Shoppers Are Filling Carts With Imported Polish Sausage And Pickles At This Pennsylvania Deli

A tiny Pennsylvania deli sells original and double-smoked kielbasa, and the folks behind the counter can greet you with a cheerful ‘Dzien dobry.’

That’s Polish for good day, by the way.

The shelves hold jarred pickles, imported horseradish, boxed Polish cookies, and stacks of pierogies.

Fresh paczki and babka arrive from Polish bakeries in New Jersey and New York. You can even mail a parcel to Poland while you’re picking out cold cuts.

I like how one small room manages to feel like a village shop in Poland. Nothing here is built for show.

Every inch goes to food that Polish families have trusted for generations.

I can’t imagine leaving with just one item.

So which do you grab first, the smoky sausage, the crunchy pickles, or a fresh loaf of bread?

A Little Corner Of Poland Sits Right In Mount Pocono

Sausage lovers in Pennsylvania have a reason to point the car toward Mount Pocono. That’s where Krakus Deli Polish Specialties has built a loyal following with imported Polish groceries and old-country meats.

Don’t expect a sit-down restaurant or a sandwich counter. Krakus Deli works more like a European grocery, where you buy cold cuts, sausage, bread, and pantry goods to take home.

That small difference matters. You aren’t ordering a meal here, you’re stocking a kitchen with the flavors of Poland.

The store sits in the Pocono Mountains, a region packed with vacation cabins, resorts, and weekend visitors. Many travelers pass through on their way to somewhere else.

A quick stop here can turn an ordinary drive into a grocery adventure.

Inside, the focus stays firmly on Polish and European products. Kielbasa, cold cuts, pickles, sweets, breads, and pastries fill the shelves and cases.

It’s the kind of shop that rewards curiosity. Even if you can’t pronounce half the labels, the staff can help you sort things out.

And honestly, sounding out Polish words at the register is part of the fun.

So consider this your friendly heads-up. Pack a cooler before you leave home.

The Owner Behind All That Kielbasa

Every good neighborhood shop has a person at its center. At Krakus Deli, that person is owner Andrzej Czuma, who goes by Andrew with many English-speaking shoppers.

His goal is pretty simple. He wants people in the Poconos to have a convenient place to find genuine imported goods and classic staples straight from Poland.

That mission shows up on every shelf. The selection runs from everyday essentials to festive treats that Polish families reach for at holidays.

The deli has served northeastern Pennsylvania for roughly a decade, with its start often placed around 2014. That’s a solid run for a specialty grocery in a tourist region.

Longevity like that rarely happens by accident. A shop needs steady customers who keep coming back for the same smoked sausage and the same favorite cookies.

Krakus also fills a cultural role for Polish-American families in the area. For some, it’s the closest place to find a taste of home without driving to New York or Philadelphia.

I believe that’s what gives a small shop real staying power. It becomes part of how a community eats, celebrates, and stays connected.

That’s a big job for one little deli.

Small Store, Seriously Big Selection

Space is tight inside Krakus Deli. The shop is small, but nearly every inch is packed with authentic Polish products.

That’s the magic trick here. A room that looks modest holds a surprisingly large range of meats, cheeses, breads, and packaged goods.

Shelves stack up with canned goods, jams, juices, and syrups. Teas and spices share space with candies and cookies, many imported directly from Poland.

Then there’s the deli case, which pulls attention immediately. Cold cuts, fresh and smoked sausages, and cheeses line up behind the counter.

Browsing works best at an easy pace. Labels may be in Polish, and some products won’t look like anything at a typical supermarket.

Comparisons to a small village store in Poland come up for good reason. The setup feels practical and personal rather than polished or corporate.

It’s also a place where you can ask questions freely. Staff can explain the different meats and help newcomers figure out where to start.

Bring patience if it’s busy, since a compact store fills quickly. Then take your time scanning the shelves, because the best find might be sitting at eye level next to something you’ve never heard of.

Pierogies For An Easy Weeknight Dinner

Dinner gets a lot easier when there’s a bag of pierogies in the freezer. Krakus Deli makes that plan very simple.

Pierogies are Polish dumplings, usually filled with potato, cheese, cabbage, or meat. They’re boiled and often pan-fried with butter and onions.

Shoppers commonly pick up a few packs to take home. Brands like Grandma Pierogi appear among the specialty items the shop carries.

Pennsylvania already has a soft spot for pierogies. Church sales and festivals around the state celebrate them every year.

Pairing ideas come easily here. Slice some kielbasa, open a jar of pickles, and add a dollop of sour cream for a full Polish plate.

That combination takes very little cooking skill. It’s comfort food that feels homemade even on a busy Tuesday.

Families on vacation in the Poconos may especially like this option. A cabin kitchen plus a bag of pierogies equals an easy dinner after a day outdoors.

Kids tend to approve, too. Dumplings filled with potato and cheese are a pretty easy sell at almost any table.

Buy an extra pack. Future you will be grateful on a lazy night.

Double-Smoked Kielbasa Steals The Show

Kielbasa is the headliner at Krakus Deli, and it earns top billing. The shop offers both original and double-smoked versions, so you can choose your level of smokiness.

For the uninitiated, kielbasa simply means sausage in Polish. In American kitchens, it usually refers to that classic horseshoe of smoked pork sausage.

The double-smoked style spends extra time in the smoke. That gives it a deeper, more intense flavor than the original.

Many of the meats come from trusted Polish-style suppliers like Bacik. That brand focuses on traditional Polish meat products made in the old-country style.

