No trip to Northeast Pennsylvania is complete without trying our local specialties — especially during Lent! Two must-try dishes are pierogies and pagash, both rich in tradition and flavor.
Pierogies are homemade Polish dumplings traditionally stuffed with potato and cheese and then boiled or fried. These meat-free delights became a staple in Lackawanna County thanks to Polish and Catholic immigrants and remain especially popular during Lent. Today, many restaurants in the Greater Scranton area serve pierogies with unique twists.
Where to Try Pierogies in NEPA
Try them deep-fried with sour cream or sautéed in butter and onions at Barrett’s Pub. In addition to traditional pierogies, Pepper’s Pizza and Subs offers deep-fried buffalo pierogies topped with wing sauce and blue cheese. Enjoy an elevated version at Cooper’s Seafood House, where they serve pierogies sautéed in butter with onions and cherry tomatoes. (Pro tip: order them with pot roast or kielbasa!) And this is just the beginning. Scroll down to browse all the restaurants where you can find the best pierogies in town!
Take-Home Pierogies
If you want to enjoy pierogies at home, several local businesses offer delicious options. Petrosky Pierogies in Carbondale crafts handmade pierogies in a variety of flavors, from the traditional potato and cheese or sauerkraut to bold options like jalapeño, steak and cheese, and hot wing. At Little Spuds Pierogi Company, you can preorder unique flavors or stop by to pick up flash-frozen pierogies, ready to cook whenever you like. For a convenient option, Gerrity’s The Fresh Grocer carries pierogies you can grab while shopping — perfect for making a comforting pierogi casserole at home!
A true NEPA specialty, pagash is a Lenten favorite, also known as pierogi pizza. This delicious dish features pizza dough topped with mashed potatoes and cheese, sometimes with added onions for extra flavor.
Where to Find Pagash in NEPA
Several local spots serve this Lenten favorite. Andy’s Pizza in Peckville features pagash as a seasonal specialty, while Nina’s Wing Bites & Pizza in Dunmore offers it with the option to add fried onions for extra flavor. At Bud’s Bar & Grill in Archbald, you can choose from mini, regular, or extra-large pierogi pizza to satisfy any appetite. Katrina’s Pizza & Hoagies serves up their version with a comforting blend of mashed potatoes, American cheese, and provolone, making it a must-try for pagash lovers.
Specialty pizzas like pagash are just part of NEPA’s pizza scene! Old Forge is known as the Pizza Capital of the World for its unique pizza served on rectangular trays. And with more than 160 pizza shops throughout Lackawanna County, every possible type and topping is represented. Take a self-guided tour of our Pizza Trail to discover local favorites throughout the Greater Scranton area. Then head out on our Ice Cream Trail for the perfect dessert. Keep scrolling to find your next favorite pierogi, pagash, or pizza spot in Lackawanna County!
