The most exceptional experience with my friend and the most exquisite cuisine we enjoyed at the popular restaurant. We had kanapka (we love the delicious topping but the bread is too hard), Ikra z bulka (the vegetable dip is amazing and the bread is soft with crunchy crust), smazone pierogies (the most special and tasty pierogies I have ever had with with various veggies inside, the carrot sauce makes it the perfect item on the menu), pierogies z ziemniakami (traditional and authentic boiled pierogies), and kluski slaskie (the mushroom topping is great but the dumplings are not my favorite). In a nutshell, it deserves to spend some time waiting and enjoying the unique dinner on a relaxing Sunday evening. read more

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All I can say is the quantity of the food can be matched by the quality. My ignorant self was very skeptical of the whole 100% vegan concept but I've never been so glad to be wrong. Me and some friends sat outside, ordered almost everything on the menu, got some bottles and had one of the best meals I've had in Pittsburgh. The staff was really nice and patient when explaining the meals as well. I also appreciated the ambiance of being able to sit outside in nice weather and eat vegan food with friends. It felt very earthy chic. I would definitely go back read more

Apteka - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Love this place a lot! We've been trying many Polish / Russian / Ukrainian restaurants in US and Canada, and Apteka is among the best ones. The portions are really huge so we often order one main plate for each + pickles. The waitlist is often incredibly long if you go there at 7 or later, so we often go to the pace right after the open to sign up for the waitlist, and they typically contact us at around 6-6:30 so if you can kill time somewhere it's not that bad. read more

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Obligatory disclaimer: I went for their special Wigilia (Christmas Eve, a week early) 2.5 hour tasting menu, not for regular service. But there's no way they'd be able to pull off something that spectacular if they weren't that good in regular service. Particular top highlights from the Wigilia meal include: the best rye bread I've had in the US outside of Chicago, a really intense dried mushroom broth with incredible handmade dumplings, and super-tender and fresh rwaki potato dumplings (sort of like Polish gnocchi). All of their pickled salads were also excellent, great balance of sour and crunchy. Really the only caveat I'd have is that because of how the pierogi were fried, they're not my favorite pierogi in Pittsburgh, I prefer places that either just boil them or don't use so much oil that the dough puffs up. But for as deeply Polish as Pittsburgh is, it's amazing how much of the rest of their menu is pretty unique here. read more

This was amazing. The pickle plate (my favorite), split pea soup, and potato pancakes (my wife's favorite) were all perfect. The fried pierogies and celeriac schnitzel were great too but I think we'd swap them next time -- if there was one mistake we made it was getting too much fried stuff, so I think we'd get the boiled pierogies next time and probably another different entree. read more

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The concept of this restaurant is super cool and one-of-a-kind. I've never heard of a vegan Polish restaurant so I was excited to try it! You order at the counter and then they bring you the food. Decent amount of seating, though some of the tables are quite close to each other. -Pierogi z Ziemniakami: potato and cabbage pierogis. I thought these were really comforting and tasty. Solid starter dish. -Kluski Slaskie: potato dumplings with charred celeriac (not sure what that is), carrot and mushroom paste, topped with leek kay. This wasn't very memorable but it was okay. -Szaslyk: kebab skewer with king oyster mushroom, cabbage and endive. Came with a garlic pancake (not the correct term for it). Would pass on this next time. -Ciasto Czekoladowe ze Sliwkami (dessert): chocolate cake with hazelnut cream and a Hungarian blue plum jam. A little dense but I love the combination of chocolate and hazelnut so couldn't go wrong there. As you can see, some very complicated spellings of their dishes but it makes you feel like you're in a super authentic Polish restaurant. Their menu rotates and changes seasonally. Their dishes are very interesting and creative, though it does make me wonder if it's all just potato and fats in different forms? Could be what we ordered though. read more

