Polonia Restaurant

From the outside, Houston’s only Polish restaurant is relatively nondescript. A red and white sign, hanging in a west Houston strip center, marks the gem that is Polonia.

Inside, it’s a different story. The cozy, dark-wood interior is accented by Polish keepsakes and flags, while heavy curtains, white tablecloths and chandeliers give the spot a more formal feel. On one side, a large television broadcasts Polish programming, while a glittering bar with champagne flutes occupies another corner.

When it comes to ordering, first-timers should go for the generously-sized combination plate for two (read: it’s actually enough for four). It’s loaded with cabbage rolls, bigos, meat loaf, baked pork, duck leg, salad and the oh-so-popular pierogi.

A block away, the owners have a grocery store, where the faithful flock for jelly-filled paczki doughnuts, kabonosy and kielbasa flown in weekly from Chicago. There’s also glass freezers loaded with an assortment of pierogi from beef-and-pork filled to strawberry dessert varieties.