After living only one mile away for the last seven years, my dining companion and I decided it was about time we tried Smak-Tak!, a tiny Polish restaurant on the northwest side.

The dining room was just as adorable as my drive-by encounters hinted: the cozy, ski-lodge motif and warm lighting made it look like the perfect place to curl up with a book and a warm bowl of czarnina. Mistletoe and pine garlands adorned the ceiling beams, a tiny fireplace sat in the corner, and each table was decorated with bank lamps, vinyl placemats, a wooden duck napkin holder, and rubber coasters-—very much the way I remember my grama’s kitchen table. I half expected her to come out of the kitchen with a pack of cards and a Hershey bar.

Although I’m not much of a beet lover, I thought I’d try something different: Red Borscht with Mushroom Pierogi. The bright red broth (which stained the perfectly cooked pierogi a cheerful, rosy pink), was a little sweet, a little sour, and very addictive.

I decided to try one of the two entrée specials: Pork Meatballs with Dill Sauce. The two sizeable meatballs were accompanied by (counterclockwise) scoops of mashed potatoes sprinkled with parsley, a delicious carrot slaw, and cabbage slaw that was even better the next day.

 

 

My companion’s rich Hunter’s Stew was chock full of onions and veal and was especially tasty accompanied by the complimentary light rye bread.

We both received slices of chocolate-cherry cake for dessert. Sadly, this was not the highlight of the meal. It tasted bitter and was soaked a little to heavily in liqueur for our tastes.

At just over $30 for two mighty tasty meals, we decided we could overlook the non-so-tasty cake and come back soon for pickle soup and sausages.

Smak-Tak! (that’s Polish for Delicious—Yes!)

5961 N. Elston Ave.

Chicago, 60646

(773) 631-6171

www.smaktak.com

Open everyday 11am-9pm

 

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