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I LOVE this place! Have been 4 times since I moved to Pittsburgh in Aug 2022. I'd heard that it was overhyped but I'm so glad my visiting cousin convinced me to try it with her. The vibe is so cute and the staff are so attentive and put so much heart into the experience. It's a seasonal menu, so I try to go as the seasons change to try new things. So far the memorable dishes have been: Summer: sour cherry pierogis Fall: beet soup and cabbage rolls Winter: CRAPTEKA - they turn into a burger joint for 3 weeks in Jan/Feb and it's amazing Consistent: black pepper soda, all alc beverages, any pierogi being offered Will try Spring offerings soon! read more

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Yeah, this place is very hyped up in Pittsburgh... And it's so worth it. I've been in the city for six months now and finally got in on a Saturday in December. I came to put my name down on the waitlist at 7:45 PM and it was a 30 minute wait for one person. I had attempted coming here at the end of October, I arrived at 4:45 PM on a Saturday and there was already a line down the block and the wait for a table for two was going to be about an hour. Needless to say I was not going to wait all of that. So if you're planning on coming here, I would suggest having a back up plan if the wait is too long or grabbing a cocktail on liberty Avenue. You order your food at the counter, they give you a number, you have a seat at your table and they bring you your food. If you want to order more, you go back up to the counter. I had the apple pancakes for an appetizer and pierogies as my entrée. I cannot rave about the Apple pancakes enough. The flavors were lovely! It wasn't until the end of the dish where the tart and sweetness started to get to me but considering the fact that appetizers meant to be shared with two people and I ate it all by myself, it was fantastic. The pierogies were simple and delicious, just as they should be. No craziness to it. they were very filled and were very filling! For dessert, I got the pumpkin rice milk dish. Unfortunately I had to send that one back. It was described to me as a sweet, oatmeal consistency dessert. The consistency was definitely that of oatmeal but there was a layer of something very tart that I was not expecting and did not go well with it. But my entrée and appetizer were so good that that did not ruin my experience. The restaurant has an intimate yet casual ambience. The tables are pretty close together but it's a brightly lit restaurant. Volume level is medium to loud. Street parking is not easy but doable around the restaurant. Hope this helps! read more

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Finally got to come back to Apetka! This time we arrived around 7pm on a Friday and we had about a 30 minute wait. We ended up going back to the car but they called us when the table was ready. They have cafe ordering, so you order everything up front and can pay before sitting down. It does put pressure on you but it makes leaving easier. We ordered the pate, some pierogis, and a cabbage salad. The cabbage salad was so delicious, crunchy cabbage, some crunchy bean like thing, slivers of beets - yummm. The pate had 3 veggie spreads and a few salads. My favorite bite was the carrot pate with the beet salad. Then the pierogis were delicious. Our ordered came with two different types - i think carrot and mushroom? All so good. We finished with the walnut cake which was very interesting - the foamy, meringue ish top with the crunchy walnuts and ice cream. If you like beets, cabbage, and pierogi's this is your spot!! I tell everyone about this place. read more

The food here is amazing. We had the Kotlet Selerowy (Schnitzel) and Kluski Slaskie (Potato Dumplings). Both dishes were excellent. Vegan food has come a long way! They also have a unique selection of wine and other beverages. read more

When someone asks me my favorite spot in Pittsburgh, this is now added to the list. Regretfully just my first stop here and I was floored. Maybe the most unique pierogi texture I've had in my life. Amazing spin on schnitzel. And the most balanced horseradish sauce I've ever had. The small sample of sides with the dishes allowed for playing with blends of flavors and can't wait to try more. Pierogis "2types: saurkraut + mushroom...celeriac + potato + juniper + marjoram with horseradish double fat, red beets, cabbage, and apple salad." outer crispness of a perfectly cooked egg roll. "Celeriac schnitzel with beets, leek, and apple salad, pole slaw, dilly potatoes, and horseradish sauce." read more

Apteka - Pierogi - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The worst service you can find in the greater Pittsburgh area. Yes, I've visited on multiple occasions. Food is mid. read more

