Unearth The Voyage
Pittsburgh’s Polish heritage runs deep, and nowhere is that more delicious than in its pierogi shops and bakeries. Whether you crave hand-pinched dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese or want to bite into a sweet pączki during Fat Tuesday season, the Steel City has you covered. From food trucks and church kitchens to beloved neighborhood bakeries, these 15 spots serve up authentic flavors that have been passed down through generations.
1. Pierogies Plus (McKees Rocks)
Operating since the 1990s, this family-run spot has perfected the art of hand-pinched pierogies. Every dumpling gets crimped by hand, giving each one that homemade texture you just can’t find in a frozen box.
Beyond pierogies, the menu features stuffed cabbage rolls and haluski, a cabbage-and-noodle dish that feels like a warm hug. Locals often order party trays for gatherings, knowing the quality stays consistent batch after batch.
Located at 342 Island Ave in McKees Rocks, it’s a straightforward takeout operation with loyal fans. Check pierogiesplus.com for hours and current offerings before you make the trip.
2. Cop Out Pierogies (Etna)
Walk up to the takeout window at 350 Butler Street and you’ll face a menu with dozens of pierogi flavors. Classic potato-cheese stands beside wild options like buffalo chicken or mac-and-cheese filling, proving pierogies can go anywhere your imagination takes them.
Custom fillings are available if you’re planning a party or just feeling adventurous. Catering pans make feeding a crowd easy, and the staff is happy to walk you through flavor pairings.
The casual vibe and creative approach have made this Etna spot a favorite for younger crowds and traditionalists alike. Visit copoutpierogies.com to see the full rotating menu and place your order ahead.
3. S&D Polish Deli / Polish on Penn (Strip District)
Stepping into this Strip District shop at 2204 Penn Ave feels like visiting a relative’s kitchen in Warsaw. Shelves are stocked with imported Polish groceries, from pickles to candy bars you won’t find at Giant Eagle.
The hot kitchen churns out pierogi platters, kielbasa, and other ready-to-eat favorites. During pączki season, lines snake out the door as customers grab boxes of the jelly-filled treats before they sell out.
It’s both a deli and a restaurant, so you can shop for ingredients or sit down for a full meal. Check their hours online and arrive early on weekends when the crowds pick up.
4. Apteka (Bloomfield/Garfield)
Eastern European cuisine meets plant-based innovation at 4606 Penn Ave, where every dish on the menu is vegan. Chef Kate Lasky has earned national acclaim for her creative take on pierogi, stuffed with ingredients like mushroom duxelles or roasted beet.
Open Thursday through Sunday evenings, Apteka books up fast, so reservations are a smart move. The cozy space and inventive cocktails make it a date-night favorite.
Even die-hard meat eaters leave impressed by the depth of flavor in these dumplings. If you’re curious about vegan Polish food or just love trying something new, this is your spot. Head to aptekapgh.com for the current menu and booking.
5. Butterjoint (Oakland)
Tucked into Oakland at 208 N Craig Street, Butterjoint serves comfort food with a Polish twist. Their house pierogies come dressed with caramelized onions, tangy sauerkraut, and pickled beets, creating a balanced plate that hits sweet, sour, and savory notes.
Add a side of sausage if you’re extra hungry. The casual counter-service setup makes it perfect for a quick lunch between classes or a laid-back dinner.
College students and neighborhood regulars alike appreciate the straightforward menu and reasonable prices. Check Butterjoint’s website or social media for daily specials and seasonal additions that keep the offerings fresh and interesting throughout the year.
6. Forgotten Taste Pierogies (Wexford & Moon/Coraopolis)
With locations in Wexford and Moon/Coraopolis, this counter-service shop makes Polish comfort food accessible to the suburbs. Hearty platters come loaded with pierogies, kielbasa, and sides that remind you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.
Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home. The staff is friendly and happy to explain dishes if you’re new to Polish cuisine.
Hours are posted online, and both locations offer dine-in and takeout options. It’s a no-frills experience focused on good food at fair prices, which has earned them a loyal following in the northern suburbs.
7. Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck (mobile)
Track down this food truck at festivals, concerts, and community events across the city for a taste of mobile Polish comfort. The menu highlights pierogies, haluski, and stuffed cabbage, all prepared fresh on board.
Because the truck moves around, checking pghpierogitruck.com for the current schedule is essential. Summer is prime season, with the truck appearing at farmers markets and neighborhood block parties.
The casual, grab-and-go format means you can enjoy authentic pierogies while exploring Pittsburgh’s event scene. Follow their social media for last-minute location updates and special menu items that pop up throughout the season.
