Polish White Eagle Club

In the heart of Canberra's inner north, Polish White Eagle Club brings generations of tradition and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere to every visit. The club, often referred to as 'The Polo' by locals, is a community hub that has served Turner, Acton, O'Connor, and the greater Canberra region for more than half a century. Housed in the architecturally significant Nicholas Copernicus House at 38 David Street, the building itself tells a story — designed by the late Dr Enrico Taglietti and formally opened in 1973 by Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II.

Today, the club is best known for its Polo Restaurant, where modern Polish cuisine is prepared with the warmth and care of a family kitchen. The menu features traditional dishes that have become favourites among reviewers, including the much-loved pierogi and gołąbki, alongside a curated list of craft beers from Poland and the Baltic States, and what many consider the best selection of vodkas in Canberra. The kitchen operates Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with dinner service starting at 6:00 PM, while Saturday afternoons on Polish Food Market days open for an earlier lunch window from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The club is completely pokie-free, a deliberate choice made years ago to fill the space with live music, theatre, dance, and a thriving network of community groups — a point of pride that sets it apart from other social clubs in the ACT.

Menu Highlights at Polish White Eagle Club

The Polo Restaurant offers a focused menu that does a few things exceptionally well, rather than overwhelming diners with choice. Google Maps reviews repeatedly call out specific dishes, giving a clear picture of what first-time visitors should order and what keeps regulars coming back.

Pierogi (Polish Dumplings)

The kitchen's pierogi are the undisputed star of the show. Handmade dumplings come in both savoury and sweet varieties, with fillings that rotate based on seasonal ingredients and the chef's preferences. Several Google Maps reviewers describe them as 'heavenly' and 'like a real Polish home kitchen.' The dumplings are boiled and sometimes pan-fried for a slight crisp on the outside, served with sour cream, caramelised onions, or a light butter sauce. Diners consistently mention ordering extra to take home — always a good sign.

Gołąbki (Cabbage Rolls)

Gołąbki appear prominently on the Polo Restaurant menu and in customer feedback. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a seasoned pork and rice filling, then baked in a rich tomato sauce until the flavours meld completely. The dish arrives at the table steaming hot, often garnished with fresh dill, and pairs beautifully with a cold Polish lager from the bar. It is hearty comfort food that translates well across cultures, and reviewers new to Polish cuisine frequently name it as a pleasant discovery.

Polish Craft Beer & Vodka Selection

No meal at the club is complete without exploring the drinks list. The bar stocks Polish and Baltic craft beers not often seen elsewhere in Canberra — Zywiec, Tyskie, and Lech are staples, alongside limited releases from smaller regional brewers. The vodka cabinet is a point of particular pride, featuring labels from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, and beyond. Staff are knowledgeable about tasting notes and can recommend pairings for each dish, whether guests prefer a crisp wheat vodka served neat or mixed into a house cocktail.

Polish Food Markets

On select Saturdays, the club transforms part of Nicholas Copernicus House into a Polish Food Market where visitors can buy imported groceries, fresh pierogi, sausages, baked goods, and other specialty items to enjoy at home. The market runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the Polo Restaurant also open for a shorter lunch service on those days. It is a popular event for the local Polish community and curious food lovers alike, offering a direct connection to producers and importers.

The Dining Experience

Polish White Eagle Club balances a heritage social club feel with the polish of a modern restaurant. The building's architecture — a landmark of mid-century modern design in Canberra — creates an atmosphere that feels simultaneously historic and forward-looking. Inside, the space is warm and unpretentious, with wooden tables, ambient lighting, and walls adorned with Polish cultural artefacts and photographs documenting the club's history.

Dining here feels like stepping into a friend's warmly lit living room, but with the service and quality of a restaurant. The owners are frequently mentioned by name in reviews — Joanna and her team are noted for their hospitality, often stopping by tables to chat, explain dishes, and make sure everyone feels taken care of. The club's pokie-free policy means the environment is quieter and more conversation-friendly than most Canberra social clubs, making it suitable for date nights, family dinners, and small group gatherings alike.

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when the restaurant can fill up quickly with regulars. Bookings can be made by calling 0412 138 877, and the Facebook page for Polo Restaurant also accepts reservation requests. Outdoor seating is not a primary feature, but the large windows overlook the leafy streets of Turner and let in plenty of natural light during earlier dinner hours.

Takeaway is available — several reviewers mention collecting large pierogi orders to enjoy at home — and the club occasionally hosts special ticketed events such as live music nights, anniversary balls, and themed dinners that appear on the website and Facebook pages.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Polish White Eagle Club holds a strong 4.6-star rating on Google Maps based on 48 reviews, a figure that reflects consistent satisfaction among a relatively small but loyal customer base. The review profile reveals several clear themes that help new visitors understand what to expect.

Authenticity is the most frequently praised attribute. Words like 'homemade,' 'traditional,' and 'like a second home' appear across multiple reviews. Joanna Ponahajba, a Local Guide, wrote about 'delicious, authentic Polish food — simply heavenly' and described the restaurant as 'feeling like a second home' where 'every dish is full of flavour and prepared with love.' The owner responded personally, thanking her and noting that it is a joy when every customer feels at home — a gesture that appears repeatedly and signals genuine care for guest experience.

Hospitality from the owners is another major theme. Nick McFarlane, another Local Guide, shared that he 'had a great evening at the Polish Club restaurant 'The White Eagle'' and praised the food, beers, and vodkas before adding that 'the owners were super nice and make the place what it is.' He was sufficiently impressed to enquire about membership, which the club offers for those who want to support the community and attend members-only events.

