Czerw's Polish Kielbasa
About This Spot
Stepping into Czerw's Polish Kielbasa feels like entering a cherished corner of Philadelphia where tradition and warmth blend effortlessly. The modest storefront on Tilton Street opens into a space filled with the quiet hum of a neighborhood butcher and kitchen, where every scent carries the promise of authentic, handcrafted flavors. It’s the kind of place where time slows down just enough for a moment of genuine connection — whether you’re a local or passing through.
Here, the pace is unhurried but purposeful. Behind the counter, you’re greeted with sincere kindness and a level of care that shines through in both the service and the food. The atmosphere recalls the comforting essence of a family kitchen, bringing to mind memories of shared meals and stories exchanged over a hearty plate. It’s rooted in Polish culinary heritage, yet infused with the personality and pride of a longtime community cornerstone.
What unfolds here is more than just a meal. It’s the smoky fragrance of kielbasa, rich and nuanced, inviting you to savor each bite alongside housemade pierogies that carry textures of soft familiarity and satisfying heartiness. The shelves offer more than nourishment; they present a tactile connection to a culture — from tangy pickles to sweet babka — every selection speaks of hands-on craftsmanship and genuine tradition.
This is a place where discovery feels natural. The subtle heat of a jalapeno popper kielbasa or the layered flavors of a cheddar bacon burger highlight the kitchen’s playful spirit without overshadowing the authenticity that anchors every bite. It’s comfort with character, a rare blend of smoky depth and homestyle care.
Walk through the door and you become part of an ongoing story — one that celebrates good food, honest conversation, and the simple joy of returning to something familiar yet always welcoming. Czerw’s isn’t just a stop for kielbasa; it’s an invitation into a community that values quality, tradition, and the warmth found at the intersection of heritage and everyday life.
What’s Available Here
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Delivery
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Dine-in
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Serves local specialty
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Comfort food
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Historic
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Quiet
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Accepts reservations
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Cash only
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Thursday | 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Friday | 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 07:00 AM - 01:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
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matthew karpinski 21 Dec 2025
The place you wanna get you kielbasa from! The spicy slim Jim isn’t too hot and perfect snack to walk out with - thank you again.
Paul Lee 19 Dec 2025
The guy is very nice.The kielbasa was excellent. We also got 2 different kinds of meat sticks and they were also excellent. Hot Dogs are awesome, very high quality.Can’t wait to go back and try more stuff.
Alexander Fischer 20 Nov 2025
Walked in, never been here not from Philly. The owner was legit the best, kind and professional! Seems like something most don’t do anymore. I think I’ll be back once a week for the next 20 or 30 years to continue getting bacon! We also got the Philly cheesesteak pirogies and I think I almost cried from having such a delightful tasting experience
Dan LaSalle 12 Nov 2025
Man, you all sure know how to make a newcomer to Philly feel welcome! The atmosphere, service, and food are all top-notch. Their decor was also amazing - it brought me right back to my Babcia’s home, right down to John Paul II’s “A Message of Peace” vinyl. Dziękuję! I will be back!
Aras Azuolas 01 Nov 2025
Absolutely amazing smoked sausages and perogies! Best kielbasa I have ever had. They have a heavy smoke flavor and rich meaty taste. Just the right grind. This is a cash only establishment and a hidden gem.
Ryan Gauthier 05 Oct 2025
My fiance and I stopped in yesterday during a visit to Philly from Baltimore to pick up some kielbasa for her stepfather, who said it was the best kielbasa he’s ever had. When we went to pay, they said no charge since it was our first time. They don’t make businesses like this anymore, and the kielbasa is just heat and eat. It was so good, we are already planning to head back up before the holidays — a must stop location before stamping your passport out of Philadelphia!
JANICE PFEIFFER 01 Oct 2025
Czerw's is amazing. Not only is this the best kielbasa in the area, everyone who works there is so helpful. Each time I go to Czerw's I witness an act of kindness between the staff and the customers. These are truly good people and I am so happy to support this business.
John Luczkowski 17 Sep 2025
You cannot get more authentic Polish-American in the greater Philadelphia area than Czerw's. John and his family proudly serve the local and wider community for almost a century now and he carries on the traditions and quality service and food that his grandfather began. From the famous freshly smoked kielbasa, to the award winning pierogis, to the highly snackable kabanasa (all-natural Polish slim-jim - think German land Jäger if you're familiar with that (smoked hunter's sausage)), to stocking other Polish goodies and treats - Czerw's represents the best of small, family run businesses and what a classic, no pretentious butcher shop and market should look, feel, and taste like. Heck - the highest compliment I can give is guess where the best Italian Sausage in Philadelphia is - not in the Italian Market or some other hidden store in South Philly, not in Reading Terminal Market, but here - in the heart of Polish Philadelphia. Sto Lat! to John and his entire staff!