9 Ways Cleveland Has Quietly Become The Best Pierogi City In America
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 02, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Each big city seems to have some sort of incredible food intertwined with its identity. Who doesn’t love snacking on Chicago-style pizza in the Windy City or something as quirky as toasted ravioli in St. Louis? Some cities are built up by residents with a knack for a certain dish, and here in Cleveland, it seems many people are pierogi masters, making our hometown one of the finest places to dine on this delectable dumpling dish.
1. We are, undeniably, the best place in the nation to celebrate National Pierogi Day.
This annual event takes place on October 8. Mark your calendar and plan for a celebration! You'll find some of the best pierogies along this pierogi-themed road trip.
2. There's an annual community run that's pierogi-themed. Yes, seriously.
It may sound quirky, but this event is one of the coolest races one can take part in. It takes place in Slavic Village in June, and pierogies, smokies, and craft beer are all included in registration.
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3. The largest pierogi ever made was born here in Cleveland.
In 2017, students and chefs at Cuyahoga Community College joined forces to change the world for the better. They aimed to make a 216-pound pierogi, beating out the previous world record of 123 pounds. After collecting and preparing 170 pounds of peeled potatoes, 15 pounds of cheese, and nearly 100 pounds of dough, the history-making pierogi came out to mind-blowing 215.5 pounds.
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4. Pierogies come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors in The Land.
Whether you're enjoying a classic potato and cheddar pierogi or dining on one garnished with a fancy fruit, you're in for a treat. Clevelanders know this food inside and out, and we know how to make it endlessly flavorful.
Sokolowski's University Inn, a restaurant that undoubtedly made some of the best pierogies, served the community from 1923 to 2020. While their nearly-100-year legacy has come to a close, many other local restaurants are now in the running for the most iconic spot to enjoy pierogies. From memorable bars to long-standing restaurants, there are some interesting places to dig in!
7. At certain local destinations, pierogies come in dozens of different flavors.
Pierogies pair perfectly with some of our favorite foods - things like schnitzel, bratwurst, and kielbasa. There are many parts of the world where pierogies are considered an entree, whereas we Clevelanders tend to consider it a side dish.
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9. You can find pierogies in nearly every part of Cleveland, from the suburbs to Lake Erie's breezy shore.
This delicacy is available all throughout the city, making it one of the identifying features of life in The Land.
You’ve probably noticed an excess of pierogies all about our city… honestly, that’s one of the most magical “problems” to have. Cleveland chefs and restaurateurs are fantastic at preparing a great many things, but their pierogi dishes are some of the best in the country.
Where do you find your favorite pierogies in Cleveland? Share your recommendations in the comments below so we can taste-test them all!
