Outside Polska Laska Credit: CP Photo: Stacy Rounds

Pittsburghers love pierogies. Growing up in Erie, I thought the popularity of this inexpensive Polish delight was a regional thing in the Gem City, but Pittsburgh is even more obsessed with the potato-filled dumplings than its weird little northern sibling. From Mrs. T’s Pierogi runners to the vegan delights at Apteka, we’re the surefire winner of pierogi obsession among Pennsylvania’s populace.

Polska Laska, a new Polish restaurant in Sharpsburg, offers not one, not two, but five varieties of pierogi. Pittsburgh City Paper marketing coordinator Candace Davis and I decided to sample Polska Laska’s pierogies and determine which flavor(s) are the best, March Madness-bracket style.

Interior at Polska Laska Credit: CP Photo: Stacy Rounds

After a busy Friday morning earning our paychecks, Candace and I set off on our maiden voyage to Polska Laska around lunchtime. After taking advantage of the free, ample street parking, we joined the big crowd ready to dine at this new establishment.

The decor was colorful and cute, with little cabbage decorations on the tables. The water station was convenient and adorable. The staff was friendly. The restroom was clean. And though the place was packed, we didn’t wait more than 20 minutes to secure a couple of bar seats.

Our meal at Polska Laska Credit: CP Photo: Stacy Rounds

Anyone who knows me knows I can pack away a decent amount of food. And I came hungry that day. I grabbed a beet salad from the cooler to start. Candace and I ordered a bowl of pickle soup (the weekly special), golobki (a cabbage roll with beef, pork, rice, and tomato sauce), haluski made with spaetzle, and two sample platters with all five available flavors of pierogies (four of which are menu staples): potato cheddar, potato onion, farmer’s cheese and herb, kraut and shroom, and their special of the week, Philly cheesesteak.

One of each flavor of pierogi at Polska Laska Credit: CP Photo: Stacy Rounds

How does one rate a pierogi? My cohort, Candace, is a fan of crunch and creativity. I love both boiled and pan-seared dumplings and am a classic pierogi purist. Therefore, I have created a bracket highlighting both our points of view.

The CP Pierogi Madness bracket Credit: CP Image: Stacy Rounds

While the flavors at Polska Laska vary from new takes to classics (plus a weekly special), the suppleness of the dough, the amount of filling, the presentation, and the accompaniments don’t waver. The half-and-half method of soft boiling and pan-searing leaves them mostly soft while balancing the texture with a buttery crunch. In short, all of their pierogies are consistent and amazing. The potato onion and kraut and shroom are vegan-friendly, adding to the other vegan offerings featured on the everyday menu.

Unsurprisingly, I loved the classic potato cheddar pierogi the best. Candace loved the Philly cheesesteak special but named the kraut and shroom as her favorite from Polska Laska’s everyday selection.

Pickle soup and pierogies at Polska Laska Credit: CP Photo: Stacy Rounds

I noticed other diners enjoying the Polska Platter, with pierogies, carmies, sausage, pickles, haluski, and other amazing-looking accompaniments. I, a huge fan of kielbasa with pickles, was drooling over this board. I regret not ordering this smorsgabord, but now I have a reason to return to Polska Laska as soon as possible.