Inexpensive Delicacies: 7 best milk bars in Lublin
June 11, 2025
Milk bars are true gems of Polish gastronomy that have stood the test of time and are still very popular. In Lublin, you can find unique places where you can eat traditional, homemade dishes for little money. This is not only a way to have a budget meal, but also a journey to the times when checkered oilcloth on the tables and a queue to the cash register were an integral part of everyday life. We present 7 of the best milk bars in Lublin, which delight with taste, atmosphere and affordable prices.
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Classics of the genre - Bar Pośpiech and Bar Promyk
Bar Pośpiech S.C. at 26 Lubartowska Street is a true institution on the culinary map of Lublin. The restaurant has been in continuous operation since the 1970s and has retained its authentic, somewhat nostalgic character to this day. The interior is decorated with historical photos of Lublin, and the tables are dominated by traditional checkered oilcloths. It's a place where time seems to have stopped, while the quality of the food served remains at a consistently high level.
The menu at Bar Pośpiech is the quintessence of Polish home cooking. Here you will find classic soups - cabbage soup, tomato soup with rice or sourdough sourdough soup - all cooked with stock made from real vegetables, without artificial additives. Main courses include pork chops with potatoes and misery, stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce or potato pancakes. Prices are extremely affordable - for a full dinner consisting of soup and a second course, we will pay about 20 zlotys. It's worth mentioning that Bar Pośpiech is famous for its atmospheric atmosphere, which attracts both older Lublin residents and students and tourists.
In turn, Bar Promyk at 30 Weteranow Street is a place with an equally rich history. The restaurant has been in operation for more than 40 years and over that time has developed a loyal clientele. Interestingly, Bar Promyk is not just a single point on the map of Lublin - the chain has as many as 6 locations in the city, including at 8 Evangelicka Street, 13 Czwartaków Street (DS 'Helios') or 15 Królewska Street. This extensive network testifies to the great popularity and recognition that the brand enjoys.
The menu of Bar Promyk is extremely diverse. It features both meat and meatless dishes. Especially recommended are pork chops, poultry liver fried with onions and stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce. For lovers of flour dishes there are pancakes with vanilla cheese, dumplings with various fillings or kopytka. Prices are very competitive - soup costs about 7-8 zlotys, and the second course 12-15 zlotys. Importantly, Bar Promyk is famous for its large portions, which satisfy even the biggest hunger.
What both establishments have in common is not only traditional Polish cuisine, but also the specific atmosphere of milk bars - self-service, simple equipment and fast service. These are places where what matters most is the quality and taste of the food, not the decor or additional attractions. Both Bar Pośpiech and Bar Promyk are excellent choices for those looking for authentic, home-style cuisine at an affordable price. It is worth mentioning that both establishments enjoy good reviews among Lublin residents and tourists, which confirms their high position in the ranking of the best milk bars in the city.
Tastes of tradition - Krokiecik and Bar Smaki u Jadzi
Krokiecik. The bar at 17 Lubartowska Street is a place that has been delighting Lublin residents with authentic flavors of Polish cuisine since the 1990s. The restaurant is located in a historic tenement, which adds to its unique character. The interior is modest but cozy, with design elements characteristic of milk bars - simple tables, chairs and a menu written in chalk on a blackboard.
Krokiecik is primarily famous for its authentic Lublin delicacies. The flagship dish, as the name suggests, is croquettes - crispy on the outside, with a variety of fillings, from meat to vegetarian. Particularly recommended are croquettes with cabbage and mushrooms and meat. In addition, the menu includes traditional tripe, which according to many locals is the best in the city, Lublin forszmak, kartacze and a wide selection of dumplings with many fillings. Prices are very reasonable - for a kilogram of dumplings you will pay 12-25 zlotys, and for a portion of tripe about 10 zlotys.
An interesting fact about Krokiecik is that the restaurant survived the difficult times of the political transformation, when many milk bars went bankrupt. The owners have always focused on quality and authenticity, without compromising on ingredients. To this day, all dishes are prepared on site, using traditional recipes. Krokiecik also has its own legend - it is said that the recipe for Lublin forshmak, which they serve here, dates back to pre-war Jewish cuisine, which was an important part of Lublin's culinary landscape.
Bar Smaki u Jadzi at 10 Cypriana Godebskiego Street is a relatively younger establishment on the map of Lublin's milk bars, but has quickly gained recognition and regular customers. The place is run by Ms. Jadzia, who has been cooking for Lublin residents for more than 20 years. The history of the place is linked to the owner's personal passion for cooking - she started as a small catering outlet, which in time turned into a full-fledged milk bar.