I really enjoyed the food and the outdoor garden was so cute! The wait was really long and you order as soon as you walk in, so that process caught me off guard at first. I would certainly go back! read more

Apteka - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I'll start this review by saying I fully came to Apteka skeptical, a firm carnivore, and unsure of how flavorful Eastern European food would be. I will eat my words...literally bc this place was PHENOMENAL. Ambiance: casual, modern, unfussy. With a tinge of hipster. Come with friends and family. Come on a casual date. It's a multi-use all rounder restaurant space for whatever mood you're in. Reservations: can be made for larger parties or 4 or more. Otherwise it's first come first serve seating. And it's cafe style ordering, where you go up and order and get a number. The wait is long usually for 2-3 if you don't have reservations. So go get a drink nearby like we did and they'll call when your table is ready. Once you're table is ready, you'll be handed a menu and be ready to order at the kiosk in the bar area (you can always order more) and you'll take a number and they'll bring you your order. Food: ok where to start. Tbh I can't pronounce anything on the menu nor understand half the description. We relied heavily on the staff at the kiosk taking our order. The menu also changes so be sure to ask if it's your first time. The only two items I knew I wanted to try was the fried Perogi and Borscht. Both really really good. You can get the Perogi boiled as well (traditionally made this way). I will say the two items that stood out was Kluski Slaskie and Slatka Ziemniaczana. The first is this gnocchi like dish with cabbage and the second was a potato salad. The gnocchi was oh so creamy with the right flavors. The potato salad had the most amazing croutons. Who knew veggies tasted so good?!? My only regret is we ordered too much to eat desert. Next time. Cocktails/drinks: good cocktail list with a variety of liquor bases. Wine and beer list pretty decent as well. Staff: all so great. On a busy busy night they were friendly at the door and apologized to my husband when she got his name wrong. Made recommendations for a local bagel and cemetery stroll on our first time in Pittsburgh. Likelihood to return: 100/10. Definitely, will be thinking about this Perogi and that Kluski Slaskie dish. read more

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First off I would like to apologize, a friend did the ordering and I need to do more practice with my Polish. I don't exactly recall the names of the dishes but I have photos for proof and reference. Didn't see why the wait was so long. I understand Polish food may be unique to Americans but the flavor didn't hit the spot for me. The soda was yum though and the one dish that left a lasting impression was the burnt rye bread. Maybe this is the spot for vegetarians? And I just don't fit the mold but having experienced a childhood friend's grandmother's yummy potatoes equals no comparison especially because it was served over beans. Ambiance was romantic lighting but seating was narrow. Michelin worthy? Up to you read more

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So delicious! I tell everyone about how awesome this place is. They helped me find options that I could have with my allergy. The vibe is fun. Its vegan food, funky music. Reasonable prices. I can't wait to go back for more. read more

Food was excellent. Staff was informative and patient. The ambiance was relaxed and intimate. Can't wait to return.

One of the best restaurants I've ever been to. A very special experience. Try the cocktails too read more

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If I could give 0 stars I would. As a vegetarian I want to love this restaurant so much. Came tonight and was quoted a 1 hour wait. Left after 2 hours to try to find a bar to kill some time. Before we left we confirmed they had our number correct. Still have not received a call/text telling me my table is ready meaning it will at least be a 2.5 hour wait. We confirmed They need to figure out how to quote better wait times because that's totally unacceptable. The waitlist here is a disaster. Checkout some of the other vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the city. Worst waiting experience ever. Will not be coming back. UPDATE - three hours and no call saying our table is ready. Maybe we will get a call by the time they open next weekend? read more

Don't go on a Saturday night. Too busy. Must like vegetables. Very eclectic and European!

