Where to Find Pączki in Chicago
While New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, Chicago has its own gluttonous Fat Tuesday holiday — Pączki Day. Pączki 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, pączki (POONCH-key). This year, Pączki Day falls on March 4.
The Polish fried dough treats are similar to jelly doughnuts, but they’re not jelly doughnuts — they’re pączki. Unlike doughnuts, pączki 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 Pączki on Pączki Day
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
Pączki Day is a beloved tradition in Chicago, and these bakeries are ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make sure to get there early or order ahead to ensure you get your hands on these delicious Polish pastries. Happy Pączki Day!
FAQs
* What is Pączki Day?
Pączki Day is a holiday celebrated by Christians on the day before the start of the Lenten season. It is a time for indulgence and feasting before the 40-day fasting period.
* What are pączki?
Pączki are Polish fried dough treats that are similar to jelly doughnuts, but they are made with a richer dough and often contain a bit of Polish vodka or other spirits.
* Where can I get pączki in Chicago?
You can find pączki at various bakeries across Chicago, including those listed above. Make sure to check ahead of time for availability and ordering options.
