Top Pierogies In Philadelphia

Pierogies are small dumplings made with unleavened dough that are first boiled and then sometimes sautéed or fried based on the filling. Considered the national dish of Poland, they were introduced to the United States over 100 years ago by Polish immigrants. Here, potatoes, cheese and onion (known as ruskie in Poland) are the most popular fillings, though many places get creative with other savory and even sweet varieties. While you can find a selection of pierogies in the frozen section of any grocery store, you'll want to check out the places on this list to taste the best pierogies in Philadelphia.

Tattooed Mom
530 S. St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 238-9880
www.tattooedmomphilly.com

Tattooed Mom has been a South Street staple since 1997, offering a fun, funky environment, a great selection of cocktails, local and regional beer on draft and a casual lunch, dinner and late night menu. Weekly food specials are just another reason to love the place. Visit on Thursdays between noon and 10 p.m. to enjoy 50 cent pierogies. (Any other time, you can get five pierogies with dressing for $5.50.) The fried pillows of potato are slightly crispy on the outside while silky smooth on the inside. The deal gets even better when you pair it with half price drafts from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Czerw's Kielbasy
3370 Tilton Street
Philadelphia, PA19134
www.kielbasyboys.com

Since opening their Port Richmond spot in 1938, the Czerw family has been providing Philadelphia with authentic Polish specialties. The pierogies are made fresh daily on the premises with a wide variety of fillings available. Go standard with potato, cheese, potato and cheddar or potato, cheese and onion. Or try one of the more creative flavors such as buffalo chicken, meat with onions and mushrooms or cheddar and pepperoni. Two standout favorites are the loaded potato and Philly cheesesteak. The pierogies come pre-boiled, so you just take them home and pan fry them for an easy meal that the whole family will love.

The Pierogie Kitchen
648 Roxborough Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 483-5301
www.pierogiekitchen.com

At this Roxborough spot, there are typically over a dozen varieties to choose from with flavors ranging from the more traditional potato cheddar, potato onion and broccoli potato cheddar to gourmet flavors such as spinach and jack cheese, mushroom, potato and horseradish and the dessert chocolate ganache. For a unique spin on pierogies, order the famous "Stacker" sandwich. The hefty handheld meal combines pierogies and meat between grilled bread. "The Original PK Stacker" features cheddar and potato pierogies and smoked kielbasa topped with spicy mustard and sautéed onions and sauerkraut on rye bread for $7.50. Pierogi are also available by the half or full dozen, pre-boiled and frozen to enjoy at home or as part of party trays through the catering service.

Swiacki Meats
3623 Salmon St.
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 643-0820
www.swiackimeats.com

The Swiacki family has been drawing crowds in search of homemade Polish specialties for 55 years. The Philadelphia Inquirer once nicknamed Stan and Ed Swiacki "The Kielbasa Kings," and it's unusual for a visitor to leave without at least a few pounds of the smoked delicacy. But another favorite at the Port Richmond meat house is the selection of fresh pierogies made in house. The classic "PCO" (potato, cheddar, onion) is made with smooth potato with just a bit of cheese and onion. But you can also get flavors like spinach, buffalo chicken, farmer's cheese and cheesesteak. For a sweet treat, try the apple or blueberry.

Bud & Marilyn's
1234 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-2220
www.budandmarilyns.com

Bud & Marilyn's atmosphere is set with an Atomic Age TV, vintage barware, replica barstools and plenty of other mid-century touches. While the retro vibe is certainly key, the menu manages to balance American throwback classic dishes with unexpected modern twists. The potato and horseradish-filled pierogies are served in a brown butter sauce with capers, and reviewers are saying they're good enough to stand alone as a meal.

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Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
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