Philadelphia’s hospitality scene continues to rake in national accolades. This week, Little Walter’s, a newly-launched contemporary Polish-American restaurant and bar in East Kensington, was included in The New York Times’ Best Restaurants List: “50 Favorite Places in America Right Now.”
While northeast Philadelphia has a strong Polish history, especially in Fishtown up to Port Richmond, the city lacks formal dining options like Little Walter’s in East Kensington. Family-run pierogi shops, delis, and Kielbasa spots are what have defined Polish food in Philly for a long time, but Little Walter’s is ushering in a new era with owner/chef Michael Brenfleck’s fresh take on traditional Polish fare and drink. Times editor Nikita Richardson gets this appeal, highlighting dishes beyond pierogies like rustic sourdough served with dill butter and smalec (lard) and rotisserie pork with kapusta (stewed cabbage with onions and sauerkraut).
Brenfleck honors his family’s Polish and Philadelphian roots with a menu that emphasizes scratch cooking and regionally sourced ingredients in a 32-seat restaurant. Since its grand opening in June, Little Walter’s has expanded its hours of operation to six days a week, launched a daily happy hour service, and rotated dishes based on seasonality and accessibility to locally sourced produce and ingredients.
Curious to try? Brenfleck will be hosting an eight-course pierogi dinner in honor of National Pierogi Day (Tuesday, October 8). Tickets are available via Resy.
