The pierogies and blintzes are tasty and affordable. They have several vegetarian pierogi options…read more Pierogis start at $0.90 each (cooked), and blintzes are $1.80. I was going to comment that I wish their pierogis came with sour cream or something, but I just saw on their menu that for $0.55, you can add EXTRAS: TOPPINGS (SAUERKRAUT, COLESLAW, SOUR CREAM, APPLE SAUCE, STRAWBERRY) I wish they had online ordering, which would make the individual ordering of each item simpler.

Always check hours online - and watch your step when you walk in the front door. There are a ton…read moreof food items on this menu - including a refrigerated section for soup, frozen pierogies, and there are other salads and desserts. You do get a discount if you pay in CASH. I tried some pierogis - potato and sweet cheese. They appear to be fried as they are a bit crunchy, but I like them like that. They are pretty full pierogis. You can order them frozen to go home and cook on your own - or have them cooked to order. I also got the order of polish sausage w/kraut and some fries. The polish sausage is snappy and the kraut is great. The bun I could do without, but I just removed it and ate on it's own. The fries were salty with a mix of crispy and soggy ones. I will definitely be back to try more options and more pierogis! Inside is small, but they added some extra eating in the room next door. You can dine in if you wish, it never seemed too crowded.

The food was really good. It hit the spot. Both types of sausage really resonated with me. The…read morestuffed cabbage rolls were really good. Mashed potatoes, gravy. I didn't really have much of the salad bar with coleslaw and whatnot. It looked decent. The bread is on the top of one of the sections. A couple of people I was with missed those pieces of bread, but I'm glad they said something because we were able to point them to it. The chicken, the sauerkraut, the pierogies were all good. We had the lunch menu, so it's a little bit different than the dinner menu, but everything was tasty and tasted fresh. The desserts were absolutely out of this world. I didn't know what everything was. I asked my waitress or server, who was picking up our plates and whatnot, and she told me. I have to say it was a revelation to know that they actually make all of their desserts as well. Absolutely fantastic. Good flavor. Our server was really excellent. I'm sorry I didn't get her name. She gave us some good information about meat pierogies being available or other types of pierogies if they're not on the lunch bar, which was really cool. For a lot of people, the place may be a little difficult to get into with a walk and whatnot. I wasn't really aware of all the entrances, but one thing to note is it is on the more dimly lit side. Not so much so as to be annoying, it actually sets a nice vibe. I absolutely love that the staff has a sign up there to discourage unattended children from running rampant by the food bar, which I think is very fair and nicely stated. That made me feel good, too, that we had quality control in effect versus other cafes that I've been to where I know the places try, but they don't do a really good job of monitoring the situation. No such issue with Sawa. They did a great job on that front. One issue I did have was with the bathroom. It seemed like a stall. The door opens up really wide into the area where we've been washing our hands, but everything was well maintained and well kept. That made me feel good. Overall, I will say I enjoyed the experience, and I'm looking forward to going back. I specifically want to check out the dinner options because I really enjoyed the lunch, but I want to try out a few other things that they have for the dinner menu. My pictures did not turn out with the lighting, so I'm not going to post them, but needless to say, the food was very good, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back, as I mentioned. The service was excellent, and I think the price was pretty fair for all the food I just ate, so I was definitely pleased.