Apteka is truly special on so many levels. The seating and service is a tad unorthodox but works well. Reservations can be made for groups of 4 to 10. We were two so walked up and joined the waiting list. It was about a 40 minute wait on a Friday evening at around 7::45 pm. We were thrilled to be seated in the garden under the tarp. Fantastic atmosphere that works for a group of friends or a quiet romantic evening. The Polish focused menu delivers exceptional variety, textures, and flavours. We went with four dishes which we shared. The first taste of each dish made it clear why this place is so highly regarded. It's the type of restaurant you find in food meccas like NY or Copenhagen. They offer a small selection of delicious cocktails as well as some beers and wines from Central Europe. I cannot wait to bring friends here in the near future. read more

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Been waiting to try Apteka for years (including my time in PGH and since I've moved) and finally got the chance to visit during a trip in early May. WELL worth the wait!! The vegan food scene is relatively lacking in Pittsburgh, and to throw a heavy Eastern European vibe on top of that? Unheard of but incredibly intriguing. I creeped on reservations for quite some time and was able to snag Saturday night reservations for 4 (they only take res for parties of 4+ - smaller parties are walk-ins only). Parking in Lawrenceville around Apteka was a breeze - we found street parking essentially right outside the door. We were a touch early for our reservation, but we had no problem waiting in the restaurant. The ambience is pretty chill - not a ton of fancy or eclectic decor, yet the space is still modern and inviting with a moody vibe at first entrance that transitions into more bright and fun as you move through the restaurant. Loved the various pops of color! Once our party fully arrived and the time for our reservation approached, we were seated at our table. We were ultimately seated in the more bright room in the back, but I can see the front space being ideal for a date night, and the patio would be lovely in the warmer months. After settling in, we got the rundown - they proposed a few different dishes to share family style, and all food was ordered at the registered and brought out. Our server was kind in explaining to us that we didn't necessarily need to order all our food and drink right away - we could order in waves or as we see fit. This was much appreciated as it made us feel like we could have ample time to decide and enjoy vs being rushed out. We started with drinks - their cocktail list offers so many unique pairings, and their beer and wine list is decently impressive too. I opted for a cocktail, going for the Nasza Gorka featuring tonic, dandelion, and lemon. This was an unheard of type of vodka for me, but the pairing was so simple yet so flavorful - it paired well with our meal! My husband and my siblings all enjoyed their cocktails, enjoying the black pepper paired with gin and the hints of pine alongside the bourbon. For food, we wound up ordering everything at the same time, but they did space out delivery of each item. We started with the Surowka z Selera which tasted just like tuna salad - a mayo-like base with celery and walnuts, balanced with some sour cherries, all alongside dark rye bread. This was so unique and so good! Our other starters were the Szparagi, an asparagus dish with a mint / parsley / lemon / onion sauce, and the Zakaski, which featured various pickled items and "dips." Presentation of the asparagus was 10/10 with the colors, and the flavors were solid. My favorite of the "pickled" dish was the carrot pate, although others were delicious and made for a nice topping on the rye breads. Of course, we couldn't not get a pierogi dish, so we chose the fried option featuring cabbage and white bean / potato filling, respectively. You would never know they were vegan, they were sooo good! The dough was so crispy and the interior so filling ... the khlorabi salad they sat atop of was a nice crunch to the dish, too. Well done! We also had the Kluski Slaskie, the potato dumplings, which were so soft and delightful and encompassed in a fresh yet light sauce, and the Stado Golebi, their take on a stuffed cabbage with a mushroom bean filling and a large hunk of bread on the side to sop up the tomato sauce. Both dishes were excellent - loved the softness of the dumplings and the meaty texture and heartiness of the stuffed cabbage. I felt like we ordered very well - I was comfortably full at the end of the evening (although no room for dessert), and I was pleased that I tried a variety of menu offerings to get a well balanced and comprehensive dining experience. And of course, I didn't miss the meat at all and was blown away by how much they can do with vegan limitations! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Apteka, and I cannot wait to visit again to try other menu items, including desserts. Huge kudos to Apteka for being a stellar and unique addition to the Pittsburgh restaurant scene - I can confirm that all the accolades are incredibly well deserved! Hopefully I won't wait another 6ish years to visit again!! read more

