Borscht Over Bullshit: The Bold Perseverance of Resettled Ukrainian Restaurants

For those who missed the latest episode of Diplomacy Gone Wild, the Oval Office recently transformed into a poorly scripted reality show, starring President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and an exasperated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who probably wished he were back on the battlefield where things made more sense. While Zelensky came looking for continued American support, he instead got a masterclass in passive-aggressive gaslighting, political theatre, and what can only be described as an improv session gone terribly wrong.

Meanwhile, back in reality, the Ukrainian people—many of whom have resettled in the U.S.—are doing what they do best: rebuilding, persevering, and, thankfully for the rest of us, cooking up some incredible food.

While the American government navigates foreign policy like someone wandering through a corn maze blindfolded, we, the everyday consumers, can actually do something meaningful. Supporting Ukrainian-owned restaurants isn't just about enjoying a great meal—though that’s a solid perk—it’s about showing solidarity with people who have been through hell and back and still manage to serve up a killer bowl of borscht. So, if you're over the theatrics of world leaders and want to engage in something that matters at a human level, might I suggest throwing your mouth a party with Ukrainian dumplings? Here are five Ukrainian-owned restaurants across the U.S. where you can do just that:

1. Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails – Denver, CO

If Anthony Bourdain and anarchy had a love child, it would be this place. Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, helmed by chef Bo Porytko, is a culinary rebellion disguised as a restaurant. The borscht here isn’t just beet soup; it’s a deeply flavored, cherry-laced manifesto.

The elk tartare hits harder than a diplomatic slap from hillbilly elegy unfolding in real time, and the smoked corn varenyky will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about Ukrainian cuisine. Check it out here

2. Veselka – New York City, NY

An NYC institution since 1954, Veselka has been slinging pierogis and borscht long before it became a political statement. Located in the East Village, this Ukrainian haven has survived economic downturns, gentrification, and an ever-changing cityscape, proving that resilience is served best with a side of sour cream. Give it a visit

3. Anelya – Chicago, IL

If you thought Michelin-star-level dining was reserved for French and Japanese cuisine, Anelya is here to politely (but firmly) tell you to sit down and shut up. This Avondale gem, opened by Johnny Clark in tribute to his Ukrainian grandmother, has put modern Ukrainian cuisine on the map. It’s innovative, it’s heartfelt, and it has more credibility than anything coming out of Washington these days. Find it here

4. Ruta – Washington, D.C.

Speaking of Washington, D.C., this is the first full-service Ukrainian restaurant in the nation's capital. So while Congress is busy arguing over the definition of “aid” in committee hearings, you can be stuffing your face with holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls) and a perfectly executed Chicken Kyiv.

A meal here is a much-needed reminder that some things in D.C. do actually function as intended. Try it out

5. Soloway – Chicago, IL

Why have one Ukrainian restaurant on this list from Chicago when you can have two? Soloway, located in the West Village, is all about cozy vibes and hearty, traditional dishes.

Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a comforting hug, something our foreign policy advisors could desperately use. More details here

Why This Matters

While our leaders fumble through foreign policy with all the grace of Drake trying to perform They Not Like Us at karaoke—off-key, painfully awkward, and instantly regrettable—it’s a reminder that when it comes to real resilience, 'they not like'... the Ukrainian people. These are a people who have fought for their freedom with a zeal that makes our political squabbles look like a high school debate club meltdown.

If Zelensky had showed up to the Oval wearing a MAGA hat and t-shirt, picking his nose behind the Resolute Desk, maybe his attire would have been better received. Instead, Zelensky arrived dressed for war, the reality he returned to while our political leaders continued auditions for a part in a reality show, more concerned with their next soundbite.

We don’t have to be complicit in the incompetence of our leaders. Ukrainian-owned restaurants are more than just places to eat—they're lifelines for communities, cultural strongholds, and a powerful form of resilience. Dining at these establishments is a small but meaningful way to support the people who have endured unimaginable hardships and still manage to build something beautiful.

So, the next time you see another diplomatic trainwreck on the news, remember: you do have power. You can pick up a fork, take a bite, and put your money where your morals are. And if you need further incentive—Ukrainian food is objectively fantastic, and it pairs well with the sweet, sweet taste of knowing you’re supporting something real.

Because while politicians play their games and fade into oblivion, the people who endure, rebuild, and feed their communities with soul and resilience will always be the true backbone of a successful democracy—and their food? That’s a revolution worth supporting.