The other reviews don't lie: this is your one-way ticket to stodgeville. Not that I'm not on board with that - I assure you, I am. Just, ideally, you'll head here when absolutely ravenous. The interior is decked out rather like a winter log cabin. Sheepskin, draped over each chair and cute, cosy wooden tables with white embroidered placemats. The waiting staff wear matching embroidered shirts. It reminded me of the alps/Oktoberfest. We wanted to try as much as we could fit in, so instead of mains, we ordered a selection of starters including a soup each. While the presentation was superb, I found the actual food too salty. Highlights were beetroot soup with mushroom-filled rolls in the side. And the cabbage dumplings. I wanted to give Karczma more stars but the food just didn't blow me away. I can imagine this is a fun place to bring a group in the evening, though - allowing the opportunity to tear into some hefty sharing options. And knock back a few vodkas. I'd like to come back and try the mains, perhaps the real stars of the Polish culinary show. read more

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A fun experience. I've visited three times now and always had a good time. The Karczma is in the Polish millenial centre but has its own entrance. You can find it by turning left under the bridge behind Moor St station and then taking the second road on the right. Inside you will find a cosy restaurant with a straw ceiling, wooden tables with crochet tablecloths and other traditional polish decorations. It's quite cheesy but effective. Food is hearty and trsditional, probably not much for vegetarians. We had a sharing trough for 6-8 people last time so I've tried a great deal now. The dumplings are delicious, as is the stuffed chicken. Sides of sourkraut, beetroot and potato are super too. It isn't refined cooking but it is good, hearty and fun. They have a great vodka selection too. The mint and lime is lovely to sip neat. They also have mead and polish beer. Service is warm and helpful. I visited in a group of 13 last week and they were wonderful, even giving a free drink to the birthday girl. A great experience! read more

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I rarely give places 5 out of 5, but that is most certainly (in my eyes) what this fantastic Polish restaurant deserves. I had heard about this place through fellow Yelper Katy H's review and was pretty excited at the prospect of sampling Polish cuisine (which I hadn't tried before). I had posted on Social Media before our visit asking for recommendations of things to try; soup, dumpings and apple cake were the top menu items cited by friends and the Twitterati. The venue is cited in between Digbeth and town (behind Moor Street rail station). Lauren W. had sent out instructions before our visit on how to find it (thank goodness she did) as it's not immediately obvious if you're not that familiar with this particular part of town. I have to say, it doesn't look like much from the outside. It's not glam or posh, but once you wander in you will be charmed by it's attention to detail, design touches and ambiance. Have you ever been to a place that had a thatched roof INSIDE? Get yourself down to the Karczma for a world of fluffy rugs, stuffed hawks, ceramic twee ornaments and exposed wooden beams. I cannot rave enough about just how darn CUTE this venue is. It has a mix of booths and tables, so would be perfect for a date or a meal out with friends (and family). We had a quick look at the menu (which is in Polish and English) and quickly made our choices. I had, had a couple of sneaky pints before our visit; but the rest of my dining group opted for a cup of mead to accompany their meal (the mead selection is fantastic). Once we had ordered, we were invited to go to the appetiser table which offered rye bread, pickles and the most amazing lard (Yes, you read that right, lard) I have ever had. To start, I was won over by a soup that comes in it's own bread bowl. This was by far one of the meatiest soups I have ever had with smoked sausage, lardons and lots of tasty things in a broth. There is literally nothing to complain about, it was delicious. For my mains (even though I was pretty stuffed from the starter), I went for the beef stew served in a potato pancake with a "selection of salads". The salads were carrot, beetroot and some kind of coleslaw (without any mayo). Again, everything was totally delicious but I just couldn't finish my potato pancake. It felt like I was eating dark matter! I tried some of my friends beetroot consommé soup and another friends Pierogi whilst we were dining and both were excellent. I couldn't manage a dessert (I felt like I was going to fall asleep I was so full!), but I, again, I had a bite of someone else's. A gooseberry mousse dessert which had the consistency of blancmange rather than mousse, but it tasted really, really good too. 8 of us had starters, mains and at least one drink (some had 3) and the bill came to £280. It's not the cheapest restaurant in Birmingham, but for a unique, delicious and FILLING dining experience I would recommend the Karczma to anyone who will listen. read more

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Possibly Birmingham's first Polish restaurant Karczma is located in Digbeth as part of the Polish church there. Having just returned from week in Poland I instantly felt something of a connection with the dishes on offer. Hunters Stew, or 'Bigos' is a beef dish and sometimes served in a hollowed out loaf and as I found out in Poland, the Poles serve ribs which aren't dissimilar to what you find in Chinese cooking. Also fried chicken or pork in breadcrumbs is popular. Another dish which seems to be the bedrock of Polish cuisine is Pirogi which is stuffed dumplings which are then either fried or boiled. All of which are delicious and I would imagine Karczma will be popular with both Poles and Brummies alike. read more

