New Reviews in Wrocław In Your Pocket #39

Get the PDF at wroclaw.inyourpocket.com
Main Feature:
Wrocław with the Kids

Mango Mama 1470931840_restaurant

What was once a plasticky hole-in-the-wall serving amazing Asian food in Wrocław’s less-than-glamorous Nadodrze district, a draw for expats and Asian food enthusiasts alike, is now a glammed-out multiple-level establishment right in the touristy heart of the city.

Kąpielisko Morskie Oko  

Named after Poland’s treasured mountain lake, Morskie Oko (Sea Eye) is a splashing ground relatively close to Wrocław’s centre, quite popular when summer heat stifles the city – the real sea is far away. Located in an old clay pit , it was made into a proper swimming area in the 1920s and today boasts a ten hectare recreational area with a sandy beach, water slides, tennis courts, a restaurant and bar, kayak rental, and more.

Kopalnia 

Wrocław’s newest swimming area, the 17-hectare Kopalnia (The Mine), opened in the summer of 2016 to a crowd happy to get out of the hot city. It is divided into four zones: beach (sunbathing and swimming), beach club (DJ parties), bay (barbecue area and fishing), and island (chill-out and culture). Kayak rentals, volleyball equipment, and food vendors are all available on-site.

Warsztat – Food & Garden 1470931840_restaurant

Located a bit out of the centre in what was once a car repair shop (a fact still reflected in the name), Warsztat does what would best be described as gourmet cooking – and the prices certainly reflect this. The interior is lovely as is the seasonal garden out back, the atmosphere relaxed despite the overall ‘upscaleness’ of the endeavour.

Folgujemy1470931840_restaurant

A cheerful breakfast spot located just southeast of the old town. The breakfast options are numerous, tasty, and suited for different dietary restrictions – scrambled egg bagel sandwich, oatmeal with salted caramel, and gluten-free waffles are just a few examples. Lovely place for a slow start to the day. Note that breakfast is served until noon on weekdays and 13:00 on weekends.

Think Love Juices & Vegan Food Wrocław OVO 1470931840_restaurant

A boutiquey – if rather cramped – space in Wrocław’s futuristic Ovo building (which is becoming a mini-centre for hip dining), and the gourmet menu entices with plant-based specialties like moussaka, polenta with grilled aubergine, vegan cheese board, and sweet potato fries with Himalayan salt. Pop by in the morning for sweet and savoury breakfast sets and don’t forget to try their signature juices.

Doctor’s Bar 1471791072_cerveza1470931840_restaurant

Spacious, busy, and irresistibly hip what with the whitewashed brick, white tiles, and trendy light fixtures (gotta have those), Doctor’s is owned by a local brewery called Doctor Brew. The splendid selection of craft beer aside, this centrally located watering hole also offers daily-special lunches for 21zł (12:00-15:00) and hot snacks until the kitchen decides to close.

Frajda Beer and Cocktails (Frajda Piwa i Koktajle) 1471791072_cervezacoctail

Hidden in a courtyard off ul. Ofiar Oświęcimskich between Wrocław institutions Szklarnia and Kontynuacja, Frajda (Joy) is basically a back-up for when those two are too packed to fit another guest. It’s not a bad second option: simple, stylish, and offering eight craft beers on tap. DJ parties on Fridays and Saturdays and concerts on Sundays.

Browar Stu Mostów 1471791072_cerveza1470931840_restaurant

Opened in 2014, The Hundred Bridges Brewery has Wrocław’s rich brewing tradition at the heart of what they do. Though outposted well outside the centre, if you know your hops you’ll be happy to make the trip to this riverside brewpub, aptly positioned near Warszawski Bridge.

The Depot History Centre (Centrum Historii Zajezdnia) 

This old bus depot has been brilliantly transformed into a two-floor museum telling the history of Wrocław after WWII. The rebuilding and repopulating of Wrocław is well-covered, as is the country’s reckoning with communism, martial law, and the story of the Solidarity movement. The modern multimedia displays are extremely informative in English and Polish, and in addition to the permanent exhibit (titled ‘Wrocław 1945-2016’), there are also changing temporary exhibits, an outdoor gallery and a play area for kids. Check out their canteen!

The Henryk Tomaszewski Museum of Theather (Muzeum Teatru im. Henryka Tomaszewskiego) 

This brand-new museum is dedicated to the history of theatre in Wrocław, with a special focus on one of its brightest stars – dancer, mime, and stage director Henryk Tomaszewski, who founded the Pantomime Studio (later renamed as the Wrocław Theatre of Pantomime) in 1956.

Pulpa 

Located in Wrocław’s Hala Targowa indoor market. Head upstairs to the xerox shops and 80s/90s throwbacks and you’ll be surprised to discover one of the city’s hippest boutiques, selling minimalist, contemporary, largely grayscale clothing by fashion designer Marta Maruszczyk.

 

Leave a comment