Akron Ohio:The Pierogi Lady

I have been a fan of The Pierogi Lady for a while now. Though Akron boasts a significant population of Polish-Americans, until the Pierogi lady took up shop, you either had to rely on your grandmother (like we did) or venture to Cleveland or Pittsburgh for the good stuff. 

The Pierogi Lady is now a local staple. If you mention the word “pierogi” in Akron, you will likely be asked if you’ve tried her dumplings. 

And if you haven’t, I recommend you do. Her reputation is well deserved and her variety of fillings are unmatched. The Pierogi Lady’s menu features 80 varieties or pierogi. She also stuffs more filling into each pierogi that I have ever seen. 

The line for her stand at farmers’ market is always long, so get there early. You have the option of buying them frozen to cook at home (above left), or freshly sautéed with onions to eat at the market (above right). She also supplies local restaurants and shops. I tried to list out every market, festival, shop, and restaurant she sells at and there are just too many. I suggest you follow her facebook page or instagram to stay up to date. 

Below are pictures of the pierogi we bought during a trip to the Hudson’s Farmer’s Market over the summer. Top row: Kitchen Girl (which is a take on the Swenson’s Galley Boy, which is the best cheeseburger you will ever have) and the Smoked Gouda, Bacon and Potato Pierogi. Middle row: Cheesy Corn and Poblano Pierogi and Ricotta Portobello Pierogi. Bottom row: Reuben Pierogi and Potato and Caramelized Onion Pierogi.

We sautéed them all with butter and onion and had a feast. It was so good that it even interrupted my nephews’ front yard whiffle ball game.

We each had our favorites. The Ricotta Portobello Pierogi is super creamy and decadent. The Smoked Gouda, Bacon and Potato is a great twist on the classic potato and cheese pierogi. And the Kitchen Girl is a must-try is you are fan of Galley Boys.

I have yet to try her dessert pierogi, but I hope to soon!