Karczma Polish Restaurant - Polish Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Words cannot fully justify just how depressing the building which houses The Karczma is. It's the kind of sixties architecture that I thought we were trying to eradicate in the city. It's a sad slab of square grey concrete in a forgotten part of town. It's Eastenders on Christmas Day. Inside could not be more different - its an ode to the inns of the Tatra mountains, seen through the tainted eyes of someone who misses them. There is straw thatched ceilings and fake fur hides adorning the backs of benches. Walls are distressed pink. Polish music plays in the background. I found it difficult to not laugh, despite being fully aware that whoever designed the space did so with serious intention. But the food. Oh My, the food. It's a wholesome exploration of Eastern Europe family food, at all times satisfying and occasionally astonishing. We start with a communal helping of bread and lard, a concept you may be familiar with, being the 2016 Michelin di rigueur of bread courses. Here it is not being dictated by fashion, but by a culinary history and frugalness that makes use of all of the animal. More importantly it tastes great, helped by pickles full of zing and bite. There is a blood red beetroot soup, barszcz, or, as you may know it, borscht. Whatever the name, its a tribute to fermentation, soured and bright in flavour and colour. Two pastry rolls filled with a duxelle of mushrooms feel like they are there to justify the £6 price, though they succeed in adding a further depth to bowl already swimming in it. Pierogi are delicate filled dumplings, almost translucent. Each one is a powerhouse of flavour, from the cheese, potato and onion, to the minced pork and beef which has a lightness that alludes its appearance. One of these is a hefty starter in its own right; here three of them are under £8. Another starter of smoked cheese would be the only duff note. There is too much of the smoke which wipes out the sharp cranberry compote. A whole glazed pork knuckle was as comforting as it was daunting. The burnished skin peeling back to reveal a thick layer of fat and meat which pulls from the bone at the slightest suggestion. Pots of horseradish and mustard are there to provide heat, sauerkraut for acidity, and thick chips for the plain greedy. I take home half for dinner later that evening. Also taken home in the same doggy bag was half of "marina's breasts"; two domed hulks of formed chicken breast meat, stuffed with mushrooms and glazed with cheese. Its Chicken Kiev with a salacious new identity. I joke to the waiter about wanting more of Marina's breasts - he tells me that she is working in the kitchen. I joke no more. We finish with an apple pie, admirable in flavour but several courses too many, because, by now we are ready for a lie-down to let it all sink in. A friend of mine with Polish descent who joined me at The Karczma told me a story of a trip he made to his fathers home village in the 80's: There the men were fed first, followed by the women, with the children picking up the last of the food. If The Karczma truly is representative of Polish home cooking those children did not go hungry. Its as generous a meal as I can remember and cheap to boot, too. What goes on inside those pink walls and under that thatched ceiling is nothing short of wonderful. read more

Karczma Polish Restaurant - Polish Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

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Was really nice to try something different and went with a Polish friend that was very happy with the menu which was a big plus. The interior is so much fun and inside it did look like we were in a local Polish Tarvern. What I enjoyed the most was the side salads that accompanied some of the main dishes. They were so fresh and tasty, it really complement the potato pancake I had that was filled with beef stew. The pancake filled with cream cheese with raspberry sauces was lovely. Will make a return visit soon as really enjoyed going and there is more things I want to try on the menu. read more

Hearty, big and a little ridiculous The Karczma deserves a visit and is a perfect antidote to some miserable British weather. Located on the bottom floor of Polish Millennium House (the entrance is just down from the steps) walking in is quite an experience. A great wash of dark wood, plaster walls, fur on the benches and straw (yes straw) in the rafters, it's crazy and somehow, perfect. The food is big (in taste and size) and uncomplicated. Lots of meat, potato, breadcrumbs, gravy and generally comforting you will be leaving full! Worth mentioning that they have a big ball of bread near the bar that is there for everyone to dig into, complete with dripping and gherkins. The staff are really nice, will happily explain some of the more unusual items on the menu and don't seem to mind too much if you completely butcher their language when ordering. Prices are very reasonable, especially when you factor in the portion sizes although if you drink enough grade 2 mead then you really won't be worried about it. read more

On the outskirts of town presents a gem that could only be described as unique. A low-end building with a village interior layered with hay on the ceiling and walls decorated with a selection of furs and benches. Having not really experienced polish dining, it was definitely outside of knowledge, but I was wow'd. The staff there are very friendly and explain all dishes along the way before you order, as majority of the menu will be quite new unless you know your Polish foods. For me, the Pork Knuckle deserves recognition, not only because it was a monster of a dish, but the flavours were amazing. A massive pork knuckle covered in sauerkraut accompanied with mash potato filled me up to the top, that I couldn't have anymore. The portion sizes are absolutely humongous and for the price on avg 15 GBP PP you can't really complain. As well as the main course, the meal offers complimentry gherkins and fresh bread with an option to try traditional polish lard with bacon (a must try!) If you're not planning to drive, then a bonus would be to try the selection of Polish vodka offered, as they have a wide selection which compliment the meal very well. A must try! read more

