Pierogies are one of the most quintessential food items in Pittsburgh--delicious little pockets of dough and potatoes, served with butter and sour cream. Many people with Eastern European roots in the ‘Burgh grew up with pierogies as a staple at meal time, and some restaurants are lucky to have recipes have been passed down for generations. Needless to say, Pittsburghers know their pierogies, and they can be quite discerning when it comes to how they like them.
But what if you’re looking for a vegan pierogi option in Pittsburgh, that leaves out the traditional cheese, sour cream, and butter? Well, it is possible to find this amazing comfort food in vegan form, and if it’s not on the menu just ask as these places are always ready to accommodate.
Apteka
One of the best spots in Pittsburgh to find vegan pierogies
4606 Penn Ave. | Bloomfield | aptekapgh.com
Known throughout Pittsburgh for having some of the most delicious food, Apteka is also known for its large vegan menu--that includes pierogies! No matter if you’re craving warm potatoes, potatoes and vegan cheese, or any one of their other tasty options, you’re definitely not going to go home hungry. You can choose to eat your pierogies in their welcoming restaurant, or get them to-go and fry them up any way you want to.
“Food here was amazing! It's pretty irrelevant that it's vegan because it's great without the labels... but I definitely would recommend if you are vegan or if you have yet to try much Eastern European food or if you like new things and flavor. The prices are good for very filling food that are one of a kind! The pierogis are super delicious, duh, and really big.” -Yelp Review
Cop Out Pierogies
Pierogies from this Pittsburgh staple are a must-try!
350 Butler St. | Etna | copoutpierogies.com
If you’ve ever tasted the homemade pierogies from Cop Out Pierogies, you know that you’re in for a treat each and every time you come. Walking into their store in Etna and you’ll be immediately greeted by friendly employees who offer mom and pop style friendliness, and are always ready to give you a suggestion. If you’re looking for vegan pierogies, they can offer you a helping hand and point out their selection on the menu. Whether you prefer plain potato, or are more in the mood for the combo of potato and sauerkraut (amongst other combinations!) you can’t go wrong here.
“I absolutely love Cop Out Pierogies!! They have so many options even for those with dietary restrictions such as myself.” -Yelp Review
Gosia’s Pierogies
Popular pierogi makers that travel all over Pittsburgh
75 Pauline Dr. | Latrobe | gosiaspierogies.com
Although they’re based just a little southeast of Pittsburgh in Latrobe, you’ll have no problem finding Gosia’s Pierogies stand at various locations throughout the city. Their pierogies are made from scratch from a family recipe, and come in all kinds of flavor combinations. Vegans will love their sweet cabbage pierogi, the sweet potato pierogi, or the sauerkraut pierogi--each of which you’re sure to want more than one of! Check out their website to see where their stand will pop up next and make sure to get in line early.
“Had their sweet potato and their potato and cilantro pierogies with onions and it was soooo good!” -Yelp Review
Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck
Amazing pierogies that Pittsburghers can’t seem to get enough of
Pittsburgh | pghpierogitruck.com
While there is no physical location for this pierogi vendor, chances are you’ve seen their red truck out and about around Pittsburgh. As a vegan, you may not be able to have their hot pierogies (cooked with butter) but that doesn’t mean you can pick up a couple of bags of their frozen ones! That way you can take them home and enjoy them cooked up just how you like it. Pittsburghers rave that the frozen pierogies are just as delicious as eating them hot off the griddle, so consider picking up some of their plain potato, potato and onion, or sauerkraut and mushroom pierogies as soon as you can!
“Okay uhm AMAZING. These were some of the best pierogies I've ever had. The pierogi was so fluffy and light and just cooked so well...They are also priced really well, which is great. Hopefully I can spot them again somewhere in the future so I can get some to go. They have many frozen options as well. I'd love to try the kraut and mushroom ones!” -Yelp Review
Pierogies Plus
There are all kinds of pierogi options at this family owned business
342 Island Ave. | McKees Rocks | pierogiesplus.com
If it’s amazing pierogies you want, it’s delicious pierogies you’ll get at this Pittsburgh staple. Just a short trip from downtown Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks is home to Pierogies Plus, where you can pick up some of the best frozen pierogies to cook up and enjoy at home. Whether you’re looking for a potato combo like potato and jalapenos, or want a cabbage pairing like cabbage and mushrooms, everything you try is sure to be your new favorite.
“Pierogies made by church women, served from an old gas station. How can you not love this place? The ladies are so nice, and I've never tasted a product of theirs that I didn't love!
Get them warm, or frozen so that you can make them at home. Either way, you are gonna love them.” -Yelp Review
Forgotten Taste Pierogies
There are all kinds of pierogi options for vegans at this popular Pittsburgh spot
11978 Rt. 19 Village at Pine | Wexford | forgottentaste.com
If you find yourself on the north end of Pittsburgh (or near their other location in Moon), you’ve got to stop in and try Forgotten Taste Pierogies. Here you can find potato, potato and sauerkraut, sauerkraut, and cabbage pierogies to satisfy your vegan needs. When you take these pierogies home, you can cook them anyway you want using any ingredients--whether with oil or vegan butter. Don’t forget to check out their seasonal offerings like the sweet potato pierogi in the fall!
“Fantastic old school Polish food! Golabki was amazing as well as Pierogi! Just like my babcia used to make!! Definitely worth trying!!!” -Yelp Review
No matter where you choose to get your pierogies, there are places in Pittsburgh ready to meet your vegan needs. While not always on the menu, these friendly establishments are always willing to make pierogies that fit your vegan lifestyle.