For years my wife was talking about this karczma (pronounced CARTSHmuh), which we finally ate at today. The restaurant has a great location on the road to/from Krakow with easy on/off access at a stoplight. I HIGHLY recommend it to travelers, truckers, or anyone else with a big appetite!
But first let me explain for English speakers that karczma means "inn." However, I personally think that karczma describes a specific type of Polish restaurant that is distinguished primarily by its rustic appearance (wooden log exterior and cozy interior) and absolutely astonishingly huge portions of food.
Today my wife and her parents (all Polish, more specifically Silesian), and my nephew and his girlfriend (from the US) all ate lunch. I mention that because karczma food appeals across nationalities and ages.
As an appetizer we ate szmalec, which is pig lard that you spread on fresh bread. It comes with super sour pickles. The combination is an amazing starter!
As for our main dishes, we had pierogi (which are dumplings for those who don't know already), potato pancakes (grated potatoes severed under a nice sauce), gołąbki (finely ground meat wrapped in cabbage leaves served with tomato sauce), liver, and fried breaded chicken breasts with melted cheese served on potato wedges (or fries if you want).
I can tell you that even though 3 of us finished these huge portions, the "leftovers" of the other 3 people filled 4(!) entire Styrofoam containers!
And the price? Dinner for 6, including drinks, tax, and tip, was $48!!
In short, I cannot recommend this place highly enough! It's not too far from Krakow, so if you are coming to or from Krakow, you might want to stop by. Today in the parking lot were cars from Krakow, Wrocław, and Bydgoszcz. Where is your license plate from? Represent your home proudly, try some good Polish food, and go home stuffed! read more