8. St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church (McKees Rocks)
Every Friday from Labor Day through Memorial Day, volunteers at 116 Ella Street roll out fresh pierogies using recipes passed down through generations. Locals call them “Baba pierogies” because they taste exactly like the ones Ukrainian grandmothers used to make.
The church hall becomes a production line, with volunteers pinching dough and filling dumplings by hand. You can buy them cooked or frozen to take home.
Call ahead to confirm the week’s availability, as they sometimes sell out early. It’s cash-friendly, community-driven, and as authentic as it gets in Pittsburgh’s pierogi scene.
9. St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church (Brighton Heights/North Side)
Located at 3455 California Ave, this church runs a volunteer pierogi program that has become a neighborhood institution. Classic potato-cheese fillings share space with specialty options that rotate based on what the volunteers are inspired to make.
Sale days are posted on the church website and in weekly bulletins, so checking saintgeorgepittsburgh.org keeps you in the loop. Orders can be picked up fresh or frozen.
Supporting this program means supporting the church community, and the quality reflects the care that goes into every batch. Arrive on sale day with a cooler if you’re stocking up for the freezer.
10. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church (McKeesport)
Mark your calendar for fall 2025 sale dates at this McKeesport church, where regular pierogi sales keep the community connected. Volunteers gather to prepare batches using time-tested methods, ensuring each dumpling meets the high standards set decades ago.
Calling ahead to reserve your order is strongly recommended, as popular flavors go quickly. The church posts dates and details on stjohnsmckeesport social media and bulletin boards.
It’s a small operation with a big heart, and the pierogies reflect the dedication of the volunteers. Whether you’re from McKeesport or willing to make the drive, the authentic taste makes it worthwhile.
11. Oakmont Bakery (Oakmont)
When pączki season arrives, Oakmont Bakery at One Sweet Street becomes ground zero for these Polish jelly donuts. Dozens of flavors fill the cases, from traditional raspberry and custard to creative options like salted caramel or lemon meringue.
Online ordering through oakmontbakery.com opens early in the season, and packs sell out fast. The bakery’s reputation means lines form well before dawn on Fat Tuesday.
Beyond pączki, the year-round pastry selection is impressive, making this a destination bakery worth visiting any time. Plan ahead, order online, and pick up your box to avoid the longest waits during peak pączki madness.
12. Party Cake Shop (Brookline)
At 706 Brookline Blvd, this neighborhood bakery keeps pączki traditions alive with multiple fillings and seasonal specials. Classic flavors like prune and custard sit alongside modern takes that appeal to adventurous eaters.
The bakery updates its specials page regularly, so checking before you visit ensures you know what’s available. During pączki season, expect fresh batches throughout the day.
Party Cake Shop has been a Brookline fixture for years, earning loyalty through consistent quality and friendly service. Whether you’re grabbing a single donut or ordering a dozen, the staff treats every customer like a regular neighbor stopping by for a treat.
13. Potomac Bakery (Dormont & Mt. Lebanon)
Two locations mean twice the chances to grab fresh pączki before Fat Tuesday. Potomac Bakery starts rolling out these Polish treats well ahead of the official day, often making them available daily during the entire seasonal run.
Both the Dormont and Mt. Lebanon shops offer the same quality and variety, so visit whichever is closer. Fillings range from traditional to inventive, satisfying purists and experimenters alike.
The neighborhood bakery vibe makes it a comfortable stop for families and pączki newcomers. Check their hours and current offerings online, and don’t be surprised if you leave with more pastries than you planned to buy.
14. Bethel Bakery (Bethel Park)
Most bakeries wrap up pączki season after Fat Tuesday, but Bethel Bakery at 5200 Brightwood Road keeps the tradition rolling through Easter. That extended season means you have more chances to satisfy your jelly donut cravings without waiting another year.
The bakery posts ordering guides and hours online, making it easy to plan your visit. Fresh batches come out regularly, so arriving early in the day guarantees the best selection.
Locals appreciate the flexibility and quality that come with every box. Whether you’re celebrating Paczki Day or just want a sweet treat in March, Bethel Bakery has you covered with authentic Polish donuts.
15. Prantl’s Bakery (multiple locations)
Famous for the legendary Burnt Almond Torte, Prantl’s also joins the pączki celebration each season. Multiple locations across Pittsburgh make it convenient to pick up a box along with other bakery favorites.
The bakery’s reputation for quality extends to these seasonal treats, with fillings that balance tradition and creativity. Check prantlsbakery.com for the active locations page and current pączki availability.
Visiting during pączki season means you can grab donuts and maybe a slice of that famous torte in one stop. The combination of classic Pittsburgh baking and Polish tradition makes Prantl’s a must-visit when the season arrives each year.
