Paczki Day 2021: A Map of Where to Find Paczki in Chicago

What is Paczki Day?

While New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, Chicago has its own gluttonous February holiday — Paczki Day. Also known as Fat Tuesday, Paczki Day marks the last day before the Lenten season begins for Christians. Because Lent is meant to be a time of fasting and prayer, many people spend the day before gorging themselves on, well, paczki (POONCH-key).

This Year’s Paczki Day

This year, Paczki Day falls on March 4.

The Polish Treats

The Polish fried dough treats are similar to jelly doughnuts, but they’re not jelly doughnuts — they’re paczki. Unlike doughnuts, paczki dough is richer, and contains a bit of Polish vodka or other spirits. The treats are typically topped with either powdered sugar or glaze, and they’re filled with flavored cream, custard or jelly. Traditional flavors include wild rose jelly, raspberry and custard, but some shops serve inventive modern flavors like Irish whiskey and chocolate custard.

Chicago Bakeries to Get Paczki on Paczki Day

Here are some of the bakeries across Chicago that will be frying up the Polish pastries on Tuesday. All of these spots sell the treats on Paczki Day — but get there early or call and order ahead if you want to be sure you get one.

• Alliance Bakery & Cafe, West Town, 1837 W. Grand Ave.
  
  Walk-ins welcome at the Grand Ave. location, must order ahead for Division location.
• Ann’s Bakery, Ukrainian Village, 2158 W. Chicago Ave.
• Delightful Pastries, Jefferson Park, 5927 W. Lawrence Ave.
  
  Paczki available day-of, order ahead for a dozen.
• Gene’s Sausage Shop, Lincoln Square, 4750 N. Lincoln Ave.
  
  Paczki available day of, order ahead for over a dozen.
• Ideal Bakery, Elk Grove Village, 1250 Pratt Blvd.
• Laramie Bakery & Deli, Belmont Cragin, 3012 N. Laramie Ave.
• Montrose Deli, Dunning, 6601 W. Irving Park Rd.
• Montrose Deli, Portage Park, 5411 W. Montrose Ave.
• Roeser’s Bakery, Humboldt Park, 3216 W. North Ave.
• Bennison’s Bakery, Evanston, 1000 Davis St.
• Kolatek’s Bakery, Montclare, 2445 N. Harlem Ave.
• Racine Bakery, Garfield Ridge, 6216 S. Archer Ave.
• Scafuri Bakery, Little Italy, 1337 W. Taylor St.
• Kasia’s Deli, West Town, 2101 W. Chicago Ave.
  
  Preorder online.
• Kurowski Sausage Shop, Avondale, 2976 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• Weber’s Bakery, Garfield Ridge, 7055 W. Archer Ave.

Conclusion

Paczki Day is a time to indulge in the sweet and savory treats that Chicago has to offer. With so many bakeries participating, you’re sure to find a delicious paczki to satisfy your cravings.

FAQs

* Q: What is Paczki Day?
A: Paczki Day is a holiday celebrated on the day before the start of the Lenten season, typically in late winter.
* Q: What is a paczki?
A: A paczki is a type of Polish fried dough pastry typically filled with cream, custard, or jelly, and topped with powdered sugar or glaze.
* Q: How do I get paczki on Paczki Day?
A: Many bakeries across Chicago will be selling paczki on Paczki Day. Check the list above for participating bakeries and their availability.