Cancel

Open app

Search

Bacowka

4.4 (475 reviews)
ModeratePolish, Salad, Soup
Open • 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 2 weeks ago

Order Bacowka Takeout or Delivery

Bacowka Photos

BACOWKA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Bacowka

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Delicious mixology
Alex K.

We love polish food! Everything looked so good online and we're so surprised by the atmosphere here. We came on a Friday to live music and loved that they were open later than other places in the area. The staff were all so nice and welcoming. It feels great to be welcome with a smile! Natalia helped us with hard decisions across such a vast menu. All the options looked so good. After receiving our sampler plate and perogies, we knew we'd have to come back! Only problem is do we order the dish we know is so good or try something else that looks amazing. What a great evening! Thank you for fantastic food and vibes for our evening!

Polish Plate
Jessica S.

Amazing! Beautiful restaurant down to every detail. The design of the restaurant - even the bathroom was one of the most beautiful bathrooms I've seen. I took some coworkers there as they've never had Polish food. But when in Illinois, I feel like it's a must! We found this place because it's one of the few places that opens late. Service was quick and our server was really friendly. Food was absolutely amazing! The four of us all got the Polish Plate. There was so much food that I had to take it back to my hotel. We got the house made fruit punch and it was very fresh - I liked that it wasn't too sweet! Thanks for a wonderful experience!

Tradycyjny Schabowy - It was huge I could only eat a small portion and took the rest with me to go.
Joley B.

I thought long and hard about what Polish restaurant I was going to visit while recently in the Chicago area. I was very pleased with my choice. I came early and was seated in the front area near the door. The woman waiting on me - Agnieszka - was fantastic. She was attentive but not too much, and she was very friendly. The world is small and it turns out that I know someone she's related to - it turned into a fun conversation. I haven't been to Poland for a while, so I was looking for something traditional to bring me back to those days. I ordered Kwasnica (the sauerkraut soup) and it was delicious and served it a beautiful little hanging soup bowl. For my main I went with the Kotlet Schabowy, because what is more Polish than that? The surowki accompaniments were delicious, and I took my left overs with me. That was probably the biggest kotlet I've ever seen in my life, and it immediately reminded me of my downstairs neighbor when I lived in warsaw who would pound kotlets every sunday morning!!! My only regret is that I didn't try the oscypek! The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and I felt really comfortable here. Even with my poor Polish language skills I felt at home here.

Pork cutlet, dinner sample and the side salads. All flavorful and delicious!
Debbie G.

I like the old decor better. I understand the remodel is trendy but the old decor was neat. I felt like I was in the mountains of Europe. Plus the furniture was way more comfortable. The menus are black and you cannot read them without your phone flashlight. The food is always consistently delicious. Maybe add something new to the menu or specials other than soup? I went on a Tuesday night and the restaurant and bar were empty. The bar always had a constant crowd. I hope the restaurant is still successful. I'll be back because the food is so good, I just wish things hadn't changed. Maybe I am old...ha!

Placek po wgiersku / Hungarian goulash w/pancake
Neal H.

Bacowka is a cool place. Well decorated and hosted by pleasant people. The food was pretty good; meat and potatoes. My wife ordered the Hungarian goulash with a potato pancake and I ordered sizzling pork shoulder with fries. Let me be clear, the food was delicious. We finished everything......eventually ;-) The portions are pretty big, especially the pork shoulder dish. I wish I had a shoulder (or shoulders?) as big as the pig that helped me with my nutrient intake. There were three-ish well seasoned pork steaks. The goulash dish was a reasonably/"regular" sized dish. We took some home, but that is normally expected. In the end, we're going to go back and I recommend that you check them out. Just understand that you will leave with a full belly and lunch for the next day. The only, subtle issue is that the pork shoulder was not sizzling when it arrived. Peace!

Mark G.

The atmosphere is great. The food is great. The service is not good. I was ignored for 20 minutes before my order was taken. Plus all of the "regulars" received bread where I was treated as a unworthy. The place is fine. The servers tend to ignore you unless you speak Polish Not fun

They charge $12 for the regular potato pancakes in person
Nick P.

