Friendly Polish in Chicago

I am interested in being more involved with the Polish in Chicago but I have found it hard to because I don't speak the language. In that they are downright unfriendly. I have friends from Poland that I adore, but we aren't involved in any sort of community.

Does anyone know of any polish groups (possibly geared towards young adults) that are good for polish who dont speak the language? And even possibly where I could learn the language.

I live in Ca, but I heard there are more and more polish social dance groups in Chicago which are fun and the people are firendly. Tha's what I would do if I lived theer: join a social dance group (fox trot, salsa, tango, etc., I don't mean traditional folk dance, although that must be there for sure). It would help if you speak Polish because these groups, I believe are listed in all the Polish denomination Catholic churches in Chicago. Polish church groups are a great place to start, if you're a Catholic, that is. Hope this helps.

That is actually a good idea. I have been meaning to go to this other church not too far from me which was actually the church my polish ancestors went to... it is still heavily polish but also has a high spanish speaking population

rinnie, you live in Chicago, it is the home of the biggest Polonia outside of Poland itself, how hard could it possibly be

Oh they are everywhere... the problem is that since there are so many the amount of polish speakers is very high and its hard to fit in if you aren't fluent... so im looking for something more for like 2nd generation poles where you don't have to be fluent (but maybe pick up more of the language)

I also figured a good amount of people on this message board are from Chicago so they should be able to help.

Hey rinnieangel,
did you ever join any polish groups? i am also looking to get more involved in the Chicago Polish community but am also just starting to learn Polish. I also love to dance, so, that would be a perfect way into the community...did you find anything about that?

Thanks!

I am also trying to find out more about Polish Culture and people. Belmont/Milwaukee/Pulaski is the place where you need to go around to find people.

This Saturday I roamed around for 3 hours in this area and got in to those shops, but I found it very difficult as everything is written/spoken in Polish. Anyway it was my first step.... another places to socialize are cafes/dance places....

Check out these places....
Jedynka
TotuCafe
LuraCafe
Bimbom
White Eagle restaurant
Gosiaczek

Polish Museum

All the above I collected from this forum.... Good luck

hey, thank you. some of those places i wasnt aware of. take care!

poles in chicago aren't too friendly to the 'outsiders'.. yup. good luck though. church may be the best place to start.

could you list some church locations. . .


why so...

even worse in Chicago:)


St, Ladislaus(sp) on Long ave.
They aint gonna like you, coz they know ur a outsider and all you want thier women...tak??
Im the only one that can get away with this..Hahahaha!!!!

Ok Ill help you out, Learn Polish and you will speak with an American accent, the grls dig it:):)

No charge ..you can pay me later:)

^^don't forget Holy Trinity Church right by the 90/94 and Division.

and then there's that Jackowo, or whatever.. but i don't even know where it's located.

if you're on the north side, then Belmont/Milwaukee/Irving park is definitely a good place to look. over by Harlem and Cumberland there's also many polish people there.

also, kksunil, to your list i can add Paris Cafe on 5301 W Belmont Ave, Krokodile on 6004 W Belmont Ave, and UN Club on 3548 River Rd in Franklin Park. personally, i haven't been to Paris Cafe in well over a year, and the last time i went to Krokodile was last August and from what i can remember, not many people were there. never been to UN, but i hear it's a nice place.

on the south side, Archer and Cicero is a nicely populated area by polish people. at least that's been the case last time i've been there few years ago.

as to why poles aren't friendly in chicago to the "outsiders"? dunno... maybe they just don't speak enough english to actually be polite? either that, or they're just a-holes, and i wouldn't worry about them too much.

that is jackowo.


that's just the way poles are.

Yes very much, though it is a herculean task.. i need to start...


True... last saturday I went to a Polish grocery store/market in Milwaukee and I felt completely an outsider there...

Its worth it,,thats if you the the girls:)

Go into the grocery stores and practice on the girls, we speak Polish with an American accent, the chicks will dig up on you:)

Trying to learn Polish is probably the best thing I ever did in my life

If you know what I mean:):)

I still have much to learn and havent been studying that much latley but I know the basics.


Wisconsin???

I know what you mean


was it called wallys?

Go to Richs on Harlem and Lawrence,, full of hotties!!!!


played out...dead


weird but kinda cool?


Good for 20`s early 30`s


underage hangout

The new Polish hot spots are called Martinis one is on Irving park and the other is next to the Jefferson park train station.

No the Milwaukee Ave in Chicago.


exactly the Wallys :)

Learning Polish is still in my dreams...need to find a tutor..
Thanks for your info.. u really r a 'Gold' Member. I live west (IMD) not getting time to reach places in North during weekdays, planning to move somewhere there in north in July.. which will makes things easier !

thx again

i've been there a total of ONE time, but i agree... quite an attractive store. i should go back there one of these days. i'm fluent in polish, too.