There aren't too many spots in Chicago that are serving up polish street food, so after entirely too long of a delay, I was excited to finally make it over to this spot! We stopped by around 1pm on a Saturday, and it was not at all too busy. The inside was sort of modern-rustic and they had a beautiful patio that made for a perfect spot to soak up the sunlight. The staff was super nice and patient- you could tell that they took pride in the restaurant. We opted for the polish platter and prosciutto zapi. The baguette was perfectly crispy on the latter and the sweet fig jam, creamy cheese, and savory prosciutto were balanced perfectly. Surprisingly, it was not too filling and perfect for sharing. I came on a mission for the polish platter and it was everything I'd hoped for! The kielbasa had a perfect crispy char that was rounded out nicely with a generous serving of sauerkraut and stone ground mustard. The sauerkraut and pickled veggies had a hint of sweetness and were actually not too tangy. The pierogi were pillowy, soft, and delightfully cheesy. However, the potato pancake really stole the show for me- the potato was shredded super finely which kept it moist in the middle, with an outside that was as crispy as a potato chip. The portions were generous and the prices were very reasonable. Overall, a fantastic experience. I will definitely return soon and encourage all to pay a visit! read more

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They still have the same excellent ribs and tips as when the place was Lillie's Barbecue. On my most recent visit I ordered the Polish platter, which offers a little of everything. It was all very good and I'd get it again. I do have to echo what some have said about the service. Everything started off fine, but then after I had my food, my server just disappeared. Another walked past twice and said nothing despite my clean plate clearly indicating I was finished. I finally had to ask for my check. If they can get their service issues sorted out I'd bump them up to 5 stars. read more

Let me preface this by saying the food was great. However, the service was horrendous! My friend and I entered the establishment and were barely greeted by the attendant, who simply handed us menus with little to no communication. Another server eventually seated us inside the restaurant. It then took approximately 10-15 minutes just to receive water. We requested straws and asked if we could be seated outside. After being moved outdoors, we waited another 10-15 minutes for our straws. Unfortunately, I eventually had to get up and retrieve them myself. A different server then came to take our order. We ordered a burger, fries, a margarita, and a shot. After placing our order, we waited nearly 30-40 minutes for our food. During that time, our original server came over and attempted to take our order again, despite the fact that it had already been placed. When our food and drinks finally arrived, we sampled the shot and it was absolutely atrocious. We spoke with our server, who explained that she had not prepared it. She stated that another server had frozen the drink, which caused its hazy appearance. She also mentioned that the shaker used to make the shot had not been cleaned properly and offered to remake it herself. To make matters worse, while sitting outside, we observed multiple rats running around the patio area. While the food was enjoyable, the extremely poor service, excessive wait times, lack of communication among staff, and unsanitary conditions ensured that I will never return to this establishment. read more

Spoko - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I will start with a dinner recommendation for those of you who are unsure if you should go in and what to order. As a first timer start with Zapi (cut in smaller portions and turn it into an appetizer for everyone to try) then order the Polish platter and wash it down with Polish beer - ask for Warka (easy to pronounce) or point to any of the first 7 beers on the menu ;) As a Polish American I am excited to see new Polish restaurants coming back to Chicago and this one comes with a mission. Introducing Polish street food to Lincoln Park. From classic pierogis, to the GOAT of Polish street food -zapiekanka, grilled kielbasa with horseradish mustard, and potato pancakes -- this place is bringing street food culture to our city. Make sure to enjoy their cute outdoor patio and SMACZNEGO read more

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I'm a retired chef of Polish heritage. My mom was my first chef instructor although she was a self trained home chef. I grew up on pierogis and kielbasa. This place is great! My sister and I were hunting for a quick snack and happened to park right in front of this place. Had plans to go somewhere else and my intuition kicked in and lit up my brain when I saw Polish street food. My sister had just come back from an extensive trip in the mother land, Poland. We were so happy with the pierogis that we ended up coming back for dinner that night, again changing our plans. The house made smoked meats and sausage was only the tip of the great food. We enjoyed the outside seating and loved the zero alcohol beer. I highly recommend this place and would love to meet the owners someday and tell them how great their restaurant is. Can't wait to try the other spots they own. read more

