Sunday, October 8th marks National Pierogi Day, and New York knows how to celebrate it. Pierogi, also known as varenyky, are filled dumplings made by wrapping dough around a filling such as cheese, sauerkraut, or potato, and cooking them in boiling water. Although pierogis are primarily associated with Poland and Slovakia, where they’re national dishes, they’re also popular in other Eastern European countries. Here are some NYC spots offering traditional and seasonal takes on this tasty treat.
Little Poland
Established in 1985, Little Poland is a casual diner that serves both Polish foods such as pierogi and kielbasa, as well as American cuisine. Pierogi fillings include cheese, meat, potato, spinach, sweet potato, and a special pierogi—stuffed with potato, sauerkraut, and cheese. There's also a sauerkraut and mushroom one.
200 2nd Ave., 212-777-9728, littlepolandnyc.com
Odessa
Described as an “old-school” Eastern European diner, Odessa’s menu offers a special Chef’s Combination. It includes four pierogis, a blintz, and a potato pancake with sour cream or applesauce.
119 Avenue A, 212-253-1482, odessanyc.com
The Stanton Social
The Lower East Side’s chic, 40’s-inspired gourmet destination by celebrity chef Chris Santos offers a variety of small plates. Santos’ trend setting multi-ethnic share plate menu was designed to offer an opportunity for guests to experience multiple dishes and flavors in one setting. As for Polish fare, The Stanton Social offers potato with goat cheese pierogis for extra creaminess. There’s also a hint of truffle oil in the crème fraîche. Stanton Social boasts lots of ambiance thanks to fringe-covered walls, exotic lizard skin banquettes, stylish hat box lampshades, and belt strapped pillows.
99 Stanton St., 212-995-0099, thestantonsocial.com
Streecha
This subterranean hideaway serves traditional Ukrainian cuisine in a casual, compact space. Run by volunteers, the dining spot is a fundraising initiative for the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church. Beyond the regular menu, which includes potato and cheese pierogis, the cafe offers soup, stuffed cabbage, homemade sweets, and more.
33 E. 7th St., 212-677-7160, their FB page.
Veselka
The East Village’s cozy coffee shop, Veselka, has been serving traditional Ukrainian fare since 1954. Every day, the staff makes 3,000 pierogis, which are handmade, boiled, or fried with sautéed onions, apple sauce, and sour cream. Fillings include potato, cheese, meat, sauerkraut and mushroom, and arugula and goat cheese. Seasonal offerings include broccoli and Vermont cheddar, and Buffalo chicken with celery and blue cheese.
212-228-9682, 144 2nd Ave., veselka.com
Pierogi Boys
Nearby in Brooklyn in the hot new DeKalb Market Hall are Pierogi Boys, where they make the pierogis right before your eyes! Try mouthwatering toppings on potato pierogis with bacon, chives, and sour cream; for beef and pork filled pierogis, try the fresh herbs. 445 Albee Square West, pierogiboys.com