New Polish American Restaurant: Pierogi, Black Sheep Polish Sampler Big Hits

CREST HILL, IL — Word of mouth is making a tremendous difference as the Joliet area's newest sit-down restaurant, Black Sheep Polish American Craft Kitchen, continues to gain new customers every day. Black Sheep Polish opened in June. It's in Crest Hill at 21125 Division St.

On Wednesday, Joliet resident Jan Nahorski informed everyone in Brian Bessler's Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Facebook group, "Went to Black Sheep Polish Craft Kitchen today on Division Street in Crest Hill for lunch and had their Double Smashburger with Pepper Jack cheese and the works and a Polish Potato Pancake. Very, very tasty. Everything there is good. Marta said they are getting busier and busier and wanted to thank everyone for their patronage ..."

During Thursday's interview, owners Andy and Marta Wysocki told Joliet Patch that Black Sheep Polish remains in its soft-opening phase: five days a week, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In the next couple of weeks, the owners hope to expand their hours and stay open until around 7 p.m. They also hope to stay open for half-days on Saturdays, once they hire more lead kitchen help. Black Sheep Polish is open for dine-in, takeout and delivery orders.

The easiest way to get there is from Weber Road or coming from Gaylord Road. The restaurant's motto is: "Where Polish traditions meet American innovation."

The Wysockis have lived in nearby Romeoville for more than 20 years.

"It's all word of mouth. We have done no advertising," Marta Wysocki told Joliet Patch's editor. "The 55-and-older communities we have, Grand Haven and Carillon, they have been great. We have had fantastic support. It's been a nice, warm reception overall.

Crest Hill Area Needed Polish Restaurant

In years past, the property where Black Sheep Polish opened used to be a hot dog restaurant. However, the storefront sat vacant in recent years. Owner Andy Wysocki said he occupies the building space next door for his home-remodeling business, WSI Home Services.

"My husband said, hey, you want to try it? I was like, 'OK,' and that's basically how it went," Marta Wysocki explained. "We're free thinkers. We follow the beat of our own drum and are open-minded."

The Wysockis said they had a lot of experience over the years volunteering with cooking at church events and through the Knights of Columbus organization.

"We just love food. Food in general. There's a void in this area," Marta Wysocki said of Polish cuisine. "Ever since the Polish deli closed (in Romeoville) there's always been a demand, and this place ended up being vacant, so why not?"

Black Sheep Sampler Becomes Popular Menu Selection

The Black Sheep Polish Sampler — featured in the photo at the top of this story — has been one of the most popular items on the menu. For $10.99, the sampler is served with a Polish sausage, one potato pancake plus three potato and cheese pierogi.

"This dish is definitely a taste of Polish delight!" the menu promises.

Black Sheep Polish offers pierogi in sizes of six and 12 pieces. You can order potato and cheese, meat, or the sauerkraut and mushroom. Not surprisingly, the potato pancakes have been another popular hit with the new customer base, the owners said. Their potato pancakes are served with your choice of sour cream, sauteed onions or apple sauce.

There is a pork chop sandwich on the menu as well as Zapiekanka/pizza bread, a Polish sausage, a Polish gyro and a Chicago style hot-dog.

"Everything is fresh and expect a little bit of a wait because everything is fresh," Marta Wysocki pointed out. "Everything is made fresh to order."

Rounding out the regular menu, Black Sheep offers a half dozen different smash burgers and there is an Angry Sheep Angry Pasta dish.

"A lot of retirees are coming here," Marta Wysocki remarked. "We have a lot of good compliments on the potato pancakes. People are really excited about them. And the sampler, you get a little taste of everything, a little taste of Poland for sure."

Andy Wysocki said he and his wife kept their opening menu small by design.

"At this point, there really isn't something that does not sell," he said.

Black Sheep Polish has introduced weekly specials. This week's special is the penne pasta with meat sauce.

Next week's special is expected to be a Highland potato pancake topped with goulash.

"And at some point, sooner than later, we will be adding some soups," Andy Wysocki vowed.

"Our specials are here until they are gone," Marta Wysocki explained. "If they are here until Monday, then it's Monday only."

The owners of Black Sheep Polish said their goal is "obviously, good food. I love talking to everyone who comes in. I know a lot of their stories in general. We want to be a local community place where people can come and be known by name," Marta Wysocki said.

To order carry out, Black Sheep Polish can be reached at 815-714-2273. The new Crest Hill restaurant has a website, www.blacksheepcraftkitchen.com