Polish for the Parents - Zascianek Restaurant (Zapraszaja)

I saw a really interesting thread started by Vital Information on Zascianek Restaurant (Zapraszaja). And although it sounded good, I wasn't sure if anyone else had had experience with this place that could give me some feedback as VI's post focused mostly on the dumplings.

Looking for a Polish restaurant to take my parents to on Sunday night. They're coming down from Minneapolis for the car show this weekend and would like to check out the artery-hardening goodness that Chicago is known for.

We've already been to Bobaks on Archer (I brought them there this summer). I was thinking of Szalas, but this board has given it sketchy reviews - AND the Check Please effect will be in full swing as I saw it on there this past weekend.

Hey, you could be the first to try the other Polish highlander restaurant (besides Szalas), the one in the Polish Highlanders' Association at 4808 S. Archer.

mellonhead wrote:I saw a really interesting thread started by Vital Information on Zascianek Restaurant (Zapraszaja). And although it sounded good, I wasn't sure if anyone else had had experience with this place that could give me some feedback as VI's post focused mostly on the dumplings.

I've been, many times. It's my favorite Polish place in Chicago. If you're not in the mood for pierogi, they also do good things with pork. The waitress is happy to make recommendations, but you can't go wrong with a schnitzel. Great borscht, too.

mellonhead wrote:I saw a really interesting thread started by Vital Information on Zascianek Restaurant (Zapraszaja). And although it sounded good, I wasn't sure if anyone else had had experience with this place that could give me some feedback as VI's post focused mostly on the dumplings.

Looking for a Polish restaurant to take my parents to on Sunday night. They're coming down from Minneapolis for the car show this weekend and would like to check out the artery-hardening goodness that Chicago is known for.

We've already been to Bobaks on Archer (I brought them there this summer). I was thinking of Szalas, but this board has given it sketchy reviews - AND the Check Please effect will be in full swing as I saw it on there this past weekend.

Actually what I like best there is the contractor special, mentioned in the linked thread. A lot of the cooking is good there in a simple way. It's very bare bones place though unlike Szalas.

If you like Eastern European, you may also want to consider Operetta.

Jolly Inn - The best! Fresh inexpensive, tasty and authentic Polish Buffet. On Irving Park about 1.5 blocks west of Naragansett. (Across from Dunning Square Mall)

Mellonhead, thanks for starting this post. My parents are coming in this weekend (though only Dad is going to the Auto Show) and we were thinking about Polish food so they would go home perfectly stuffed.

My dear, Ukrainian/Polish cleaning lady, Luba, recommended that we try one of these two spots for the buffet. She swears that Old Warsaw is as good as her own grandmother's cooking and a more upscale atmosphere than traditional buffets, and that Czerwone Jabluszko (Red Apple) is also great food for the price, though not nearly as nice.

Old Warsaw
4750 N Harlem Ave (Harlem & Lawrence)
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 867-4500

Red Apple Buffet
3123 N Milwaukee Ave (near Belmont intersection)
Chicago, 60618
(773) 588-5781

I think we may try Old Warsaw this Sunday, since it will be easier to bring our toddler and preschooler just after naptime. But, I am interested in these other suggestions, as many of them would qualify as great cultural experiences, and thus great for out-of-towners looking for a different experience than they could ever get a home... particularly if home is in South Dakota, where approximately 7 first-generation Polish people live.