Kombinat – Steelwork – is omnipresent in Nowa Huta (East district of Krakow). For decades, steelwork was a part and product of this area. It also had a great influence on people’s lives – it was supplying jobs to thousands of people and made them move here from different parts of Poland.
That may explain why the name of one of the sparse pubs in Nowa Huta, which is located in the centre of one of the first housing estates built here, refers to it. The word Kombinator may be translated as a contriver – a person who needs to be smart and often uses tricks to survive. This was a very useful character trait during communist times, when life wasn’t easy.
Kombinator is located at the back of Theatre Łaźnia Nowa and is probably the best pub in this part of Krakow. It is strictly connected with that theatre, so it may be a great place to drink a coffee or beer before or after a play.
Kombinator may also be a nice stop for those who come to Nowa Huta to see the socialist architecture of the area. With its unique climate of socialism, mixed with modernity, Kombinator is a pleasant, cosy place, serving a decent beer and a really good coffee – perfect for a break while sightseeing. Due to its distance from the centre and hidden location, it’s unknown for tourists, so you can feel like a local here.