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The food was amazing and drinks were delicious! The food came out quickly and the service was great. Would definitely return some day!! read more

Apteka - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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APTEKA is incredible - we are so fortunate to have such a beautiful restaurant and talented chefs here in Pittsburgh. The menu is Central & Eastern European cuisine focused, very authentic to its roots. They are happy to walk you through the menu and explain the menu items. Menu is always seasonal with rotating items. Everything they make is the most unique and beautiful combo of veggies with so much flavor. Pierogis are of course their standout, as well as their green salads and dumpling dishes. They have café style ordering, with a fantastic bar menu as well. Everything is vegan and everything is excellent. read more

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This is one of the most inconspicuous spots I've ever seen/not seen. I live less than a half mile away and every time I pass by, I figured it was a tiny dive club. No idea why. Never looked it up or was curious about it or the people standing outside until I saw it on the James Beard list for 2023. No reservations unless your party is 4 or more. You're welcome for the lil secret. It was a unique surprise. We got in line late and the person taking names invited us to sit outside. It was cold and rainy so my first thought was "No" but she had trustworthy eyes so we followed her to the back. We sat at a small picnic-style table w benches. The patio was like sitting in a small covered garden with heated lamps. We were cozy. Long story short, this place is vegan and satisfying and delicious and continuously a unique surprise. It deserved the award. We can't wait to go back. The cocktails were incredible- some of the best we've ever had. The soup made me crave more. Even the desert was a treat. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu. Bravo to the chef and wait staff. It seems like it's always pretty crowded and ordering was a slight challenge, a little confusing but worth every second, worth every unsure process. read more

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Everything was amazing! The food was great; there was a salad that literally tasted like what a fall day feels like and I really loved the pierogis. Great service with very nice staff and a fun atmosphere. 10/10 would come back again! read more

Perfect place for a pierogi!! We came here on a Saturday night and had a 45min-1hr wait, and the food was totally worth it! We got the Apple pancakes with black currant preserves and yogurt which had the perfect balance of sweet and tart. For our main course, we got the smazone pierogi which comes with 2 types (mushrooms+sauerkraut and potatoes+onion)- both were delicious. For dessert, we had the Piernik which is a gingerbread cake- it was decadent and delicious. Despite the place being packed, the ambiance was amazing with great seating and lighting. Overall, this is a definite must-try in Pittsburgh!! read more

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Being veggies, we had to try this out when we were in town. There's no parking associated with the restaurant so either prepare to find and pay for street parking or come after 6pm when street parking is free. Getting a table was kind of odd. We put our name on a list, waited, then got in. We thought we were being seated but we were given menus to look at and were told to go to the counter and order when ready. After we order they give you a table. Ok. It's really crowded inside so standing and looking at the menus then standing in line to order was a bit of a crunch. The tables are also rather close. Good for checking out other people's food but difficult to hold a private conversation. We tried fried pirogies and their potato salad. We have very little Eastern European food experience so everything was a surprise. I'm glad we went with fried pirogies as the regular ones must be really soft and mushy. I liked the cabbage one and my dining partner wasn't fond of either type. She was, however, enamored with the potato salad. It didn't look like it was going to taste like much but it was delicious. We also tried the black pepper soda they make in house. The person behind the bar taking our order said it was like a ginger soda with a bite. I didn't get the bite part, only the black pepper part, and didn't like it much. My dining partner, however, loved it. It's not very sweet. In the end I thought the experience was just ok but my dining partner found it to be wonderfully memorable. I'm certain all our visits to Pittsburgh will have a stop at Apteka. read more

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If you're in Pittsburgh, you'll be sorry if you didn't get pierogi. If you're getting pierogi, you'll be extra sorry you didn't come to Apteka. First time the mister and I came to this place, we forgot that it was vegan. The food was delicious, and we didn't think much of it until we were discussing the deliciousness later. That's how good it is, causing two regular carnivores to completely forget about meat. It's been consistent, and consistently packed over the years whenever we have visited the city. They recently reopened after closing for a bit during covid, and we are lucky enough to catch their first day. While they haven't figured out whether to do take out yet, for the covid-wary, they do have a nice outdoor seating area, weather permitting. That's what we did, because the urge for me to have Apteka's pierogies is higher than my fear of covid They also have a waiting list now (instead of having to find a table yourself), making it much easier to social distance while waiting for a table. The food was amazing as usual, and now they even have a bottle shop so on top of the delicious cocktails, you can get delicious wines too! I hope that they will be able to offer takeout, especially since not everyone are able to dine out. These are definitely some of the best pierogi you'll get, vegan or not. read more

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Honestly one of my fave restaurants that I have been to in Pittsburgh. The food is amazing and not that pricy. The place is beautiful and great ambiance. (Ps their desserts are amazing !) read more

I brought my friend here, and he is not a fan of vegan places -- he loves eating meat and having protein. Despite this, I encouraged him to come and try out the food because of all of the great things I had heard about this place. As soon as we stepped in the door, we were immediately greeted and introduced to their notion of ordering before sitting down. We arrived later in the evening, so a couple of their items were out. Also, we arrived at just the right time to get seated immediately. The person at the counter gave some great suggestions, and we decided on an appetizer that I forgot the name of, a Pierogi dish, and my friend got another dish that I also forgot. These dishes were amazing. They were so delicious but also tasted like nothing I had tried before. Because it was all vegan, it didn't make me feel heavy after the meal, which I greatly appreciated. I also immensely enjoyed every dish, as each had its own unique taste. I would say that it definitely deserved a place on the New York Times Top 50 Restaurants, and I am definitely going to bring my friends here! The food and service were amazing, especially for their price point. The vibe of the place was great as well, despite having a somewhat small table. read more

Apteka - Bar area - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This place has the worst customer service. You have to pay and tip up front. You are brought your food at some point but the servers never return. They are also rude. I think the whole restaurant set up is a scam. read more

I came to Apteka twice in the last month or so and I had a great experience both times. They don't really take reservations so definitely try to come around 5 so you don't have to stand in line for too long outside! All of the food is vegan and it's amazing. The pierogies are so good but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They also have a great wine selection to go along with your meal! I came with non vegan friends and family both times and everyone loved it. This is definitely a place you can't miss! read more

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We had an amazing experience at Apteka. The meal was outstanding even for an non-vegan. Inventive, flavorful and filling. Eastern European with a gourmet flair. The seating and ordering arrangement allow for a lot of people to be served at once. No waiting for orders. Funky ambiance. read more

A Pittsburgh gem, Amazing food, service and ambiance! And I am decidedly not Vegan. Flavors I did not know existed.

We have been trying to get to Apteka for over a year, literally, but were turned off by having to stand in line. We finally bit the bullet and planned a day out in Lawrenceville that put us at Apteka at 4:45pm, 15 minutes before they opened on a Sunday night. We were lucky to snag a seat at the bar, which means we got to peruse the menu and order food from the bar staff while seated rather than having to stand in line to order at the counter. The menu takes a minute to decipher, so it was nice having a no-pressure ordering experience. The food was excellent, albeit over priced. I am a sucker for a vegan pierogi, but for $18 they should be filled with something other than potatoes (they were quite good, but you get the point). Anyway, I'm glad people are keeping Apteka in business. I won't go out of my way to come back, but it is nice to have such a successful plant-forward restaurant in the neighborhood. read more

Apteka - Placki Ziemniaczane (potato and rutabaga pancake) - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Thankful that a friend told us to try this place. We had one day to cram in as many places as we could to eat, so this was on our list for dinner. The place itself is small, but I don't think we waited more than 15-20 minutes for a table, since they're not taking reservations for parties less than 4. We ordered the patisony - fried patty pan squash (mistakenly ordered actually), Letnia Duszonka - stew, Pierogi z Ziemniakami - potato and cabbage periogi, and the Kluski Slaskie - potato dumplings in carrot porcini broth. While the patty pan squash was too fried and beer battered for me, I looooved the other dishes. The strong winners for me was the heartiness of the stew, and the broth for the potato dumplings. Both super delicious and inspired me to try to make it at home. Service was excellent, very cordial, and since we already knew what we wanted, we managed to order quickly at the register on the back side of the bar. read more

