Karczma Krupowa Izba — Restaurant in Zakopane

TL;DR: Avoid this place The ratings here are quite misleading. The food was bland and tasteless and the service lacked in many aspects.

We went there because ratings seemed to indicate that it would provide a nice experience into Polish traditional cuisine. Our experience was sadly quite different. First red flag, as soon as they brought us the english menu, it was strikingly similar to the menu at a different place where we had lunch (up to the point where even some phrases like “dumplings following our family recipe” were exactly the same). The waiter, I wouldn’t call her rude, but the directness and almost yelling (probably because of the noise that the place gets usually) made us quite uncomfortable. We ordered a beef tartar (in our minds to be shared), and a black pudding and grilled chicken fillet with 2 glasses of red wine and one still water. When getting our cutlery, we only got 3 pairs (one for each main and just one for the starter). This wasn’t really a problem, we don’t mind reusing them, but it points to a lack of attention. Halfway through the beef tartar, our mains came in and the waiter just dropped them on the side of our table and moved on without saying anything. The first bite of the chicken was a complete disappointment. I wanted something lighter, so in my mind chicken (even if it’s maybe not a traditional polish dish) seemed like a safe bet. Well, how wrong I was, the toughness of the filet was a clear pointer towards how complete overcooked it was. Then the single bacon strip on top didn’t even cover a quarter of the already quite small filet. The side potatoes were completely bland, served still inside of the tin foil were they were originally cooked and had just a tiny sliver of butter with some herbs.

So, I’ve worked in restaurants before and it’s not common for me to leave a bad review (I just simply don’t return), but this seemed too many things working against it and felt compelled to try to avoid other from making the same mistake of just checking the overall score.

Lastly, I don’t like criticism without constructive feedback, so if the owner/manager/whoever is interested, here are some of my thoughts that could improve the experience: If a party of 2 asks for a single starter it’s maybe because they might want to share. Just ask if so, and add cutlery accordingly. If someone order wine by the glass, it’s common practice to serve at the table, so that people see they’re being served the right thing If a party of 2 gets wine and orders for a bottle of water, it’s just to wash it down and it’s not a huge cost to bring 2 glasses instead of one. If in doubt just ask if they want 2 glasses (if it’s about the lemon slice, just skip it on the second one if costs are so tight) It’s completely understandable that due to loud noises servers need to speak loudly. But that’s not necessary when there are not that many people and there is no band playing at the moment. The food needs some love. Try the dishes, don’t serve tin foil in plates, check cooking times and try to time things so that people doesn’t feel rushed (I know turning tables is important, but there’s a balance to it) My advice would be to review the menu. I understand that dishes and structure could be similar to other places, but having exact wording to be exactly the...

I typically don't like writing down negative reviews for restaurants but I feel that this particular incident deserves being mentioned.

The restaurant was full when I arrived. I walked in expected someone to acknowledge my place in line, what I've seen done at many other restaurants in Poland when they are full. After an awkward 4-5mins of no one bothering to address me, I waved down a waitress, black hair and on the heavy-side, only to have her yell at me "No! No space" as she points to the tables filled with guests. I told her that I did not mind waiting and she said I could wait for a spot if I wanted. Her attitude was unnecessary rude.

I interpreted this at the time as being due to her limited ability to speak English but even this would not justify the tone and attitude with which she spoke to me. I've been to many Polish restaurants and though they might not have the best customer service, it was never outright rude or disrespectful.

The encounter made me feel extremely uncomfortable and I decided it wasn't worth waiting, but as I was about to leave another waitress told me to head upstairs where there was a spot for me. I decided to stay, most likely I would not find another restaurant at that hour.

The food was good, but the entire experience was marred by the negative encounter with the waitress. The waiter serving me was climbing the stairs every 2-3mins to serve the 4 tables on the upper level. I gave him a 50% tip since he was very polite and I felt like I needed to end such a horrible experience on positive note.

Overall good food but an horrendous experience,

Advice for management have someone acknowledge customers when they come in and let them know they're in line and they will be seated International visitors often come for the experience, not just for the food. Should teach wait staff to be interact with people from...

We ofered the food - fish was good, but french fries were really not fresh, it tasted like like they were microwaved or wormed up twice. Also guiness beer was strange. Worst part was the waitress and the bill. After food we were whaiting for her for 20-30 minutes - and it would be ok if there will a lot of tables to take care, but she was taking new custumers to sit down, looking through the doors, cleaning and puting some cups/plates at the bar but not looking at our side.. After a long whait - i went to another waitress to ask for . a waitress. She said ok and run away, and as usually - when they bring you the check, you check if it is ok, or is there any mistakes. So we had 15 proc. discount and i said that we want to use it. Bet she was ,,No no" and run. Then another waitress come and said that it is our foult that we didint gave it BEFORE. When i asked like WHEN, becouse we were waiting and i ask for a waitress - nobody comes to us to ask even for a desert or smth. ,,We sorry but you cant use it becouse it is already printed check. You have to pay this". Like WTF. Prices are not so small, that 15 proc. were 15 zlots. They didint even try to comepsate somehow - like ofer a glass of beer or smth. Ir as just pay now and that is all 🤷Sadlly, last time in...