A Polish boy is the Ultimate Dog in the Great State of Ohio in the City of Cleveland. This sandwich is so popular that it is the sandwich of Cleveland. One bite of this goodness will send your tastebuds into a pleasant experience. The crispy crunchy fries on the Kielbasa Sausage, with the coleslaw, and the sauce is the greatest.
Top places to get this taste of goodness:
The Little Polish Diner
5772 Ridge Rd Parma, OH 44129
Phone: (440) 842-8212
B & M Barbeque Westside
12626 Bellaire Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135-4820
Seti’s Polish Boys
W 4242 Lorain Ave Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 240-0745
The Polish Boy is a popular Polish sausage (kiełbasa) that originated in the city of Poznań in western Poland. It’s a unique type of sausage typically made from pork and characterized by its distinctive preparation method. The sausage is usually boiled. Then, it is grilled or fried. It is traditionally served with various toppings and accompaniments.
Key characteristics include:
- Made primarily from pork
- Boiled and then grilled or fried
- Often served with mustard, ketchup, and other condiments
- A street food staple in Poland, particularly in the Poznań region
The sausage has been a part of Polish culinary tradition for many decades. It represents a classic example of Polish street food and casual cuisine. The Polish Boy shares similarities with other Polish sausages. However, it has its own unique preparation and serving style that distinguishes it from other varieties of kiełbasa.
The Cleveland’s Influence on this popular Sandwich:
The Polish Boy is a famous Cleveland-style street food sandwich. It consists of a kielbasa sausage topped with french fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. It originated in Cleveland’s African American community in the 1940,s. Virgil Whitfield created it. He sold the sandwich from his hot dog cart. The Polish Boy has become a signature dish of Cleveland’s culinary scene. It is particularly popular in the city’s East Side neighborhoods. It is also popular in the local street food culture. It signifies a unique fusion of Polish sausage tradition with Cleveland’s distinct street food style. It combines elements from different cultural culinary traditions.
The Polish Boy sandwich reflects several regional influences:
Cleveland Cultural Fusion:
- Developed by African American community
- Reflects Cleveland’s multicultural urban food scene
- Combines Polish sausage with African American soul food techniques
Midwestern Street Food Traditions:
- Similar to Chicago and Detroit street food styles
- Incorporates hearty, layered sandwich approach
- Emphasizes bold, rich flavor combinations
Polish Immigrant Culinary Heritage:
- Uses kielbasa sausage from Polish immigrant cooking traditions
- Adapts traditional sausage into a more American street food format
- Represents culinary adaptation of immigrant food cultures
These regional influences transformed a traditional Polish sausage into a uniquely Cleveland street food that blends multiple cultural culinary approaches.
A classic Cleveland Polish Boy typically contains:
- Crispy french fries (placed directly on the sausage)
- Barbecue sauce
- Kielbasa sausage (base of the sandwich)
- Tangy coleslaw
All ingredients are served on a bun. The combination creates a hearty, messy street food sandwich that blends multiple flavor profiles and textures.
D'Lightful Dishes LLC, Personal / Private Chef Services 