I don't like giving a place five stars after only one visit but this place is an exception. Being of Polish extraction, I always try to have Polish food when I visit Chicago. This time, my host recommended Smakosz and I was quite impressed! I wish I had a bigger appetite because there was so much that was appealing on the menu! I settled on gołąbki, which is a dish my wife and I have made at home. The cabbage leaves on Smakosz's gołąbki were incredibly tender, and the flavor was everything I'd come to expect. Our server was delightful and attentive, and the ambiance is warm and cozy. If you're in the area and love good Polish food, I think you'll be quite happy you visited. read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Gołąbki with potatoes and kapusta - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This review would've gotten 3 stars for the food if the service wasn't so rude- we came in OVER 30 minutes before closing for one course for two people. The server greeted us by telling us when they closed and scoffed when I asked for a table. Then proceeded to give us 2 minutes to look at their very long menu. We were given the check when we barely started our meal over 15 minutes before closing. And as soon we were done came back and said "are you ready to pay now" they were aggrieved to work yet exited to take money! We ended up leaving 5 minutes before closing anyway and there were others still seated being treated like normal human beings should. Needless to say we will not be returning. read more

Food is legitimate. I just could not get enough! It's like you want to try every single item on the menu. But I'll be back when in Chicago area again. Probably one of the best Polish restaurants out there! read more

I'm Polish and so I ordered here for the first time yesterday and I'm very disappointed. I ordered a pork chop dinner and side of potato pancakes. I paid $47.56 !!!!! Outrageous prices for the quality the pork was as thin as a flank steak and food was mediocre for the price..... idk if they think they are a 5 star polish restaurant but the food at local tavern or even Montrose deli is better and bigger... I would have paid $15 for what I had gotten there!!!! read more

Celebrated a birthday here last night and it was my first visit, despite knowing this place existed for years. Seeing their instagram reels and videos drew me to come check this place out. I tend to not go to Polish restaurants much because I have my mom for that lol. I married into a second gen Polish fam and so going to Polish restaurants occasionally brings them back memories back to when their aunt used to own a Polish restaurant in Chicago back in the days. Food was amazing and so worth it. The potato pancakes were the best I've had in a while (don't tell my mom). I was glad that they didn't taste like old frying oil and were fresh. I also had the red barszcz with a krokiet and it was so good. I had a taste for a grilled sausage with onions and potato/cheese pierogi and it hit the spot. Rest of the family enjoyed their food as well and we will definitely be back! I do wish they offered zapiekanki though but it's ok! The Polish plates my fam got all looked so good and highly recommended by them to get a taste of a little of a few main things :) read more

We visited here on a Saturday for lunch and were seated right away. The restaurant is cute and clean on the inside. We started with soups and the potato pancakes, which ended up being the highlight of the meal. The service was friendly but very slow. It was one girl hosting, serving, running food, cleaning tables, and serving checks. At the time of our visit almost every table was filled, so you can imagine how hard she had to work. The entrees were decent. We rated them around 6/10-7/10. read more

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A shame, the food alone would have gotten 3 stars. We had called asking what time they close because previously they closed before the time listed on the door. They said we'd be able to come in this time. When we walked in, over 30 mins before closing, the server was very rude to us with a scoff and horrible tone + attitude. It was just a one course meal for two people. She then threw the menus on our table and gave us two. TWO. minutes to look at the very long menu. After we were forced to order we kept being nagged about when we were going to leave, given the check right as our food came out, while they kept eyeing us and looking for us to pay. Slapped our food down the table with aggression towards us. Before we were even finished- 10-15 mins before they closed. We were asked to pay with "are you ready to pay now" with much aggression in her tone. Every other customer in this restaurant, that was not at all busy, was being treated with kindness and compassion, asking if they wanted refills or anything else, being talked to about how their meal is going. Maybe it was because I was the only person of color in this restaurant, but we did not get anywhere near the same level of treatment. Overall would not recommend, and will not come back. read more

The food was good family fare and very authentic. Only a one-person wait staff ,though she was a very good server she needed help. I'm beyond with very casual and had charm. read more

A neighborhood staple in Jefferson Park. We were on vacation in Chicagoland and just had to make the trip out to JP to give them a try. They did not disappoint. First timers should go for the sampler plate so you get a taste of all the great Polish staples they are known for (kielbasa, pieorgies, etc). Service is prompt and friendly. The dining room is cozy and well-maintained. read more

