Milkbar Tomasza: Modern Polish Milk Bar in Kraków, Poland
Located in Kraków’s Old Town is Milkbar Tomasza, a modern interpretation of a Soviet-style milk bar, or cafeteria found across Poland. The ubiquitous milk bar or bar mleczny served poor citizens cheap meals. Dishes included dairy products, traditional Polish dishes, and pierogi (dumplings). After World War I, these self-service milk bars started appearing nationwide. Many opened after World War 2 and throughout the Cold War era (1947 to 1989). But, with the collapse of the communist bloc, most milk bars …