The menu at Bar Smaki u Jadzi changes daily, which is its great asset. However, you can always count on classic soups - cabbage soup, tomato soup, cucumber soup or sour soup. Among the main courses, pancakes, dumplings, minced cutlets and baked beans reign supreme. Particularly recommended are pierogi with buckwheat groats and cottage cheese - a regional specialty, and cutlets with fried cabbage. Prices are very competitive - soup costs from 7 zlotys and the second course from 12 zlotys.
The Smaki bar at Jadzia's is distinguished from other milk bars by its exceptionally pleasant and family atmosphere. Ms. Jadzia knows many of her customers by name, remembers their culinary preferences and always finds time for a short conversation. This gives the place a loyal community who regularly visit the bar not only for the food, but also for the atmosphere. The restaurant enjoys an exceptionally high rating of 4.7/5 in online rankings.
Both Krokiecik and Bar Smaki u Jadzi offer traditional Polish dishes at affordable prices, but each has its own unique character. Krokiecik focuses on regional specialties and long-standing traditions, while Bar Smaki u Jadzi stands out for its family atmosphere and changing menu. Both places, however, share a passion for cooking and a commitment to traditional recipes, which makes them an inseparable part of Lublin's culinary landscape.
Modern approach to tradition - Bar Mieszczański, Tip-Top and Bistro Przy Peronie
Bar Mieszczański at 3 Zielona Street is a place that combines the tradition of milk bars with a modern approach to gastronomy. The restaurant is located in a historic building in the heart of the Old Town, which gives it a unique character. The interior has been decorated with respect for the history of the building, but with a touch of contemporary design - wooden tables, stylish chairs and subtle lighting create a cozy atmosphere.
The menu of Bar Mieszczansky is based on traditional Polish recipes, but with a slight twist. There are classic dishes such as żurek, bigos and pork chops, but prepared with more attention to detail and served in a more contemporary manner. Particularly recommended are pierogi with venison - a local specialty, and mushroom soup on porcini. Prices are slightly higher than in typical milk bars, but still affordable - for a dinner consisting of soup and a second course, you'll pay about 25-30 zlotys.
An interesting fact about Bar Mieszczanski is that the establishment regularly organizes evenings with traditional Lublin music, which further emphasizes its connection with local culture. The place is popular with both locals and tourists who want to experience traditional Polish cuisine in a slightly more elegant setting.
Tip-Top at 24 Raclawickie Avenue is another bar with a rich history, operating since the 1980s. Initially it was a typical milk bar, but over time it has evolved into a modern cafeteria, while retaining the spirit and philosophy of milk bars. The restaurant underwent a major renovation in 2010, which significantly improved its aesthetics without losing its character.
Tip-Top's menu is very diverse and changes seasonally. However, you can always count on traditional soups - red borscht, krupnik or tomato soup. Among the main courses, potato pancakes with stew, dumplings with prunes and cutlet de volaille are popular. Prices are moderate - you'll pay about 8-10 zlotys for soup, and 15-20 zlotys for the second course. Tip-Top also stands out with its breakfast offer, which is rare among milk bars. You can eat scrambled eggs, pancakes or sandwiches here from early in the morning.
Bistro Przy Peronie at 4 Krochmalna Street is the youngest establishment in our list, but it has quickly gained the recognition of Lublin residents. As the name suggests, the bistro is located near the train station, making it an ideal place for a quick meal for travelers. The interior is reminiscent of a railroad theme - old timetables and photos of trains hang on the walls, and some of the furnishings come from decommissioned train cars.
The menu at Bistro By the Platform is a combination of traditional milk bar cuisine with modern culinary trends. There are classic dishes like bigos and stuffed cabbage, but also burgers, wraps and salads. Particularly recommended are the homemade dumplings with various fillings and the XXL pork loin, which, as the name suggests, stands out for its impressive size. Prices are affordable - for a full dinner you will pay about 20-25 zlotys. An additional advantage of the restaurant is the possibility to order food with delivery, which is unusual for traditional milk bars.
Comparing the three places, one can see different approaches to the concept of a milk bar. Bar Mieszczanski focuses on tradition with elegance, Tip-Top on variety and accessibility, and Bistro Przy Peronie on modernity with respect for tradition. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and offerings, but they have one thing in common - good food at an affordable price. This shows how the concept of milk bars is evolving, adapting to modern customer expectations, but not losing its original character and mission - to provide tasty, homemade food at a reasonable price.
Whether you are a fan of traditional milk bars or are looking for modern interpretations of classic dishes, there is a place in Lublin that will meet your expectations. Each of the described establishments has its own unique character and specialties, but they all have one thing in common - a passion for good food and hospitality typical of Lublin's culinary culture.
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