For some reason, Chicopee is often overlooked by people looking to cut lose on the weekend or after work, or in the afternoon, or — you get the idea, we all have our own party schedules. Here’s some reasons to head over to Chicopee, a city we love:
Polish Food: A hankering for golumpki just like babci used to make can be quickly sated in Chicopee, home to a thousand pierogis. Chicopee has the best Polish food around with Bernat’s Polish Meat, Collegian Court Restaurant, Fairview Deli — Babci’s Specialty Deli, Millie’s Pierogi and more making some fantastic food. The city is also home to an annual kielbasa fest featuring a giant kielbasa, lots of kielbasa, rides, games, and Polish music. As far as we know, it’s the only place to get a pulled kielbasa sandwich, which in itself — and all the sandwich’s tangy cabbage, spicy mustard, sweet and peppery kielbasa on a fresh roll goodness — could have been a “5 Things to Love …” entry.
Nightlife: While serious night owls know how fun Chicopee’s nightlife can be, it’s a secret of which not enough people are aware. The city is full of low-key bars with cheap drinks, pool tables, old decor, and seriously good vibes. Holding down the live music scene is Maximum Capacity, Rollin’ Rock and Doc’s Place are great places to unwind with a beer, and the Rumbleseat Bar and Grill is a comfy place to watch a game. If you’re looking for a chill night out, check Chicopee.
Munich Haus: The problem with eating German food is that, three days later, you’re hungry again. But even that doesn’t stop a loyal corps of locals and further-flung fans of schnitzel from stopping by this Center Street restaurant every day of the week. Founder Hubert Michael Gottschlicht learned the ins and outs of managing a German/Bavarian restaurant while working at the Student Prince in Springfield in the 1980s and 90s, and he opened Munich Haus in 2004 with his son Patrick to feed the hungry masses craving some hearty indulgence. Munich Haus has it all: a richly decorated dining room, banquet hall, biergarten, and menus for brunch, lunch and dinner that don’t skimp on imported German treats, like fried cheese, sauerkraut balls, frog legs, veal, roastbraten, and some of the best wurst around.
The Cabotville Mill: The 680,000-square-foot historic Cabotville mill building in Chicopee’s center is like the remains of a dinosaur skeleton — huge, marvelous, and rather sad. What to do with all of that time-worn architecture and beautiful industrial space along Front Street, most of which sits empty? After the mill was bought in 2005, partially renovated, and put up for auction again in May 2014, no one had an answer. Then, one year later, developer Herbert Berezin bought the property for $150,000. And last month, Chicopee received a $2.64 million MassWorks award from the state, which will support a nearly $6 million loft apartment project. Good news for a building that, at 35 percent occupancy, is already generating $600,000 in annual net income from small businesses. Let’s hope those numbers keep climbing.
Hu Ke Lau: This place is a Western Mass icon. A restaurant and event venue featuring Polynesian food and cultural shows, the Hu Ke Lau is the best because of its giant booze-infused fish bowls, deep-fried snacks, kitschy decor, excellent karaoke, and a true gift for attracting big-name comedians.•
What do you love about Chicopee? Share your thoughts at www.ValleyAdvocate.com or on our Facebook page.
