The town of Malbork in Poland is famous for its huge castle, which is not only one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland, but is believed to be the biggest brick castle in the world. Malbork Castle is the main reason why tourists flock here all year round, however not many tourists stay the night – people often visit Malbork on a day trip only. For those who do decide to spend a night here, there are numerous good food and drink options to keep the spirits up away from the medieval history of this idyllic Polish town.
This sublime bar is inside an old medieval tower, part of the extended Malbork Castle complex, and for this reason alone it is worth popping in to admire. Furthermore you can boast you had a beer in a bar in a tower that has been around since the 13th century! This could easily be one of the ‘bars in Poland that don’t look like bars’ as you sip a merry ale on one of Pub Baszta‘s three floors. As a weird bonus, there is live music on the upper floor on weekends!
Bis Bar and Restauracja is a handy lunch and dinner venue when coming from or heading to the train station, as it sits on a corner just a few minutes walk away. The interior is basic, but there is an outdoor beer garden for the warmer season. Food and drink is ordered at the kitchen window and served through the hatch. This part of Malbork can get quiet at night, so it’s not really an evening venue, closing at 6PM most days. However there is a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served at all times to accompany a typical Polish menu with naleśniki (pancakes) and pierogi (dumplings).
With its picturesque setting by the river and opposite the castle, this place boasts one of the best views from your evening glass of wine. U Flisaka is right by the river and has a food menu containing many meaty delights such as pstrąga z grillowanymi warzywami (trout with grilled vegetables) and polędwicę wołową z warzywami przygotowywaną (beef sirloin with vegetables). The views from the seats by the river are superb, but if you visit in the summer months, remember to reserve a table in advance as it gets busy.
Craft Beer is really taking off in Poland, and this venue gives Malbork a good mix of modern and antique. With its title translating as “Bar in the Old Brewery” and its beer menu boasting the most modern of unusual locally-brewed beers, the venue has hit a good niche. It’s a little bit away from the town centre and castle, but this only adds to the intrigue.
An historic town like Malbork deserves a great jazz club for those folk eager to chill out with good music and a beer away from the flocks of visiting tourists. This is where Jazz Club Spiżarnia hits the spot. It is in an ideal location near the train station and has a truly massive beer menu – don’t be surprised to find over 100 types of beer available at any given time. To add to the bar’s magnetism, the wooden tables are a throwback to yesteryear – some of them have sewing machines attached. The interior is wooden and the chefs serve up great pierogi (Polish dumplings) and bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew). As the title suggests, music with a jazz feel to it is often played.
For live sports, traditional bar food and typical Polish beer on tap (Warka), head to Piwiarnia. Ladies often choose the Warka with raspberry juice (sok malinowy) and guys the normal Warka. Vodka shots are well priced and the bar is frequented by younger people, making for a lively atmosphere at weekends. The bar food menu includes pizzas, burgers and chips. Be aware that in winter months, the bar may not always be open due to the cold weather and lack of tourists.
For the best pizza in town accompanied by a hot beer (grzane piwo) head to Rotatoria. This is a short walk from the UNESCO listed Malbork Castle, yet so much cheaper than the expensive bars and restaurants in the tourist area next to the castle itself. Beers start at 6 złotych (€1.5) and pizzas start at 13 złotych (€3) and the venue has a choice of the outer room or the inner room.
Last on this list but by no means least, the Gothic Café and Restaurant. To get inside this venue, you’ll need to already have paid entrance to Malbork Castle. The bonus here is great cocktails, a cosy bar, welcoming staff and on special occasions, the chance to dress up as a Teutonic Knight. The food is exquisite, has won awards from Gault & Millau and the bar itself is in the eastern wing of Malbork Castle, where the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order once hosted his most important guests. Please note that opening times vary according to the season, with the summer opening hours longer.
