* Editor’s note: this bar closed in August of 2018. Feel free to check out nearby La Poesia, Gibraltar a couple of blocks away or the historic Bar Britanico, or see our list of other bars in Buenos Aires
First there was Gibraltar, then there was Puerta Roja, now there is Krakow. As the name implies, this pub is Polish-owned and is a nice spot in San Telmo to grab a drink among an international mix of travelers and neighborhood folk.
The stylish low-lit pub has a nice spacious bar, low-slung couches and in the rear of the bar, board games and a Wii play center so that the video generation doesn’t feel left out.
Although there is a big screen in the back and sometimes games on the tube, the floor space isn’t dominated by TV’s like so many other bars in the city. Behind the bar you’ll find one bulldog who nevertheless does a good job taking care of the music, co-owner Toman Pytel and a sweet-faced Dominican — look to him to keep your drinks flowing. The darling bilingual servers also do a good job making sure you don’t go thirsty.
Vodka, Micro-brewed Beer & Polish Specialties
There is a good selection of liquors including Polish vodka, and some nice brews on tap, including the Antares line, an Argentine microbrew with a couple of varieties of stout for those looking for a break from the watery national brand, Quilmes. The menu has the basic cheese plates, sandwiches, hamburgers, but your best bet is the Polish specialties such as sausage and sauerkraut, Pierogi (Polish raviolis) and for dessert, apple pancakes. The kitchen is open until 1 a.m.
This is a good place to warm up before the night gets going or have your last drink before heading to bed. On the weekdays there’s a two-for-one happy hour from 6-10 pm. Later in the night it tends to be fairly mellow and is a chill place to go for after-dinner drinks. On the weekends it picks up, and can get crowded in the high season, but not uncomfortably so.
Krakow
Venezuela 474
San Telmo
Tel:4342-3916
• Hours: Mon-Fri: 5 p.m.- 3 a.m.
-Sat & Sun: 6 p.m.- 5 a.m.