This was our first time coming here. I'm no stranger to Polish food, so I wanted to try this place out since they close a lot later than other places. We went this past Saturday, it was someone's party so it was pretty busy. I'm not sure if they're normally that busy on the weekends. We got seated right away. You can tell it's authentic since most of the customers plus the staff speak Polish. Pro tip: if there is a language barrier, pull out that smart phone you always have and look up Google translate. Should not take that long to pull up. It did take some time for us to receive our food because of the ongoing event, that's understandable. They're also severely understaffed, so they didn't expect a multitude of people coming in after 8 pm. For every table that left, it seemed like 5 groups of people would come. We ordered a variety of food to try. Food portions were very generous and huge. Prices were very fair for what you get, but what they charge in person is different from their website prices. Be aware of that. Service was lacking, we had to keep flagging down someone. However, it could be different if it was on another day. FYI, there is a 12% sales tax in addition to the 3% surcharge. Not sure why the sales tax is so high since I've eaten at other restaurants in that area. Unfortunately, I'll have to give them a 3 out of 5 due to the price disparities (in person from online), high sales tax, and mediocre service. -hot tea 3 - good tea and they offer you a nice selection of different flavors. However, $5 is so much for just hot water and a tea packet. -red borscht with dumplings 5 - traditional Polish soup. It's red beet soup with meat dumplings. Dumplings were very good. Meat wasn't dry. -potato pancakes 5 - crispy and moist. Good flavor. -pork hock 5 - ridiculously tender and juicy. Cuts off the bone easily. Star of the show. -pork shoulder 3.5 - it was sizzling when I received it but the meat seemed to be kind of tough. I usually like my meat tender but this one seemed a little overcooked. I just took some screen shots to show their official website prices are $2 cheaper than what they charge in person.

Zapiekanka
Kristena R.

Really nice restaurant- the interior and decor is absolutely beautiful. Service was awesome! The food was really good and prices are very reasonable. We came on Wednesday and we had no idea until we got the check that they do crazy Wednesdays and it's $10 off the bill! I ordered pierogis and they were decent! Especially liked the potato and cheese ones. The Zapiekanka was delicious! We plan on returning!

Pork cutlet with eggs, cheese, and mushrooms and potatoes.
Joshua M.

This place is in the middle of a large Polish community and you could tell with all the people speaking Eastern European languages. I felt like the only person who only spoke English there. I was alone and I sat at the bar, they have two there and the look very nice. The decor in this place is pretty nice for a restaurant in a strip mall. The food was really good too. Besides the pork cutlet, I also tried the smalec that is served with bread and pickles (if this is your first dance with authentic Polish cuisine, like me let me tell you about it). It translates as lard because it is pork fat and spices that is traditionally spread on a crusty bread and often topped with pickles. It was very good, I'd definitely look for that again. In addition to my main course, they brought the three traditional salads. Cole slaw, beets, and cucumber salad. All of them were good, but I liked the cucumbers the best. Some smalec, rye bread, and cucumber salad; now that would be a good meal, I might be ready to summer in Warsaw now.

Susan S.

Had the polish plate.Polish stuffed cabbage potato pancake, sauerkraut kraut meat periogi. I think the mashed potatoes were instant . Could have used butter and seasoning . I really like the stuffed cabbage in a wonderful creamy tomato sauce . I tried someone mushroom gravy it was good. I haven't been in a while and they remodeled. Very spacious. When we came it wasn't busy there was a bit of snow . Mushroom soup was great 10 a bowl . They had fresh bread with a meat spread for a comp starter . We had a big group and asked for separate checks. For some reason they couldn't do that. Our server was not that great. I've been here before fourth time service was excellent. We had a big group and I guess our group asked for separate checks but she said we can't because we made a reservation . Not sure why since we were the only ones in the dining room for the two hours we were there. The food was good but did come out tepid. I carried out the steak tartar and liver and onions for my son. The tartar was delicious I had a bite. Liver was pretty good. Did I mention how good the bread is . The restaurant remodel is a mix of this n that nice and clean. The other people that worked there were very friendly . The menu looked amazing I'll have to come back and try the duck and pork cutlet. The crepes looked incredible . The restaurant had pony chairs and a taxidermy dream which they no longer have. I like the new decor