Pricing receives mixed feedback but leans positive overall. Kathryn Grainger wrote that the experience 'was fun' with 'great service, very delicious homemade food,' though she found it 'a little expensive' — specifically noting '30 dollars for a plate of six pierogi or three to four meatballs seemed a bit much.' The owner replied thoughtfully, explaining that the ingredients and handmade nature of the dishes contribute to the cost. It is a fair and transparent exchange that helps potential visitors set expectations: the food is made from scratch with quality ingredients, and the prices reflect that commitment.

Reviewers consistently use terms like 'atmosphere,' 'pierogi,' 'beer,' 'service,' and 'Polish cuisine' when describing their experiences, reinforcing that the combination of food quality, drink selection, and welcoming environment is what makes the club memorable.

Polish White Eagle Club in Turner, ACT

The club's address is 38 David Street, Turner ACT 2612 — a quiet residential street in one of Canberra's oldest inner-north suburbs. Turner sits just north of the Australian National University and Civic, making it an easy drive or a pleasant walk from the city centre for those traversing the leafy paths of the inner north. The building itself, Nicholas Copernicus House, is a distinctive architectural landmark that stands out among the surrounding homes and small apartment blocks.

Parking is available on David Street and the surrounding residential streets, with no dedicated on-site parking lot. Given the suburban setting, visitors typically find a spot within a short walk, though Friday and Saturday evenings can be slightly busier when multiple events coincide at the club. Public transport access is reasonable — the R2 and R7 bus routes stop within a short walk on Northbourne Avenue, and the Turner footbridge provides a direct path to the light rail line for those arriving from further afield.

The club operates Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 5:00 PM, with kitchen service starting at 6:00 PM. The venue is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday, except for private functions or special events booked by appointment. This limited schedule is worth noting — the kitchen crew and bar staff focus their energy on a few nights each week rather than stretching resources thin across a seven-day operation.

What Sets Polish White Eagle Club Apart

A handful of specific attributes distinguish the Polish White Eagle Club from other Canberra eateries and social clubs:

• 100% pokie-free since inception: The club made the deliberate and somewhat pioneering choice to remove gambling machines entirely, redirecting the space and energy toward cultural programming, live music, and community use — a decision the management describes with palpable pride.
• Architectural and historical significance: Nicholas Copernicus House was designed by internationally recognised architect Enrico Taglietti and opened by a future Pope. Few restaurants in Australia can claim such a direct connection to modern architectural history and Vatican history in a single building.
• Community and multicultural mission: The club does not operate as a purely commercial restaurant. It is an incorporated association with a mailing address at PO Box 6093, O'Connor ACT 2602, and an ABN (16 654 486 280). The spaces host Polish language classes, community meetings, theatre groups, and multicultural events that bring together Polish and non-Polish Canberra residents.
• Modern Polish cuisine, not a time capsule: The menu honours tradition but does not treat it as a museum piece. The presentation and ingredient quality reflect current culinary standards, and the bar program — with its rotating craft beers and curated vodka flights — feels contemporary and thoughtful.

Common Questions

What are Polish White Eagle Club's opening hours?

The club is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM until late. Dinner service in the Polo Restaurant begins at 6:00 PM. On Polish Food Market Saturdays, the club also opens from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the market and a shorter lunch window. The club is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday, though private events can be arranged by appointment on other days.

Do I need to book a table at the Polo Restaurant?

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can book by calling Eva on 0412 138 877 or by messaging the Polo Restaurant Facebook page. Last-minute walk-ins are accommodated when possible, but the room is intimate and popular — ahead of time is the safer approach.

Does Polish White Eagle Club cater to vegetarians or dietary requirements?

The traditional Polish menu leans toward meat and dairy, but the kitchen is happy to discuss dietary needs. Pierogi often include vegetarian fillings such as cheese and potato or seasonal mushroom, and the kitchen can advise on which dishes can be adapted. Contact the restaurant directly before your visit to confirm current options.

Is the club suitable for families with children?

Yes, the atmosphere is warm and family-friendly. The owners are known for welcoming guests of all ages, and the pokie-free environment means children are not exposed to gaming machines. There is no dedicated children's menu, but the pierogi and gołąbki tend to be popular with younger diners, and the kitchen can often adjust portion sizes on request.

What is the Polish Food Market, and when does it run?

The Polish Food Market is a periodic Saturday event held at the club, running from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It features imported Polish groceries, fresh dumplings, baked goods, sausages, and specialty items available for take-home purchase. The Polo Restaurant also serves lunch during market hours. Dates are announced on the club's website and Facebook pages.

How does the membership at the club work?

Polish White Eagle Club is a community social club, and while you do not need to be a member to dine at the Polo Restaurant, membership provides additional benefits including access to members-only events, voting rights at the annual general meeting, and the satisfaction of supporting a community organisation. Enquire at the bar or through the contact page on the club's website for current membership fees and application forms.

Does the club serve alcohol without food?

Yes, the bar operates independently of the restaurant and is open during all club hours. Guests are welcome to stop by for a Polish craft beer, a vodka flight, or a cocktail without ordering a full meal. The bar's atmosphere is relaxed and conducive to catching up with friends over drinks.

Can I hire the club's facilities for a private event?

Absolutely. Nicholas Copernicus House has multiple spaces available for private functions — birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and community gatherings. Enquiries and bookings can be made by calling 02 6248 8563 or 0423 961 503, or by emailing whiteeagleclub.act@gmail.com. The club's Facebook page also accepts hire enquiries.