Ah, pierogi. Fortunately for us, Buffalo boasts a plethora of places serving those pillowy pockets of cheesy, potatoey heavenly goodness. We can thank the large number of Polish immigrants for helping establish Buffalo into the pierogi-lovers haven it is today. As time progressed, Polish food evolved, with some eateries now offering pierogi pocketing non-traditional ingredients — pot roast, anyone? — that are fun to explore.
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Buffalo also boasts the official “Dyngus Day capital of America” title, meaning we can all share in the fun of Polish traditions. With that in mind, let’s throw off Lenten restrain, ready our pussy willows and celebrate spring with feasts of pierogi, kielbasa and golomki. And let’s not forget the sugary decadence of chrusciki and paczki! This hearty food is for everyone, and, let’s be honest, everyone should be enjoying it not only during springtime but all year round.
Below are some of Western New York’s best spots to find Polish cuisine. We hope you’ll go exploring to find some new favorites but also take time to savor those old standbys that feel like home.
Cieszyc sie! (Polish for, “Enjoy!”)
1. The Broadway Market
999 Broadway, East Side, 14212 / 716-893-0705
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
A must-go destination, open year-round, for all the traditional Polish foods from a variety of vendors.
2. K Sisters Authentic Pierogi
2116 Clinton St., Cheektowaga, 14206 / 716-827-4077
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
A pierogi shop – not restaurant – that includes traditional pierogi along with nontraditional varieties, such as fruit, chuck roast and sweet potato.
3. Ru’s Pierogi
295 Niagara St., Buffalo, 14201 / 716-235-8243
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday
A twist on traditional Polish cuisine, alongside local craft beers.
4. Potts Deli & Grille
41 S. Rossler Ave., Cheektowaga / 716-826-6575
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Specializing in kielbasa, golomki, breaded pork chops, lazy pierogi and regular pierogi.
5. Polish Nook
2242 Cudaback Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, 14303 / 716-282-6712
4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Old school bar and restaurant serving traditional Polish favorites.
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6. R&L Lounge
23 Mills St., East Side, 14212 / 716-896-5982
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday
A simple comfort food menu in a down-home atmosphere.
7. Gadawski’s Restaurant
1446 Falls St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303 / 716-282-7246
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday
Old school neighborhood bar serving up terrific Polish cuisine.
8. Prosit Restaurant Food Truck
32 North Cayuga Road, Williamsville / 716-239-5742
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday
Serves up Polish food and pastries in a fun, outdoors environment.
9. Gram’s Pierogi House
22 S. Main St., Angola, 14006 / 716-777-3995
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Traditional, homemade Polish comfort food.
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10. Polish Villa II
1085 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga, 14227 / 716-822-4908
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday
Pierogi, and other Polish classics, in a homey setting.
11. Polish Villa
2954 Union Rd, Buffalo, NY 14227
Sunday – Thursday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Friday – Saturday 8:00am – 9:00pm
The same as Polish Villa II, but not the same. Polish dishes galore.
12. Mazurek’s Bakery
543 South Park Ave., Buffalo 14204 / 716-853-7833
8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Bakery with emphasis on Polish favorites, including cheesecake, placzek and poppy seed logs.
13. E.M. Chrusciki Bakery
80 W. Dullard Ave., Lancaster, 14086 / 716-681-9866
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Combines old-world gourmet treats, such as chrusciki (obviously!) and paczki, with modern-day fare.