Perhaps an overused phrase, but hidden gem comes to mind. It's actually situated very close to the back of Selfridges, under the railway arch. From the outside it doesn't look like anything at all, but inside it has been wonderfully decorated to look like the inside of an old Polish tavern-with wood and sheepskin everywhere-it's really cool! The place was nearly full too-on a Wednesday! There is quite a wide menu, which although heavily meat based, does have veggie options. I had heard that the portion sizes were big so I chose cautiously. I had chicken and noodle soup which was tasty and the meat perogi (?), which were fine, but I've had better. I also had a taste of the apple cake and it was yummy. There was a good wine list and my friend even had a cactus juice! Everyone was happy and decided we would go back again, but maybe in the winter when we would appreciate that sort of food more:) read more

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I've been to Karczma three times, all with fairly large groups, and have never been disappointed with anything other than the occasional lagging service. Food is absolutely delicious and entirely worth the money. The pierogi are amazing. I recommend getting a mixed pierogi as an appetiser so you can try them all. As a main, the beef stew served in a potato pancake is really fantastic and incredibly filling. The ambiance is kind of tacky-polish-grandma's house, with fur draped over the seats and folk music playing in the background. But I think it adds to the experience in a positive way... it's quirky and homey, and certainly unique. Great vodka selection that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Birmingham. If you live in Brum, and want to eat delicious polish food from a polish kitchen, it's worth it to come here at least once. read more

I was not expecting to go here for food but my boyfriend surprised me and took me here and I'm so glad he did. Firstly the staff on the day were watching the Poland game versus Ireland at the Euros, so when I got there and they caught me watching it I told them I was Irish and it brought lots of jokes and fun as they beat us! But anyway, the restaurant is like a little grannies house mixed with lots of little bits and bobs hanging around everywhere and placed in strange places. We sat at our table on benches with fur rugs over them which were really comfy and cosy. Anyway, to the food and drinks.. We ordered a cup/beaker of mead each of different strengths. They are really nice and I could feel it hit me quickly. We ordered the dumplings for starter. I choose the mixed and had meat, cheese and potato. They were really nice and filling and I would suggest if there is only 2 of you unless you were starving to death to share them as they are filling but then the main courses are massive. I decided t order the pork knuckle as my starter with a shot of cherry vodka. Always a good idea.. The cherry vodka is so nice! As for the pork knuckle it was MASSIVE! It came on a bed of mash and some veg with cabbage sort of baked around the outside of the pork. It was so so nice! And the mash was really good too! I could not finish it off. So never had the chance to have dessert, but if anyone's starving is definitely recommend it it was that nice. My boyfriend had the beef roulade for his starter and it too was really nice, but my pork made my day! 100% you have to try it! read more

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I hadn't heard of the Karczma until recently, but when it was decided upon for a friends birthday I perused the menu and began to really look forward to our visit. From the outside it doesn't look like much, it would blend in nicely amidst the rows of takeaways and curry houses on the Bristol Road. Once inside, however, the Karczma really shines. Rustic wooden tables coupled with benches draped in 'furs' and some slightly suspect taxidermy animals on the walls and a thatched ceiling create a homely restaurant where you can forget the outside world for a while. The menu is quite sizeable, a decent selection of starters, soups and pierogi (dumplings) alongside your mains broken down by meat. I decided on a healthy option of grilled sheep's cheese wrapped in bacon to start followed by 'beef olives' - a hearty dish of smoked sausage and bacon wrapped in steak! This was all washed down with a nice pint of polish beer and some delicious mead, I was far to stuffed for dessert! I will be back to this haven of the carnivore, especially after sampling some of the pierogi - I don't think my stomach will let me stay away! read more

Oh my! They have an believable food! The setting is unique, and the hospitality is awesome!

this is another amazing reastaurant in birmingham terditional food tasty the pork is so tender and potato mash was fantastic

I feel like I'm being a bit harsh on this restaurant....If i could do a 3.5 then I would. I went for lunch with my friend the first time and had the soup in a bread bun...she had the dumplings. They were both delish! The bread warm and fresh and the soup was light and brothy so you didn't feel like you'd eaten nothing but starch. I went back the following week with my family (who are polish) for an evening meal. The decors warm and welcoming (which in the middle of Jan you need!) The fur throws on the seating is a great touch. Although the seats would be really uncomfortable without them. If i took my mum who's had a hip replacement then she'd struggle to sit on these for any extended amount of time. Anyway....we all had starters...lots of dumplings, soups and warm cheese flying about. The main (unfortunately) let the meal down slightly. I can't even really remember what I had (never a good sign!) I think it was meant to be meat wrapped in a potatoe rosti which actually looked like meat in what once was meant to be a undercooked Yorkshire pudding. Real shame. I'd 100% go back for lunch or a light snack. Even the bar if you're close is worth a visit, the vodka list is extensive (I tried most!) And the staff friendly. Worth a Saturday afternoon look. read more

Great service, and delicious warming food. Pierogi and vodka - perfect antidote to rain.