Centralka

Located on the ground floor of one of Nowa Huta's rather hideous postmodernist housing estates (built 1988-1995), midway between Plac Centralny and the Nowa Huta Museum, this neighbourhood bistro and multi-tap bar makes an earnest effort to offer locals a little bit of everything. Want to feel fancy with fresh mussels and a frizzante? In the mood for a burger and a craft beer? Meeting with the lads for a pub quiz, or with the ladies for cocktails? Want to go out for weekend brunch (09:00-12:30)? Centralka provides a place for all these possibilities, the very act of which (for most) is an attempt to feel like you're not in Nowa Huta for the time being. The problem is that Centralka's success varies wildly. Yes, there's a summer garden, but it's right on a major road in an ugly block. Yes, the food - which changes seasonally - looks great, but often disappoints, and the service is also inconsistent. Although it aims for big-city style and taste, in the end, Centralka feels more like the uneven provincial imitation it is. That said, the daily promotions (Mon-Fri) are a good value, the beer is good, and the place certainly has potential.