For 96 years, Sokolowski’s University Inn, the much-celebrated cafeteria-style restaurant in Tremont, has been synonymous with traditional Polish food — especially classic potato and cheddar pierogies ($9.95 per dozen), made using a family recipe passed down through the years.
“It’s the most popular pierogi, so we stick with that,” says third-generation co-owner Mike Sokolowski. “If we started going into all different flavors, it would hamper what we do at Sokolowski’s, which is to keep it simple.”
And simply delicious.
Pillowy soft and served in a pool of butter and onions, Sokolowski’s sauteed pierogies have been featured by the likes of The New York Times and the Food Network. Still, the Sokolowski siblings — Mike, brother Bernie and their sister, Mary Lou Balbier — assure diners they’re not trying to one-up anyone else’s family recipe.
“No matter what, especially with the Polish, it seems like everyone’s grandmother’s made ‘the best pierogies,’” Sokolowski says with a laugh. “We respect that. We’re not trying to compete with your grandmother.” 1201 University Road, Cleveland, 216-771-9236, sokolowskis.com
Click to read our Cleveland Pierogi Guide, a taste of 25 of Cleveland's best pierogies.
Pierogi Guide: Sokolowski’s University Inn
You're grandma probably still makes them best. But this Tremont is about as close as you can get to a Polish grandma's kitchen.
