Are you craving some hearty, satisfying Czech style cuisine but you’re nowhere near the Czech Republic? Never fear… here are five inviting, authentic restaurants in America where you can sample the finest Czech style food and drink…

Although there are millions of people of Czech descent in the United States, Czech restaurants aren’t particularly common. We are not sure why, because the cuisine is some of the most satisfying and delicious you’ll ever find at a dinner table.

Pork, beef, dumplings, and home made desserts are key elements of a Czech style dinner. The meat is prepared in a variety of ways, from hearty stews and soups to baked or pan breaded. In several heritage communities across America, you’ll find a few gems, just waiting for you to stop by.

In no particular order, here is a list of five of our favorites:

Milan’s Restaurant: Brooklyn, New York

Milan’s doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside you are transported to central Europe. The comfortable and traditional decor melds well with the lovingly prepared meals.

You can also buy authentic packaged goods from Slovakia and the Czech Republic here, including bottled beer, soda, and grocery items.

Our favorites here? Cabbage soup with smoked meat, roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings, all washed down with one of the four Czech beers on the menu.

Cafe Bohemia: Omaha, Nebraska

Just a mile south of the Old Market district in downtown Omaha is Cafe Bohemia. This cozy restaurant has been serving authentic cuisine since the 1920’s, at very reasonable prices. You won’t go home hungry, that’s for sure!

Cafe Bohemia is a great place to try swieckova, a sauerbraten style dish usually served with dumplings or potato pancakes. But if you’re not sure, don’t worry. The friendly, experienced waitresses will steer you in the right direction.

Klas Restaurant: Cicero, Illinois

The largest Czech restaurant in the United State, Klas has greeted diners since 1922. It is only open Thursdays through Sundays. The large interior room is decorated with original antiques and assorted treasures directly from the Czech Republic.

We like coming here for lunch. Lunches are served Bohemian style, with soup, salad bar, entree, two sides, and dessert. Cicero is a near west suburb of Chicago, about 20 minutes from downtown.

Moldau Restaurant: Brookfield, Illinois

A staple in the thriving west suburban Chicago Czech community, this is another comfort food gem. It is located on Ogden Avenue, about 10 minutes west of Klas Restaurant.

Moldau is a small, quaint place that does brisk business on Sundays. Come here for the roast duck and home made desserts.

Czech-Tex Restaurant: Snook, Texas

Like Chicago, south central Texas also has a large Czech heritage community. The little town of Snook, about ten miles from College Station, boasts Czech-Tex, kind of combination barbecue and old world place that dished up traditional dishes to your hearts content.

Every day, you will find the chicken and dumpling special on the menu. Pot roast, grilled pork chops, and smoked prime rib are other favorites.

Summary

Are you hungry yet? If so, head to one of these authentic Czech style restaurants for traditional central European style food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.