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I've never had Polish food before, and judging by Apteka, the only vegetables in that country are beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions. That said, they made those 5 veggies in so many different ways that every dish that came out was incentive and very good. The golden borscht (served hot) was one of the best soups I've ever had, in a lifetime of soups. The shredded beet salad with dark rye was incredible. The potato pancakes and pierogis were very good. The only dish that didn't get rave reviews was the schnitzel, solely because it was very dry and could've benefitted from a type of gravy. It came with a horseradish sauce, but for those of us who don't like horseradish, it was a bit rough to swallow. If I'm ever in Pittsburgh again, Apteka will be the first place I revisit, but I'd stick to appetizers because the 3 that I had were great and the others on the menu looked very good, also. read more

Last weekend was the second time trying Apteka. I made the mistake of ordering takeout the first time, and this is definitely a dine-in experience! Apteka gets such consistently glowing reviews that I had high expectations, but I wasn't blown away by the food or service. The potato salad was great, but many of the others were inventive but not my favorite in terms of flavor. The ordering structure took away from the experience a bit. It was unclear who was waiting for a table vs waiting to order food, and the waitress at the register from whom we ordered was unfriendly. I wish I felt that I could have asked for recommendations or clarified the process and perhaps we would've been happier with the food. Eating here was still an enjoyable experience-- I think the best part was talking about the dishes with friends, but I do wish we had more insight about them from the staff! read more

Apteka - Vegan Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I ate there this evening with my Girlfriend. Food was excellent. I didn't think you could pull off vegan polish food but this place did an excellent job with some tasty dishes. Why only 2 stars? This establishment needs to ask themselves if they are in the hospitality industry or are they just a building where people can eat food. If it's the former then maybe it's time to look up what that word means. This place gives off the impression of a full service restaurant, but it's kinda not really, or maybe it is? It's unclear. We had to wait for a table, they call us when our table is ready, reservations for larger parties, etc. like a regular full service restaurant. When we were called for our table, we were handed two menus and were told to order at the counter before we could be shown to our table. Unexpected and left us flatfooted. Some people may not be familiar with vegan food or polish food, so when you combine them they may need a little guidance with the menu. The way it felt was that we were ON OUR OWN. We ordered at the counter and then to my surprise we were handed plates, silverware, a bottle of water, and glasses to carry to our table ourselves. We waited for what felt like 2 mins in silence before anyone showed us to the table and the person we were waiting for was just someone who had been there the whole time while his back was turned. Didn't notice us, nor did anyone grab his attention to seat us, so we're just left standing there holding plates and such until someone acknowledges us. 2 mins may not seem like long but when you're waiting for instructions, holding items not sure what to do, 2 mins is an eternity. When we sat down it felt like we were on our own. I don't recall anyone asking us if we needed anything else. My girlfriend had to get up and get an additional glass herself. When it was time to pay the guy at the counter was doing something else and then was like "what was your number?" Meaning the number that we brought to the table for them to know where food goes? Who remembers that? It should be their responsibility to know which bill is mine. Paying the bill is the worst part, don't make me have to do extra work to pay. I've worked in the hospitality industry for decades. If this is just a building that cooks food/counter service then fine. Get rid of tips, and close out tabs after each trip to the counter. But if this is a real restaurant concerned with hospitality, then they need to take a moment and think about how each step of service feels to the guest. From the second they walk in the door to the second they walk out. It's more than being nice. Let me say that when people actually did talk to us they were nice. But overall we did not feel that they wanted us to be there. The hospitality or lack there of is enough for me not to come back. But I hope they take note and improve in the future. read more