11 Messy-But-Perfect Cleveland, Ohio Polish Boy Stands
Cleveland’s Polish Boy sandwich is a local legend – a kielbasa sausage topped with french fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce, all stuffed into a bun. These messy, dripping sandwiches represent Cleveland’s food culture at its most authentic.
From food trucks to hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints, here are the spots serving up the most deliciously sloppy Polish Boys in town.
1. Whitmore’s Bar-B-Q
The smell hits you first at this Warrensville Heights gem – smoky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Whitmore’s offers both the traditional Beef Polish Boy and their famous Polish Boy Deluxe, taking the classic to new heights.
Their sauce has a hint of sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory sausage. Regulars debate which version reigns supreme, but both require a stack of napkins and a hearty appetite.
2. Open Pitt Bar-B-Que
Family-run since the 1970s, Open Pitt’s Polish Boys come with a choice – traditional beef or their signature pork variation that’s developed a following all its own. Their coleslaw adds the perfect crunch and coolness against the warm sausage.
Each sandwich is assembled with care by longtime staff who know regular customers by name. The modest dining area fills with laughter and satisfied sighs as patrons tackle these delicious monsters.
3. B & M Bar-B-Que
The Polish Boy Combo at B & M elevates the sandwich experience to a full-fledged meal that’ll keep you full for hours. Their signature touch? A slightly sweeter coleslaw that perfectly complements their smoky sauce profile.
The North Randall spot might look unassuming, but locals know it houses Polish Boy royalty. First-timers often become regulars after just one bite of these perfectly balanced flavor bombs.
4. Little Polish Diner
Tucked into Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood, Little Polish Diner serves hearty, old-school fare in a no-frills setting. Their Polish Boy sandwiches feature juicy kielbasa grilled to perfection, a mound of crispy fries, creamy slaw, and a drizzle of tangy sauce, all packed into a soft bun.
Regulars love the homey feel – handwritten specials on the board, friendly staff who remember names, and portions big enough to satisfy the hungriest customers. It’s the kind of spot where tradition matters, and every sandwich tastes like it’s made with care.
5. R-Ribs BBQ
Don’t let the small storefront fool you – R-Ribs packs massive flavor into every Polish Boy. The Euclid spot distinguishes itself with a sauce that carries just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Their french fries maintain remarkable crispness even under the sauce deluge. Weekend evenings bring a crowd of loyal fans who’ve spread the word about this under-the-radar masterpiece of Cleveland cuisine.
6. Angie’s Soul Cafe
Soul food meets street food at University Heights’ beloved Angie’s. Their Polish Boy incorporates subtle southern influences that set it apart from others around town. The coleslaw carries a hint of sweetness that loyal customers crave.
Each sandwich comes perfectly constructed for maximum flavor in every bite. Weekend brunchers often order these alongside traditional soul food favorites, creating the ultimate Cleveland comfort food experience that bridges culinary traditions.
7. Steve’s Lunch
When midnight cravings strike, Steve’s delivers Polish Boy satisfaction around the clock. Their distinctive touch? A special blend of spices mixed directly into the coleslaw, creating flavor layers that evolve with each bite.
The modest diner setting adds to the authentic Cleveland experience. Late-night crowds mix with early birds in this timeless spot where the recipe hasn’t changed in decades – because perfection needs no improvement.
8. Mabel’s BBQ
Celebrity chef Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ takes the Polish Boy and runs it through a smoker for extra depth of flavor. The kielbasa gets kissed with hickory smoke before being layered with golden fries, slaw, and Mabel’s signature barbecue sauce that leans slightly tangy with just enough heat.
The atmosphere mixes industrial-chic with Cleveland grit, making it a popular stop for both locals and out-of-towners. It’s a slightly more polished experience without losing the hands-on, grab-some-napkins charm that defines a true Polish Boy.
9. Mt. Pleasant BBQ
Generations of Mt. Pleasant residents have grown up on these perfectly constructed Polish Boys. Their signature move? Grilling both the bun and sausage for extra texture and flavor depth that keeps locals coming back weekly.
The family-run spot treats every customer like a neighbor. Regular customers have their orders started the moment they walk through the door, creating a sense of belonging that’s as satisfying as the sandwiches themselves.
10. Beckham’s B&M Bar-B-Que
Sauce aficionados make pilgrimages to Beckham’s, where three generations of family sauce-makers create the perfect Polish Boy topping. The slightly thicker consistency clings beautifully to both sausage and fries, minimizing (though never eliminating) the delightful mess.
Their coleslaw provides the perfect cool, crisp contrast. First-timers often underestimate the sandwich’s heft – a rookie mistake that veterans watch with knowing smiles as newcomers discover this monument to Cleveland culinary ingenuity.
11. Banter’s Polish Boys
Downtown Cleveland’s Banter brings a modern touch to this beloved local classic. Their version keeps tradition alive with grilled kielbasa, fresh-cut fries, creamy slaw, and tangy barbecue sauce piled high on a fresh bun.
What makes Banter stand out is the balance – nothing overpowers the other elements, and each sandwich arrives neatly stacked but just messy enough to be authentic. The casual, welcoming vibe makes it a go-to lunch stop for downtown workers and visitors craving a taste of Cleveland tradition.
