“Cleveland’s Own” still means something around here. Whether it’s Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, UFC Heavyweight Champ Stipe Miocic, the Russo brothers blowing up the box office or MGK filling stadiums with his tours, we’re pretty proud of local kids making good.
And that goes double for a hometown delicacy like the Polish Boy.
This mouth-watering mashup of juicy kielbasa, mounds of coleslaw and fries, slathered with barbecue sauce — all in a bun! — remains a true Cleveland original. Okay, it might sound like a crazy combo at first, but just one bite will make you a believer. Check out our roundup of some of the best spots in The Land to polish off a Polish Boy.
Banter
It’s all local, all the time, when Banter’s Polish Boys hit the grill. Gourmet Ohio kielbasa provides the ideal foundation for their house-made BBQ sauce and vinegar-based slaw. Pop in — and fill up — at their Van Aken District location or their new home marking their return to Detroit Shoreway.
Kim’s Wings
All hail, for the Queen of Wings is also Polish Boy royalty. As one might expect from a wings expert, the sauce — Kim’s Original Backyard Barbecue Sauce — steals the show. Kim's also happens to be the personal favorite of Cleveland legend Krayzie Bone. Pro tip: You can even pick up a bottle of sauce for the road. [Cleveland, Euclid and Willoughby locations]
Mabel’s BBQ
The eye-popping neon sign inside the East Fourth Street restaurant says it all: Eat More Meat. When it comes to Mabel’s spin on the Polish Boy, celeb chef Michael Symon took his own advice. With his “Polish Girl”, Symon ups the carnivore quotient — swapping fries out for chopped pork.
Real Smoq'ed BBQ
Real Smoq’ed BBQ has teamed up with the multi-award-winning Rib Cook-Off Champions, The Blazin Broncos BBQ, to bring Clevelanders some truly divine smoked goodness. Their Polish Boy and Girl (as if it could get any better, the Polish Girl has pulled pork on top) have been called “a religious experience,” so prepare to have your taste buds converted.
Whitmore’s Bar-B-Q
Step back into Cleveland food history at either their Harvard Avenue or Kinsman locations. In the 1940s, Virgil Whitmore — reputed Polish Boy pioneer — dazzled his clientele with this novel mix of kielbasa, slaw and fries. The Whitmore fam still dishes out Polish Boys just like the old days.
The Rowley Inn
Whether you’re a Clevelander by birth, choice, or just passing through, chances are you’re here for hidden gems and tasty treats. The same can be said for Guy Fieri, who dropped by Cleveland in 2023 to try The Rowley Inn for his show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The bacon-wrapped tots blew him away, and we can promise you’ll have the same “Flavortown” experience with their Polish Boy topped with peach-bourbon BBQ sauce.
Black Box Fix
Founded by local celebrity chef Eric Rogers and his team, Black Box Fix serves gourmet sandwiches and street food. Craving a burger but also want that authentic Cleveland Polish Boy experience? Black Box Fix says, "Why not both?" and serves up a delicious burger-Polish Boy hybrid that’s as mind-blowing as it sounds. And for those days when a Polish Boy just won't cut it, they occasionally offer their Polish Girl – because sometimes your sandwich needs sweet potato fries, onion vinaigrette slaw and an ancho chipotle drizzle to feel complete.
Mt Pleasant Bar-B-Q
Mt. Pleasant Bar-B-Q, a community legend for over sixty years, is famous for Polish Boy sandwiches that could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices. With six decades to perfect them, you know they’re the real deal. Their menu also boasts ribs so tender they might bring a tear to your eye, hand-cut fries that make you question your loyalty to any other potato and a smorgasbord of other barbecue delights.
Lady Luck MTW Bar & Grille
You go to Lady Luck MTW Bar & Grille for the entertainment as much as you go for the food. This spot always has events and specials that make you feel like a true Cleveland insider. Picture this: good old barbecue, a fun community vibe and a delicious, all-beef Polish Boy. Add in spirited live event programming and you’ve got a recipe for a night out that’s as unique as the city itself.
