12 Top Polish Restaurants To Try Across Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania and Polish cuisine share a history that runs deep, and that connection still shows up beautifully on today’s tables.
Across the state, kitchens turn out pierogi packed with flavor, slow cooked stews that warm you from the inside out, and sausages seasoned with confidence and care.
This is comfort food with character, built on tradition and served with pride.
Rich broths, buttery dumplings, crisp cabbage dishes, and desserts that feel lovingly homemade create meals that are both hearty and heartfelt.
Every plate tells a story rooted in heritage and community. Polish restaurants in Pennsylvania do more than preserve recipes.
They create gathering spaces where families linger, conversations stretch, and familiar flavors bring a sense of belonging.
The atmosphere often feels welcoming and unpretentious, focused on food that satisfies rather than impresses.
Generations have kept these traditions alive, and it shows in every bite. I always notice how Polish food slows me down in the best way.
When I find myself savoring each forkful and leaning back with a contented sigh, I know the meal has done exactly what it was meant to do. That kind of satisfaction keeps me coming back.
1. The Pierogie Kitchen
Walking into this spot feels like stepping into someone’s kitchen, complete with the smell of butter-fried dough and onions hitting you the second you open the door.
Located at 15 S Ridge Ave in Ambler, The Pierogie Kitchen has earned a loyal following for its handmade pierogi that come stuffed with everything from potato and cheese to sauerkraut and mushroom.
The interior is simple but welcoming, with wooden tables and family photos lining the walls.
Their potato cheddar pierogi are legendary, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a dollop of sour cream.
Fun fact: the owners roll every single pierogi by hand each morning, which means you’re getting the freshest dumplings possible.
You can also grab frozen packs to take home if you want to impress your friends at dinner.
The menu isn’t huge, but that’s actually a good thing because it means everything is made with care and attention.
2. Swiacki Meats
Butcher shops don’t always double as eateries, but Swiacki Meats at 3623 Salmon St in Philadelphia breaks that rule in the best way.
This place has been serving the Port Richmond neighborhood for decades, and locals swear by their house-made kielbasa that’s seasoned with a secret blend of spices.
The shop itself is old-school, with a long glass counter displaying rows of fresh sausages, smoked meats, and deli salads.
I stopped by on a Saturday morning once, and the line stretched out the door with people chatting in Polish and English while waiting for their orders.
Their grilled kielbasa sandwich is a must-try, served on a crusty roll with mustard and grilled onions.
The building has that classic neighborhood corner store vibe, with faded signage and a loyal customer base that’s been coming here for generations. Don’t skip the potato salad either.
3. Czerw’s Polish Kielbasa
Czerw’s Polish Kielbasa at 3370 Tilton St in Philadelphia is another Port Richmond gem that specializes in smoked meats and traditional Polish fare.
The storefront is unassuming, but the aroma of smoked pork and garlic will pull you in from half a block away.
Inside, the space is tight but efficient, with a small counter where you can order hot sandwiches or pick up fresh kielbasa to cook at home.
Their signature dish is the kielbasa platter, which comes with sauerkraut, rye bread, and a side of horseradish that’ll clear your sinuses in the best possible way.
The walls are decorated with Polish flags and old photos of the neighborhood, giving the place a nostalgic, community-centered feel.
Fun fact: Czerw’s has been family-run since the 1970s, and the recipes haven’t changed one bit. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you visit.
4. Little Walter’s
Tucked away at 2049 E Hagert St in Philadelphia, Little Walter’s serves up comfort food with a Polish twist in a cozy, no-frills setting.
The building looks like a converted rowhouse, with a small dining area that seats maybe twenty people max. The menu features classics like stuffed cabbage rolls, hunter’s stew, and pierogies that are crispy on the outside and pillowy soft inside.
What sets this place apart is the homemade beet soup, which is tangy, earthy, and served piping hot with a thick slice of rye bread.
I tried it on a chilly evening, and it warmed me up better than any jacket could. The decor is minimal, with just a few Polish posters and checkered tablecloths, but the food speaks for itself.
Fun fact: the restaurant is named after the owner’s grandfather, who immigrated from Poland in the 1950s and brought his recipes with him.
5. Dinner House
Situated at 2706 E Allegheny Ave in Philadelphia, Dinner House is a straightforward spot that doesn’t waste time with fancy presentation or trendy decor.
The interior is classic diner-style, with booth seating, laminate tables, and a counter where regulars sit and chat with the staff.
The menu is packed with Polish staples like golabki, pierogi, and potato pancakes that come out hot and generously portioned.
Their golabki, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, are smothered in a rich tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
The building itself has that timeless neighborhood eatery vibe, with big windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Fun fact: Dinner House has been a local hangout since the 1980s, and some customers have been eating here since they were kids. Portions are huge, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home.
6. Polmart
Right next door to Dinner House at 2712 E Allegheny Ave, Polmart is part grocery store, part deli, and entirely delicious.
The front half of the space is stocked with imported Polish goods like pickles, candies, and packaged soups, while the back deli counter serves up hot meals and fresh sandwiches.
The building is bright and clean, with fluorescent lighting and shelves packed to the ceiling with Eastern European products.