17th and Cermak Rd has been part of my extended neighborhood for over 70 years, and I've driven…read morepast Sawa's here for all that time. Never stopped in. My dumb ass. Then again, the place is in a magnificent sort of decay (on the outside). Remove the cars in the lot, the steady stream of patrons, and the electricity to the signs and you'd swear the joint had been closed for awhile. Zero curb appeal. Yeah, that's what I'm blaming it on. Step inside, and as they say, it's a different bowl of Czarnina. It's OLD old school for sure, and, at least for me, that's a rousing and quite affirmative sign that good eats may be in store. And they were. The nearby Berwyn/Cicero neighborhoods were heavily Czech, and we all grew up eating that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs, pork-laden cuisine. A similar thread runs through German and Polish menus. Swap out the recipes for side dishes, and you're still in the same universe. My ancestry has Polish and German (along with the Italian and Jewish) components, so a lot of this food is familiar, much of it cooked by my Grandmothers; so I went in with a basic knowledge and expectation of the cuisine. Sawa's bills itself as a "Smorgasbord", which was a term still in wide use 60 or so years ago when Sawa's was established; it's a Danish word for "buffet". Back in the day, a resto yclept as such was considered "exotic", even when the fare presented therein was anything but. That Sawa's kept that describer is further evidence of OLD OLD school. (See my words about "old school" above.) Still, Never stopped in. My dumb ass. Inside, it's a bustling, warm and inviting room, if it were German, one would describe it as "gemutlich"-meaning very "home-like". The staff is very personable and cheerful. Some of the tables and chairs have seen better days, but they're all clean. The "Smorgasbord" doesn't have a HUGE selection, but what's there is very good. There's a salad station, de rigueur; which I passed over in favor of the selection of Polish Zakuski: cold appetizing bits like bean salad, pasta salad, cucumbers, etc.. I took a little bit of everything, all great! There were a few soups, but I made a beeline for the Mushroom Soup. I could have had 3 bowls of that with a few of the zakuski, a beer and call it a day! I can't remember what the other soups were- I wasn't interested once I saw "mushroom". Main course offerings included 2 types of Polish sausage-smoked and fresh. You KNOW those were yum! Gołąbki (pronounced go-WUUM-kee) or: Stuffed Cabbage in tomatoe sauce were proper. Pierogis of several different types, all, again delicious. Blintzes, Pork ribs, GREAT kraut, and Haluski, a cabbage/noodle dish my Polish grandmother used to make, which I have not had in almost 50 years. Almost got misty-eyed for this one. There were two anomalies: Fried chicken, which was terrific, And the only sort-of miss on the carte: roast beef which reminded me of Italian Beef, but not quite as highly spiced. Not bad, but not exactly something I'd order (or expect) in a Polish resto. I was there at the end of the Lunch service and saw the stuff they were bringing out for Dinner, including a rockin' big hunk of Roast Pork and a beautiful Whole Ham. The desserts offered were Polish-style Kolackys, very good! And a selection of petit-four type things. There was a ring-shaped dark cookie that was interesting. Close to a gingerbread, but not so ginger-y. Know going into it, Polish baked desserts are apparently not extremely sweet. Decent with coffee, but if you're looking for a sugar punch at the end of your meal, see if they have some non-savory blintzes on the board. There IS soft-serve ice cream available for a more traditional finale. The onliest disappointment was the bread, perched on top of the trad salad cart. It seemed like an afterthought. Even shmeared with butter, it tasted a bit stale and tired. A shame, 'cos good Polish Rye is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. An altogether gentle and most satisfying feed. I wish I had ordered a beer, which would have complimented the cuisine admirably; but didn't 'cos its a long drive home to Stately Breakwind Manor from deepest Broadview. Got to stay in the lane, you know. A Solid 4 stars. I'll be back for Dinner shortly, where I expect that 5th star will be added. Even sweeter 'cos the price is so reasonable. Why did I wait so long to dine at this EXCELLENT Smorgasbord? My dumb ass...

We had Easter Brunch and everything was amazing. Excellent waitress that made sure we were well…read moretaken care of. The food was amazing and we will definitely be back. Probably the best service and food in the region!

Food taste like they are using Grama's recipes. The food is to die for, 3-star Michelin Restaurant…read morequality! Starting with the bread, pork cutlet, sauerkraut, sausage, pierogies, potato pancakes, OMG, I'm telling you, this food is so good I crave it until I get to go back again. The staff is so awesome, they really make sure your taken care of and you don't need for anything. Just an all around great place.

FILTHY FILTHY FILTHY. I have seriously never been to a dirtier, run down place allowed to serve…read morefood. Polish food?!? Maybe years ago but not anymore. The pierogi were more like an empanada. The sauerkraut seemed to be mushy I wasn't sure it was possibly potato mixed?? It was nothing like I have ever had. I have had many a pierogi in my lifetime and this is not a pierogi. I'd sooner have a store bought frozen one. But honestly my real complaint is the filth. If you don't take pride in the cleanliness of your place just hang it up. I don't care how much history is in the place it's seen its day.

A great first polish food experience for my party. We loved the family owned mom and pop vibes…read more Very friendly staff, service was fantastic, food was tasty. The owners were hanging out with locals and came to our table to ask how we liked the food. Highly recommend the potato pancake dipped in sour cream and applesauce, which I learned is a polish tradition. Will definitely be back!!

