10 Reasons Why We Love New Britain's Little Poland Neighborhood

Business Journal Staff
Mar 20, 2018
8 min read

For over a century, the city of New Britain has been home to a vibrant Polish community starting with the arrival of Tomasz Ostrowski in the early 1800s. Since Tomek's arrival, the number of immigrants arriving from Poland to New Britain started increasing as their home country was plundered by Germany, Austria, and Russia. The timing of these immigrants seeking a better life could not be better as manufacturing boomed in the Hardware City.

New Britain was the ideal place for Poles to put down roots. It wasn't long before the Polish population was large enough to support its own parish. On September 10, 1895, Fr. Lucjan Bojnowski was appointed as the pastor of a new parish, Sacred Heart. Although New Britain's Broad Street neighborhood would maintain its Polish character for the next 120 years, it was not until 2008, at the urging of the Polonia Business Association that the area was officially designated Little Poland.

So what makes Little Poland so special? Here are ten things we love about the neighborhood.

1. THE TRADITIONS

While proud to be American, New Britain's Polish community continues to celebrate and share many wonderful Polish traditions. Visitors to the neighborhood will encounter many throughout the year.

Annual procession of the Stations of the Cross, New Britain's Sacred Heart Church

Originally held on Broad Street, the annual Dozynki Festival moved to nearby Falcon Field. The centuries old tradition celebrates the harvest with a mass followed by music and food. The 2 day event occurs at the end of August (photo credit Eva Gryk)

A live Nativity scene can be found on Christmas Eve in front of Little Poland's Sacred Heart Parish.

On All Soul's Day, candles light the night sky at Sacred Heart Cemetery (photo credit Eva Gryk)

One of the highlights of the annual Little Poland festival is the Polonae Dance Troupe. The group performs in traditional regional costumes representing different az

In 2017, Little Poland celebrated the re-dedication of Pulaski Park honoring the Polish general who fought for American Independence. Considered the father of the American Cavalry, Pulaski is honored annually in Little Poland.

Even saints have been to Little Poland. In 1969 Karol Wojtyla, as archbishop of Krakow visiting Sacred Heart church in New Britain. The future saint became Pope John Paul II in 1978. A statue erected in his memory can be found at Sacred Heart Church.

2. THE RESTAURANTS

Why travel to Poland? Some of the best Polish restaurants on the east coast can be found right in Little Poland. They have been reviewed by the NY Times, Boston Globe and various other television and news outlets.

The award winning Staropolska Restaurant has been featured on various television programs, newspapers and magazines including a profile on the Travel Channel and a glowing review by the New York Times . In the summer, patrons can be found on the outdoor patio enjoying imported Polish beers to compliment their entrees. Co-owner Margaret Malinowski is active in the local community and was a big part of designating Broad Street officially as Little Poland.

The award winning Belvedere Restaurant is a popular stop for Polish celebrities visiting the United States. Like Staropolska, the restaurant features outdoor dining in warmer months.

A hidden gem, Europlate is known for their amazing pierogi and other food offerings.

With paintings of Polish cities on its walls, The Taste of Poland offers great food at reasonable prices, catering and a warm atmosphere for diners.

3. THE DELIS & GROCERY STORES

With wine trails in vogue, Little Poland is often playfully referred to as "the Kielbasa Trail". If you've only experienced grocery store bought kielbasa, you're in for a treat as several stores offer ample varities of the popular Polish staple. Of course, Little Poland is known for more than its kielbasa. You can find great imported products in a variety of stores not found anywhere else including meats, cheese, beers, beauty products and sweets.

Not far from the "Welcome to Little Poland" sign visitors will encounter Roly Poly where you can find a multitude of imported products, ice cream, coffee, prepared meals and freshly made sandwiches for eating in or taking out . Definitely worth the visit.

Just outside of Little Poland, Martin Rosol's is known throughout the country for its quality products. In addition to kielbasa, they are known as the official hotdog supplier of the New Britain Bees Baseball team. Martin Rosol’s manufactures a complete line of frankfurts, kielbasa, sausage and cold cuts and are famous for their “foot long” frankfurts.

Visitors to Polmart have included the Polish Ambassador, members of the Polish Sejm, and members of United States Congress. Visitors can find a variety of imported products, meats, a bakery, a hair salon, imported gifts, a day spa, and even a fully functional branch of the United States Post Office.

The popular Zeleniak Grocery recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. In addition to imported products and a myriad of quality of meats, customers can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Pulaski Deli features a great variety of meats and cheeses for the most discerning of palettes. In addition, visitors can find imported Polish candies, greeting cards, magazines, coffee and other unique products.

The former site of Nozewski's,the Krakus Deli continues the tradition of providing quality imported products as well as a great selection of meats.

4. THE BAKERIES

Visitors to Little Poland can find some great bakeries throughout the neighborhood. But make sure you get there early as you could encounter long lines during the holidays of Easter and Christmas.

Long lines form down the block at Kasia's bakery.

In addition to pasteries, visitors rave about the fresh bread from Passion's Bakery.

Shoppers with a sweet tooth should include Pan del Cielo on their list. A great place for Cuban sandwiches too.

5. THE SHOPPING

Little Poland is full of unexpected surprises. Exploring the stores, you'll find unique items found nowhere else including Christmas ornaments, handblown glass sculptures, Polish books, soccer scarves, jerseys, music, souvenirs, traditional hats, carved items, and a multitude of other items.

US Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty purchases a Polish Christmas ornament at

Quo Vadis

A popular florist in Little Poland, Red & Black Roses was profiled in the New Britain Herald for their unique creations.

Little Poland visitors are often surprised to find a second floor at Polmart where you can find unique gifts found nowhere else.

Longtime favorite Poldarex has many of hidden treasures and is also a popular stop for communion dresses.

6. THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

All though Little Poland is known throughout New England for its food offerings, the neighborhood is home to a variety of professional services. In fact, the largest concentration of annual "Best Of" Winners in the New Britain Herald's Readers' Poll can be found right in Little Poland. You'll find lawyers, bankers, driving instructors, tax preparers, travel agents, hair stylists, and other professionals ready to serve you.

Little Poland boasts two law firms, the law office of Podorowsky Thompson & Baron and Wisniowski & Sullivan. Both firms offer legal services in Polish at the client's request.

A founder of the Polonia Business Association and former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Attorney Adrian Baron's firm was voted "Best Law Office" by readers of the New Britain Herald four times. He has been named a Super Lawyer New England Rising Star 5 times and one of the nation's top 100 Legal Bloggers. Attorney Baron pushed the effort to designate Broad Street officially as Little Poland.

Little Poland boasts 3 banks, Farmington Savings, the Polam Federal Credit Union and the Ukranian Self Reliance National Bank. Like many businesses in Little Poland, visitors can conduct business in English or Polish.

Little Poland is the home to a variety of Polish language newspapers including the White Eagle/Bialy Orzel, Polski Express, Przeglad, and Mala Polska. The White Eagle is now the largest Polish American Newspaper in the United States and is available in a variety of states.

The neighborhood is also the home to a variety of Travel Agencies including the award winning One Travel, Wisla Travel, Polamer Travel, Everest ane the newly opened Katrina's Travel.

7. THE MUSIC SCENE

Little Poland has found itself to be home to a growing music scene. Many international Polish recording artists have included New Britain's Little Poland as a stop on their tours alongside cities like Chicago and New York.

The popular Bednarek is a Polish reggae and dancehall vocalist, songwriter, composer and musician who has enjoyed great success at the top of the Polish charts

Polish music star Doda received a Fan Favorite award from the Polonia Business Association. She has performed around the world with a variety of artists including Slash from Guns & Roses.

The legendary Lady Pank performed in Little Poland.

Little Poland played host to a Disco Polo Festival featuring bands like Akcent, Boys, Weekend, Mig, Kroppa, Junior i Windstar.

Most weekends, visitors to Little Poland can find Live Blues music including fan favorties the Rich Badowski Blues Band and the Broad Street Blues Band

Little Poland has hosted a variety of performance including Theater Imagination's Cabaret

DJ Feelipe is often sought out for events in Connecticut and New York.

8. THE LITTLE POLAND FESTIVAL

Held annually on the last Sunday of April, the Little Poland Festival began in 2012 and was held on the parking lots of Haller Post and Polmart. By 2016, the festival crowds have grown from a few hundred people to an estimated 20,000 visitors. The event features live music, carnival rides, costumed mascots, food and entertainment including traditional Polish dancers.

9. THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY PRIDE

Visitors often remark on the pride they see throughout Little Poland. Store owners sweep up in front of stores and support each other at local events. Little Poland business owners often volunteer for many local charities and organizations. It is not unheard of for a local restaurant owner to be manning a food booth at a Rose Garden Event, a store owner to be playing violin at a CCSU event or even a lawyer dressing up as a Dragon for a kid's event. Business owners and residents in Little Poland tend to keep an eye on each other. They work with police and attend city streetscape and permit hearings. The sense of community pride has led to projects throughout Little Poland which have enhanced the area. The result has been creating an atmosphere that promotes shopping and dining in Little Poland.

Little Poland's Welcome sign has been described as our own "Hollywood Sign" The spot is popular for photos. Pictured: Poland's Stal Mielec professional soccer team.

Visitors to Little Poland will find that even some parking lanes are painted red and white.

To combat grafitti, several traffic boxes in the neighborhood were painted by local artists through Mayor Erin Stewart's "High Voltage Art" program. Keeping with the theme of Little Poland, this one depicts a popular cartoon "Bolek i Lolek"

A sign in Little Poland urges speeding drivers to slow down. Drive like your babcia lives here

Ambassador Piotr Wilczek has been among the visitors to Little Poland. The nation of Poland opened its first honorary consulate in Connecticut in Little Poland. Darek Barcikowski was appointed as Honorary Consul.

Little Poland has been a great calling card for the city of New Britain. Here, delegates from New Britain's sister city Atsugi Japan visits Staropolska to sample Polish food

US Senator Richard Blumenthal tours Little Poland with Attorneys Adrian and Aldona Baron

A home in Little Poland depicts Poland's Mazur lake region.

Signs throughout the city of New Britain point the way to Little Poland

Walking tour signs can also be found in Little Poland including this one in English & Polish

10. THE FUN

Little Poland can get a little "quirky" You never know what you might encounter during a visit. Througout the year, the neighborhood hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, cabarets, celebrity meet & greets and fundraisers.