Pittsburgh Loves Pierogis
By Layla Joseph
Pierogis are a staple to any Pittsburgh plate. They are often seen racing past home plate at PNC Park, sold in gift shops across the Steel City, in the frozen grocery aisle or on the plates of hungry residents.
Many Pittsburgh makers create pierogi accessories, jewelry and home decor while restaurants in the Burgh cater to the craving by serving them hot and fresh.
According to Upstate Pierogi Co., the comfort food can be traced back to European immigrants and gained popularity in cities with a large Polish or Ukrainian population.
We can attribute Pittsburgh’s unofficial food and the Pirate’s most popular mascot to immigrants in the early 1900s. Positively Pittsburgh reports that approximately 50,000 Polish immigrants lived in the city of Pittsburgh by 1903.
The history of this fan-favorite dates back over a century, but the celebration continues annually on Oct. 8 for National Pierogi Day.
Whether you want to relax at home and whip up a box of Mrs. T’s, support a local business or learn how to make them from scratch, DNA has you covered for your Pittsburgh pierogi festivities.
On Oct. 4, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) will be hosting a workshop that teaches participants how to craft pierogies from scratch. Bring a rolling pin and your apron and get ready to learn. You don’t have to be a student at CCAC to start cooking, purchase your ticket online and perfect the process of preparing, pinching and tasting.
For Pittsburghers who want to celebrate the occasion without doing the dishes, check out some of these Downtown favorites that will make you a plate, no clean-up needed!
Braddock’s Rebellion serves up a new pierogi each month, infusing the restaurant's kindling for history and flavor to provide Pittsburgh with unique dining dishes and experience in addition to the House Braised Short Rib Pierogies that are always on the menu.
Grab a gourmet grilled cheese at The Yard but start your night with fried pierogies. This appetizer comes with five pierogies sprinkled with Cajun seasoning on a bed of lettuce for garnish and a healthy side of sour cream.
Make pierogies the main course at Mike and Tony’s Gyro. The M&T Pierogies are a classic dish that serve fried pierogies piled-high with ranch, buffalo sauce, feta and gyro meat served with a side of Mike and Tony’s signature gyro sauce.
Head over to Redbeard’s on Sixth and taste potato and cheddar cheese perogis accompanied with sauteed red onions and a side of sports to start your meal at this Downtown hot-spot.
Pierogies are available on the shareable menu for lunch at Bigelow Grille Kitchen & Bar. Indulge in cheddar potato, charred onion cream and scallion pockets to start your meal (the sharing is optional).
