After more than 10,000 votes were cast and over 60 Polish bakeries, delis, restaurants, and cafés competed, Polish Pączki Café has been named the inaugural winner of Chicagoland's Favorite Pączki 2026.
The championship was announced at Marz Brewery's annual Pączki Fest, where members of the Polish Pączki Café family were on hand to accept the award in front of a crowd of fellow pączki lovers.
The recognition quickly spread beyond Chicago. Following the announcement, Polish Pączki Café received congratulatory calls and messages from across the United States—and even from Poland—as news of their victory reached Polish communities around the world.
While only one bakery could take home the title, the competition was about much more than winning. The goal was to celebrate Pączki Day, introduce more people to one of Poland's most beloved traditions, and shine a spotlight on the incredible locally owned Polish bakeries, delis, restaurants, and cafés that keep our culinary heritage alive.
Congratulations to Polish Pączki Café on making history as the first-ever Chicagoland's Favorite Pączki Champion. And thank you to everyone who voted, shared, and supported our local Polish businesses throughout the competition.
We can't wait to do it all again next year!
