Fraktal Bar PDF Print E-mail
User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 
Written by Justin Salem, J. Hurewitz   
Please help Barman Guide spread the word ...
Technorati Mr. Wong Stumble It! Diigo BlinkList Reddit Del.icio.us; Digg This!

Go Fraktal. Make Happy.

 

 

scott at fraktal
T
he next time you round up the boys and head out with the goodhearted intention of getting lubed up in order to numb the effect of breakin' some poor dumb b*stards nose and winding up in jail on the grounds of sheer principle, don't go to Fraktal.

 

It's not that kind of place. What Fraktal is, more or less, is one of the best goddamned bars in the city. Hidden away from the punk sonsab*tches as mentioned above, it causes one to find yet another reason to feel the need to migrate to Letna.

 

The place has garnered the sort of well-bred crowd that allows only the promise of good times and hearty drink.

 

So good and hearty in fact, that it's the only place in mind where one can show up at 2pm, drink till your liver explodes and pass out face down in a puddle of boiler-makers to wake up three hours later when you've got some girl's hand down your pants, but a weak stomach that barrels over to the bathroom to cleanse the binge; regardless of which, 20 minutes later you're back in the same damned spot you left, knockin' em down with a whole new crowd.

 

The regulars and semi-regulars are an ensemble cast consisting of Czechs, Americans, FAMU kids, old men, young men, middle men and other assorted colors and sizes. Yet the owners insist that the cause of the good blood is due to the locals.

fraktal barNevertheless there is something about the place that causes it to be filled nearly every night.

 

Whether it's the cheap booze, the wood worked furniture that sets the stage, or an eclectic mix of tunes ranging from the Clash at 8pm to some form of Latin explosion at closing time, Fraktal is a fledgling bar owners wet-dream.

 

Opening from 11 till they feel like closing, if you go with a group it would be ideal to book a table, since usually by midnight it's dog eat dog. But keep in mind that the place is somewhat hard to spot due to lack of a proper sign.

 

The owners swore to me that by the spring, once the patio is open, they're going to put up two big-ass totem poles bearing the name of the place, so you should bolt there right now. Just be sure to bring thirst, good karma and a mind to pay the tab after you've cashed your chips in.

 


girls at fraktalAn older review from the good ol'days by Jeremy Hurewitz

F
or a while Fraktal was like a little speakeasy for people in the know. Its real opening was a source of hushed rumors and intrigue. It's fully come out of the closet and if Prague's expat-theater crowd is sorry to share the secret it's to the rest of our benefit, especially considering the closing of a somewhat likeminded legend called Arkopolis.

 

Actually, Fraktal might be a little closer to the old Terminal Bar (remember?) with a hip movie night every Sunday at eight that features shorts and independent features. They recently showed Vera Chytilova's infamous ode to lesbianism, "Daisy", which my drinking buddy proclaimed "the flower of Prague Spring". Co-owner Scott Rodgers - well-known chef and creator of menus at Palfy Palac, Mecca and the Globe - says he's got the best baguette in town.

 

My only complaint was that it was a misnomer as this was the closest thing in town to a real old-school hero sandwich. His two Swedish partners serve up a homemade licorice shot that tastes something like jagermeister but with a warmer, more expansive taste that has probably nourished Swedes through many cold winters.

 

Among the other notable liquors are some obscure absinthes and Nicaraguan rum. They were kicking an old Ramone's record and the nicely lit space served the garage/exhibition decor well. The secret is out.


- Fraktal, Smeralova 1, Praha 7, Prague, Czech Republic, www.fraktalbar.cz Tram: 1, 8, 25, 26, 51, 56

 

World Venues

Ballymoons Spirits Bar @ Orchard
09/12/2008 | Cher Tan
article thumbnail

Cool cocktails with temptation just a block away...  


Home Club
11/12/2008 | Jeffree Benet
article thumbnail

Come by, kick back and chill out in the perfect space...  


Brix @ the Hyatt
09/12/2008 | Jeffree Benet
article thumbnail

Centrally located, they have a great band, Los Cabaleros, performing sultry Latin hits from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am every Sunday, and is quite popular with Salsa dancers. - 10 S [ ... ]


Spy Bar
06/02/2009 | Barman Guide
article thumbnail

Proof positive of the power of marketing, Spy is the ultimate velvet ropes club, offering plenty of sizzle with very little steak. Last year’s Bar of the Moment is this year’s  [ ... ]


Cheetah
06/02/2009 | Barman Guide
article thumbnail

The old Sound Factory Bar space has a sleek new coat of fur. It's a bi-level club with glamorous decor--red plush velvet on the couches, leopard seats, red walls and ceilings, an [ ... ]


St James Power Station
11/12/2008 | Mark Koh
article thumbnail

Feel the power? Opening its doors in the last quarter of 2006, St James Power Station is the destination must-go for those in search of a refreshing entertainment complex like none o [ ... ]


More World Venues

Prague Venues

Ujezd Rock Pub
11/12/2008 | Barman Guide
article thumbnail

Upon entering the first floor, one is greeted by twisted iron arms reaching painfully across the bar, and iron mosquito eyes pouring a soft yellow light onto the subdued scene.  


Chapeau Rouge
11/12/2008 | Barman Guide
article thumbnail

Whatever anyone asks you outside of this place, say "NO" very loudly, unless of course you like buying bags of Oregano for 300 crowns.  


Cocktails in Prague
11/12/2008 | Alex Waddell
article thumbnail

Alcohol's a way of life and good for the economy. It's keeps those certain people off the streets at night. Cocktails must be Prague's unsung secret.  


The Roxy
11/12/2008 | Alexander Zaitchik
article thumbnail

Roxy has changed a lot since it first opened its doors in 1992.  


Bar Jaguar
11/12/2008 | J. Hurewitz
article thumbnail

Bar Jaguar: The shady area behind Narodni Trida is one of the sleaziest in Prague.  


Radost FX
11/12/2008 | Barman Guide
article thumbnail

Radost FX has to be the perfect date place for an intimate and elegant night of fun.  


More Prague Venues

Check out our other sites

Got an itch to see the world? GrooveTravelers.com has lots of inspiring ideas for destinations!.
Cinemalicious.com covers cinematic DVD reviews, plus celebrity profiles and interviews.
Do you relate? LoversandThinkers offers relationship and self awareness tips.

Gashaus - Where the Music Lives

Come check out the best little music website on the net... the Gashaus! What you will find are some insightful CD reviews, band interviews and DJ profiles, music venue reviews and witty takes on what makes the music great. And check out the MP3 Shop link for free MP3s from Amazon.com

We're talking music reviews by some of the wittiest scribes to grace the pages of Think Magazine and then some. We hope you enjoy, and if you'd like to contribute, be sure to email the editor, she loves email!

FashionBrain, Thinkin' About Style

FashionBrain.com is your place for fashion, the latest gadgets and totally cool automotive reviews.