Dining in Cracow

We just returned from Krakow, from Rick's book we ate at Noah's Ark, nice place, but the meats were fatty and I did not think it deserved the recommendation unless you were there later in the evening for the live music, which we weren't. We walked out of a recommended place just SE of the main square on Grodzka (sorry, can't remember the name and we don't own "Eastern Europe", address 40) because they were very snooty on the water issue, insisted that if we drank our own water we were carrying in our pack they were not responsible for what happened to us and that water had to be boiled to either prepare food or wash dishes. I am sorry, but that is not only total B******t but if true then OMG, why should we even be in that city and risk brushing our teeth?
There is a Georgian restaurant, Gruzinskie Chaczapuri, actually they have several locations around the square, that was quite interesting, and so inexpensive that when we found were charged a couple dollars for a glass of tap water that we did not balk. Another great meal, unfortunately again do not remember the name, was on the NE corner of the Kazmiericz square. We also discovered Pod Zlota Pipa, Florianska 30 (between the Square and the Barbikan), and regret that we had only gone out for one last walk and dinner and did not bother to bring the camera, the interior is incredible (pipa.com.pl). Make sure you see the McDonald's on Florianska - not to eat in, but go in and down, you've never seen a McD's like this.

Our B&B in Krakow recommended the Dominikanska 2, and we really liked it. Especially the cherry vodka digestif. Strangely enough, its address is Plac Dominikanski 2.

I'm pulling the name off of Google Maps, but if its the same place where I ate a few years ago, I would recommend not eating all day, then having dinner at Krakauer Tuchhallen. I remember huge portions of pork, veggies and dumplings for very low cost in a relatively elegant setting. The restaurant sits at the NW corner of the old town sqaure.

There are plenty of restaurants in the main square that cater to tourists, but I'm a vegetarian and I was growing weary of eating bread and cheese all day. It was hard to find anything for me to eat besides pizza. We spent one day in Kazimierz and it was a goldmine for meals made of vegetables - reasonably priced. Also it was a really interesting part of town.

Check out the "milk bar" Bar Grodzki (in Rick's Book). Very good traditional food, gigantic portions and great service. The prices are exceptionally reasonable, too. Just a tip: if the waitstaff offers you the option of a half-portion, you should consider taking it. I got the "Hunter's Delight" and barely was able to make a dent in the corner of it :)

What a great thread. We're going in September and I will take note of these restaurants. Thanks for asking, Jeff!

THE vodka to try is "Old Krupnik" - honey flavoured.
Roger

One of our favorite places was the milk bar mentioned above. It is a must if you like eating local food and the people that work there are very friendly. We had a ball. We also ate in the old Jewish Quarter in a restaurant that had once been a ceremonial women's bath house. If you like Jewish food they had a good selection. The night we were there they had Klezmer music.

Thank you for the great info, will go to both.