A lot of people know the café/pub Mleczarnia (which means “dairy” in Polish) but not everybody realizes that actually there are two Mleczarnias: one in Kraków and one in Wrocław. Both cafés have old-fashioned décor and mysterious atmosphere. The walls are hung with black-and-white photographs dating back to our great-grandparents' time. Tables are covered with lace tablecloths and the furniture looks as if it had just been found in the attic. In the evenings, candles are the only source of light, which on the one hand creates a romantic atmosphere, but on the other provides extra excitement while walking on the uneven floor.
Both Mleczarnias have similar food and beverages on the menu but there are some territorial differences. As the name indicates, the cafés specialize in milk drinks: cocoa, hot chocolate and various types of coffee. Alcoholic drinks are also delicious, especially mojito and Słodkie Mle (with chocolate flavoured liqueur). If you're hungry, you can order toasts, soups or homemade cakes, while the Wrocław Mleczarnia offers also hearty breakfasts (served between 8.00 am and 1.00 pm, PLN 15.00-18.00 for a breakfasts set). Both cafés are self-service.
Despite many similarities, each Mleczarnia has a slightly different character. Mleczarnia in Kraków is tucked away in one of the side streets of the Jewish quarter, Kazimierz. Apparently this place once housed a real dairy, which gave name to the pub. In winter, Mleczarnia is peaceful in cosy, while in summer it throbs with life thanks to a spacious beer garden across the street. In the beer garden, you can order not only most of the drinks served in the café (except for spirits), but also freshly squeezed fruit juices. A huge tree provides a leafy shade, while fresh flowers in milk cans bring to mind holidays in the countryside.
Mleczarnia in Wrocław, which is much bigger than the one in Kraków, consists of two rooms on the ground floor and a large smoking room in the basement (open from 5.00 pm). A beer garden is located in the courtyard of a newly renovated Synagogue, but it has much less charm than the garden in Krakow. Fortunately, the interior of the Wrocław Mleczarnia compensates for imperfections of its beer garden.
Both Mleczarnias are perfect venues for a date or a meeting with friends. Thanks to the special atmosphere and delicious coffee, I am a regular guest at the two cafes. I always bring my friends along and so far they all have succumbed to the alluring magic of Mleczarnias.
Wersja polska
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Address:
ul. Rabina Bera Meiselsa 20, Kraków
ul. Pawła Włodkowica 5, Wrocław
Website: mle.pl 