Met up with some dear relatives, wanted some food we both love & miss. Found parking right in front of the restaurant! Rockstar Parking!!! The outside of the building fit into the Chicago look. Inside was very clean, modern & well lit. We were seated immediately, our Waitstaff was Kasia, very pleasant and quite accommodating. We ordered Some Zywiec Beer, soda & a Vodka Martini with Two Flags Vodka(premium Vodka). Hit the spot. The Steak Tartare was very impressive, served with hard boiled eggs, onions seasoned perfectly with plenty of rye bread. Rosołe was perfect Polish Penicillin...will cure everything; Definitely made from scratch. Ordered the Polish plate, Pork cutlet, Polish Sausage mashed potatoes with Sauer Kraut, plate of Russian Pierogi, and Meat Dumplings called Pyzy. Must say we had no room for dessert, but that's okay. Looking forward to returning with our immediate Family soon. Smacznego, Nazdrowie & Cheers! read more

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Food was delicious! Everything is priced ala carte though. We wanted additional gravy. No free refills. Overall Service was great! read more

Seriously what a surprise!! Stopped here on a rainy Monday. Had the potato pancakes, the polish sampler and the Apple strudel. I couldn't be more pleased. 4.5stars because nobody's perfect...;) If you find yourself in the area stop in at this family owned gem! read more

Just amazing polish food. I ordered the platter. Others ordered stuffed cabbage and polish sausage. My favorites were the pork and stuffed cabbage with tomato sauce. Just a great mom and pops experience. I felt like I was at a small European restaurant where the men showed up to drink all night while casually eating. Thank you for the experience. read more

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for some time and the menu looked amazing. We arrived shortly after 1 pm and it was fairly busy with almost all table being taken. The server was very nice and found us a table. The food was incredible between the potato pancakes, beef roast, and sour soup. Great flavors and portions. There's no doubt that we will be returning. They do need to hire or add more server support though. Our server had to run all over the place and you could tell she was tired. Definitely recommended. read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Potato Pancake - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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$$: 2 ppl for about $50 Food: As a first time visitor, of course have to try the polish food assortment and traditional sour soup. It turns out not bad. I like the pork chop and cabbage roll. The pork chop tastes like tonkatsu, crispy and light breaded. Sour soup well solved my nauseous from long drive. Service: they only have 1 server, so kind of slow, and you have to ask for the bread and water, otherwise she might assume you don't need it... Ambiance: small and cozy, nice place to grab a quick lunch. read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Polish Food Assortment - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Both food and service were excellent. We ordered the potato pancake appetizer and split the sampler platter. Everything was cooked to perfection and prices were reasonable. read more

Happy to return after they had a sort period off close while they did renovations. The restaurant is beautifully refreshed, and the food is as delicious as ever. We're so glad to have this thriving authentic restaurant and its wonderful crew so close to home. read more

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Every time we go to this restaurant, the food is absolutely delicious. The first time we came. We had the pierogi appetizers and they were freshly made an absolutely delicious this last time we had the potato pancakes, which were crispy seasoned well impaired with the mushroom gravy absolutely delicious for the entrée. We all had the assortment plate, which is more than enough food for not only dinner, but to take home delicious leftovers for the next evening. It is a very cute place and the service is always spot on definitely a must go to and we will definitely be back. read more

Food is heavy, delicious and comforting just like Grandma's cooking! The Sour soup, pierogi and potato pancakes were amazing. Very cozy and clean inside. Highly recommend for old school Polish food! read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Cabbage & Mushroom Pierogi - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing food and service! Highly recommend if you're looking for traditional tasty polish food! read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Sour Soup Żurek - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing food across the whole Chicago area. We went around 6-7 pm when the restaurant was going to close. Only one lady was serving in total 4 table which is fine. It's a really casual space and really suitable for family gatherings. The foos are really tasty, especially those we tried pork chop and chicken breast. read more

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I am married to a lovely woman who was born in Poland. This place is the real deal when it comes to authenticity. Zurek was absolutely delicious. This cute little place is homely, casual, and relaxed. read more

The food is great. The pierogi are very tender. I loved the borscht. The staff was very efficient. The ambiance was perfect for me. No nonsense. Not fancy but very nice. Great experience. Will definitely return. read more

The inside of the restaurant was incredibly warm and homey! Service was friendly and very polite! And the food was really good, you could definitely taste the quality of the ingredients! The sausage and pierogis are a must try! read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Lublin Pork - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved it two years ago! Everything was delicious. We wanted to go back again on a cold winter night for some comfort food. The portions very small for the price point, ( prices on the menu were not accurate). At best it was a mediocre meal. The place was very busy. Screaming toddlers running around killed the vibe ( not the fault of the restaurant). Disappointed. My husband could not finish his entree. The pirogies tasted off. Again very disappointed from a few years ago. We love to dine at small local restaurants, not sure if we will be back a third time. read more

Delicious Polish food. Great service. Highly recommend. We will be coming back for sure read more