The best Polish restaurant in the City! The food? Incredible. The pierogi were soft, flavorful, and clearly handmade--especially the potato and cheese ones, which melted in my mouth. The bigos (hunter's stew) was hearty and rich, with just the right balance of tang and spice. What really stood out, though, was the attention to detail. Every dish was beautifully presented, and you could tell the chefs take real pride in their craft. The portions were really BIG, and everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The staff were incredibly friendly, warm, and attentive--something that made the entire dining experience even more memorable. You can tell they truly care about their guests.

Lily S.

The perfect place to get traditional polish food, the service is very attentive. The environment feels classy, and the staff is very well mannered always.

Cucumber/pickle soup special

See all

Photo of Mark N.
9
226
223

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sylwia P.

Sylwia P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sylwia P.

Sylwia P.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Susan S.
305
1038
6280

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Najlpesze polskie jedzenie w okolicy. Agnieszka bardzo miła sympatyczna i pomocna. polecam

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Food C.
1
43
22

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jan M.
0
35
45

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lilah J.
0
129
266

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kate K.
176
10
6

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Authentic Polish food with excellent service from Ilona. We will definitely be back and enjoyed our meals. Huge portions!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of C R.
0
264
43

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lori F.
4
62
17

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sylwia P.

Sylwia P.

SCAM !!!

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

Page 1 of 12

Bacowka Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Bacowka

Do they take reservations?

Hello Yes, we are taking reservations;)

Do they offer catering?

Yes

View All 3 Questions

You might also consider

Nostimo - Tirokafteri Dip

Nostimo

4.6(179 reviews)
9.1 mi
•$$

We decided to come here as 2 of my sons wanted to try this place. We invited my in-laws and my…read morebrother-in-law and his family. Since there was a total of 11 and the seating is first come first serve, we decided to call to see if they had reservations. They did take our name and reserved a table. When we arrived we noticed a table was reserved and we were informed that it was our table. We sat and looked over the menus. When we were ready my 2 boys and I went up to place our order. My one son has major allergies so we spoke to the chef and he came back out to recommend the dishes he can have. It was great that he did so and gave us confidence that my son would be able to eat without worrying too much about the ingredients. I ordered the Shrimp Kalamakia with a side of the Greek Rice. My son with the allergies ordered the Pork Kalamakia with Greek Rice and no pita, my other son ordered the Traditional Pork Gyro with Greek Rice. The sides we ordered: Saganaki Fritters and Spanakopitakia. My son that ordered the Pork Kalamakia devoured it. He said it was tender and juicy and probably could have eaten 4 skewers. My Shrimp Kalamakia was nicely charred and seasoned, I squeezed some lemon and it provided a nice tang over the seasoning. The Lemon rice pilaf was soft and cook just right and was nicely balanced. I had one Saganaki Ball and it was delicious. My son had the Pork Gyros said it was really good and the Tzatziki sauce was creamy and rich with flavors. My in-laws bought the table desserts and I got the Baklava and my wife got Loukoumades (Greek Donuts with Nutella) and both did not disappoint. I really loved the citrus honey syrup in the Baklava. The Loukoumades had a crispy shell and nice a fluffy on the inside and the Nutella amount was perfect. This place is very good and well worth the price in my opinion. I loved the fact that they took the time to make sure my son with allergies was safe.

Very tasty Greek meats in an upscale fast-casual space. Came here for a weekend dinner for four,…read moreate very well for $85 including tip. Food was flavorful, portions were large, and service was good. I'd come back.

