9 Pennsylvania Pierogies That Should Be State Treasures

Few foods capture Pennsylvania’s cultural roots quite like pierogi. Pasta pockets filled with creamy potato, tangy sauerkraut, cheese, or clever modern twists have become a beloved staple across the state.

In Pittsburgh, Philly, and plenty of small towns in between, there are places where pierogi are made with skill, tradition, and a whole lot of heart.

These nine spots are proof that Pennsylvania knows how to do dumplings right.

1. Pierogies Plus: McKees Rocks’ Pocket-Sized Perfection

Walking into Pierogies Plus feels like stepping into a Polish grandmother’s kitchen. The tiny storefront in McKees Rocks has been stuffing dough pockets since 1991.

Each pierogi comes packed with traditional fillings – their potato and cheese remains the gold standard that others measure against.

I remember driving thirty minutes just to grab a dozen frozen for later, with the car smelling tantalizingly of sautéed onions all the way home.

2. Cop Out Pierogies: Etna’s Cult-Favorite Dumplings

Hidden in tiny Etna, Cop Out Pierogies commands lines that wrap around the block. Founded by a former police officer, this hole-in-the-wall serves both classics and wild creations like buffalo chicken and apple cheesecake pierogies.

Their dough achieves that perfect balance between tender and chewy. The limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday) create a sense of urgency among devotees who plan their weeks around securing these handmade treasures.

3. Forgotten Taste Pierogies: Suburban Comfort Food Champions

Suburban pierogi-seekers flock to Forgotten Taste’s two locations for consistently excellent dumplings. Their jalapeño cheddar variety delivers a perfect kick of heat without overwhelming the comforting potato base. What sets them apart is their generous combination plates.

My family tradition involves stopping here after every airport pickup – nothing welcomes visitors to Pennsylvania quite like their pierogi sampler with a side of pillowy stuffed cabbage.

4. Apteka: Bloomfield’s Plant-Based Pierogi Revolution

Apteka proves vegan pierogies can rival their traditional counterparts. This nationally acclaimed restaurant elevates the humble dumpling with seasonal fillings like smoked potato with root vegetables or sauerkraut and mushrooms.

The presentation transforms pierogi into sophisticated cuisine – pan-seared to golden perfection and adorned with foraged ingredients.

Even dedicated meat-eaters leave impressed by how these plant-based versions honor Eastern European traditions while creating something entirely new.

5. Polska Laska: Sharpsburg’s Braided-Edge Beauties

Polska Laska has turned pierogi-making into an art form with their distinctive braided edges. Each dumpling receives this special treatment – a time-consuming technique rarely seen elsewhere.

Their weekly specials showcase culinary creativity, with past hits including Philly cheesesteak and buffalo chicken varieties.

Watching the skilled hands craft these dumplings through the open kitchen window makes the inevitable wait worthwhile, though arriving early remains essential – they regularly sell out before closing time.

6. Little Walter’s: East Kensington’s Award-Winning Dumplings

The New York Times doesn’t hand out culinary praise lightly, which makes Little Walter’s pierogi accolades particularly impressive.

Their pierogi ruskie combines potato and farmer’s cheese with perfectly caramelized onions for a dumpling that transcends its humble ingredients.

Seasonal offerings like squash and kale pierogies showcase Pennsylvania’s harvest bounty.

Back in 2022, I dragged four friends here after they claimed all pierogies taste the same – their changed expressions after one bite proved my point without words.

7. Czerw’s Kielbasy: Port Richmond’s Historic Polish Landmark

Stepping into Czerw’s feels like time travel to 1938. The smoky aroma from their legendary kielbasa production mingles with the scent of fresh pierogies made on premises. Their dumplings maintain old-world simplicity – no fancy innovations, just perfectly executed classics.

The third-generation family owners still use recipes brought from Poland, creating a direct culinary link to Pennsylvania’s immigrant heritage that remains unchanged while neighborhoods around them transform.

8. Inna’s Pierogi Shop: Lancaster’s Market Masterpiece

Lancaster Central Market’s historic halls provide the perfect backdrop for Inna’s handcrafted pierogies. Under new ownership but maintaining time-honored techniques, the shop continues its tradition of daily dough-rolling and machine-pinching.

Visitors can watch the mesmerizing production process while waiting for their order.

The contrast between Amish produce vendors and these Eastern European treasures perfectly encapsulates Pennsylvania’s diverse food heritage – seemingly different traditions finding harmony in quality handmade foods.

9. Black Forest Deli: Bethlehem’s Euro-Fusion Dumplings

Black Forest Deli bridges Eastern European traditions with Lehigh Valley sensibilities. Their affectionately named “Mama’s Pierogies” come from recipes passed through generations, with dough that achieves that elusive perfect texture.

Rotating seasonal fillings keep regulars coming back to discover what’s new.

The family-run operation extends beyond pierogies to a full European deli experience, but these potato-stuffed pockets remain their crown jewel – the item that locals recommend first to visitors.