Podhalanka Polksa Restauracja

Unless you knew to look for it, you’d probably never notice the dingy storefront of this local secret—and that would be a shame. The interior, reminiscent of a seventies basement rec room with fake brick paneling and John Paul II knickknacks, may not inspire confidence, but the Polish-speaking clientele and warm welcome certainly do. Hearty soups like zurek (sour borscht) and barley are just the thing on a cold day, while pierogis are a perennial favorite. Dishes like cabbage stuffed with lightly spiced pork bring back memories of grandmother’s cooking, even if it’s not your own. The beverage offerings are slim, but the family-owned restaurant is rather proud of its homemade kompot juice.

Tip: Along with the décor, the prices are still stuck in another decade. You’d be hard pressed to find a better deal than the $12.75 dinner special: soup, salad, and a stick-to-your-ribs entrée.