Did you know?
- Krakow was the center of vodka making back in the 17th century; but it was Arabian and Italian merchants who first brought the recipes to the area in the 13th and 14th centuries.
- These were the heydays for Polish vodka manufacturing– nearly every male convent had its own production; as did all the noble families. Communist rule after World War II drove vodka production underground. It was difficult to buy a good bottle thanks to evil alcohol rationing coupons, so Poles reached back to their roots and began cooking it up at home again. Those who participated in homemade distilleries were labeled enemies of the state and if discovered were often jailed.
- Another special Polish drink to loose your night over is Sliwowica, a plum brandy. Better to sample the yellow-tinged one; it’s only 40% alcohol and often has a nice smooth taste. The clear one is 70% alcohol and you might as well drink petrol for all the taste the stuff has. Marketing is everything however; as one sliwowica label promises “Plum brandy gives vim and blushes cheeks.”
Krakow Bars and Beers Guide
PUBS
It’s hard to go wrong with so much variety in one city. No matter your mood; there’s bound to be a pub, bar or club within stumbling distance. For a casual start (and perhaps end) to your evening; head to one of Krakow’s piwnice, or cellar bars. They offer loads of cheap beer in a “rustic” atmosphere. Czasem Trzeba Pub and Piec Art are two good ones to try. If you are a more refined bunch; head over to Boogie Bar. Buddha Drink and Garden, as its name implies, is a more relaxed venue, catering to a more up market crowd.
Paparazzi is a sophisticated café with excellent cocktails and Square Pub is another good quality choice. One of the best wine bars in Krakow is Winiarnia w Piwnicach.
Club-wise your best bet would be to head to Cien or Frantic; techno and house music along with hot women is their specialty. If you dance to a different beat; try Midgard; one of the newer joints in town or Rdza.
BEER
Beer (Polish: piwo) beats vodka as the country’s most popular alcoholic beverage. Most Polish beers resemble German lager. Good ones to try include Zywiec, Okocim, EB, Lech and Lezajsk.
