Review: K-Bar Piękna

Background
Over the years this upstairs space on Piękna has been many things to many people – most recently though, it’s made waves in its current guise, that of an intriguing den of Korean ‘things’. Launched before the pandemic, it was born from the vision of two friends, Czesio and Tomasz, who saw it as a place in which to sell vintage furniture while serving Korean food. Slowly, those ideas have blurred so much that it’s not uncommon to find visitors pulling off price tags from the furniture not knowing what they were there for.

Vibe
K-Bar has Seoul! Originally from the South Korean capital, Czesio has injected his life experiences and personal artistic journey into K-Bar, not least via his DJing background – no matter when you may visit, there’s something of a party feeling. Like being buzzed into an artist’s loft apartment, its packed with neon, flea market finds and Korean groceries. In some ways, you may think of hiding away above Mr. Charrington’s store in George Orwell’s 1984.

Food & Drink
The KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) will satisfy desires for something sweet, spicy and fried. Hard and textured on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside, it’s served with delicious daikon kimchi. For a healthier option, K-Bar’s Vegan Bibimbab along are nothing short of bliss, more so when enjoyed with an ice cold K-Mate. The Korean-themed cocktails are also great fun, something affirmed by the high-spirited crowd.

For Fun
Check out K-Bar’s catchy videos on YouTube or take home a jar of KFC sauce to pimp up your cooking. Also, don’t leave without bagging some of their homemade kimchi – it’s a great way to stock up your pantry for any house party you’re holding.

Up Ahead
Keep your chopsticks at the ready for K-Bar are already eyeing further locations. Having conquered the center (10,000 FB fans can’t be wrong!), plans are afoot for K-Ramen joints in Żoliborz and Ursynów.

K-Bar
Piękna 28/34
Tel. 881 405 017
Facebook

(All photos: Kevin Demaria)