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Food was so good and the prices were great for the amount of food we got! Will definitely be back soon for the polish sausage. Outdoor seating was nice and we loved that there was a full bar. Great place for a cute casual date or lunch. read more

Spoko - Crispy Brussels Sprouts Potato & Cheese Pierogi - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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SMACZNE SMACZNE SMACZNE!!!! I come here with my boyfriend so much when I'm in school and we always get the maczanki!!! my favorite restaurant to visit after a stressful week read more

Spoko - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had to get me some Polish food while visiting... dropped in this local shop and nom nom. Service was quick, my Polish dog was sizable and tasty (they make their own in house), the home made potato chips were also a nice choice. I had to also try their peirogis (with cheese and potato in them); they're were more flavorful than a fancy restaurant's version that I had the night before! I don't know if it's what it's pan fried in or just better cheese or onions or butter but it was great there too. The waitperson did double duty as the bartender - was attentive without being overly so; I was stuffed after and had to jet too - if I had more time I'd check out the later dinner vibe. I'd visit again for sure! read more

I came to Spoko for a happy hour with friends, and I was blown away! Have not been to Poland since prior to the pandemic, and I forgot how good zapis can be. The happy hour prices were great, and the outdoor patio was lovely. Great spot in Lincoln Park! read more

Spoko - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

everything was so delicious! The pierogi were so good, crispy on outside and soft and warm on the inside, the potatoe pancake was thick and delicious and the sausage was perfectly cooked. We had to end it off with a sweet treat and the gofry way perfect! soft, warm, chocolatly and creamy. the food came out quickly and the server was very nice. She gave us great recommendations since it was our first time visiting. read more

Spoko - nutella gofry - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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SOOOO FIRE. i got the polish brat + the pierogi and its so tasty yall. def go here. it's like insanely cheap as well read more

Spoko - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I think when I saw the ambience of the place I was like "oh it can't be that good" because it's so casual? but it's actually worth the hype. nice to sit outside and definitely on the upper end of polish food! they also randomly have very good milkshakes read more

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I ordered the Polish platter, Pierogi Benedict, and fountain drinks. The flavors, the food itself, temperature, and everything else were excellent. Having umbrellas on the sidewalk seating was an excellent decision. I will go back if I remember too. The costs are good for the food you are getting. Would like to go back. I think someone called off work on Saturday because there seemed to be one busy person working the whole place. read more

We were looking for a place to go after volleyball and all the bars we had originally gone too were overcrowded and we weren't able to get in. So we stumbled upon this place and they were able to seat us immediately even with as big of a group as ours in their outdoor seating. They were quick to take our order. They also have an inside which is smaller and more intimate than a normal bar restaurant. The food was really delicious so I am not sad at all that we ended up here. I will say, the kebab on the menu is actually a wrap. That was probably the most misleading thing however it was delicious!! Good balance in flavor and plenty of food for 2 meals! I would like to go back and try the other food as they looked really interesting too. read more

Spoko - Chicken Kebab - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We stayed in Lincoln Park and stumbled on this gem. The polish platter and wedge salad was more than enough food for two of us. It was delicious and the pierogi was the highlight of the meal. Would definitely recommend for those who enjoy polish cuisine. read more

Spoko - Polish platter and wedge salad - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stumbled upon this delicious Polish street food. It was the perfect place for a quick lunch on our trip in Chicago. We also ate the potato and cheese pierogi as an appetizer. Highly recommend!! read more

Spoko - Country Zapi - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loved the potato cheese pierogi and the beer selection including non-alcoholic. Laid back neighborhood vibes outside on the patio. Good service. The brisket in the brisket sandwich was dry but the rest was tasty. Our server was friendly and made good recs. Looking forward to trying the potato pancakes next time. read more

Jesus. This place is DEEPLY overlooked. This should be all over Chicago food TikTok and I have never seen it. I went a few months ago and thought it was really good but went back today to confirm...hot, well seasoned food, fast service, and the PRICES. These are 2020 prices. If you want something that won't break the bank and that doesn't taste like Sysco slop, go to Spoko. Seriously impressed, will be back. read more

Stopped at Spoko for lunch. This was my third time here, and each time I enjoyed it. Had the pulled pork sandwich, which as really tasty. (Previously I had one of the Zapi's --also delicious.) Service was great. I ate at one of the outside tables, nice, clean, and shady with the sound of rustling leaves from nearby trees. Recommended. read more

I'm a big bbq fan and Spoko's sandwich was so good. I had the brisket, wife had the pork. Can't wait to come back.

