Café Epopej describes its restaurant layout as a garden, but it's really more of a greenhouse - a…read moresee-thru, tent-like structure sitting on the edge of Republic Square. Also, epopej apparently means "epic" in Czech (thanks, Google Translate), and sorry to say, this spot just isn't epic. In fact, it's quite the opposite, and not that that's a bad thing - a low-key, simple, modern, casual, average, pop-up style bistro, very clearly targeting Americans (and I'm not solely talking about the inflated Pilsner Urquell prices). After struggling through Czech replies to my "Do you speak English?" for over a week now, I saw words in my native tongue and familiar names of dishes, and I took the lazy way out and opened Café Epopej's doors.
It sounds like some defeat, but it wasn't really such a bad call. I ordered the 300g of Spicy Chicken Wings (yes, that's its full menu name) and a beer. I expected American style wings, which these definitely were not. They were breaded, more like cutlets, or fried shrimp, and much bigger. In the end, they were perfectly adequate for a relaxing, zero expectations lunch. The free wi-fi wasn't working, but that seemed to stem from a server issue they were having at my time of visit, so don't hold that against them as something routine (at least, I hope not).
If Café Epopej excels in any category, it's its wonderful location. Republic Square is truly great people-watching. Not because there were nutjobs walking around (you can find that in other parts of Prague, please), but because this was easily the most fashionable lot of Czech people I saw any place in the city. Perhaps that's because there's a five-story mall nearby, or because I've otherwise been in uber-touristy spots, shielding me from true, upscale Prague citizens. Regardless, a quick, chicken lunch, a refreshing pilsner, and an all-angles view of a trendy plaza filled with trendy folks ain't half-bad for American fare on a whim.