Try them, enjoy them, and vote for your favorite! This tournament-style competition highlights over 50 bakeries, delis, and restaurants competing for a spot in the Sweet 16. Created to raise awareness of Chicagoland’s incredible bakeries, the campaign celebrates one of the city’s sweetest traditions, Pączki Day (Tuesday, February 17). Chicago is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Pączki Day celebrations in the United States, and this campaign shines a spotlight on the locally owned bakeries, delis, and family-run shops that keep this cultural tradition alive.

Our mission is to highlight small businesses across Chicagoland that craft these iconic Polish treats each year. We encourage everyone to explore, taste, and enjoy as many Pączki as you can, and to cast your vote for Chicagoland’s Favorite Pączki. Every vote helps support neighborhood bakeries and ensures these cherished traditions continue for generations.

More than 10,000 votes were cast! Voting is now closed, and we’re getting ready to announce Chicagoland’s Favorite Pączki. The winner will be revealed soon!

We will announce the crowning of Chicagoland’s Favorite Pączki 2026 on Sunday, February 15 at 4:30pm live at Marz Brewery during their Pączki Fest 2026.