Czech-Inspired Nové Mesto, and More Food News – Flagpole
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Czech-Inspired Nové Mesto, and More Food News
Nové Mesto. Credit: Amanda Johnson
by Amanda JohnsonJuly 29, 2026
Hello readers, it’s me, Amanda. I’ve been cheffing and dining in Athens for the last 25 years. Please join me on this sensory journey where we explore our ever-evolving food scene
NOVÉ MESTO (625 Barber St., @novemestolagerhaus): I was delighted when I heard the team that brought us Hi-Lo Lounge had a central European concept in the works. Nové Mesto, a Czech name and a nod to the adjoining neighborhood of Newtown, first opened back in April. Eager to sample the menu, I tried for dinner one night the first week they were open, but unfortunately that evening they ran out of food before 7 p.m. I was a bit bummed for the sake of my stomach, but at the same time happy for them to be such an instant success. Life got busy for me, as it does, and I hadn’t had a chance to circle back. The little bohemian lagerhaus recently expanded its hours to include lunch, so I decided to finally check it out.
The Stoned Roses’ “I Wanna Be Adored” drifted through the sound system as I took a seat at the bar. Looking around, I’d say there is a lot to adore about Nové Mesto. The dining room is open and airy, with a patio corralled by wooden planters overflowing with flora. An expansive bar with comfortable seating anchors the center of the space. The exterior blue and white motif is carried on subtly inside with the addition of brass hardware and wood accents. If the space doesn’t immediately transport you to Prague, the menu certainly will.
The lunch menu is a pared down version of the dinner menu. The chilled cucumber soup was bright and herbal with a light creaminess. I also tried one of their SMØRREBRØD, a traditional danish open-face sandwich, offered with your choice of beet hummus, smoked salmon or curried egg salad. I had to choose the latter. Egg salad is a simple dish, yet somewhat divisive. Nové Mesto’s version is good, with just enough curry to add earthiness that plays well with the pumpernickel bread it is served atop. I enjoyed my lunch with a Czech dark lager served in a sturdy dimpled glass mug. The beer menu is extensive, and while I dined I watched as co-owner Lauren Owens started several jars of Tepache, a fermented pineapple beverage, used as an ingredient for a drink on their cocktail menu.
In scoping out the dinner and brunch menus I saw pretzels, pierogies and schnitzel, as well as some throwback Hi-Lo dishes, including the Czech Fried Cheese, a slab of deep-fried Muenster served with horseradish mayo—yes, please! Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, and brings with it the return of the broiled grapefruit that I have missed so dearly. It would seem that more visits are in order to fully appreciate the menu offerings. The prices seem fair, especially considering what you see on the menu is what you pay. Following another refreshingly European custom, tax and 20% gratuity is included in the menu price, so tipping is not required unless you just really feel like it.
Nové Mesto is open 12–10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Saturday and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday
LOS REYES MEXICAN RESTAURANT (1880 U.S. Highway 29, 706-227-0308):As another Wet Hot Townie Summer™ wanes, I certainly hope you have enjoyed plenty of late-night naked pool parties, leisurely and uncrowded patio time, and for the love of Glob, if you haven’t yet, take a trip down the Broad River. When I recently found myself ravenous en route back to town after a day floating the Broad, there was but one place on my mind.Los Reyes Mexican Restaurantis located next to the Valero gas station just inside Athens-Clarke County, making it ideal for a pit stop.
The front windows are emblazoned with images of beautiful ladies beckoning you inside with their serene smiles. Inside you will find a clean and cozy collection of booths and tables, and if it’s crowded, remember there are two enclosed patios just steps from the main entrance.
The house salsa is fresh and stands out with the addition of oregano and fire-roasted elements. Bright and slightly creamy salsa verda and smoky salsa rojo are available upon request, which you absolutely should. Their margarita is strong and on the sweet side of the spectrum; take heed, any size other than small or regular is comically large, think goblet o’ marg
Los Reyes’ chile relleno is unique in that it lacks the traditional deep-fried eggy batter and instead opts for a roasted pepper absolutely glutted with stretchy mozzarella cheese, or you can order it sans queso with any of their meat options. The dish is then anointed in ranchero sauce and cheese dip, simply divine. Both the gordita and sope are just as they should be: fresh and simple, but executed expertly. I had mine with spicy chicken tinga and earthy and sweet al pastor, respectively. The friendly waitress called me “love” more than once, which I always appreciate, something about that casual familiarity held with a stranger. I pulled out of the parking lot sunburned and sated, feeling like a king.
Los Reyes is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m
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