Prasowy — Restaurant in Warsaw

Update Unfortunately my recent visits confirm my opinion that Prasowy is a milk bar only because it has it in its name. A word that is much better to describe this place is a canteen, a better canteen with adequate prices. So if you are looking for a real milk bar experience, you can still find them here and there in town.

One of the oldest self-service milk bar in Warsaw. Since 1956. Located on the outskirts of MDM (acronym for Marszałkowska Dzielnica Mieszkaniowa; eng. Marszalkowska residential estate). Named 'Bar Prasowy' (eng. newspapers bar) after a former local newspaper printing house that used to occupied a nearby building standing on the opposite side of the street. Closed down in 2011 has been brought to life thanks to the locals and activist associated with the 'Przychodnia' squat and reopen under new management in 2013. The interior hasn't chagned much and resemble original decoration including classic tablecloth pattern, floor tiles and black walls with authentic white letters once used to display menu. To top it up with a stylish old-school neon welcoming visitors entering its premises. A classic milk bar menu extended by European dishes and speciality of the month. Quiet before noon it gets busy during lunch and diner time. Even though they never stop improving it's very busy on Sundays (shops are closed) so expect a queue and be ready to wait for your pierogi up to 15...

Service is non-existent, so expect to expect none. Bar mleczny is where you go to work for your food, like in Auschwitz, but you are welcome to leave, whenever you want. The attitudes of the women behind the counter is enough to make you lose your appetite. They couldn't be bothered to even attempt politeness. If you like Polish communist dehumanization, check out the lovely selection of these "venues" throughout the city. Some, like this one, have been somewhat modernized and have started to look like a typical Americanized fast food outlet. Very sad to see that the interesting culture of the past, the only thing of value, aside from the food, itself, that bar mleczny offered, has been sacrificed to hide the lack of interest in the customer. Have I mentioned that the food is actually good and fresh? It's also about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of similar food in a normal restaurant or coffee shop. If you don't speak polish, however, you'll end up eating what they choose, so bring a...

If you are a tourist, and looking for a very accessible bar mleczny (milk bar) experience, this is the place to go! Unlike more authentic milk bars, you order on a screen that is written in both Polish and English. Personally, I find the quality of the food better in places were only Polish is spoken, but I know that many foreigners will have to go above and beyond to seek that out.

However, the food is tasty and I typically take visitors and friends here as an introduction to Polish food to avoid the typical tourist traps. The placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) are my personal favorite, but they also make a mighty-fine pierogi z kapustą i grzybami (dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms). Some of the other menu items have been a hit or miss for me, and there are some dishes that I believe other restaurants may do better, such as naleśniki, but overall, this place is very affordable and a great place to experience Polish...