So what do you do with a ring of kielbasa? Grill it, pan-fry it with onions, or slice it cold for a snack board.

It also works beautifully in soups and alongside sauerkraut.

Here’s a smart move for first-timers. Buy one of each style and hold your own taste test at home.

You might discover a strong preference right away. Or you might decide both deserve a permanent spot in your refrigerator.

Either way, plan on a cooler for the ride, especially on warm Pennsylvania afternoons.

Kabanosy, Boczek, And A Cold Cut Lineup Worth Studying

Beyond kielbasa, the meat case at Krakus Deli opens up a whole new vocabulary. Kabanosy and boczek are two words worth learning before your visit.

Kabanosy are thin, dry-smoked pork sausages. They’re snackable, sturdy, and easy to slice for a picnic or road trip.

Boczek is smoked pork belly. Think of it as a heartier cousin to bacon, great for cooking or thin slicing.

The deli also carries a wide selection of Polish cold cuts. Those can make an excellent base for sandwiches you build yourself at home.

Cheese gets its moment, too. Polish swiss cheese is on the list, and it pairs naturally with a loaf of fresh bread.

Not sure what to pick? Staff may offer samples so you can taste before you buy, which helps when everything looks tempting.

A good strategy is to grab a little of several meats. That way you can build a full Polish-style spread at home with cold cuts, cheese, and pickles on one board.

Fair warning, though. Once you taste the difference, the plastic packs at the supermarket may lose some of their appeal.

Pickles, Horseradish, And Other Jars That Pack A Punch

Crunchy, tangy pickles are a staple on Polish tables, and Krakus Deli keeps them on hand. Jarred imports from Poland bring that sour bite straight to your kitchen.

Polish pickles tend to lean on dill and garlic. They’re a natural match for rich, smoky meats like kielbasa and boczek.

Horseradish deserves its own shoutout. The shop has carried Polonaise horseradish imported from Poland, a sharp condiment that wakes up any sandwich.

Polish families often serve horseradish with ham and sausage, especially around Easter. A small spoonful goes a long way, so taste carefully.

The pantry aisle keeps going from there. Canned goods, jams, juices, and syrups line the shelves alongside these sharper flavors.

Brands such as Lowell Foods and Square Enterprises help round out the selection. That variety makes it easy to fill out a complete Polish meal.

Pickles also make a smart souvenir. They travel well, last a while, and remind you of the trip every time you open the fridge.

Just be prepared for your pickle standards to rise permanently. Plain supermarket spears may start looking a little sleepy after this.

Paczki And Babka Arrive From Polish Bakeries

Sugar-dusted paczki are a big reason some shoppers plan their stop. These Polish doughnuts are rich, filled, and famously hard to resist.

Krakus Deli sources baked goods from Polish bakeries in New Jersey and New York. Syrena Bakery is one of the notable suppliers.

Breads and rolls round out the bakery offerings. A fresh loaf pairs perfectly with the cold cuts and cheese from the counter.

Babka is another treat to look for. This sweet yeast cake is especially popular around Easter in Polish households.

Fresh bakery deliveries may come only a few times a week. Selection can change, so it’s smart to check ahead if you’re hunting for something specific.

Paczki carry a fun tradition in Polish culture. Many families enjoy them right before Lent, on a day often called Paczki Day.

Even outside that season, they make a fine reward for a long drive. One for the road and one for later sounds like a reasonable plan.

Pick up a loaf of bread while you’re at it. Then build tomorrow’s lunch with kielbasa, swiss cheese, and a few crunchy pickles on the side.

Cookies, Chocolates, And Candy With Polish Labels

Poland takes its sweets seriously, and the candy shelves here prove it. Krakus Deli stocks an assortment of cookies, chocolates, and candies, many imported directly from Poland.

The packaging alone is half the fun. Bright wrappers and unfamiliar names make browsing feel like a small treasure hunt.

Polish chocolate and cookies have a devoted following among fans. Wafers, filled biscuits, and boxed treats make easy gifts or snacks for the drive.

Teas and spices sit nearby as well. A box of Polish tea goes nicely with a slice of babka or a few cookies.

Kids can make a game of choosing something they’ve never tried. Adults may do the very same thing, and nobody needs to know.

These sweets also travel easily. They don’t need a cooler, which makes them a handy add-on when your bag is already full of meat.

Consider building a little care package for a friend. A mix of cookies, chocolate, and tea makes a thoughtful surprise.

Or keep everything for yourself. Nobody will judge a quiet evening with Polish chocolate and a warm cup of tea after a long Pocono day.

Plan Your Stop Before You Hit The Road

Finding Krakus Deli is easy once you know the address. The shop sits at 22 Sterling Road in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania 18344.

It’s located at a busy intersection, so watch for your turn. A small parking lot next to the store makes stopping simpler.

The deli opens seven days a week. Weekend hours run shorter than weekdays, so plan accordingly.

Hours can shift, especially around holidays. Check ahead before making a long drive.

Prices tend to fall on the affordable side for specialty imports. It’s possible to fill a bag without stretching the budget too much.

Staff speak both Polish and English, which helps every shopper feel at ease. Questions are welcome, so don’t hesitate to ask what something is.

Bring a cooler if you’re traveling far. Fresh meats and cheeses keep best when they stay chilled on the ride home.

Remember this is a grocery-style deli. They sell ingredients and cold cuts, not made-to-order sandwiches.

Families, retirees, and day-trippers can all fit a visit into a Pocono outing. Pair it with a scenic drive and you’ve got an easy, tasty afternoon plan.