Craving hearty and satisfying Czech cuisine, but nowhere near the Czech Republic? Fear not…here are five cozy and authentic restaurants in America where you can try the best Czech-style food and drink…

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

Pork, beef, meatballs and homemade desserts are key elements of a Czech-style dinner. Meat is prepared in a variety of ways, from hearty stews and soups to baked or breaded. In various heritage communities across the United States, you’ll find a few gems, just waiting for you to stop by.

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

Milan Restaurant: Brooklyn, New York

Milan doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside it transports you to central Europe. The comfortable, traditional décor pairs well with the lovingly prepared meals.

You can also buy authentic packaged goods from Slovakia and the Czech Republic here, including bottled beer, soft drinks, and groceries.

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

Bohemian Coffee: 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 meatballs or potato pancakes. But if you’re not sure, don’t worry. The friendly and experienced waitresses will guide you in the right direction.

Klas Restaurant: Cicero, Illinois

The largest Czech restaurant in the United States, Klas has been welcoming diners since 1922. It’s only open Thursday through Sunday. The large interior room is decorated with original antiques and a variety of treasures straight from the Czech Republic.

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

Moldau Restaurant: Brookfield, Illinois

A staple in the thriving Czech community of Chicago’s western suburbs, this is another comfort food gem. It’s located on Ogden Avenue, about 10 minutes west of the Klas restaurant.

Moldova is a quaint little place that does brisk business on Sundays. Come here for the roast duck and homemade desserts.

Czech-Texan Restaurant: Snook, Texas

Like Chicago, South Central Texas also has a large community of Czech heritage. The little town of Snook, about ten miles from College Station, boasts Czech-Tex, a sort of combination barbecue and old-world spot that serves up traditional dishes your way.

Every day, you’ll find the chicken and dumpling special on the menu. Pot roast, grilled pork chops and smoked ribs are other favorites.

Resume

Are you hungry already? If so, head to one of these authentic Czech-style restaurants to enjoy traditional Central European-style food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.