The first written reference to the meat shops, a wooden structure with butchers’ shops situated on the site where Přemysl Otakar II Square is today dates from 1336. In 1364 Charles IV decreed that the meat Shops be demolished as they posed a health hazard and another site for a new wooden structure was selected – Krajinská Street where many butchers lived at that time.
The foundations of the bricked building consisted of a basilica type of layout dating from the late 16th century. The Butcher’s shops were situated along the lower side halls which were accessible both to customers from the high central hall and to suppliers from outside. The western Renaissance front with a battlement, embrasures in the attic and a gable comprising so called swallow-tails have been preserved. The eastern front was rebuilt in the early 1830s. The double stone portal is also original.
After a new town slaughter house was established in Prague Suburb in 1899, the construction and use of the shops was modified significantly. But then they gradually fell into disrepair. After 1945 the option of demolishing the entire structure was seriously considered. Eventually the meat shops were converted into a Masné krámy restaurant to J. Fidra´s design in 1953.
The Masné krámy restaurant has been renowned for its hospitality and excellent draught Budweiser Budvar beer ever since.