New York City is a melting pot of people and cultures that hail from every corner of the Earth. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the concrete jungle is home to its fair share of Bohemian culture and traditions.
Yep, that's right. The Big Apple has bits of Bohemian culture sprinkled throughout many of its boroughs. From Czech artwork and film to literature, food, and booze, there are all sorts of cool Czech-related things to do.
Yep, that's right. The Big Apple has bits of Bohemian culture sprinkled throughout many of its boroughs. From Czech artwork and film to literature, food, and booze, there are all sorts of cool Czech-related things to do.
So, whether you're looking to embrace your Bohemian heritage or learn more about this awesome country, here are a few things you should definitely Czech out in NYC.
Czech Artwork by Peter Sis (86th Street & Second Avenue)
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If you're looking to catch a glimpse of some Czech artwork on the Upper East Side, make your way over to the 86th Street subway stop. In this subterranean station, you'll find the gorgeous mosaics of Czech artist, Peter Sis.
Sis, who actually lives in New York, created the eye-opening mosaic murals in 2004. Additionally, Sis was also the creator of the submarine and whale posters that decorated the R142/R142A subway cars a few years back.
Traditional Czech Food at Bohemian Spirit Restaurant (321 East 73rd Street)
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For a taste of authentic Central European eats, check out Bohemian Spirit Restaurant. The restaurant, which is also located in the Bohemian National Hall, offers up all sorts of traditional fare from the Czech Republic.
On the menu, you'll find everything from beef tartare and beer roasted sausages with rye bread, to old-fashioned goulash with crispy potato pancakes, schnitzel done three different ways, and roasted pork loin with sauerkraut and bread dumplings.
If that's not convincing enough, they also have classic desserts like apple strudel and fruit dumplings. Not to mention, an impressive selection of Czech beers.
Statue of Antonin Dvorak in Stuyvesant Square (9 Rutherford Place)
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Take a stroll through Stuyvesant Square in the Gramercy and you'll discover a piece of artwork that pays homage to Czech culture. Tucked away in the small park is a statue of Antonin Dvorak created by the Croatian-American sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic.
If you're not familiar with Dvorak, he was a famous Czech music composer who actually lived in this neighborhood for some time. Dvorak is best known for his role as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in America and actually helped to integrate Czech musical traditions into American music.
Czech Center NY (321 East 73rd Street)
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If you're looking to get a serious dose of Czech culture, head to the Upper East Side. Located in the landmarked Bohemian National Hall, you'll find the Czech Center NY, a vibrant cultural venue that promotes Czech traditions, art, music literature, education and more.
The center has a schedule that's jam-packed with Czech-related events, art exhibitions, film screenings, book readings, workshops and even Czech language courses. Whether you're looking to celebrate your heritage or learn about Czech culture, this place is perfect for Czechs and locals alike.
Christmas Markets at Bryant Park (40th Street & Fifth Avenue)
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It's no secret that the Czech Republic has some of the most impressive Christmas markets in the world. If you can't make it to its Christmas castles and markets in Old Town Square, you'll be glad to know that New York City is also home to its fair share of festive markets during the holiday season.
Check out the Winter Village at Bryant Park. The market features over 150 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to tasty snacks, plus a 17,000 square ice skating rink and a gorgeous Christmas tree.
Czech Beer at Bohemian Hall (2919 24th Avenue, Astoria)
If you're looking to drink like a true Czech, head over to Bohemian Hall in Astoria, Queens. Opened in 1910, Bohemian Hall used to be a Czech and Slovak social club. Now, it is an authentic Czech beer garden that offers an impressive lineup of European and domestic beers.
You can grab a seat at their inviting bar, sip on a pint of Pilsner Urquell and sample traditional fares like Fried Muenster "Smazak" or Classic Beef Goulash. Or snag a spot at a picnic table in the spacious, tree-shaded beer garden on balmy days. Bohemian hall also hosts Czech festival and concerts in the beer garden during the warmer months.
Poetry Jukebox (6 East 1st Street)
For some street art with a bit of Bohemian flair, head over to Extra Place in the East Village. Here you will find a "Poetry Jukebox" next to Howl! Happening Gallery.
Created by two Czech natives, Ondřej Kobza and Michaela Hečková, the jukebox is part of an ongoing project that aims to bring animation to public spaces. All you have to do is walk up to this interactive sidewalk installation, press a button and then listen to a young artist's work.
Curated by Bob Holman and BC Edwards, the jukebox is filled with the voices of almost two dozen writers representing various ages, nationalities, and orientations that serve as a collective response to social justice. The Poetry Jukebox is presented by Howl! Happening: An Arturo Vega Project, in association with Bowery Arts + Science, and the Czech Board of Tourism.
Absinthe at William Barnacle Tavern (80 St. Marks Place)
If you've ever experienced nightlife in Prague, there's a good chance you've run into "The Green Fairy." Yep, Absinthe is a drink of choice throughout the Czech Republic.
However, you don't have to go all the way to Praha to get your hands on this emerald green liquor. There are a few quirky bars in the city, such as William Barnacle Tavern in the East Village, that serves up absinthe, flaming sugar cube and all.