Settled at the former location of Carpe Diem, Café Poland, located at 807 Locust St., has earned its own place in Columbia, even amongst the already culturally diversified downtown. Nowhere else in the city can you buy authentic Polish cuisine.
Café Poland opened at the beginning of January. Thus, their menu is still expanding, but there are already some favorites. I highly recommend their pierogies, especially the ones stuffed with mushroom and sauerkraut.
Pierogies are dumplings made up of unleavened dough that are topped with grilled onions and served with sour cream on the side. Customers can also choose beef or potato and cheese-stuffed pierogies. Café Poland serves 6 per platter for $7.50. While on the expensive side, their pierogies are very filling, and six is enough for one person’s lunch.
For others not feeling up to pierogies, other options include Golabki (stuffed cabbage) with dill mashed potatoes or Kielbasa (Polish sausage) and bean soup.
Since the restaurant is still getting on its feet, there aren’t any Polish desserts on the menu quite yet. However, owner Robert Burlinski has indicated that Polish pastries and crepes are definitely something he will offer in the future. But as of right now, customers can choose to satisfy their sweet tooths with cherry pastries, apple muffins or Ghirardelli chocolates.
While the food is delectable and the service is quick,  some of the foods offered on the menu are not made totally fresh. For example, it is after cafe hours that Burlinkski and his mom make the pierogies. They are then warmed up in a microwave the next day to be served to their customers.
Also, one other thing is that the restaurant’s size can only accommodate about 20 people. So if you want to make sure you get a seat inside the restaurant, it would be best if you came around opening time.
With a casual atmosphere and delicious home-cooked food, Café Poland has much to offer its customers. I already know the mushroom and sauerkraut pierogies will be a go-to food of mine.
By Stazi Prost