The World's Second-Largest Polish Community Is In An Underrated Chicago Area

If you've ever visited a city in Poland, you're probably familiar with the delicious scent of pierogies wafting down practically every cobbled street, enticing hungry locals and tourists alike to come in for a bite of delectable, potato-filled goodness. Perhaps you already have Warsaw on your list of top-ranked cities to visit, but you haven't had the opportunity to travel there yet, luckily there's a solution. Smack dab in Chicago's west side is the Polonia Triangle, Illinois' oldest and most well-known Polish settlement. Positioned at the intersection of Division, Milwaukee, and Ashland Avenues, the area earned its name due to the majority of Polish immigrants settling here and establishing businesses during the 19th and 20th centuries.

While the area has seen its share of ups and downs, a recent resurgence has occurred, and Polonia Triangle is becoming a popular Chicago destination for Polish cuisine, shops, and art galleries once again. Today, the Polonia Triangle stands as a reminder to the city of the resilience and contributions of Chicago's Polish American community, while also being a fantastic place to go and try some delicious just-like-your-grandmother-used-to-make-cooking. One bite of a pierogi and you'll understand why Rick Steves says Poland is an excellent destination for adventurous foodies.

Between the 19th and early 20th centuries, oppression and poverty drove many Polish nationals to immigrate abroad and seek opportunities elsewhere. One of the hotbeds for immigration was Chicago, which became the second-largest Polish community in the world –– outside of Warsaw, that is. There is currently a population of over a million Polish Americans in Chicago, compared to Warsaw's 1.8 million. The Polonia Triangle, in particular, became a bustling center where immigrants could access resources, worship, and connect with their heritage. With religion at the forefront of Polish culture, people in the area decided to establish St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. 

Today, this Catholic church stands as a symbol of faith and community for Polish Americans. In the late 19th century, it hosted the largest parish in the United States, with over 40,000 people. Chicago, with its industrial growth and demand for labor, was a magnet for Polish immigrants looking to have a better, more economically prosperous life. By the 1900s, the number of immigrants and Polish Americans in Chicago had risen to about a quarter million. Due to its numerous residents and its concentration of important Polish institutions, Chicago became the center of Polish life in America. The Polonia Triangle is also dotted with memorials to honor contributors to Polish history and tradition. Prominent figures such as Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski, both revered for their heroism in the American Revolution, are commemorated by statues throughout the city. 

Frankly, you can skip the other tourist traps in Chicago because a visit to the Polonia Triangle is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture of the old world in a new world setting. First and most importantly, a visit to this area wouldn't be complete without stopping over at the unassuming restaurant Podhalanka, an old-school eatery serving up Polish delicacies. Order a steaming plate of pierogies with a dollop of sour cream, or some crispy potato pancakes with a side of applesauce. No matter what you choose, you'll leave feeling as stuffed as a Polish sausage. 

Aside from good eats, the Polonia Triangle also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. One standout event is the largest Polish festival in the U.S., the annual Taste of Polonia. This event is held every summer in Jefferson Park and features live music, cooking classes, local vendors, craft beer tents, and of course, traditional Polish cuisine. Another popular event is the Polish Constitution Day Parade, which celebrates the adoption of Poland's May 3rd Constitution. The parade draws thousands of community members to this display of Polish pride and tradition. Pay even more homage to the Polish culture by visiting The Polish Museum of America, a treasure trove of artifacts, artwork, and folk costumes. Overall, the Polonia Triangle is a wonderful place to spend a day enjoying some delicious food, cultural events, or learning about Polish history.