Zakaska bistros

New establishments, known as zakaskas bars, have sprouted up throughout Warsaw. They try to recreate the Soviet-era ambience, with intentionally shabby décor, little or no furniture and cheap eats.

“Zakaska” is Polish for any of several appetizers that accompany a drink, usually vodka. The most popular zakaskas besides herring in oil are steak tartare, kielbasa or pâté.