Sadly, there are people out there who don’t know the joy that is a pierogi. If you are one of those people, odds are you are not from Cleveland. Bless your heart. *Tsk.*
If you are a native Clevelander, you know — and need — good Polish food. Enter Sokolowski’s University Inn, a legendary establishment serving up Eastern European cuisine in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood since 1923.
Food lovers, this place! With décor reminiscent of your grandpa’s den, Sokolowski’s is more comfortable than a favorite cardigan. While you wait in line for the cafeteria-style food service (yes, there will be a line, and yes, it’s worth it), you can pass the time browsing the countless baseball photos, bobbleheads, and other artifacts that adorn the restaurant walls. A picture window — papered with the day’s photo-copied menus — frames Progressive Field in the distance. Don’t feel like braving the line just yet? Belly up to the full-service bar, and you’ll feel as welcome as Norm at Cheers.
Once you make your way to the counter, grab a tray and brace yourself for the food-filled awesomeness that is to come. The cafeteria line (brilliantly!) begins with dessert, where you get your pick of a broad array of home-style pies and cakes by the slice. Next up, grab a drink from the self-serve soda fountain, or wax nostalgic over an iced bucket of bottled pop that takes you back to your elementary school days. Move further down the line, and there they are: the entrées.
You thought you knew what you wanted to eat before you arrived at this spot. You were wrong. One look at the feast that lays behind the glass, and you will most certainly experience simultaneous salivation and horrific indecision, because Everything. Looks. So. Good. Do not panic. Promise yourself you will come back again. And whatever you do, do not forget to order pierogi.
The potato and cheese pierogi, a Sokolowski’s menu standard, is Polish perfection seasoned with heavy doses of garlic, butter, and outright love. Order a dozen (a dozen pierogi!) as an entrée, or choose three as a side dish — either way, they will be the best pierogi you have ever eaten. The gigantic stuffed cabbage is home-cooked heaven on a plate, simmered to tender, meaty magnificence and topped with a classic tomato sauce. The chicken paprikash, featuring a generous baked chicken breast paired with dumplings and a rich gravy, is sure to please. And you can’t go wrong with the traditional Polish kielbasa and a side of sauerkraut. Smacznego!
Collect your food and your tray and make your way to the cashier. Once you’ve settled your bill, the last thing standing between you and your meal is finding a seat in the busy dining area, but don’t worry — the friendly and fast wait staff have you covered. In a pinch, they’ll even seat you at the table marked “reserved” for pianist Tom Ballog’s friends (Tom frequently plays tunes like “Moon River” and other Sinatra-era classics for hours at the restaurant’s love-worn piano). Rest assured: even if you are a stranger to Tom — or any of the staff at Sokolowski’s — you will leave as a friend.
The verdict? Mikey likes it!
#CLEchow rating: 4.25/5.00
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