Stopped in to Paul’s Pel’meni on a Saturday afternoon. We entered by the bar and sat down. We sat for about 10 minutes before we went around to the counter that you order food at inquired if we could get service at the bar. We were told the bartender would be back in 10 or 15 minutes. We had planned on ordering food also but after sitting there a while we decided to leave and get food at another nearby bar. I’ve heard the food is good but apparently the service is hit or miss. Maybe someday we will try again.
Essi
The potato dumplings were ok, but a little bland in our taste (they lacked some seasoning). But reasonable pricing!
The service felt a bit unwelcoming due to the lack of a simple greeting upon entry, even though we were the only customers at the moment. Service in the counter could be more friendly.
peter
Late night food dream. Paradise in a brown bag. Get the mix with the works everytime. Never disappoints. A line at 2:30 am but it goes quick
Chrono
Paul’s Pierogi is an absolute gem — the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Polish comfort food all over again. Every pierogi is handmade with care, perfectly doughy on the outside and generously filled with flavorful, well-seasoned ingredients. Whether you go for the classic potato and cheese, the savory meat, or the sweet fruit varieties, each bite tastes like pure comfort.
The freshness is undeniable — nothing tastes mass-produced here. The onions are caramelized just right, the butter rich and aromatic, and the textures perfectly balanced. It’s clear Paul’s takes pride in doing things the traditional way.
The service is friendly and down-to-earth, with the staff always ready to offer a recommendation or a warm smile. The prices are fair, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.
In short, Paul’s Pierogi is five-star all the way — authentic, delicious, and made with heart. It’s the kind of spot you’ll crave again the moment you leave.
roscoe :D
i will always recommend paul's to anyone who asks me what food they need to try around town. i love it so much! the only problem i've had is there is a certain employee that consistently has attitude problems. i don't know her name or how else to describe her other than a young black woman that works the front counter. i've tried to give her the benefit of the doubt - maybe she has had a bad day. but her attitude has been consistent throughout the visits i've made. to sum it up, she just seems annoyed to deal with customers, especially if you are interrupting her chat with her co-worker. i dont take it personally, i just don't want want to have to deal with these awkward catty social situations when i'm just tryna eat some russian dumplings lol
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Sedale Ziegler
Great cheap college eats
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Pelmeni with the Works
Debbie Kind
First timer. Can't wait to go back. Great Madison vibe and wonderful dumplings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Historiana
Very simple menu but the pelmeni's were great. Like miniature perogies. Friendly staff and lots of space to eat there. Really worth a visit!
Luke Wilson
Food is amazing, honestly a campus staple of the past decade. I arrived at midnight. 20 minutes of wait time at the bar before the bartender rocked up and told me I'd allegedly shown up drinking an alcoholic beverage outside and couldn't be served. This took me by surprise because I was sober. I asked if she could tell me which employee saw this but she said they had already left. Just say you're done serving alcohol instead of whatever weird shit this is.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Jack Hamlin
Been years since I've had these, but I still think about them frequently.
Really nice and helpful emplpyees, the food was SPECTACULAR (although a bit spicy for me, I'll get no curry next time!!). Definitely going back, especially since the prices are decent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N W
The pelmeni with the works are so delicious!!
Michelle Parlato
Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Shannon Chambers
Classic Madison joint, great late night snack.
Food: 5
Dustin Worley
Got a full order, the works for dining in. Absolutely delicious.
Stopped in to Paul’s Pel’meni on a Saturday afternoon. We entered by the bar and sat down. We sat for about 10 minutes before we went around to the counter that you order food at inquired if we could get service at the bar. We were told the bartender would be back in 10 or 15 minutes. We had planned on ordering food also but after sitting there a while we decided to leave and get food at another nearby bar. I’ve heard the food is good but apparently the service is hit or miss. Maybe someday we will try again.
The potato dumplings were ok, but a little bland in our taste (they lacked some seasoning). But reasonable pricing!
The service felt a bit unwelcoming due to the lack of a simple greeting upon entry, even though we were the only customers at the moment. Service in the counter could be more friendly.
Late night food dream. Paradise in a brown bag. Get the mix with the works everytime. Never disappoints. A line at 2:30 am but it goes quick
Paul’s Pierogi is an absolute gem — the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Polish comfort food all over again. Every pierogi is handmade with care, perfectly doughy on the outside and generously filled with flavorful, well-seasoned ingredients. Whether you go for the classic potato and cheese, the savory meat, or the sweet fruit varieties, each bite tastes like pure comfort.
The freshness is undeniable — nothing tastes mass-produced here. The onions are caramelized just right, the butter rich and aromatic, and the textures perfectly balanced. It’s clear Paul’s takes pride in doing things the traditional way.
The service is friendly and down-to-earth, with the staff always ready to offer a recommendation or a warm smile. The prices are fair, especially considering the quality and portion sizes.
In short, Paul’s Pierogi is five-star all the way — authentic, delicious, and made with heart. It’s the kind of spot you’ll crave again the moment you leave.
i will always recommend paul's to anyone who asks me what food they need to try around town. i love it so much! the only problem i've had is there is a certain employee that consistently has attitude problems. i don't know her name or how else to describe her other than a young black woman that works the front counter. i've tried to give her the benefit of the doubt - maybe she has had a bad day. but her attitude has been consistent throughout the visits i've made. to sum it up, she just seems annoyed to deal with customers, especially if you are interrupting her chat with her co-worker. i dont take it personally, i just don't want want to have to deal with these awkward catty social situations when i'm just tryna eat some russian dumplings lol
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Great cheap college eats
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Pelmeni with the Works
First timer. Can't wait to go back. Great Madison vibe and wonderful dumplings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very simple menu but the pelmeni's were great. Like miniature perogies. Friendly staff and lots of space to eat there. Really worth a visit!
Food is amazing, honestly a campus staple of the past decade. I arrived at midnight. 20 minutes of wait time at the bar before the bartender rocked up and told me I'd allegedly shown up drinking an alcoholic beverage outside and couldn't be served. This took me by surprise because I was sober. I asked if she could tell me which employee saw this but she said they had already left. Just say you're done serving alcohol instead of whatever weird shit this is.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Been years since I've had these, but I still think about them frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Really nice and helpful emplpyees, the food was SPECTACULAR (although a bit spicy for me, I'll get no curry next time!!). Definitely going back, especially since the prices are decent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The pelmeni with the works are so delicious!!
Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Classic Madison joint, great late night snack.
Food: 5
Got a full order, the works for dining in. Absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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