Chicago reportedly has a large Polish immigrant population, so I tried Polish food here for the…read morefirst time. It was quite unique and commendable. Sour Rye Soup: Not bad, but honestly, I wouldn't order it again... the fermented sourness was just too direct and intense. Polish Hunters Stew: Apparently a national dish of Poland. The first bite tasted like Italian meat sauce, with a rich tomato flavor and a slight smoky aroma; then I discovered the ingredients included sausage, cured beef brisket, minced meat, and sauerkraut, making it quite substantial and much more satisfying than Italian meat sauce. Overall, it was a rich, sweet and sour flavor, perfect with rice, pasta, or bread. Sauerkraut & Mushroom Pierogi: Dumplings, but the Polish version. The sauerkraut was only slightly sour, refreshing and delicious with the mushrooms, while the sour cream added a touch of creaminess and richness. Unfortunately, the skin was thick and sticky, as if it had been boiled for a long time. For better dumplings skin, please turn to a Northeastern Chinese. Half Duck: Strangely, it reminded me of confit de canard. The meat was incredibly tender, falling off the bone with a gentle pull; the melt-in-your-mouth texture was truly delightful. The cranberry sauce was perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, with a rich fruity and fermented aroma. The rosemary emerged in the aftertaste, enriching the flavors and cutting through the richness. The accompanying sauerkraut was even better than the duck, with a crunchy texture and a mild, pleasant sourness, enveloped in a rich buttery and creamy flavor. The accompanying fpotatoes were also soft and delicious, but the roasted pear was too overpowering in its softness and sweetness, not meeting my expectations for a palate cleanser. Table Bread: The bread itself was unremarkable, but the generous amount of butter was commendable. I cannot believe that there is only one server for all the tables.

Ahead of a few rounds at Revolution Brewery, we stopped by this amazing Polish restaurant. The…read moreatmosphere was a classic Eastern European vibe - dark wood, a well stocked bar, plenty of seating and a separate room for larger parties. The food here was excellent. I had the cheese and potato pierogis which were delicious and covered with grilled onions and bacon. My wife got the stuffed cabbage and enjoy equally. Service was top notch. We ate at the bar and were served promptly and with lots of courtesy.

Truly one of the best meals I've had in a very long time in a beautiful, clean restaurant…read more The Polish Plate is worth every dollar. The pierogi were some of the softest, most flavorful ones I've ever had. The gołabki was incredibly tender. The kapusta was sweet and tart in the best way. The pickles with bread were incredible- a hint of spice and garlic. The food came out quickly, and service was great.

Opolska is another fine addition to the excellent Polish restaurants in the suburban area. I have…read moreeaten here four or five times and have not been disappointed. On this visit, I went with the Wednesday special which is the Polish plate. Besides the traditional cutting board with pate, bread, and pickles, the special includes soup and a soda. The red borscht soup was excellent. I especially enjoyed the stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, and pierogi as well.

Omg this hit the spot!!!! It was late and we were HUNGRY! My brother and I felt like we hit the…read morejack pot when you left the club at 2 abcs stumbled (literally lol) this hotdog stand right across the street!!! The service was quick nice and super friendly! My brother originally ordered a hot dog I came out and he was on the last bite so of course as the older sister I took it! Then he insisted just ordering more so I (after the tease of 1 bite) asked for a polish add mayo and it was so good it had a nice snap to it was hot and fresh super yummy!!!

Listen Up!!! The Tacos are ridiculous!!!! Ray is the Maestro on the stove! The food was fresh, well…read moreseasoned, DELICIOUS, and good meal for your money. Ray had me hooked up by the time they were done ringing up my bill!!! I had the beef tacos but they let me sample the steak! I am definitely a fan will most certainly make this one of my regular spots!!!! I'd been hearing about the food for some time, and I was already a fan of the polishes. Go there today. I guarantee that you won't leave disappointed!

Authentic and really good. We have been to Poland several times, and this stacks up writing against…read morethe best food we've had over there.

Came by here for dinner one night and it was absolutely delicious! The inside is very comfortable…read moreand definitely big enough to accommodate a good sized group of people. We started off with the complimentary appetizer, which was bread served with what I think was a meat and potato stuffing--I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it was amazing. We also ordered the potato pancakes, but unfortunately, we weren't big fans of them. They just weren't crispy enough, so the texture of the potato wasn't great. Luckily, the rest of the meal completely made up for it! For our mains, we got the chicken Alfredo (okay, but wouldn't get again!), the beef stroganoff, and the Polish plate. The stuffed cabbage on the Polish plate was absolutely insane, a total highlight of the night. I would 10/10 recommend getting that plate! The only slight critique for the mains is that I wish the beef in the stroganoff had been just a little bit more tender. The dumplings on this plate were just okay. We also ordered two different types of pierogies, both meat and potato, and both were delicious. The beet side dish was also delicious. Outside of those minor details, everything was so incredibly delicious. I would definitely come back here again!