In the very center of Bydgoszcz, on busy Dworcowa Street, there is an inconspicuous establishment called Polski Bar. It's a place with a history dating back to the 1990s that has stood the test of time thanks to its consistent quality and affordable prices. The interior has retained its authentic, somewhat nostalgic character, reminiscent of the old days of milk bars. The menu is based on traditional Polish dishes, which are prepared according to recipes passed down from generation to generation.

At the Polish Bar, you should especially try the pierogies, which are hand-stuck every morning. They are available in several variants: with meat, Russian, with cabbage and mushrooms, and sweet with cheese and fruit. Portions are generous, and prices are among the lowest in the city. The soup of the day costs just a few zlotys, and for a second course with salad you will pay little more. This is an ideal place for families with children who appreciate simplicity and homemade taste.

Nearby, at 11 Henryka Sienkiewicza Street, is Bar Eljot - another gem on the culinary map of Bydgoszcz. The restaurant is distinguished primarily by its homely atmosphere and cuisine, which brings to mind Sunday dinners at grandma's house. Bar Eljot has been in business for more than two decades, and during that time it has gained a group of loyal customers who regularly return for their famous pork chops and stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce.

It is interesting to note that Bar Eljot is housed in an early 20th century building that survived the turmoil of war. The interior has retained elements of the old decor, which adds to the authenticity of the place. The menu changes seasonally, using locally available produce. In summer you can eat Lithuanian cooler, and in winter warm up with cabbage soup or sour soup. Special smaller portions of popular dishes have been prepared for the youngest, making this a family-friendly place.

It is worth mentioning a local legend associated with Bar Eljot. Apparently, the recipe for their famous cheesecake comes from a pre-war confectioner who passed it on to the current owners. This dessert, served with raspberry mousse, is a must-visit for any gourmand. Prices at Bar Eljot are moderate - you'll pay less for a full dinner consisting of soup and a second course than at most restaurants in the city center.

What both establishments have in common is not only affordability, but also authenticity and a commitment to the region's culinary traditions. While Polski Bar focuses on classic dishes in an unchanged form, Bar Eljot indulges in delicate experiments with traditional recipes, adding a contemporary twist. What makes them different is primarily their location - Polski Bar is located in the busier part of the city, while Bar Eljot is hidden on a slightly quieter street, which translates into the atmosphere in both places.

When traversing Bydgoszcz in search of tasty and economical food, it's impossible to miss Bar Kaprys at 1 Maria Sklodowska-Curie St. It's a place that has been serving home-cooked meals to locals and visitors since the 1980s. Bar Kaprys is a true institution on the culinary map of the city, known for its solid portions and consistently good quality dishes. The restaurant has retained its original, somewhat retro decor, which only adds to its charm and authenticity.

Bar Kaprys is primarily famous for its two-course dinners at incredibly low prices. Tomato soup with noodles, chicken broth or Old Polish sour soup are just some of the offerings for the first course. For the second course, you can choose from classic items such as minced cutlet, pork stew or potato pancakes. All dishes are prepared on site, without the use of ready-made semi-finished products, which can be felt in every bite.

It is interesting to note that Bar Kaprys is located in a building that before the war was home to a popular confectionery. According to local stories, fragments of the original oven, in which the famous Bydgoszcz gingerbread was once baked, have been preserved in the basement of the establishment. Today, Bar Kaprys continues the culinary traditions of the place, albeit in a slightly different form.

Not far from here, at 23 Wojska Polskiego Avenue, is Bar Jagienka, advertising itself as a place with home-cooked dinners. And indeed - it's hard to find a more apt term. Jagienka is a family business run by three generations of women who cook according to recipes passed down from mother to daughter. The restaurant was established in the 1990s and has since gained recognition among locals and tourists alike.

Bar Jagienka is distinguished primarily by its seasonal menu, which changes depending on the availability of local products. In the spring you can eat botwinka and new potatoes with dill, in the summer you can have cooler and zucchini dishes, in the autumn forest mushroom dishes reign supreme, and in the winter warming stews and bigos. However, pancakes with various fillings, which are especially popular with children, are a regular menu item.

