Those who associate vodka shots with a burning sensation and not so pleasant taste may look suspiciously at the array of shot bars in Warsaw, but one glance at the long menu, filled with dessert-like names, is usually enough to convince them to give them a try. So during warm, summer nights, do as the locals do and hit the city streets, stopping for a shot or two at each bar. Here’s our guide to the city’s best spots.
Ulubiona
Bar, Pub Grub, European, $$$
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All party roads lead to Ulubiona. With shots starting at just two PLN (around 0.5EUR), this place offers probably the cheapest vodka in the city, making it the perfect starting and ending spot for a great night out. The only downside is that the place is really tiny and gets packed quickly, but you can always use the waiting time to meet some new friends.
Głębokie Gardło, or “Deep Throat”, boasts having 100 signature shots on offer, but if you still don’t find in the menu anything that you like, ask the bartenders and they will make something special just for you. Its the perfect place for larger groups and those in the mood for some dancing.
Those looking for some Polish folklore should head to Przekąski u Romana, run by one of the most beloved bartenders in the city, Roman Modzelewski. With old-school decor and large photos of post-1945 reconstruction of Warsaw, this spot will bring you back to the Communist times, when you step through the doors. Also, remember not to drink on an empty stomach and order traditional Polish dishes and pub grub.
Located on Mazowiecka Street, Czupito is the perfect place to get your party on before you hit the nearby clubs. Shots start at just five PLN and are available in 84 different flavour combinations. Pro tip: order Girl Scout or Boy Scout, served with marshmallows on a stick, and the bartender will set the entire bar on fire, so you can roast the sweets.
Step into the world of Tarantino and enjoy your favourite drink or flavoured shot at the Pulp Fiction Shot bar. Located between pl. Zbawiciela and pl. Konstytucji, this spot makes for a great pit stop during a late night bar crawl.
Meta Seta Galareta will transport you back to the Polish People’s Republic. Drawing inspiration from old photographs, the place’s interior design imitates the spirit of popular restaurants from the Communist times. To accompany the five PLN shot of vodka, customers can order traditional Polish appetisers: beef tartare, herring in oil and pork jelly, for just nine PLN.
A bistro with traditional Polish cuisine by day and a shot bar by night, Afera na Szpitalnej has something for everyone. The appetisers are prepared by the mother of one of the owners, so if you want to try authentic flavours, look no further.
Bistro, Gastropub, Restaurant, Polish, Beer, European
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Located in the shadow cast by the Royal Castle, Warszawa Bar&Restauracja is a perfect place to visit after a long day of sightseeing. With five PLN shots and wide array of traditional dishes and snacks, this place offers a great crash course in the local drinking culture.
An iconic institution on the Warsaw’s shot bar scene, Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa was one of the first locals to popularise the 60s decor and traditional appetisers like pickles and tartare. With walls covered in old newspapers and old-school advertisement signs and with waiters wearing 60s-inspired attire, this spot has a truly unique vibe. Try the “Monte” with hazelnut vodka and milk and the “Gingerbread“ with blueberry vodka with chocolate and ginger syrup.
