Karczma

Two can fill up for under $20 at this endearing Polish tavern by sharing a platter overloaded with three crisp pierogi, two fat, browned potato pancakes, grilled kielbasa, stuffed cabbage and a scoop of beefy hunter's stew. Start with a bowl of creamy, tangy pickle soup and the food portion of the check will still be under $25. No wonder it's always packed with Greenpoint locals speaking Polish and out-of-towners who've gotten wind of how good, authentic and cheap the food is. The waitstaff, also fluent in Polish, wear folkloric costumes and cheerily work the room, ferrying pints of beer and sugary fruit-filled crepes to celebratory groups.