It is worth mentioning the unique atmosphere at Bar Jagienka. The owners know many regular customers by name, and for regulars they often prepare 'something extra' outside the menu. It's a place where you can feel like family, which is rare these days.

Comparing Bar Kaprys and Bar Jagienka, there are a few important differences. Bar Kaprys is a bit more traditional in its approach to the menu, offering classic Polish dishes year-round. Bar Jagienka, on the other hand, focuses on seasonality and variety, frequently introducing new items to the menu. As for prices, both places keep them at a similar, affordable level, although at Bar Jagienka you have to pay a bit more for seasonal dishes. In terms of location, Bar Kaprys is closer to the center, making it more accessible to tourists, while Bar Jagienka requires a bit more walking or public transportation.

Leaving the strict center of Bydgoszcz and heading towards residential neighborhoods, you will come across other places worthy of culinary exploration. One of them is Bar Mikrus, located at 51 Ludwika Waryńskiego St. This inconspicuous establishment, hidden among blocks of flats, is a real treasure for lovers of home cooking at affordable prices.

Bar Mikrus, as the name suggests, is a small place that can accommodate about 20 people at a time. Despite its modest size, it offers an impressive selection of dishes, which are prepared on site every day. The menu changes daily, but you can always count on several types of soups, at least five second course offerings, and homemade compotes and pastries.

The history of Bar Mikrus dates back to the early 1990s, when the current owner, Ms. Krystyna, decided to share her passion for cooking with residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. Initially, the establishment functioned as a small take-out food outlet, but over time, thanks to its growing popularity, it has grown to its current size. An interesting fact is that many of the recipes used at Bar Mikrus come from a pre-war cookbook that Ms. Krystyna inherited from her grandmother.

Bar Mikrus is primarily famous for its traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce, which according to regulars are the best in all of Bydgoszcz. Also worth trying are their potato pancakes served with goulash and homemade lard with pickled cucumber, which is served as an appetizer with every dinner.

On the opposite end of town, at 75 Dworcowa Street, is the Dworcowy Bar - a place that, as the name suggests, is located near the train station. This is an ideal option for travelers who fancy a quick but wholesome meal before their onward journey or upon arrival in Bydgoszcz.

The Station Bar has been in continuous operation since the 1970s, making it one of the oldest places of its kind in the city. Over the decades the establishment has undergone various transformations, but has always remained faithful to the idea of serving simple, tasty food at affordable prices. The interior has retained design elements from different eras, which creates a unique, eclectic atmosphere.

The menu at the Dworcowy Bar includes classics of Polish bar cuisine: pork chops with potatoes and miso, bigos, tripe and various types of pierogi. For those in a hurry, quick dishes such as casseroles, hot dogs and hamburgers are also available. All this at prices that won't strain even the tightest traveler's budget.

An interesting fact about the Station Bar is that in the 1980s it was a meeting place for local artists and musicians, who would come here for late-night meals after concerts at the now-defunct 'Savoy' club. Apparently, one of the tables was the setting for the lyrics of several songs by a well-known Bydgoszcz rock band.

Comparing Bar Mikrus and Bar Dworcowy, there are several important differences. Bar Mikrus is a typical neighborhood establishment, frequented mainly by local residents, while Bar Dworcowy, due to its location, attracts a more diverse clientele, including many visitors. The menu at Bar Mikrus changes daily and is based on seasonal products, while Bar Dworcowy offers a fixed menu of dishes available year-round. In terms of pricing, the two places are similar - they offer full meals at affordable prices, although at the Dworcowy Bar you have to pay a little more for quick dishes than for traditional dinners.

Also worth noting are the differences in the atmosphere at the two establishments. Bar Mikrus is a quiet, almost family-oriented place where you can dine in peace and quiet. Dworcowy Bar, on the other hand, is bustling throughout the day, offering a more dynamic atmosphere, typical of places located near transportation hubs.