
Paul's Pel'meni
Cozy counter-serve spot famed for its authentic, customizable Russian pelmeni dumplings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Paul's Pel'meni

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cozy counter-serve spot famed for its authentic, customizable Russian pelmeni dumplings.
"This legendary spot specializes in pelmeni, doing it to absolute perfection!"
Go for 'The Works'
Add all toppings including sweet chili sauce, curry powder, butter, and extra sour cream.
Mix it up!
Consider a mixed order of beef and potato dumplings for a flavor variety.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Russian
Price
$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Works Pelmeni
Russian dumplings generously topped with butter, curry powder, cilantro, and sweet chili sauce.

Authentic Russian Comfort
Savor traditional beef or potato-filled dumplings, a taste of home for many.

Cozy Atmosphere and Bar
Enjoy a casual, cozy vibe with a connected bar offering great happy hour specials.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go for 'The Works'
Add all toppings including sweet chili sauce, curry powder, butter, and extra sour cream.
Mix it up!
Consider a mixed order of beef and potato dumplings for a flavor variety.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit Tuesday-Friday for happy hour specials on drinks alongside your dumplings.
Late Night Cravings
Perfect spot for late-night munchies after a night out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go for 'The Works'
Add all toppings including sweet chili sauce, curry powder, butter, and extra sour cream.
Mix it up!
Consider a mixed order of beef and potato dumplings for a flavor variety.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit Tuesday-Friday for happy hour specials on drinks alongside your dumplings.
Late Night Cravings
Perfect spot for late-night munchies after a night out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Paul's Pel'meni for its delicious and affordable Russian dumplings, especially when ordered with 'The Works'. The cozy atmosphere and connected bar with happy hour specials add to the appeal. While the menu is intentionally limited, the quality and value keep customers coming back for more, making it a local favorite for comfort food and late-night bites.
"First time in Madison and wanted a nice dinner! This was so filling and came with the best sauces. Will definitely come back next time, got takeout but the inside seemed super nice and cozy!!🔥🔥"
selina
"We absolutely had to put this iconic Pel’meni spot on out Madison itinerary and were not let down. I can understand why this place is so legendary- especially in the middle of a university town. We ordered a mix (both potato and ground beef dumplings with the works- which includes butter, cilantro, yellow curry, chili sauce, and sour cream. Once you start eating them its very difficult to stop. If you’re debating, just get the full order not the half. Trust a sister. For the price and the value for the taste, I would easily give these Russian dumplings a 4/5!"
Manar Daghash
"Went here based off of previous reviews and could not have been more pleased. The menu is very small. It's connected to a full service bar that has great prices, especially Happy Hour."
Dale Sturgill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelmeni are traditional Russian dumplings, typically filled with ground meat or potatoes and served with various toppings and sour cream.
'The Works' includes a combination of butter, cilantro, yellow curry, sweet chili sauce, and sour cream, highly recommended by patrons.
Yes, the potato-filled dumplings are a vegetarian option. You can also customize toppings.
Yes, it's a cozy counter-serve spot perfect for a casual dining experience with quick service.
Reservations are generally not required as it is a counter-serve restaurant.
Yes, many customers opt for takeout, and it's recommended if you prefer to avoid crowded areas.
Yes, Paul's Pel'meni is connected to a full-service bar with great prices, especially during Happy Hour.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 14 Best Restaurants In Madison, Wisconsin - Madison
After taking 45 minutes to decide on your outfit, choose a commuting podcast, and find a parking spot to squeeze into, you might not want to make another decision about what to eat. Paul’s Pel’meni makes things easy, thanks to its simple menu with just two choices: potato or ground beef dumplings. Yes, you’ve got a couple choices for toppings—there’s sweet chili sauce, curry powder, butter, and vinegar—but let us make it even easier: Add them all, and get extra sour cream.
