, especially the coffee and the soup which included pumpkin puree, seeds, and pomegranate (a really incredible combination). This is a great spot to sit down and study or just relax for a bit, the wait staff is extremely friendly and I stayed and read here for almost two hours in total.
Bistro Na Nové Radnici shares a lot of qualities with Kafe & Houska and Libeřské Lahůdky, so I’ll try not to repeat my praise. The main appeals of this cafe, however, are both its incredible location, being located practically on the Old Town Square, and its seating availability, making it a nice and cozy study spot. I honestly would probably rate Bistro Na Nové Radnici higher if I had been to it more, but as of now I have only gone once.
For a little bit of a genre mix up, Don’s Pizza and Kebab is an awesome Kebab quick service chain. It’s great for a fast dinner or late night snack, and has high quality ingredients and large portion sizes; certainly so for the price–only 130 kr for their classic Döner. With one of the locations being situated at the Strossmayerovo náměstí tram stop, I will often stop here either on my way home from classes or after a late night out. The food is very tasty and filling, and they offer some really interesting options which I have yet to try, such as their Kebab Pizza.
With an incredibly large menu and tucked in directly behind RD, Resturace V Cípu Michalská has a high degree of variety that allows it to be a good sit-down option for lunch or dinner. They have a large amount of available seating, making it great for large groups and there will certainly be something for everyone on the menu all at an affordable price. From risotto to traditional Czech food and coffee to beer, there’s food and drink for every occasion here.
Honorable Mention: KFC
Although by no means fine dining, KFC here is certainly worth your time. Its menu is extremely different from in the US. I typically use it as a quick snack stop, getting a burger and coffee totalling out to less than 100 kr. Absolutely more affordable than Bageterie Boulevard and worth checking out if you’re in a hurry.