Pierogi Heaven: Bliss in a Pasta Pocket

By John DiGilio in Food on Jan 6, 2011 6:40PM

We have all heard of the proverbial "one-track mind". It happens to us all when we get obsessively focused on a single idea. But how many of us have eaten in a truly one-track restaurant? The type of eatery that serves one thing and one thing only. The guys at Pierogi Heaven have just such an obsession - a tasty, single obsession. Their one-track lunchspot serves up pierogies and only pierogies.

From the moment one enters Pierogi Heaven, it is obvious something is different. Yes, the decor is spartan. Sure, there's not a lot going on behind the counter either. But the most striking thing greeting any new patron is the menu. It is a single, palm-sized card listing pierogi. There are no appetizers and no sides. There are not even any desserts. What the menu at Pierogi Heaven presents is a choice of 15 different kinds of filled pasta pockets. Meat, cheese, vegetable, and even fruit - it is pierogi as far as the eye can see. With so many different flavors, it is possible to get hung up on choosing. Oh and you do have to decide whether you want onions, bacon, and / or sour cream to top them. It's a delicious dilemma to have.

We stopped in for a quick, weekday lunch grab. Quick it was too, as the pierogies are hot and waiting in chafing trays. The prices were so good that we had to sample several of the offerings. The potato and dill were plump, packed, and flavorful. The taste of the dill was nicely complimented by a peppery kick. The kraut pierogies were just as stuffed, but with a delightfully sour punch. We also tried the standard potato and cheddar. They too had that hint of cracked pepper to accompany the savory flavor of the cheese. Sadly, we were too full to try more. The fruit-filled pierogies will have to wait until next time.

Pierogi Heaven sells its dumplings in six and 12 piece orders. Thanks to their generous size, a single six piece is more than enough for the average eater. Yes, you will have to head down the street to get anything else you may want with your meal. But at less than $5 for six dumplings, you can use the money you saved to get it . . . not that you will have room.

Pierogi Heaven is located at 169 North Wells Street in the Loop.