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Ordered catering for our parent's anniversary party and Smakosz did not disappoint! Kasia was so helpful and prompt with delivery. The food was so beautifully prepared and tasted even better! Everything was very fairly priced and I know our family will be ordering this again and again! Very authentic and delicious read more

Smakosz Restaurant - Cucumber salad and sourkraut - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loved this place...food was authentic and you could tell it was a family place. Service was unobtrusive and super helpful. Chicago needs more places like this that put the care and attention to detail into their homemade food. read more

Always good food at lunch .. I think it's a bit expensive .. usually $105.00 for two for lunch. Soup and an entree and coffee and one of us gets dessert read more

This place has become one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Traditional Polish food made from the freshest ingredients, all natural and homemade. As it states on the menu be patient, which to me means every meal prepared fresh. Potato pancakes just like mom's (dare I say better!) Four of us went there last night and we all ordered different items just so we could share/sample as much as we could , all of it was fantastic. read more

Just had the most DELICIOUS meal here. The glass of wine was generous. We all started with a soup and I had a side of cabbage - the dill on top was a great addition and the cabbage was filled with lots of flavor. I had the white fish that came with a side salad and potatoes. The potatoes were probably the best I ever had. The woman who served us was a hard worker but so sweet. You can tell she loves this place and it's a true homemade experience. Food does take a little while to come out but do not fear - it is because it is made with love. The wait was not an issue at all. No preservatives. All natural food. Family business. It was not that busy on a Sunday evening and the ambiance was very warm and welcome. 5/5. Could not recommend more...PLEASE GO! You will never regret. read more

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The food is AWESOME! Just enough not too much. The service is fanastic, given there was only 1 server on a Saturday night. Newish redecoration, but still feels authentic. Nice soft music in the back ground. read more

Had Sunday dinner there today. Everything was excellent. Tripe soup was rich and very flavorful. Pierogi, Salisbury steak, meat balls in dill cream sauce, beet salad, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, apple strudel all perfectly prepared. We will be back. Dying to try their cabbage rolls, liver, pork chops....service also excellent and it's nice to sit at a sturdy table that doesn't rock, lol. read more

I am Polish and these meals are authentic & delicious. The decor is lively and the service was excellent, even though one waitress did everything but the cooking. This really reminded me of my Mother's cooking. Limited hours, so reservations are recommended. Street parking & handicap friendly. read more

Smakosz Restaurant - This is the main dining area. - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a legitimate delicious place in Jefferson Park. Can't wait to go back and try more things.

Food was delicious and the owner was super kind. Super quick service and really cozy vibes. Loved it

Cute little restaurant. Food is very good. We ordered the veal cutlet with a side of beet and blueberry pierogi. The veal cutlet was lightly breaded and it was a large portion. It was very good. It came with a mashed potatoes sprinkled with Dill and mushrooms. The mushrooms were tasty. The mashed potatoe was good. The beet salad is shredded and is good as well. The blueberry pierogi you can order as your main meal or share as a desert. It's plentiful. It was a dumpling with real blueberries inside. It comes with sour cream. This dish was surprisingly very good. read more

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Was there with my BFF Agnieska, (yes, she's Polish). I have wanted to go there for a LOOONG time, I was just intimidated by the very low key setting and location. LET ME TELL YOU! This place is LEGIT! - Approved by AGA. We ordered A BUNCH of stuff. I don't know what all I know it's... I was a happy man! We shared a bunch of dishes and they all received the AGA thumbs up for Authenticity, flavor, quality and size. Service was nice and intimate, it's a small place and only one waitress was there but she was nice and made solid suggestions. I just asked for more beer. It's was nice not making decisions for once! Again, this is a small neighborhood spot that has been here for AT LEAST 20 years! And it keeps going... Yes. I will go back. Once I have another Polish person to go with.... P.S. See?!? It's not all Tacos All The Time! read more

Great authentic Polish food. Place is clean food tasty affordable prices. Service polite I recommend this business

For some reason, my sister and I had a craving for pierogi and after doing a quick search settled on Smakosz as the place to go to. The reviews looked good and we wanted some place authentic. Came for a later lunch to find a pretty quiet place on a weekday. We were the only two in there and it kind of reminded me of old school supper clubs, wood paneling, old school bar. Once we sat down my sister wanted something else besides pierogi so I ended up ordering the pork cutlet. An egg on top? Why have I been missing out on this for so long?! The salad and bread basket? Basically gone, I liked the different textures of each salad and when my main course came it definitely helped even out the richness of the cutlet. I was basically on the verge of a food coma but I wanted to try the apple strudel, and I did. You ever see staff nod at our choice? Our server did and I thought it was a good sign. The strudel was decent sized, but the whipped cream was fluffy and thick, I thought it was a scoop of ice cream at first. I still haven't scratched that pierogi itch yet so I might go back soon. read more

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