he Prague has forever been the lovable mutt of a restaurant, all sweet and snuggly-like, tucked into a nondescript block on Queen West. More of a deli-bakery, really, and on the surface of it, it was an easy spot to ignore, much in the same vein as Czehosky’s in its previous life. Yet, after a two-month overhaul, the classic deli is back with a super-styling look.

The Prague, filling this location since the mid sixties, now sports a completely revamped design, a sleek exterior and stylish interior with which to lure in the young’ns without perplexing the regulars. Local interior design firm Hirshberg Design helmed the look, directed by owner Tom Kral and his sister. Now, cherry wood tables are amply spaced making a long wooden streak down one side of the room. On the other side, a deli case runs the length of the deli/bakery area, displaying the goods and specials of the day.

The Prague has long been a place for sandwiches and Czech fare. And now, with winter upon us, the wind-chill factors usually drive us to seek this very type of satisfying comfort food. Not surprisingly, The Prague dishes out the best of Central and Eastern Europe specimens: the pierogi, goulash, and struedels that are quintessential comfort food - unpretentious, filling, and cheap. With the aid of sour cream and sautéed onions, The Prague serves up the boiled and fried realms of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, the stuffed stuff an underground gourmet's dreams are made on.

The menu has also expanded to include some hot-plate daily specials, but sandwiches, crepes, schnitzels and pierogis remain the primary draw. The restaurant also serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Items range from $4 to $8 and include egg dishes such as omelets with kielbasa and onion or eggs any style served with ham, bacon, kielbasa, onion or mushrooms.