Even the most seasoned film festival goers need a bit of a break in between a busy schedule of competition and special screenings in dark cinemas every now and then. In Karlovy Vary, you may actually spot one of the celebrities who have flocked to the Czech spa town over the years while fueling up and getting ready for more movie fun.
Whether you crave an espresso, a latte, or other hot or cold drinks, whether you need a sweet pick-me-up or not, whether you need some alone time or schmoozing time – the town has attendees of the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) covered, spoiling them with a range of choices.
KVIFF has an official coffee and coffeeshop of the festival this year, Caffè Vergnano Lounge, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. near the KVIFF.TV Park. “Here, you can get coffees and other drinks, or attend coffee workshops and contests,” fest organizers highlight. Also, the town’s Dvořák Park is this year graced not by stalls but by a new café from Rodinné domy Rýmařov, operated by festival partner Progressus.
Those who want to venture out further need not despair. Whether you just caught one of the various world premieres in the festival lineup or are on your way to see films in its Kafka retrospective this year, check out THR‘s (non-exhaustive) list of some of the options in Karlovy Vary serving up treats for those in need of a caffeine, or caffeine-free, break.
Republica Coffee
https://www.instagram.com/republicacoffeecz
Specialty coffee, eggs, pancakes, chia seed pudding, and more in a hipsterish space with young, friendly English-speaking staff – your travel exhaustion may make you believe for a moment that you are in a specialty coffee shop in London or New York.
The spacious upstairs area will allow you to do some work, while the outside area invites some visitors to chat with their neighbors or passersby.
Republica Coffee in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
Plus, Republica Coffee is just a short walk from the Hotel Thermal that serves as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Café Pupp
https://www.pupp.cz/en/cafe-pupp
If you haven’t seen the Grandhotel Pupp yet, its upscale cafe may give you the perfect excuse to visit that area of Karlovy Vary.
This is a great spot for those who love tradition and the old-school cafes of such cities as Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. With your coffee or other drink, you may also want to try the famous Pupp Cake – but there are also many other tempting options.
Café Pupp in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
“Café Pupp guards the tradition of Johan Georg, the founder of the Pupp dynasty who was a respected confectioner from Karlovy Vary,” the venue’s website explains. “According to his recipe, we still prepare our delicious Pupp cake in the café and the recipe also contains the traditional Carlsbad herbal liqueur Becherovka.”
Kavárna Lékárna by City Roasters
https://www.facebook.com/lekarnacityroasters/
Festival goers and locals alike seem to enjoy the specialty coffee in this very cool, very specialty coffee-looking venue.
Kavárna Lékárna by City Roasters in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
Plus, it offers up a range of other delights, from eggs and cake to poke bowls. Yes, poke bowls also seem popular in the Czech Republic, like in many parts of the world.
Plus, on sunny days, there is the benefit of outdoor seating, which allows for some people-watching, if you are so inclined.
Pinkiez
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082499245919
If you enjoy filter coffee, cold brew, nitro coffee and plant-based milk, this place has it all, and more. They even sell specialty coffee for those looking for a gift for their caffeine-fanatic friends back home.
If you don’t know what any of the above means, you can still enjoy this alternative, light and bright venue with upbeat young staffers.
Pinkiez espresso bar in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
Just watch out if this isn’t your cup of tea (or should it be “cup of coffee” in this context?): you may spot the one or the other risqué decoration or sticker here.
Café Elefant
https://cafeelefant.com/
A particularly traditional and elegant option in the Viennese style is the Café Elefant, which has treated guests with coffee and hand-made cakes, breakfast and other refreshments since 1715, making it the oldest cafe in Karlovy Vary.
Café Elefant in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
“Café Elefant has a big terrace, which is also open during the winter months, a cozy balcony with a great view of the city, and an inside space, which has recently been renovated,” its website also touts.
And whether you go for the Elefant Cake, the walnut cake, the apple pie or the honey cake, you can’t really go wrong!
And now for something completely different! Just Cake is run by two sisters who take pride in avoiding additives or preservatives and charm customers with their friendliness, passion, and baking skills.
Those with a sweet tooth will have trouble picking just one item from the range of delicious-looking and delicious-tasting sweet treats.
Between the quaint inside and the beach chairs and other seating options outside, this place may even make you forget for a moment that you are in town for work. All in all, Just Cake may as well be Czech for “hidden gem.”
Just Cake in Karlovy Vary
Courtesy of Georg Szalai
