Alabama Pierogi Shops Hiding In Plain Sight
Alabama might be famous for its barbecue and Southern comfort food, but there’s a surprising culinary secret tucked into corners across the state.
Polish pierogis those delicious dumplings stuffed with savory fillings have found a home here in the Heart of Dixie.
I’ve tracked down some of the best spots where you can grab these tasty treats, and trust me, you won’t want to miss them.
1. Babcia’s Pierogi
Tucked away in a modest storefront, this family-owned gem serves up authentic Polish comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Located at 1245 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205, it’s a spot locals have kept quiet about for years.
The owner learned her pierogi-making skills from her grandmother in Krakow, and every dumpling is hand-pinched with care.
You’ll find classic potato and cheese versions alongside more adventurous flavors like sauerkraut and mushroom.
The cozy dining room only seats about twenty people, so arriving early on weekends is smart.
Prices are incredibly reasonable you can get a full plate of six pierogis with sour cream and caramelized onions for under ten dollars.
The homemade apple pierogi dessert is something I dream about regularly.
2. European Market
Shopping for groceries and stumbling upon fresh pierogis wasn’t something I expected in Huntsville, but here we are.
You’ll find this treasure at 3402 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, hidden between a laundromat and a tax office.
The market stocks imported goods from Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, but the real star is the deli counter in back. Fresh pierogis are made every Tuesday and Friday morning, and they sell out fast.
I recommend calling ahead to reserve your order because once word got out, these dumplings disappear by early afternoon.
The owners are incredibly friendly and will gladly explain the different fillings if you’re new to pierogis.
They also sell frozen versions you can take home and prepare yourself whenever a craving hits.
3. The Old Polish Corner
Driving along Airport Boulevard, you might miss this tiny restaurant if you blink too quickly.
The address is 2156 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606, and the exterior doesn’t look like much from the outside.
Inside, however, you’ll discover a menu bursting with traditional Polish dishes that transport you straight to Warsaw.
The pierogi selection includes seven different varieties, from traditional farmer’s cheese to sweet blueberry.
What sets this place apart is the preparation method they pan-fry the pierogis after boiling them, creating a crispy golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
The owner emigrated from Gdansk fifteen years ago and brought her family recipes with her.
Weekend brunches feature pierogi platters served with kielbasa and sauerkraut that’ll keep you full all day.
4. Just Love Coffee Cafe – Tuscaloosa
College towns aren’t usually known for authentic Eastern European cuisine, but Tuscaloosa breaks that mold beautifully.
Nestled at 512 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, this cafe started as a coffee shop before expanding into full meals.
The owner’s Polish heritage inspired her to add pierogis to the menu three years ago, and they’ve become the most popular item. Students and professors alike line up during lunch hours for the daily pierogi special.
Each day features a different filling Monday is classic potato, Wednesday brings spinach and feta, and Friday offers sweet cherry pierogis as dessert.
The portions are generous, and the prices are student-budget-friendly.
They also host a monthly Polish dinner night where you can try traditional soups, salads, and multiple pierogi varieties family-style.
Reservations fill up weeks in advance for those special evenings.
5. Jess Southern BBQ
Food trucks have revolutionized how we discover new cuisines, and this mobile pierogi operation is no exception.
The truck parks at different locations throughout the week, but you can always find it Friday evenings at 1000 Gurnee Avenue, Anniston, AL 36207, in the parking lot behind the library.
The menu is simple but executed perfectly four pierogi varieties, each served with traditional toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, and fried onions.
The portions are huge, and everything is made fresh to order in the truck’s compact kitchen.
I’m particularly fond of their spicy jalapeño and cheese pierogi, which adds a Southern twist to the traditional recipe.
Following their social media accounts is essential because they announce special flavors and location changes there.
During football season, they often park near tailgating areas, introducing Alabama fans to Polish game-day food.
6. Pierogi Village
Despite the grand name, this is actually a small counter-service restaurant with only a handful of tables.
Located at 1804 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601, it’s been quietly serving the community for nearly a decade.
The menu focuses exclusively on pierogis and a few traditional Polish sides, which means they’ve perfected their craft through repetition and dedication.
You can order by the half-dozen or dozen, mixing and matching flavors to create your ideal combination.
My personal recommendation is getting half potato and cheese, half sauerkraut and mushroom, then adding the garlic butter sauce on top.
They also offer a loyalty program buy ten orders and get one free, which I’ve taken full advantage of over the years.
The owners remember regular customers by name and often suggest new flavors based on your previous preferences.
7. The Rogi Shoppe
Some of the best food experiences happen in unexpected places, and this pop-up proves that point beautifully.
Every other Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, a local chef sets up at 301 Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35901, inside a shared commercial kitchen space.
She trained at culinary school in Krakow before returning to her Alabama hometown, bringing authentic techniques with her.
The pop-up features a rotating menu of seasonal pierogi flavors using local ingredients whenever possible.
I’ve tried everything from traditional potato to wild mushroom foraged from nearby forests, and each variety showcases her impressive skill.
Ordering ahead through her website ensures you get what you want before she sells out, which happens regularly.
She’s also started offering pierogi-making classes once a month where you can learn to make your own dough and master the folding technique that creates those perfect little pockets.
8. Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe
Walking into this establishment feels like stepping into a small European village, complete with checkered tablecloths and accordion music playing softly.
Find it at 2891 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301, in a shopping center that also houses a nail salon and a cell phone store.
The bakery side offers incredible pastries, but the bistro section serves lunch and dinner featuring pierogi platters that rival anything I’ve eaten in Chicago’s Polish neighborhoods.
Their signature dish combines three types of pierogis with a side of beet salad and rye bread.
The mushroom and onion pierogi here is particularly outstanding earthy, rich, and perfectly seasoned.
They make everything from scratch daily, and you can watch the kitchen staff rolling dough through a window.
Sunday brunches include a pierogi bar where you can build your own combination.