Best Bars and Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin
203 W Gorham StPelmeni are juicy little Russian dumplings, stuffed with either beef or mashed potatos. You can get a whole boatload of them here for $6.50, which is almost enough to share. Get them topped with “the works,” a crazy-good combination of melted butter, sweet chili sauce, yellow sweet curry powder, cilantro, and a side of sour cream for dipping.
What is on State Street in Madison Wisconsin?
Paul’s Pel’meni has become an iconic fixture on the downtown bar scene, slinging Russian dumplings that are filled with ground beef or mashed potatoes and served with a variety of flavors like butter, curry powder, sweet chili sauce, and cilantro. Order them with sour cream to complete the experience. While not technically on State Street, it’s very close and a part of the State Street scene.
12 Unique Restaurants in Madison WI: Discover Madison’s Dining Scene Like Never Before
When a craving for pure, unadulterated comfort food hits, Paul’s Pel’meni is the answer!. This legendary Madison spot (with a couple of locations) specializes in one thing and does it to absolute perfection: pelmeni, traditional Russian meat or potato dumplings. The menu is beautifully simple: get your pelmeni boiled and topped with butter, curry powder, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
11 cheap (but delicious) eats in Madison | Dining & Drink
This modest eatery is an easy winner for all the indecisive folks out there: It’s quick, it’s simple and it’s a no-brainer if you’re up for Russian comfort food. You get either the potato or the beef pel’meni–or a combination of both. These hearty Russian dumplings are made to order and drenched in butter, yellow curry, sweet chili sauce, cilantro and sour cream.
14 Must-Try Restaurants in Madison, WI to Try in 2023
Cuisine Type: Russian Dumplings Restaurant Location: 414 W Gilman St, Madison, WI 53703 Website: Paul’s Pel’meni. Paul’s Pel’meni is known for its traditional Russian dumplings, filled with savory meat and served with various delicious toppings. The restaurant offers a unique and flavorful dining experience for those looking to try something different.
Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Madison
Tucked away on a quiet street off of State Street, Paul's Pelmeni offers a unique option in Madison -- Russian cuisine!. Pelmenis are a Russian style dumplings that are typically filled with meat and paired with sour cream. The menu at Paul's Pelmeni has choices like beef or potato dumplings which you can, and should, order with "The Works".
15 Cheap Eats in Madison, WI to Try in 2025
Paul’s Pel’meni was one of my favorite spots in college and remains that way to this day!. Madison, WI (and maybe North America in general) is not flush with Russian cuisine, but with Paul’s around, who needs any more options?. Their menu is incredible simple, offering two options in two sizes.
The Best Restaurants In Madison, WI
Paul’s Pel’meni makes things easy, thanks to its simple menu with just two choices: potato or ground beef dumplings. Yes, you’ve got a couple choices for toppings—there’s sweet chili sauce, curry powder, butter, and vinegar—but let us make it even easier: Add them all, and get extra sour cream.
Top Ten Spots to Satisfy Your Drunchies in Madison, Wisconsin
When I first moved to Madison, I didn’t know either, but now, my drunk self loves them. Pel’meni look like small Russian dumplings. Traditionally filled with meatballs or mashed potatoes and served with a variety of toppings, like sriracha, vinegar or sour cream.
Madison’s Best Late Night Eats
Although I have never been here, Paul’s Pel’meni is known for their Russian-style dumplings. Their menu is limited – only beef or potato dumplings – but I’ve only heard great reviews. The service is fairly quick and food is inexpensive.
Hot pockets: 8 Madison spots for steamy dumplings | Food & Drink
Locals, particularly college students, may be more familiar with Paul’s Pel’meni, but Caspian Grill’s lesser-known dumplings are worth a taste or two (or three, who’s stopping you?). Fillings can be chicken, beef or lamb ($9.99).
Highest-rated Cheap Eats in Madison, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (74 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Russian- Address: 203 W Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703-2014- Read more on Tripadvisor
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit