Went to Philly recently with my wife and the only plan we made ahead of time was getting a reservation at Little Walter's. Both of us love kielbasa and pierogies so when my wife found a write-up about this place she was sold. Luckily we took an Uber because we never would have found this place on our own. Little place in the middle of a neighborhood and when we got out of the car the aroma was enough to bring us in. They make the most of their space so expect to be close to other tables if you come here. Certainly not the place to come for private conversations. It was 100% what I would have expected for this kind of local Philly neighborhood place. Our server was awesome as she helped us with the menu and made great suggestions. We started with a couple drinks (cannot remember which ones) and bread with a whipped cream cheese/butter concoction with cracklings mixed in (OMG just THIS was worth the Uber ride). We started with the Kielbasa appetizer (kiełbasapork shoulder, coriander, marjoram) with pickles. The pickles were so good we found out where they got them and bought some the next day and the kielbasa was amazing. For dinner we ordered two beers and for our meals we got the Pierogi Ruskiepotato, farmer cheese, caramelized onion, sour cream, the Pierogi Z Grzybamimycopolitan mushrooms, buttermilk ranch and the Wieprzowina Z Rożnarotisserie pork, herb potatoes, bigos. The pierogi both had really deep flavors and were excellent. The mushroom pierogi had a consistency and flavor that made it seem like a ground meat rather than mushrooms. The rotisserie pork was perfection on a plate. Full of flavor and very rich. We had leftovers, but wanted it that way!! We saved enough room for dessert and ordered the Szarlotkaapple hand pie, black walnut streusel, cultured ice cream, Sernikspiced honey cheesecake, rye crust, whey caramel and a flight of three Polish liqueurs - Nalewka Domowa - we tried the blackberry,cantaloupe, and krupnik. The dessert was flaky and not too sweet, but the ice cream added the right amount of sweetness. The cheesecake was also very good and not overly sweet. The liquors were really flavorful and something I'd never tried before. I was expecting something like a brandy but it was a lighter consistency-very good. If you're in Philly and want an amazing meal with great service - Little Walter's is a must-try! read more

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Very authentic, I loved that half the menu was in polish! I didn't love the perogies but everything else and the options were delicious. Also had fun polish plates. 10/10 would go back! read more

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Dined at Little Walters with a party of 7, which meant we got to try a good selection of offerings. Service was friendly, though the dining room was a little tight, and we came away smelling of wood-fire smoke. For starters we shared (in order from my favorite dish): - Kiełbasa (pork shoulder, coriander, marjoram, served with pickled cucumber)--Kiełbasa for dinner was one of my favorite childhood meals and this dish was my favorite of the evening; - Pierogi ruskie (potato, farmer cheese, caramelized onion, sour cream)--pure comfort food; - Pierogi z dynia (hubbard squash, lacinato kale, horsey sauce)--delicious (reminded me of Thanksgiving); - Badger beets, which was one of the specials--loved that they were warm; - Surówka (pickled beet slaw, marinated spinach, and lightly-pickled watermelon radish)--wished the pickle was more like the pickle served with the kiełbasa; and - Pierogi z grzybami (mycopolitan mushrooms, buttermilk ranch)--the mushrooms were a little tough and didn't soak up the flavor as much as we expected. For my entree, I had one of the specials--a chicken kiełbasa-style dish, which was delicious, but salty. Others tried the: - Wieprzowina z rożna (rotisserie pork, herb potatoes, bigos); - Kotlet z kurczaka (chicken cutlet, brussels sprouts, powidła)--great portion size; - Wędzona ryba (smoked monkfish, uszka, barszcz, shiitake); and - Gołąbki (rolled cabbage, brisket, buckwheat, tomato sauce). For dessert, the table shared: - Lód wodny (pear water ice, ginger syrup, puffed rye berries)--the table's favorite. - Sernik (spiced honey cheesecake, rye crust, whey caramel); - Pierogi czekoladowe (chocolate peanut butter, vanilla sweet cream)--do not expect a crisp cannoli-like pierogi. read more

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This was where my fiancée picked for his birthday dinner. It had been on our list of places to try since they opened. The service was great and the food was wonderful! We started with three appetizers and we each ordered an entree. It was a little too much food for us but we know for next time. We started with the picked vegetables, the kielbasa and the potato, farmers cheese and onion pierogis. Then I had the rolled cabbage (golabki) and my fiancée enjoyed the pork and potato entree that was like a stew. Oh and the drinks! I had the pickle juice martini which came in a gorgeous glass! read more

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Admittedly I'm biased. This place is so close to my house it's practically in my living room, so I'm practically invested in its success. But I love it! It's a special place. Unique. Quaint. Cozy. Staffed by real people. When it first opened during the summer, it was too hot inside because the authentic wood oven filled the place up with a Smokey smell and the air conditioning couldn't keep up. They fixed that problem though. The wood stove makes the whole neighborhood smell wonderful. read more

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This is a cool little place. Authentic Polish food with some fusion items as well. I really enjoyed everything I tried and would have loved to eat more but had a big night ahead of us. The perogies honestly may have been the best I ever had. It's so nice to have real Polish food. They even have legit Polish beer and drinks. Service here is beyond excellent. Parking sucks but that's not their fault you're in the city deal with it. I can't wait to go back so many more things I want to try on the menu. I would say very reasonably priced for the amount of food we had including drinks. Definitely make a reservation because it's a small place. Can't wait to come back read more

Had some mixup with the doorman but overall friendly waitress. Got loud as the restaurant filled up but fortunately we were almost finished by then. One bathroom. Overall thought it was delicious! I've only had cheap pierogi before so this was great. We ordered too much but each one was distinct and worth trying! Optimal would be party of 5 :). Veggie-lite but still will come back Love the polish pottery & decor read more

If this is how Polish children eat growing up, I wish I were Polish. I'm assured by the staff that the restaurant is more upscale than most Polish families, and I believe them. Food, service and ambiance are top notch. The spinach nettle pierogis are delicious, which is saying a lot as someone who hated cooked spinach all my life! read more

Little Walter's is a gem for pierogis, of course, but also has an incredible selection of other bites. We came for dinner on a Sunday which is an all day brunch menu, but you can also order off of their regular menu (which we opted for) or mix and match brunch and standard items. We tried all of the pierogis except the chicken ones, and all of them were really good. They taste very distinct from each other, so don't worry about ordering 3 of the "same" dish. The standout for me, though, was the smoked monkfish. It was over a borsch broth with sausage, pickled carrots, and mushrooms, and the whole dish had such unique and delightful flavor combinations. I would come back just to order that again. This cute little spot is a must try for all fans of polish food, and even for those who aren't - if anything will change your mind, it's Little Walter's read more

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I can't wait to go back to Little Walter's for their out of this world potato pierogis! We loved it so much we had to order a second round. The service is warm and attentive - everyone on staff is incredibly knowledgeable and makes you feel so welcome. The decor and vibes are inviting and fun to see all the amazing veggies they're picking. Definitely don't skip out on the creative and delicious cocktails and the desserts!! read more

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since 2024 named after Chef Michael Brenfleck's grandfather, Walter Bubick place is amazing open kitchen / smoker in the back perogies are as good as in poland have to get the kielbasa and don't walk out without the gołąbki, stuffed cabbage with insanely smoked brisket NY has Veselka and Greenpoint, we have Little Walters Go Birds + Wisniewski #61 read more

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I really enjoyed my meal at Little Walters. I debated going down to 4 stars because service was weird...it took 20 minutes for them to take our drink order. Also the server didn't really explain anything to us - I heard another server go over specials but our server never went over them with us. Besides that it was really delicious. We started with bread. Yum! I love both the dips it came with. They were both buttery but the server was really quiet and I couldn't really hear them. We ordered the assortment pickled veggies, the mushroom pierogies, and the squash pierogies. There were three different pickled veggies that came: beets, carrot, and cauliflower. The cauliflower was delicious but I'm indifferent to the beets and carrots. The mushroom pierogies came out next and they were surprisingly meaty tasting. I was really impressed by these and I think they were my favorite of the night. The squash came after. They have this charred kale and delicious sauce. The squash was so creamy. We had room for dessert and got the chocolate pierogies with ice cream. Insane dish and I want to come back just for this. I love that it was more peanuty than peanut buttery. The crushed peanuts were a good texture addition. The food outweighs the weird service issues. I will definitely be back and want to bring friends and family. read more

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I cannot rave about Little Walter's enough. Our waitress kindly went through the menu with us, she was super knowledgeable and made great recommendations. The pickle martini is a must order for martini and pickle fans alike, the pickle finish on the back was perfection. Each dish was packed with flavor and I will have trouble not ordering the Pierogi Ruskie, Kielbasa and the rotisserie pork every time but will definitely be back to try the tasting menu! Cozy atmosphere, attentive and kind staff, and food you'll dream about. Little Walter's is a true 5 stars. read more

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Great food and service at this little neighborhood restaurant. Took our friend here for here retirement dinner celebration. read more

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The new gem of East Kensington will transport you to high class eastern Europe - with elevated Polish food, wood-fired grill smoking the air, and crisp fresh cocktails. Everything on the menu is Polish with the exception of a handful of drinks, but many of those have a local focus (including pet nat from nearby Mural City winery!) The "koktaijl" list is well curated and intriguing, leading me to pass over a rosé and instead try the cocktails. I tried the szaman and pilkarz (pickle martini) and both were incredible light and drinkable for the summer, while being well flavored and complementing the food menu. The menu is primed for sharing, with small plate appetizers, pirogies, meats, and desserts. We started with the surówka, which included crisp snap peas in a minty sauce, spiraled cucumbers, and pickled/smoked beets in a walnut pesto. Fresh and flavorful, and a nice start to a heavier meal. Naturally we had to try both types of pirogi, and while the classic potato pirogies (notably made with farmers cheese) were lovely, the squash blossom/zucchini pirogi were the highlight of the meal! From the moment we noticed the wood fired grill in the small kitchen at the back of the room, we new we had to try the rotisserie pork (wieprzowina z roźna) and it stood up on its own as a delightful meld of pork, kielbasa, onions, mushrooms, perhaps apples, and radishes. For dessert, we accidentally tried both options and they are the more savory/dense sort of dessert, which were enjoyable and distinctly eastern European. Little Walter's was already popping for the soft opening, and with such astounding food and drinks is sure to need advance reservations once word gets around! read more

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Really loved little Walter's. Very unique place in Philly. Loved the kabab (not pictured) and the pierogies (though I will say the pierogies need to be cooked a little more imo). The chicken cutlet was cooked perfectly but would recco them adding a starch to the dish. Or adding mashed potatoes to the menu. We loved the cabbage / brisket entree too. Desserts were great - surprisingly we loved the pear ice more than the chocolate pierogies. The pickle martini is also really good and services in a beautiful glass. All in all, will come back - esp in the cold bitter winter for a homey meal. read more

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Admittedly, not having had a ton of Polish food, I never really considered it a meal that would really blow me away. However, I was really nicely surprised in the end by the meal had here. The menu is small but seems to change a good amount seasonally, which is nice (that being said at the end I didn't feel like there was anything I would necessarily come back for on the current menu). It was a great start to be given complimentary lovely bread with two delicious spreads: an herbal butter and a cream with chichcahron-type topping (the former was by far the superior). Started with sałatka cykoria, which was a really nice salad. I appreciated the texture a lot with the breadcrumbs and the buttermilk dressing was nice-it was also a healthy portion. Next came the special of the night pierogi, which was filled with cheese and mushrooms. The potatoes and the mushrooms were divine-I honestly would not have known that there was cheese unless I had been told. The pierogies themselves were huge but I do wish that the sauce was a bit more present as it was quite scarce. Finally, the pork shoulder kiełbasa was awesome. Big fan of homemade mustard and this was a great blend of tart/spice that did well for the dish especially when garnished with the pickles. For the main, we got the monkfish. This was actually my least favorite dish as I felt the fish itself, while flaky and tender, was a bit plain. The shrimp kiełbasa and mushrooms it came with really saved it. The place overall is a bit cramped. There are steps up to the restaurant and down to the bathroom, so be careful as it is quite easy to trip. The drink menu didn't really do much for me and I wasn't so inspired by any of the wine/beer options. Service was friendly and fairly attentive to water refills. Overall, definitely worth a try at least once, especially reiterated by being on the NYT top 50 US restaurants this year. read more

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We went on a Tuesday night and were seated at the bar since we didn't have a reservation. Very small restaurant so I would recommend a reservation. The pickle martini was delicious and huge. We ordered pierogis, kielbasa and the salad appetizer. I really enjoyed everything and will definitely be back. My only call out would be the hostess wasn't the friendliest which I always make a note of because they are the first impression of your restaurant. read more

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This place is phenomenal!! It just recently opened in Philly, and it is so so delicious. The kielbasa and mushroom and cheese pierogies were my favorites, and I would totally just come and eat that all day every day if I could! The pickled veggies were yummy too. The main we ordered was delicious too, but we were already so full from the appetizers! Super fun servers. Cute chill interior, very affordable read more

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This was such an exceptional meal and experience. First SHOUT OUT to our waitress, Megan! Best waitress ever- explained, excited and advised --she really enhance our dining experience. The food is SOOO special and delicious- the pickled salads, kielbasa, mushroom and smoked lamb pierogis- beyond description, so savory and beautiful and delicious. This is a really special restaurant. read more

I have returned. And it was just as good as the first time. I switched it up. As per the last time the service was fantastic. I did get the fish which I felt was good but I would totally suggest anything on the menu at this point. They do have a happy hour now and are open 6 days a week! You can also buy pickles and pottery now! I love the pickles so much I brought some home. Please swing by and support this beautiful place in my 'hood. Do widzenia! read more

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The ambience and service were excellent! The food was a bit disappointing for the price.

I've been living in Poland for past 6 months. I have found no pierogi better than what I had at Little Walter's. Best pierogi I've had to date to include what my grandma would make. all food is very traditional with twist on modern presentation. Flavorful/savory food. read more

I didn't know Polish food could taste this good. I need to apologize for my horrible pictures. Little Walter's bartender makes a very tasty Old Fashion. Little Walter's custom made smoker/roaster/grill makes all of the magic happen. Everything comes out flavorful, tender and juicy. The piece of bread with amazing sauce got a picture because it was tender and a pleasure to eat. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pierogi topped with homemade ice cream. Sounds disgusting right?!?! I give you the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure 5 star money back guarantee if you don't like it!! - This is made up, I am trying to make a dramatic statement. - Little Walter's, I liked it, I liked it a lot!! read more

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The food was good and I do see the chef trying but for traditional dishes, he needs to shore up on the fundamentals. The most disappointing was the perogies. It was just okay and the mushroom one was unevenly salty and felt like a tapenade in a dough pouch that didn't quite wow. The potato one was also okay and lumpy not in the right way. We are a tough crowd with Polish so having the fundamentals down is important while you wow with the creative twist. The goods were the kielbasa served with pickles instead of cabbage and the 2 entrees-fried chicken with some type of apple sauce gravy and the monkfish in beet sauce with a shrimp kielbasa. I have never had monkfish in an Eastern European cuisine and was so different from the various Asian ways it's prepared. Probably the most interesting and creative Polish dish. The Polish beers and the cocktails were great. Well balanced and enjoyable. To be honest the service and atmosphere was more like 3.5. For the service, our service was just professional enough. We are a gregarious group so not really bothered by the facial expressions of the server. However, the general atmosphere want inviting you to stay longer despite what the interior design and Polish grandma/auntie ceramic dishes wants to suggest. The beginning was fine but at the end, they just want you to pay and get out. Unfortunate since they could easily make additional $$$ in after dinner drinks. The atmosphere is also trying to be cozy but a bit off. No clear line to the bathroom and definitely need to do better job of placing bigger groups vs 2 or 4 dining groups. It's supposed to be an open kitchen, you kinda failed a bit in that aspect since the one big table in the back can see the kitchen. It was an enjoying meal thanks to company and trying a new place but done see us going back anytime soon. But if you are in Fishtown, not bad to try it once. *spent about $60 per person* read more

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Meal was ruined by the hostess and front-of-house manger. Waitress was excellent. From other reviews this is kind of a theme. Tried to reach out to the restaurant to address these concerns personally but they never bothered to respond so leaving a review as well. Wouldn't ever return due to front of house. Prices of restaurant do not match the quality of the experience. First impressions do make a difference. read more

The countdown for this restaurant was so real. I could not wait any longer so we went opening day. And it did not disappoint in the slightest. If you are Polish or if you grew up in a Polish cultural neighborhood or life, this taste like like memories elevated. The space is cute. It's amazing. The staff was absolutely fantastic. Everything was timely and great and fresh. Please please go here as soon as you can. read more

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I've been lucky enough to eat there twice. Everything is absolutely delicious! I absolutely love the modern take on Polish food. There are a lot of options for vegetarians/pescatarians like myself. I love that the menu is on the smaller side and easier to navigate. Highly recommend that you order the bread!!!! And the pickled veggies. I've had the chicken cutlet before and most recently got the skate. Both are fantastic. 100% will return... and soon!! Also, was so wowed by the water ice with caraway "pop rocks" (that's how they felt). Perfect to seal the meal. read more

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Ordered a bunch of different plates and everything was either good or great. Anything bread-related was delicious, and we enjoyed the chicken cutlet. The smoked chicken wing pierogies were our least favorite, they didn't have much flavor. The kielbasa was very good but nothing super special. Service was friendly and attentive. Would definitely go back to try some more dishes. read more

Our buddy Dylan recommended this spot and boy was it a good recommendation. Everything was delicious, the toast, the monk fish, the pierogies, the dessert, the decor. The whole spot feels like you walked into a polish lil home. Service was attentive and very knowledgeable. Would absolutely come back. The sledzie was unlike anything I've ever had, the Monk fish was cooked to perfection and the shrimp Kielbasa was delicious. A serious highlight was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pierogis. As a bonus get the pickled martini extra pickle juice on the side. Congrats Little Walters Team. read more

