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European Goodies, a Polish deli (4701 49th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33709; 727-526-1118) is just south of Zeko’s. 49th Street is, generally, one of the “blue collar” sections of St. Petersburg. That’s prized ethnic-food territory, for it is here–and along 34th Street that runs parallel to it–that, mixed among the body shops, auto AC shops, transmission repair, and plumbing supplies, one will find spectacular little groceries and restaurants specializing in specific ethnic cuisines.
European Goodies is just such a place. I recommend it highly. It specializes in Polish cuisine. The shelves and freezers are stocked with many imported items such as the authentic Polish pickles pictured here. But, the three most exciting features of this deli are (1) its homemade items, (2) its sausages, and (3) its little “restaurant,” a collection of about a half-dozen wooden tables (inside) where you can order and eat a home-cooked, Polish lunch. As for the sausages…I never knew there could be so many. I’ve never met a sausage I didn’t like. Next to noodles, they’re my favorite food (together and I’m in heaven). There had to have been about two dozen different kinds of sausages at European Goodies. But, it’s their homemade items to take home to finish preparing that took my heart this time.
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I bought a package of their homemade but freshly frozen pierogi (pictured below). A pierogi is, basically, a Polish pot sticker, a morsel of some filler within a square or circle of dough, folded over into a triangle, sealed, and cooked. That concept must exist in every culture with variations (Italian ravioli, Jewish kreplach, etc.). The pierogi I got at European Goodies had minced mushroom and sauerkraut filling.
The owner’s instructions were simple: take them home and brown them up in the skillet in some oil. So easy and so good. If you’d like to try your hand at making some from scratch, Krykiet.com has some recipes that look not too difficult. It’s also a good source for learning about other dishes to order at European Goodies. The next time I go to European Goodies, I’m going to have their golabki (stuffed cabbage)!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
im searching for polish ham and black bread
Virginia,
You can buy Krakus Ham at Sweetbay or at BJ’s…
i tried sausage from other polish stores but none of them compares to yours. you have the BEST sausages – my favorite is the white sausage you can make zurek with. THE BEST!!!
I agree completely, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m not associated with the European Goodies Polish Deli in any way. I’m simply an independent reviewer who wrote an article about them. So, that means you need to call them and give them your compliment. I’m not sure of their phone number. I might be in my article…I usually include it if I know it. All the best…Hilton
We are looking for authentic kiszka. Also some good kielbasa, beef salami sticks.
BEST KIELB OUTSIDE SHENANDOAH PA. I had my friends bring me kielbo and pierogies on the train from PA but no longer. great store,great products. “WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE”????????????????
I am looking for a store in the Tampa Bay area that sells fresh babka. Help! Thanks
Jo-El’s kosher grocery in St. Pete has them. But why buy fresh? The frozen chocolate babka from Jo-El’s is even better – I have to force myself not to pick on it constantly!
My mother used to make her own pierogies (stuffed dumplings), golumbkes (stuffed cabbage rolls) and, sometimes, even her own fresh sausage. The food at European Goodies is much like my mother’s homemade — it’s THAT good!!! The Krakovska (garlic ham) is fantastic — but you’d better have garlic lovers around you or you’ll stink ‘em out!!!
I HIGHLY recommend European Goodies!!! Enjoy!
I haven’t had Keilbasa so authentic and Polish (before I even get home, my car smells like my Babcia’s house-wonderful memories linger then) since leaving Meriden, Connecticut some 40+ years ago. I’ve been going here for years and would be lost without their wonderful Polish cuisine. Thank you for all your hard work for us.
I am looking for a lunch meat that was popular in Chicago called minced ham. I cant find it anywhere.
Can someone help me, please…I am trying to locate a 55+ community for a Polish lady friend of mine who does not speak very much English…she would like to live in a community where she can socialize with other Polish residents in Pinellas County… Any suggestions?
If so, please call me at 727-433-2323
I will also be stopping by the deli to see if someone can help me there.
Thank you