Their kielbasa sandwich is a crowd favorite, served on a soft roll with mustard and pickles. I grabbed one during a quick lunch break, and it hit the spot perfectly without being too heavy.
The deli also offers daily specials like bigos, which is a hearty hunter’s stew loaded with sausage, cabbage, and spices.
Fun fact: Polmart doubles as a community hub where locals catch up on neighborhood news while shopping. You can also grab frozen pierogi by the bag if you want to stock your freezer.
7. Polka Deli Inc., PA
Just a few doors down at 2719 E Allegheny Ave, Polka Deli Inc. keeps the Polish food tradition alive with a menu full of homemade favorites.
The storefront is narrow but inviting, with a small seating area and a deli counter that displays everything from smoked meats to fresh salads.
The walls are decorated with Polish folk art, adding a touch of cultural pride to the space. Their stuffed cabbage is a standout, tender and flavorful with just the right amount of seasoning.
The potato pancakes are another must-try, crispy on the edges and served with applesauce or sour cream. I’ve eaten here twice, and both times the food felt like a warm hug from someone’s Polish grandmother.
Fun fact: the deli has been family-owned for over thirty years, and the recipes are passed down through generations. Cash is preferred, so bring bills if you plan to visit.
8. Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, PA
Located at 3124 Richmond St in Philadelphia, Mom-Mom’s Kitchen lives up to its name by serving food that tastes like it came straight from a loving grandmother’s stove.
The restaurant is small and intimate, with just a handful of tables and a homey atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal.
The walls are covered with family photos and vintage Polish posters, giving the place a warm, nostalgic feel.
Their pierogi platter is the star of the menu, featuring a variety of fillings like cheese, potato, meat, and fruit.
Each dumpling is perfectly cooked, with a slight char from the pan-frying process. The potato pancakes are also fantastic, crispy and golden with a soft center.
Fun fact: the owner named the restaurant after her own grandmother, who taught her how to cook traditional Polish dishes. The recipes haven’t changed in decades, which is exactly how the regulars like it.
9. Apteka, PA
Breaking the mold at 4606 Penn Ave in Pittsburgh, Apteka reimagines Polish cuisine with a completely plant-based menu that even meat lovers rave about.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated space with exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and a modern aesthetic that feels both trendy and welcoming.
The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs work their magic, and the dining area is spacious with communal tables that encourage conversation.
Their vegan pierogi are stuffed with creative fillings like potato and cashew cheese or sauerkraut and mushroom, and they’re so good you won’t miss the traditional versions.
The beet soup is another highlight, vibrant and flavorful with a dollop of cashew cream on top. I visited on a weeknight, and the place was packed with a diverse crowd of diners.
Fun fact: Apteka means pharmacy in Polish, a nod to the building’s history as an old drugstore.
10. S&D Polish Deli, PA
Strip District’s S&D Polish Deli at 2204 Penn Ave has been a lunchtime favorite for office workers and locals since it opened.
The deli is compact but efficient, with a counter for ordering and a few small tables for dining in. The interior is simple and functional, with a focus on the food rather than fancy decor.
Their kielbasa and sauerkraut platter is a classic, featuring smoky sausage served with tangy cabbage and a side of rye bread. The pierogi are also excellent, available in multiple flavors and cooked to order.
I grabbed a quick lunch here once, and the service was fast without sacrificing quality.
The walls display a few Polish flags and old photos, giving the space a bit of character. Fun fact: S&D stands for the owners’ initials, and they’ve been running the deli together for over two decades.
The daily specials change regularly, so there’s always something new to try if you’re a repeat customer.
11. Polska Laska, PA
Over in Sharpsburg at 1100 N Canal St, Polska Laska brings a fresh, contemporary spin to traditional Polish cooking.
The restaurant is bright and airy, with colorful murals on the walls and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a casual meal.
The open layout includes a bar area and plenty of seating, making it a great spot for both solo diners and groups.
Their pierogi flight is a fun way to sample multiple flavors at once, from classic potato and cheese to more adventurous options like jalapeño cheddar.
The potato pancakes are crispy and served with a tangy apple compote that adds a sweet contrast.
I tried the stuffed cabbage rolls, and they were tender and flavorful, with a tomato sauce that wasn’t too heavy.
Fun fact: Polska Laska translates to Polish Babe, a playful name that reflects the restaurant’s modern, youthful energy.
The space used to be an old warehouse, and the owners kept some of the original industrial features during the renovation.
12. Pierogies Plus, PA
Rounding out the list is Pierogies Plus at 342 Island Ave in McKees Rocks, a family-friendly spot that serves generous portions of Polish comfort food.
The restaurant is located in a modest brick building with a straightforward interior that includes booth seating and a few tables.
The decor is minimal, with the focus squarely on the food and the friendly service. Their pierogi sampler is a great choice if you can’t decide on just one flavor, offering a mix of potato, cheese, sauerkraut, and meat fillings.
The kielbasa platter is another solid option, served with grilled onions, peppers, and a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon, and the place was buzzing with families enjoying a leisurely meal together.
Fun fact: Pierogies Plus has been a local favorite for over fifteen years, and the owners still use recipes handed down from their grandparents. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite or plan to take home leftovers.