Food and portions were great. Frozen cocktail was also fantastic. Excited to come back and try more on the menu. read more

Spoko - pierogis - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Been here 3 times, and every time it is 5 stars. Good service, great prices, and amazing food. Never too crowded and i always know I will be able to get a table. Only been in the fall/winter but would love to go in the summer to sit outside. This place needs to be on more people's radar!!! read more

I'm a fan. It's new and this place has no business being as good as it is. The kitchen has both technique as well as an excellent sensitivity to flavor. Atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Quality eats. Damn. read more

Great casual spot on Armitage. Had a house made Andouille sausage that was great. It was on a nicely toasted sub roll with peppers onions and a nice mustard. Also had potato and cheese pierogis. Well cooked and classic flavors. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Spoko - Andouille - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I loved Ella's bbq so really disappointed it closed. So spoko had big shoes to fill. I had spoko and it was good. I had a baguette and a sandwich and enjoyed both. Excited to try more flavors and items. Worth a try! read more

Everything we tried was delicious. They accidently made an extra plate of brussel sprouts and let us keep it. Love this place! read more

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This place is fire. I'm Polish- they do traditional and modern style dishes incredibly well! Food, service, and price are exceptional

Excellent and interesting food. Will go back for sure. Cool place too. Sluggish service even for a weekday though. They need to get that part together. read more

Spoko - Polish Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's a cute little spot in LP with outdoor seating and indoor AC seating + small bar section as well. I got the beef kebabs (not an American kebab on a stick, it was beef and other ingredients in a flatbread). It was so so so good. The fries were great & I got a shake (chocolate & cherry) that was really good. They'll mix flavors for you if you like! The staff was warm & answered all my questions kindly. Very glad I stopped in here. Highly recommend for a chill afternoon dinner, especially with the shopping right down armitage there! read more

Loved Spoko! The name says it all--cool, great vibes and even better food. Everything we tried was full of flavor. Friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. Will definitely be back! read more

Potato pancakes and perogis were incredible! Lovely outdoor patio and vibey music. Service was outstanding.

This place is great. I just had the best bratwurst sandwich and potato salad. I think I've ever had in Chicago. It's quiet, cozy. The bartender/server is wonderful. I will definitely return for more items on the menu. read more

Great food, awesome service, good price, inviting ambiance . It's one of my fav places.

Drink and food are delicious! Staff are also very welcoming and great. Highly recommend if you're one for Polish food.

Stumbled upon Spoko by accident a couple weeks ago when I thought I was calling Ella's BBQ and we're SO GLAD we did! Shared the 3-item smoked platter for takeout and I've been thinking about it since. I've had BBQ at a lot of different places & thought I had tasted the best ... until I tried Spoko. The BBQ brisket, pulled pork & sausage are absolutely outstanding. Cooked to perfection, not overly fatty & deliciously seasoned. The Spoko sauce is sweet & tangy but, honestly, you'll have a tough time deciding whether the brisket & pulled pork are better with or without sauce because they're so good. I found myself alternating between sauced bites and unsauced bites. Super friendly on the phone. Getting it again tonight & I can't wait! Great job, Spoko! read more

AMAZING FOOD! I am polish and this was a great modern twist on polish food with the street food selection. Great spot for when I crave something homey and comforting. The zapi was so light fluffy and flavorful, kebabs were great and huge portion size (try the spicy- a good little kick!), and the maczanka was unreal. I got the beef brisket parm and the smoked meat was so flavorful, tender, and juicy. I really hope people give this place a shot because it's well worth it! Our server was very friendly and the food came out pretty quickly. read more

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Not the same! Came here often when it was Ella's. Disappointed by our last visit and confused why they would get rid of BBQ which is geared towards everyone for something so culturally specific with an acquired taste. Ella's was amazing so disappointed it's gone! read more

Excellent food. The potato pancake was perfectly fried with a delicate crust. The homemade sausage was very good and worth the trip from my downtown hotel. The salad and entry size was a really good value. I was really impressed with the "ginski" and beer selection. The server was helpful, prompt and friendly. We need something like this in the PNW. The vibe (polish music, tv selection) would fit read more