For years, Milwaukee’s Polish restaurant scene has been quietly fading, one closing at a time. When Polonez shuttered, it left behind a void that locals have felt deeply: the comfort of pierogi made by hand, the smell of bigos simmering on the stove, the joy of sharing a hearty plate of Polish sausage and sauerkraut with friends and family.

That void will soon be filled once again.

After nearly two years in the making, Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen will officially open its doors at 7135 S. 13th St. in Oak Creek on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m., bringing the warmth and hospitality of Poland back to the Milwaukee area.

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From market to kitchen

The new restaurant is the next chapter for Adam and Wioletta Bartoszek, the couple behind Wioletta’s Polish Market on South Howell Avenue, where they’ve been serving up Polish groceries, soups and prepared foods since 2022.

Originally, the Bartoszeks were simply looking for a space to expand production. But as the idea evolved, they realized the community wanted more: a place to sit down, share a meal and reconnect with Milwaukee’s Polish culinary roots.

Their first attempt, a planned restaurant in South Milwaukee, fell through. But the couple’s determination never wavered. By summer 2025, they had signed a lease on the former Applebee’s in Oak Creek, transforming the building from top to bottom.

“Nothing was salvageable,” says Adam with a laugh. “We redid the kitchen, replaced all of the equipment, pulled out the seating and gave everything a refresh.”

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A taste of Poland — and home

Inside, guests will find a warm, traditional dining room dressed in white tablecloths, floral touches and powder-blue walls, a nod both to the aesthetic of the market and to the couple’s own home.

“If you feel at home with something, it’s a good thing, right?” says Bartoszek, smiling.

Family photos, including images of Adam’s father, their dog Frankie, and snapshots of Polish cities, add a personal touch to the 120-seat dining room, where Chef Bogusia, who joined the Wioletta’s team about a year ago, will lead the kitchen.

The menu will celebrate the diversity of Polish cuisine. The Bartoszeks hail from  Lodz (pronounced “wooj”) in Central Poland, while Chef Bogusia is from the North, where the food tends to be heartier. Diners can expect traditional staples including pierogi, pork cutlets, Polish sausage, soups, goulash and stuffed cabbage, alongside dishes like pork shank with fried cabbage, beef goulash served in potato pancakes, and a trio of daily soups (mushroom, chicken noodle, and a rotating special).

The restaurant will also feature a full bar with Polish and European beers and specialty drinks, including Wioletta’s Flight, a trio of plum, cherry and honey liqueurs.

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“We’ll still be here”

Bartoszek says he’s both excited and nervous about opening night. The anticipation has been building for months, and he knows the demand will be strong.

“We appreciate everyone’s support, comments and suggestions — it goes a long way,” he says. “But we really want everyone to have a great experience. We can’t accommodate everyone during our first days open, so we’re encouraging people to wait a few weeks and allow us to settle in. We’ll still be here.”

For the first several weeks, Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen will offer dinner service only, with plans to add lunch hours once operations stabilize.

Initial hours will be Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 10 p.m.

The Bartoszeks are also continuing to hire for both front- and back-of-house positions as they prepare for opening. Serious inquiries can be directed to abartoszek@aol.com.

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The return of Polish dining

For many, Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen represents more than just another restaurant opening — it’s a homecoming. It’s a chance for Milwaukeeans to once again gather around familiar flavors that carry history, heritage and heart.

And for Adam and Wioletta Bartoszek, it’s a dream finally realized.