"Don't Stop Meat Now": Isaac's BBQ Brings American Flavor to Prague

Just off Národní třída, on Prague’s Jungmannova Street, a new restaurant draws attention — but it’s the smell of smoked meat that really pulls you in.

Isaac’s BBQ is the latest venture from the man who helped introduce authentic American barbecue to Prague’s street food scene.

Isaac Starobin is no stranger to the grill. For the past decade, his Dirty Dog BBQ stand has served American flavors at Manifesto Market.

He honed his craft while working in New York and Berlin. But Isaac’s BBQ, which opened on January 21, 2025, and seats around 50 guests, is his first brick-and-mortar restaurant — a dream realized after years of building customer loyalty at Manifesto.

The first evenings were fully booked, with many familiar faces from Dirty Dog showing up to support Isaac’s new chapter. He believes Prague’s food scene still has room to grow — and his goal is to surprise and strive for perfection.

The story behind the location is almost poetic. Isaac visited the space six years ago and immediately thought: this is where I want to open a restaurant. After more than a year of searching, it finally became available. The space had previously housed a minimalist Asian eatery — so stark, Isaac says, it reminded him of a dentist’s office.

He spent six months turning it into a place that reflects his own personality. Now, the restaurant features exposed brick walls, a neon sign reading “Don’t Stop Meat Now,” and what Isaac calls a touch of “sexy rustic.” An iron cow skull hangs above the long bar, where guests can sip drinks while listening to classic American rock.

The menu brings that same energy to the plate — authentic American BBQ with meat smoked for hours at low temperatures. But it’s not all traditional: the menu nods to Mexican and Asian influences too. Still, fall-apart brisket, juicy picanha, and fried chicken in buttery buns steal the spotlight.

“Fusion, not confusion,” Isaac says, embracing global inspiration. He cites chefs like Zach Palaccio, who blends barbecue with Malaysian flavors, and Adam Perry Lang. Staying rooted in tradition while pushing boundaries is central to his vision: “I love tradition. But there’s room to surprise — to move forward,” he says.

All the beef, pork, and chicken come from Czech producer Maso Klouda. Aside from a few herbs, everything is locally sourced. Isaac is clear on this point: he has no interest in being the cheapest.

 

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Leaving the street food scene wasn’t about abandoning it — Dirty Dog is still going strong at Manifesto Market. But a permanent space offers fewer limits, more room to experiment, and the freedom to set prices without fighting street food stereotypes.

Isaac also wants to broaden how people see American cuisine — it’s not just burgers and fries. Still, he admits that when homesick, nothing beats a cheeseburger and a Budweiser. That’s why you’ll find Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, and other American classics on the menu — comfort food for expats or anyone who’s had enough goulash for one trip.

You can check it out at Jungmannova 10, Prague 1, Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

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