Photos
Nostimo - Beautiful and spacious

Beautiful and spacious

Nostimo - Saganaki Fritters

Saganaki Fritters

Nostimo - Shrimp Kalimakia Dinner

See all

Shrimp Kalimakia Dinner

Torizen - Pork bone broth ramen

Torizen

4.3(217 reviews)
3.1 mi
•$$

Ok then- me, hubby, and a couple friends decided it was time to take Torizen for a test drive. On…read morea cold Saturday am, we arrived just before opening- when the guy opened the door? Well- let's just say he wasn't too warm or welcoming and could barely grunt a greeting. Hmm. We were quickly seated in a very japanese-looking restaurant (a good sign). We ordered two apps - the chicken karaage and the agedashi tofu. I ordered the spicy tonkatsu pork ramen (not on their web menu, but still...). First demerit- my ramen arrived before the apps did. Seriously. Seriously? Me with a main dish and my hubby/friends bereft of food? Oh wow. I didn't touch it until the apps arrived a couple minutes later - finally their mains arrived. Yay. The apps? Well, the chicken karaage was really fried chicken breast meat (no bones; not a prob for me, but hubby - a japanese man by birth- was not impressed). The agedashi tofu was yummy and quite good. Nice! Ok- my ramen was - yes- spicy and oily, as any good ramen should be. The bad part? I could tell the bean sprouts weren't fresh as my sensitive digestive tract let me know - fast- that the sprouts were "not" fresh. Yikes. Not a good thing - hence the demerit. Ok- first- we may come again. But gosh. the workers really need to be a bit happier to be there- or - if they can't be pleasant - keep them out of the public's eye. That would be a big help- after all, this was our first visit- and it wasn't too welcoming - it would have offset the bad sprouts, you know?

It's been quite a few years since my last updated review of this place and I have been here several…read moretimes both for lunch or dinner during that time in between. However, my most recent visit came in for dinner and I just had to finally update this post because throughout all of these visits, this place is so amazingly consistent in the food quality in the portions and in the incredible Japanese hospitable service. This is truly authentic legitimate food. And it's great to see the menu over the years really evolved as well as expand. This is a real go to, and I am so glad that they're here and not too far away and this is truly a great Japanese cultural feast and taste for the mouth!

Photos
Torizen
Torizen - Potato salad

Potato salad

Torizen - Chicken Karaage

See all

Chicken Karaage

Kai Mom's K Food Togo

Kai Mom's K Food Togo

4.6(61 reviews)
1.1 mi

This place is so underrated! Everything is so good here. My family is definitely regular customers…read morenow. We had the following: Jjajangmyun Bibimbop Soondoobu jjigae - broth was amazing! Korean fried chicken - meat was so tender and juicy, the skin was crispy This reminds me of home style cooking. I'm not traveling far to eat jjajang myun and soondoobu now. Service is great! Thanks for the hot tea and complimentary sides.

My first Yelp Review of 2026!…read more Kicking off the year with Kai Mom's K Food To Go -- and I'm so glad I finally tried it after seeing all the buzz. They have quite an extensive menu offering both Korean & Chinese entrees. It was tough deciding what to choose but we ended up ordered the Jjampong + Jjajangmyeon combo, Pork & Stir-Fried Squid, Galbitang, and Soy Garlic Fried Chicken (Bone-in). Out of everything, the Jjajangmyeon was the clear standout. The flavor was so good that I'd honestly come back just for that alone. Absolute comfort food. The Jjampong didn't quite hit for me -- it wasn't bad, but it felt a little bland and lacked the umami I usually look for. I've had better elsewhere, so I'd probably skip that next time. Similarly the Pork & Squid stir fry just didn't pack the right punch for me so I would pass too. Other highlights were definitely the Soy Garlic Fried Chicken and Galbitang. The chicken was packed with flavor, perfectly crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside -- a must-order. The Galbitang was comforting and hearty, with about four bones in the soup, super tender meat, and a clean, soothing broth. The space itself is small with only four tables, and we lucked out getting one. It has such a cozy, homey feel -- like you're sitting in her kitchen while she cooks you a homemade Korean meal. Service was excellent too; they checked in often and kept our drinks refilled. Overall, a great start to my 2026 food reviews. I'll definitely be back -- especially for that Jjajangmyeon and Soy Garlic Fried Chicken. I can't wait to try more of their dishes.

Photos
Kai Mom's K Food Togo
Kai Mom's K Food Togo - Bibimbap

Bibimbap

Kai Mom's K Food Togo - Cheeto fries

See all

Cheeto fries

Bacowka - polish - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...