Lewandoski’s Market

Being raised Polish and taught the secret art of making good Polish food at home, I am always on the lookout for top notch Polish cuisine. Before Lewandoski’s I used to always visit Franks Market (which is awesome in itself) but now I’m a repeat Lewandoski customer. My loyalty lies in their fresh well-​seasoned kielbasa, I absolutely love it. It plates beautifully with kraut, kapusta, mashed potatoes and homemade pierogi. When I am eating that, it is a moment of true paradise. Their kielbasa is also perfect for any dish that calls for a meat such as potato soup or spaghetti. It really turns the ordinary into extraordinary. I do enjoy their smoked kielbasa as well and am a sucker for their double smoked wieners and hot links. I can never seem to leave the store without buying a few to snack on. Lewandoski also sells some of the best damn horseradish and German mustard around. It is inexpensive and both complement their hand crafted selections perfectly. One of the employees pointed me toward some of the best horseradish made by Brede’s Foods in Detroit Michigan. «Make sure you get the red capped one» they told me. «It’s the extra hot and it’s the freshest you will ever taste». Of course, they where completely right, unbelievably good.
Family owned and operated, every time I come in I’m reminded how much the place smells wonderful. They make their kielbasa fresh daily. Everyone working there is very friendly, patient and helpful. I like to get several individually wrapped links so that they save better. It is more work for them but they are always very accommodating. This place even brings in the nicest customers. I have had several pleasant conversations with strangers as I waited for my turn in line. The also offer several other grocery items in store but honestly I’m always drown like a fly to their deli counter and all its wonderfulness.
If you live far away, they are worth the trip. You can buy as much as you want because it does freeze well. Be advise however that they do not accept credit cards. I can’t tell you how many times I had to make an emergency ‘cleaning out the car’ so I could scrape together all the loose change I could find. It would be nice for them to accept credit cards since that is usually all I carry.
There’s always has been a never-​ending dispute of who makes the best kielbasa in town. To this I say that my quest has not ended and I will keep eating kielbasa from whomever offers it. I volunteer myself to seeking out the best of the best. Yes, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

I tried Lewandowski sausages recently. It was ok but I think I like the sausages at the meat store on W Fulton better. The Kielbasa meat quality was good but a bit salty which I think overshadowed the kielbasa taste. The wieners and hot links were ok too. I like the thinner casings. Although I like the other place’s better other than their casings being thicker.

We moved from NW Grand Rapids, but still visit for excellent kielbasa. I’ll be calling this afternoon to place my order for Easter. (Order early otherwise the line is out the door!) It’s a locally owned/​family business and everyone is very helpful.

After a night of drinking on the Westside, I balance all of that alcohol with some protein by stopping at Lewandoski’s Market (1107 Walker Ave). The market was established in 1948 and Victor Hill bought it from the family 26 years ago. He only buys USDA Choice Beef from Fillmore Beef Co. in Holland. He gets whole sides of beef and can do special cuts. You like your steaks 2-​inch thick, right my pets? But Lewandowski’s is known for it’s kielbasa, which is made with coarsely ground choice cuts of pork and just enough fat for flavor and fresh garlic. They can make 3,000 pounds in a day and they sell 15,000 pounds for Easter. Christmas is only 10,000 pounds. The ladies behind the counter plied Poppa Steve with slices of German Wieners and spicy Hot Sticks. It was love at first bite.