I went in with an open mind, 'cause ain't nobody gonna compete with my Polish momma's cooking. Oh boy, the place did not disappoint. Serious stick-to-your ribs starch-fest butter-lovin' home-cooking. The place was hoppin' in this cafeteria-style restaurant with a line curling around the inviting bar from around 7-8. As I was walking in the door, I actually witnessed a catholic priest chatting with a local guy about some guy with a butchered polish last name. It was like they planted actors. The bar was a nice surprise to me, comfy and open, with a great view of downtown from Tremont. The polish vodka selection, and Okicim beer on draft made me proud.
I love it that the first things to choose are dessert, neat trick, my kinda joint. Well played, Sokolowski's. The crew went straight for the chocolate raspberry, chocolate cake and carrot cake from the start. No traditional Polish sweets, but that certainly didn't stop some of us from diggin in anyway. Next section...beers from around the world on ice...again, i love this joint! I've never seen the beer Bakalar from Czechoslovakia, and...since it's my last name in Czech...well, of course I had to get it. It was pretty tasty.
Last night's choices were the chicken paprikash, salisbury steak (a Sokolowski's favorite), breaded pork chops, schnitzel, and of course perogi! The salad bar is pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary, but I was pretty geeked to see the traditional cucumber and sour cream salad, pickled beets, and FRESH horseradish. So, from this Polish girl, I'd say it's decent Polish-American cooking.
There were lots of happy noises coming from the table, and at one point, out of character, we were all quite, too busy eating. Whadya think table tenners?
This could very well be my favorite place on earth! There is something special about the cafeteria style line with the plastic trays, free for all siverware, and the sneeze guards protecting all the saucy, buttery, huge-portioned goodness that I cant get enough of. With an entree, a beer, and some extra pierogi the bill came close to $20 a head, which I think is a bit higher tham it should be but when its all said and done you feast like a king. Its easy to get comfy in one of the crazy, knick-nack filled dining rooms with giant community tables. It has a ver comforting atmosphere, kimda like if gramma's living room had a salad bar.
ReplyDeleteI love this place for its simplicity...
Walking into the front door to see the cozy bar with all of the Cleveland history hung on the walls quickly puts a smile on my face. Even the view of the rusty old Innerbelt bridge makes me happy inside and reminds me of how much I love my blue collar city. The drinks are cheap, the staff is friendly, and the food is generous and comforting... We will certainly come across "better" food in our TTSC journey, but no one can duplicate the "it" that Sokolowski's has.
i say we go back friday or saturday night!
ReplyDelete