Cafe Poland by Iwona — Restaurant in Columbia Township

Story time. I'm visiting some friends at Mizzou, and driving down the street. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Cafe Poland. I scoff, 'whats so great about polish coffee?' Second glance I see 'Pierogies', IMMEDIATELY SLAM ON MY BRAKES, make a complete u-turn. I have to try them, it's a family treat that I love. Park, walk in serenaded by some modern music, hey they know their audience of college kids. It was a cold day, and its warm and inviting upon entering, small and if I were too jump I'd hit my head on the ceiling. Framed tear outs from magazines highlighting their home style food, menu chalked on the wall facing you, and coffee menu on the left. Greeted by a man who looks ready to craft whatever your heart desires as far as caffeinated beverages go, But my mission commanded my attention elsewhere. Then, like an angel, comes Babushka, an elderly woman unmistakably hailing from Poland, asks me what I would like to eat, simple: Pierogies. The anticipation had me salivating til my mouth went dry. Then as quickly as I ordered, the plate came. A simple styrofoam plate, but it wasnt the plate that had value it was what the dish carried. With plastic cutlery I examined the meal, a hearty dallop of sour cream, dumplings hand formed with love topped with sauteed onions. With each piece and detail I grinned wider, I knew I would enjoy this tasty morsel, temporarily satiating my appetite til I grew hungry again. For the meal, it wasnt where you are but where it would take you, it's a moment in time that can never change. A memory lost then found again. I was no longer sitting in a polish cafe, I was in my grandmother's house, greeted with warm hugs, a kiss on the cheek with an empty stomach waiting to be filled. The warmth filling your inner body, feeding you emotionally. a kid-like bliss envelopes you to make your leg tap and body sway to and fro. Savoring every bite like it's your last, and a single tear streaming down my face. Finished, I dispose of the plate and utensils, satisfied by a meal that feeds the heart not the body. I stand up, pay and thank Babushka for the effort she had tenderly put into preparing such a dumpling and exit. Although, you and I dont have the same experiences, looking back after visiting will conjure emotions of the small things. The little cafe that you loved to get coffee. The little cafe with the lovely lady who made you tasty food. It's a simple reminder that some of the smallest bites and littlest sips grant happiness. To always hold the things dearest close to the heart. What's the value of external material, when one's heart is empty and unable to give warmth to an object? Here, you can find...

This is a small but cozy cafe with food that I absolutely love and that reminds me of my childhood. The owners are also so nice and accommodating. Made us feel very welcome. My husband and I ordered Bigos, Polish crepes with spinach and feta, borsch and a Polish shake with blackberries. They also offer frozen pierogi for sale you can get to make yourself at home later. EVERYTHING was cooked perfectly and tasted absolutely delicious. Bigos (sautéed sauerkraut with pork, Polish sausage, bacon and mashed potatoes) was amazing, everything was seasoned perfectly and potatoes were crumbly and light. Crepes came rolled up with sour cream on a side. Again, perfect: with nice golden crust and great flavor. I grew up in Russia, so borsch (yes, there’s no “t” at the end) is absolutely my thing. We were traveling, so the fact that drinkable borsch came in a cup and was so easy to drink while riding in the car was super convenient. Someone wrote in the guest review book they have in the cafe that their borsch was the best in Missouri and I second that. I make Borsch myself but it definitely doesn’t taste as good as the one in Cafe Poland. I already can’t wait ‘till we’re back to Columbia, so we can go there again and try more things from the menu and get some more borsch. I am so happy we...

What a great locally-owned charming cafe! It's so cool to either order through the door with a window or go inside and sit at one of the three tables. They also have three tables outside. Loved it. There was a line forming at 11:45 am... what does that tell you? Lol.

The food...where to begin. I ordered the beef prierogis and they were devine! They're served truly caramelized onions and sour cream. So many eateries say the caramelize they're onions but they're not and that is a pet peeve of mine. I can't say enough about the full flavor of their boiled prierogis. The beef is well seasoned and crumbled. Yum! 😋

My husband ordered three crapes and they let you order order any combination of filings. He got a chicken and he loved it. The other two were fruit filled and boy did they have lots of fruit in them! They were topped with whipped cream a a very delicate chocolate sauce. He loved the strawberry crape but then he tried the blueberry. He was blown away with all three!

If you're looking for something different and very tasty give the Polish Cafe a try. They have a full menu of authentic Polish foods that you can't get anywhere else. We can't wait to go back and back and back! Lol. Oh and a lot of their dishes are really low carb if you're looking for that option....