Polonus European Deli & Ice Cream

I always pass this place when I am downtown and after a few times going here I am a fan! There are chocolates from all over eastern europe. It is also a deli with great options for Polish fare. I tried to vegetable smoothie the last time and it was so good. It was a carrot/​apple smoothie and I enjoyed it. When I go back and try the Pierogies I will probably move it up to five stars but I haven’t gotten to them yet. A very different shop right in the heart of downtown!

I grew up eating kielbasa and Sauerkraut for the holidays (my grandfather’s family is Polish, and we’d always get Ostrowski’s kielbasa in Baltimore). It’s been over 15 years since I had any, but this Christmas Eve I picked up some raw kielbasa from the deli. My belly’s now full and my memories are swirling! The kielbasa was fantastic!

We were hankering for some ice cream and Rita’s has *GASP!* closed it’s doors, so we walked in here.
We got in the queue and gazed longingly at the menu items. Lots of good stuff listed. Loads of chocolates and Polish food surrounding us. We each ordered a small «home» made ice cream. Each small ice cream cost $ 4.30 and to use a debit or credit card you need to spend $ 10, so I threw a candy bar on the pile… Whoa, it was $ 6.99. (Worth every penny too, it was tasty.)
The ice cream was rich and delicious.
Behind the register is a large framed picture of the Pope as well as some other religious stuff and plenty of Polish flags.
There are only 4 seats in the place, so if you are interested in eating anything you need to head back into the «mall» or outside to the fountain. (Recently renovated looking okay and loads of kids running around in it’s dirty water, oh Salem, I love you.)
If this place had more seating inside I’d give it 4 stars, but no seating= 3.

My favorite section in any grocery store is the international section so finding Polonus was a treat. We were quite hungry after a few hours drive but rather than risk getting something my daughter would not eat, I opted for sandwiches at the deli.
My sandwich was just right served with freshly sliced Polish ham and a thin sliced cheese that was flavorful but not overpowering. We also tried the fried kielbasa topped with sauerkraut. I have never been a sauerkraut fan and avoided both it and sausages like the plague when I lived in Germany. However, I figured it was time to try something new and I was not disappointed.
There is also a small grocery jam packed with Polish goodies (yes to Milka bars!) and baked items for sale.

I adore this store, and have made the trip to Salem (battling afternoon traffic) specifically to go here. Everything is authentic, and you can find some pretty obscure items.
The selection of canned goods, especially the pates is phenomenal! And, don’t forget the crazy yummy selection of Eastern European candies. My favorite is the candy bar that pairs grapes and pears as a filling. And, the old stand-​by Milka bars are terrific. There is plenty of fresh baked goodies, and somewhat hard to find meats for sale behind the counter.
The staff is very friendly, and always try to engage their customers in conversations. They seem to remember you too which is a big bonus in my mind. Or I may just be the only person to buy candy bars and several cans of pâté each time I go there!
I can’t think of anything negative, save the fact they aren’t open all regular hours. Nothing more disappointing than forgetting and making the trip only to have them be closed for business.
Next time you’re in Salem, be sure to check this place out! I can guarantee you won’t come away empty handed.

I don’t think there’s any ice cream here, kids.
But I grabbed some more Polish stuff when I was in the area the other day. The real deal on pickles are the BOMB here.
Did you know the only word in the english language that completely changes it’s meaning when you capitalize the first letter is Polish? Think about it!