Where to Buy Paczki for Paczki Day: 2026

Chicago is considered the Paczki Capital of the United States, home to more than 50 delis, restaurants, and bakeries across the Chicagoland area that make this labor of love by hand. These aren’t simply just Polish doughnuts, they’re a cultural symbol passed down through generations. Pączki trace their roots back to the Middle Ages in Poland. They evolved over time and by the 16th century they were filled with sweet jams, and by the 18th century into the light, fluffy Pączki we know and love today. Many Chicago bakeries still follow century-old Polish techniques, including the classic rose-petal jam filling made from preserved petals that give pączki their signature floral sweetness. 

Today, you’ll find everything from old-world favorites like plum, custard, cheese, and raspberry to bold, modern flavors dreamed up right here in Chicago. Some bakeries continue the traditional methods with small-batch doughs and slow fermentation, while others push boundaries with unique flavors — including the Malört pączki (no lie). No matter the filling, every pączek represents the pride, creativity, and heritage of Chicago’s Polish community.

Pączki Day is still celebrated in Poland on Thursday, known as Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday). As Polish immigrants immigrated to the United States they brought their Paczki traditions with them but over time, the celebration shifted to Fat Tuesday aligning with many other celebrations. In many cities, including Chicago, Paczki Day has become an unofficial holiday, marked by early-morning long lines and everyone showing up to work late, but so long as they bring a box of Paczki their tardiness is excused.

Kurowski’s Sausage Shop
2976 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Laramie Bakery
3012 N. Laramie Ave, Chicago

Lassak Delicatessen
8017 W 103rd St, Palos Hills

Lilac Bakery
348 S Main St, Lombard

Montrose Deli
Multiple locations

Mundelein Polish Deli
1460 Townline Rd, Mundelein

Niles Polish Deli
8705 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles

Oak Mill Bakery
Multiple locations

Pierogi Kitchen
1856 W North Ave, Chicago

Polombia
500 W Madison St, Chicago

Polish Paczki Cafe
7210 W. Foster Ave, Chicago

Pticek & Son Bakery
5523 S. Narragansett Ave, Chicago

Pychotka Deli
11951 W 143rd St, Orland Park

Racine Bakery
6216 S. Archer Ave, Chicago

Red Apple Buffet
6474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Roeser’s Bakery
3216 W. North Ave, Chicago

Smakowski’s Deli
1538 N Rand Rd, Palatine

Spunky Dunkers Donuts
20 S Northwest Hwy, Palatine

Sweet Generation
380 Irving Park Rd, Wood Dale

The Velvet Bakery
5168 W 95th St, Oak Lawn

Weber’s Bakery
7055 W. Archer Ave, Chicago

White Eagle Deli
542 E North Ave, Glendale Heights

Wiklanski’s Bakery
6006 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago

Witeks Bakery
8807 95th St, Palos Hills

Wolf’s Bakery
3241 95th St, Evergreen Park