Whenever I am in the mood for Polish food I immediately jump on the G train and get over to Greenpoint, Brooklyn. There has been much talk about the spiffy gentrification taking place in Greenpoint, and yes, it is changing some, but the area still resonates a special ethnic enclave, and remains the second largest concentration of Poles in the United States, behind only Chicago. And, when I am in Greenpont, my restaurant destination is Karczma. Established in 2007, Karczma serves heaps up hearty delicious food, in a cozy atmospheric setting. 

White Borscht Soup, served in a breaded bowl, the soup is creamy with chunks of seasoned sausage and a hard-boiled egg. This is a soup not to be missed, especially on a cold night, so warming and satisfying. This actually comes with a side order of mashed potatoes and bits of bacon as well.

Because I was torn between two entrees I decided to go with the "Plate of Polish Specialties," this was a good move as it contained them both and more. This plate was a mountain of Polish delights, including: 3 Pierogis, 2 Potato Pancakes, Polish Kielbasa, Hunter's Stew, and Stuffed Cabbage. I highly recommend this dish especially to those new to Polish cuisine as it give such an excellent sampling of some of their most well-known food items.

I am always drawn to ethnic restaurants that have a special atmosphere, and makes one feel that they have been "transported" back to the native country.  Karczma, absolutely has this quality. The restaurant's decor is part folk-art museum with costumes and pitchforks gracing the walls, large wagon wheels acting as light fixtures above, deep wooden booths which you can get lost in, Polish music plays, Polish beer is poured, and best of all the lovely and charming wait staff dressed in native Polish dress. The waitresses were all from Poland, except one from Slovakia.

It is not true, they DO allow vegetables into the restaurant. Here is a nice tasting appetizer I had - asparagus wrapped in Polish ham, with horseradish sauce.

Are you kidding me? I am totally stuffed, sated after eating so much food. But I was heavily persuaded by a couple of the waitresses that I must have the apple crepe, with whipped cream and blueberry. 

Karczma, has a special spirit, and this is even reflected on the message which was written on a board. It is written in Polish, and the translation is:  

  "Eating. drinking, smoking pipes. Dancing, laughing, having fun, They have almost smashed the pub, Having the time of their lives!" Karczma is a special place, and offers one of the best values in the city.

Polish language lesson - "Hello" (Witaj)  "Thank you" (Dziekuje)  "Delicious" (Pyszny)

Interesting fact about Poland - It boast 17 Nobel Prize Winners, including four Peace Prize, and five in Literature. 

Address - 136 Greenpoint Avenue (Brooklyn)   (718) 349 - 1744