Happy autumn! Discover the best spots for pumpkin spice latte in Prague

The pumpkin spice latte (or PSL) craze can only be described as cult-like. As Prague braces for autumn, American imports and converted fans alike will be seeking out this seasonal drink, an enticing blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with steamed milk and espresso, often topped with whipped cream.

The good news is that you can indeed find the PSL on the menu at Czech Starbucks from early September (loyalty club members could already order it at the end of August). Michal Holotík, Starbucks Brand Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, told Czech Forbes in 2023 that interest in the drink has frothed over in recent years.

“In the main season, the popularity of the Pumpkin Spice Latte climbs to hundreds of drinks a day at every branch of the Starbucks network,” he said, adding that apart from the traditional cappuccino and caffe latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte leads in overall sales.

The bad news? You might notice your PSL tastes different in Czechia. The original Pumpkin Spice Latte had varying flavors due to the seasonal taste of pumpkin puree, which was added in 2015, but in Europe, including Czechia, the formula has been standardized since 2011, meaning it can taste different across the continent, says Holotík.

Luckily Starbucks isn’t the only brew in town for satisfying your PSL cravings. We’ve explored Prague’s coziest cafés and coffee shops to uncover the best spots serving this quintessential fall beverage.

As the leaves start turning and luscious foliage clings onto its final days of greenery, a visit to some botanical gardens may beckon; and even better than exciting your green thumb is pairing it with an orange tongue! La Terra coffee shop right by the Botanická zahrada tram stop takes its autumnal drinks seriously: their pumpkin spice latte is topped with whipped cream and served in a large, comforting mug. The seasonal flavors don’t stop there, with maple, chestnut, and pumpkin lattes, pumpkin hot chocolate, and more also on the menu.

Overlooking Jiřího z Poděbrad square is Boulangerie Le Caveau, which aside from having a reputation as an authentic French bakery, is well-attended in autumn for its PSL. Enjoy a fresh baguette, goat cheese sandwich, or exquisite slice of cake on your visit.

Mezi Srnky now has three locations in Prague - two in Vinohrady and one in Smíchov – and bring their own PSL to the table each year. Along with the American classic, their seasonal drinks also include London fog, autumn spice prosecco, bergamot mule, and more.

Sometimes you have to look beyond the traditional cozy coffee shops to get your fix of American specialties. Bowlers in Holešovice, Nové Butovice and Karlín is a modern restaurant with a fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, but also have the glorified PSL on their menu this season. 

Another unexpected place to find your fix of PSL is in a frozen yogurt shop; but with all the indulgence of sweet yogurt cups and candy, a syrupy pumpkin spice latte fits right in on the menu. Frogurt in Smíchov whips up a mean PSL, stacked with whipped cream and cinnamon.