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Enjoyed the ambiance and the drinks here. The pierogis were absolutely delicious and will return only to try more pierogis. The chicken cutlet dish was also good! read more

Little Walters - Polish Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Unassuming and old world in appearance, modern and spectacular in flavors! The aroma of home cooked Polish food greets you as soon as you step in the door. Brought back a memory of walking into my grandma's house with a telling first inhale that dinner would be ready soon. The service was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. This was our first time there and our server offered menu and drink recommendations which turned out to be perfect! We shared the pickled veggie combo which came with warm, fresh baked rye bread and butter, Pierogi Ruskie and Smoked monkfish with shrimp kielbasa. Every bite was delicious. We passed on dessert (this time!) but saw some mouthwatering cheesecake go by for other tables. Instead, we enjoyed the surprise complimentary sweet blackberry nalewka. Our attentive server even provided an NA version for my boyfriend. There is so much to explore on Little Walter's menu menu and we will definitely be back! read more

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Fun exploration of Polish food! We had a few kinds of pierogies, kielbasa sausage, and roast pork. The cocktails were tasty, I really liked my Polish szarac. Service was friendly and prompt, with great menu recommendations and enthusiastic descriptions. Reservations definitely needed. Try it out! read more

Little Walters - Little Walter's - Polish Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

OK. You're sitting there at the bar. And all you hear around you are mutterings of expletives. That's what happens at Little Walters. When people first taste the food they can't help but swear a little bit. It's that good. I'm not kidding. The staff treat you like you're family and is so much fun. We originally were sat outside, but the waitress found seats at the bar. From there, the bartender took phenomenal care of us. We ordered every small plate they had and each one was better than the last. Just do what we did. All the small plates. It's enough for two and you'll leave full. Don't skip the desserts though. read more

The pirogues were good, especially the mushroom one. But honestly the rest of the food was okay and the service left a lot to be desired. Not a place Id visit again. read more

This place will completely transform your opinion of Polish food. What an experience for your taste buds! Unique flavors and attention to quality ingredients, detail in cooking, and presentation make this place a must try. Cozy, small, but extremely delicious. Make a reservation or try to find a spot at their bar. read more

Amazing new Philly find, authentic polish cuisine with a bit of a twist! Went with a group of 4 and we ordered nearly the whole menu (with the exception of the pierogis entree). Absolute favorites were the śledzie, kielbasa, pierogis, and chicken cutlet (also loved their salads and sourdough, great way to start the meal). Dessert didn't disappoint either, chocolate pierogis were the brownie version of a pierogi and the cheesecake had all my favorite spicy honey peach flavors. On top of that our waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. Surprisingly affordable gem in East Kensington if you're willing to go a little out of the way! One to watch! read more

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This is a very intimate restaurant, so reservations are a must. Service was prompt and the server was very helpful in explaining the flow of the menu and her favorite options among it. There were a good amount of vegetarian and meaty options. We ordered the salad, and were treated to a variety of raw and pickled options. Along with it came 2 sort of dips (tallow & dill cream and sourdough). The beets were a standout favorite for us (sweet tangy earthy goodness). The pierogi ruskie was the perfect pierogi, nice creamy filling. The kielbasa was paired nicely with pickles and a hummus textured side. Favorite dish was probably the chicken cutlet (kotlet z kurczaka). The chicken was incredibly crispy while the meat inside remained moist. The combination of the sweet powidl (plum butter) underneath the chicken and the broccoli rabe tastes amazing. Salty, sweet, slightly bitter. We finished off the meal with dessert. The pear ice water (lód wodny) was delightfully refreshing with a good crunch from the rye berries. My partner enjoyed the chocolate/peanut butter pierogi. We left full and with leftovers. Our total with tip for 3 starters, 2 drinks, one main dish, & 2 desserts was about $160. Would definitely return soon! read more

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Great Polish food! Pierogis, chicken cutlet, and rotisserie pork were my 3 favorite dishes. Unique cocktails. 10/10 read more

Little Walters - Chicken cutlet and rotisserie pork - Polish Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Great food, great service- and smells like a proper Polish kitchen. Came here on a Tuesday night with my boyfriend and had a fantastic time. The servers were very informative, friendly, and professional and the food tasted like it was straight from my grandmothers kitchen. Can't wait to see what little Walter's cooks up in the future! read more

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