Taigen, a hidden basement bar in Prague’s Vinohrady district, currently holds the title for the best cocktail menu in the Czech Republic, according to the 2024 Bartenders’ Choice Awards. Founded by veteran bartender Tomáš Melzer, the venue operates on a limited four-day weekly schedule, prioritizing artisanal drink construction and a quiet, neighborhood-centric atmosphere over high-volume service.
Why Does the “Speakeasy” Concept Still Dominate Urban Bar Culture?
The “speakeasy” model remains a preferred strategy for industry professionals seeking creative autonomy, according to observations from Tomáš Melzer. By operating without aggressive marketing or external signage, owners can curate their clientele and focus on product quality. Melzer’s previous venture, Blind Lion in Hradec Králové, successfully utilized this non-traditional model, doubling revenue monthly despite having no public street presence. This trend suggests that modern drinkers increasingly value exclusivity and craftsmanship over high-visibility, high-traffic establishments.
The name “Taigen” is derived from a character in an anime series, chosen to represent the duality and mystery of the bar’s hidden location, after Melzer abandoned the name “Kaizen” because a sushi bar in Brno already held the trademark.
How Is Bartending Evolving Toward Ritualistic Craft?
Top-tier mixology is shifting from simple alcohol blending to a discipline rooted in ritual and extreme detail, inspired largely by Japanese craftsmanship. Melzer notes that his menu development—which features ingredients like mushroom bitters and spruce needle syrup—is designed to reflect the Japanese philosophy of daily incremental improvement. According to the Bartenders’ Choice Awards, this rigorous approach to menu design is what distinguishes Taigen from traditional European bars, which often prioritize standard spirit lists over experimental, ingredient-led narratives.
What Are the Economic Realities of Small-Scale Bar Ownership?
Running a boutique bar requires a strict separation between the roles of “bartender” and “business owner,” a distinction Melzer highlights as critical for survival. After facing personal health challenges and the closure of his Hradec Králové bar during the pandemic, Melzer spent a year at Liquid Office in Prague to refine his financial planning and operational strategy. His current model, which closes on weekends to prioritize work-life balance and uses Mondays for administration, challenges the industry standard that requires seven-day operations to remain profitable.
Operational Comparison: High-Volume vs. Boutique Models
| Feature | High-Volume Bar | Taigen (Boutique) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Throughput and turnover | Craft and guest interaction |
| Marketing | Active social media/ads | Word-of-mouth/hidden |
| Schedule | Daily/Weekend heavy | Four days/Weekday focused |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Taigen located?
The bar is located at Budečská 18, Prague 2, in the Vinohrady district.
What are the opening hours?
Taigen is open Tuesday through Friday, from 17:00 to 24:00.
Why is the bar closed on weekends?
According to Tomáš Melzer, the schedule is a conscious decision to maintain a work-life balance, specifically to spend time with his partner.
Have you experienced the shift toward intimate, craft-focused cocktail bars in your city? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the European hospitality scene.
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