Pennsylvania takes its pierogies seriously, and plenty of families can name their favorite shop faster than their favorite sports team. These little dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese, sauerkraut, and a lot more show up at church sales, festivals, and kitchen tables across the state.
The shops on this list make them by hand and keep the tradition going from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. Some stick with the classics, while others fill their dough with buffalo chicken, steak and cheese, or even pumpkin spice.
If you have ever wondered where to find a truly great plate of pierogies, this list is a tasty place to start.
1. Pierogies Plus, McKees Rocks, PA
Some of the best things in western Pennsylvania come through a small walk-up counter. Pierogies Plus on Island Avenue in McKees Rocks is a longtime neighborhood spot that serves its namesake dumplings and other Eastern European fare over the counter.
The sauerkraut pierogies get a lot of attention here. They come with a buttery, oniony flavor, and plenty of fans rank them above the potato and cheese.
The shop also offers sauerkraut in a stew, which is a nice option on a chilly day.
Portions run large, and there is a full vegetarian menu. Seating is limited to a couple of small tables outside, so most folks take their order to go.
Plan around the schedule. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 6 PM and closed on weekends, and it does not have a restroom for customers.
Afternoons on Monday, Thursday, and Friday tend to be the busiest.
2. Cop Out Pierogies, Pittsburgh, PA
Buffalo chicken in a pierogi might sound like a dare, but at Cop Out Pierogies it is right at home on the menu. This compact, family-owned shop on Butler Street in the Etna area of Pittsburgh makes traditional Polish dumplings with both savory and sweet fillings.
The pierogies come out soft inside and crispy outside, often topped with caramelized onions. Flavors range from potato cheese and jalapeño to a vegan sauerkraut option.
Save room for dessert pierogies, which have included a pumpkin spice version. The Polish Platter is another good pick if you want to sample more than dumplings, and cabbage-wrapped meatballs have shown up too.
Hours are short, so check before heading out. The shop opens Wednesday through Saturday, usually 11 AM to 3 PM, with Friday running until 4:30 PM.
It also offers catering, delivery, and takeout.
3. The Pierogie Kitchen, Ambler, PA
Choosing just one flavor at The Pierogie Kitchen is the hard part. This petite women-owned spot on South Ridge Avenue in Ambler offers many, many options for sweet and savory dumplings.
The pierogies are creamy and flavorful, with nicely fried dough. Broccoli cheddar is a popular pick, and you can order them by the dozen.
The menu goes beyond dumplings, too. Potato pancakes and poutine share space with salads such as the Purple Goat and a pumpkin and quinoa option, and there is a full vegetarian menu.
Prices stay fair, which makes it easy to try a few flavors at once. Hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from noon to 4 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch is a calmer bet.
4. Polish Connection, Plymouth, PA
Winning first place for pierogies at a local festival is a big deal in northeastern Pennsylvania, and Polish Connection has pulled it off more than once. This unassuming little diner on Main Street in Plymouth serves homemade Polish food made from scratch.
The pierogie lineup covers every traditional stuffing plus a long list of other flavors. Sauerkraut and potato and cheese are classic choices, both wrapped in tender dough.
Smoked kielbasa is another standout, along with potato pancakes and big pasties. The space is clean and bright, and prices stay reasonable.
Early risers will appreciate the hours. The diner opens at 6:30 AM Wednesday through Sunday and closes at 5 PM, so breakfast is on the table too.
High chairs are available, making it an easy stop for families.
5. Little Spuds Pierogi Company, Scott, PA
Steak and cheese is the flavor that turns heads at Little Spuds Pierogi Company. This casual shop on Justus Boulevard in Scott, north of Scranton, specializes in pierogies and keeps the focus right there.
The pierogies are large, homemade, and packed with a generous amount of filling. Even with all that stuffing, the dough stays light and pillowy.
Beyond steak and cheese, the buffalo chicken and sausage flavors are worth trying, and there is a hot wing option too. Plain potato is on hand for anyone who likes to keep it simple.
Little Spuds runs as a takeout and delivery operation with no table service. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and free parking makes a quick weekday pickup easy.
6. Petrosky Pierogies, Simpson, PA
Small towns often hide the best food, and Simpson is a good example. Petrosky Pierogies sits on North Main Street in this Lackawanna County community and keeps things simple with excellent pierogies.
Flavors go past the usual lineup. Steak and cheese, corn, and broccoli cheddar are among the options, and buying by the dozen is common here.
The shop is casual and geared toward takeout, so think of it as a place to stock up for dinner or the freezer. There is no delivery, but free parking makes pickup easy.
Arrive early in the day. Petrosky is generally open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM and closed Sunday, and it accepts reservations, which helps for bigger orders.
7. Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, Philadelphia, PA
Port Richmond has long been the heart of Polish Philadelphia, so it makes sense that Mom-Mom’s Kitchen calls Richmond Street home. Fans have followed it since its earlier days in Bridesburg.
This window-serve spot specializes in homemade pierogi, cabbage rolls, kielbasa, and other Polish classics. The potato pierogies are a highlight, and the applesauce served alongside has its own following.
Can’t decide what to order? The Mom Mom’s meal and the Pop Pop’s meal bundle a variety of Polish dishes so you can sample a bit of everything.
The vegan pickle soup is another favorite, and the kitchen offers full vegan and vegetarian menus. Hours run Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 10 PM and later on weekends.
Street parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
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