Yo Poznan!

We already spilled the beans on Poznań’s best-kept secret — that fairy-tale garden at Dřevný Kocůr tucked away in Apollo passage on Piekary 17. A leafy hideout where you can sip, snack, and pretend you’ve escaped the city. But vibes alone don’t win hearts forever — the food has to show up. So, we went back, early doors, before the garden crowd descended. The team was out sweeping leaves and hosing down the patio — just a regular day at the castle, we suppose. We parked ourselves, rolled up our sleeves, and ordered like royalty.

Drinks First

No shame in saying it — our winner wasn’t spiked. The Virgin Colada (25.90 zł) was a glass of summer on vacation. Pineapple juice laying down the tangy base, coconut purée bringing the creamy island hug, and somehow the whole thing manages to taste indulgent but fresh. I nursed this one like it was liquid treasure, taking tiny sips so it would last.

The Espresso Tonic had its own swagger — bitter espresso punching through, bubbles buzzing, citrus oil dancing on top. A hipster’s wake-up call in a glass. Solid, refreshing, but the Colada stole the show.

Starters

We kicked off with the Kubełek Kibica (literally “Fan’s Bucket”) — though, spoiler alert, it’s not actually a bucket. Who cares? For 37.90 zł you get a mountain of crispy chicken wings, smoky barbecue sauce riding shotgun, and if you’re smart (we were), you’ll add the fries. Golden, salty, impossible to stop eating. The kind of portion that makes you think: was this meant for a football team?

Next up: Hermelín (29.99 zł). This one’s a Czech pub classic — marinated camembert with onion, garlic, and a sneaky pepperoni pepper. Served in a jar, no less. Slice through that creamy camembert, scoop out a forkful loaded with garlic punch and chili heat, then dunk fresh bread straight into the marinade to soak up the juices. It’s messy, it’s bold, it’s a full-flavored explosion in the best way.

The Main Event: A Platter Built for Legends

We were torn on mains — too much good stuff on one menu. So, we cheated and went all in with the Masový Pokrm pro Tři (“Meat Feast for Three”) at 269.90 zł. Pricey? Sure. But the server literally told us to move to a bigger table because it wouldn’t fit on a two-seater. That’s when you know you’re in trouble.. Picture this all on one tray…

Schnitzel Glory With a Golden Crown

Part of the Masový Pokrm pro Tři (“Meat Feast for Three”), this schnitzel-style pork cutlet arrived wearing a fried egg like a crown. Crunchy outside, juicy inside, and then that yolk drips down in golden streams over the cutlet. It’s comfort food gone royal, the kind of dish that makes you forget what conversation you were having.

The Bacon-Wrapped Skewer

Next, a sweet and spicy chicken leg skewer wrapped in bacon. This one’s the crowd-pleaser. The glaze is sticky and bold, the bacon adds that smoky punch, and the chicken stays perfectly tender. Imagine if street food decided to dress up for a night out — that’s what this tastes like.

Ribs That Practically Undress Themselves

The pork ribs came in looking intimidating but fell apart at the gentlest nudge of the fork. No chewy fat, no struggle. Just tender meat that practically undresses itself, slathered in barbecue sauce that walks the tightrope between sweet and smoky with perfect balance. You’ll want to lick your fingers and you’ll be proud of it.

Koleno na Pive — The Pork Knuckle Showstopper

Finally, the platter’s headliner: Koleno na Pive, a pork knuckle roasted in dark beer until it’s as tender as a bedtime story. The skin had that caramelized crackle, while the inside fell apart like butter. A separate roast sauce came with mustard and horseradish on the side, turning every bite into a mix-and-match of flavor fireworks. Honestly, this dish could hold court on its own, but surrounded by its meaty comrades, it was a feast straight out of a medieval banquet.

Fit for Kings (and Hungry Friends)

This isn’t just dinner. It’s a statement meal. The kind of feast where you laugh, you share, you plot how you’re going to carry the leftovers home. Which, yes, we did — bagged it up like medieval loot and marched it back to the office.

So, while the starters impressed and the garden remains magical, this platter is the reason you bring friends here. Sharing is the move, and this is the king of all sharing platters.

And whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering the Virgin Colada. Trust us.