Paczki, please! Where to get the best Paczki to stuff your face on Paczki Day

Paczki Day—occuring on March 4 this year—is a beloved tradition in Chicago that blends Polish culture, sweet treats, and a lively celebration of indulgence. Every year on Fat Tuesday, Chicagoans flock to their neighborhood bakeries to indulge in these sinful treats.

Fat Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras) is celebrated on the last Tuesday before the 40 days of fasting and prayers Christians call Lent. Some traditionally celebrate by indulging in rich foods, sweets, and excess. 

"Fat" refers to the tradition of using up rich ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar before the fasting and sacrifices of Lent begin. Paczkis, an Eastern European delicacy, serve as a sweet farewell to indulgence before the quiet season of penance and prayer sets in.

With a vibrant Polish heritage at the heart of the city's food scene, Paczki Day has grown into a city-wide celebration. The iconic pastries are deep-fried and then stuffed with jam, flavored custard, or cream. The treats are lightly glazed or dusted with powdered sugar.

From long lines at the most popular bakeries to special events throughout the city, Paczki Day in Chicago is a sweet celebration you won't want to miss. Many bakeries citywide offer Paczkis. Here are just a few to tempt your tastebuds.

Deerfield’s Bakery – locations in Deerfield and Buffalo Grove

Since 1972, Deerfield’s has been serving delicious, handcrafted treats, becoming a beloved staple in its communities. Their annual Paczki Day delights often sell out before lunchtime, with patrons lining up well before opening.

They produce more than 20 varieties every year. You can build your own flavor box or purchase a box of 12 of their most popular paczkis: two each of custard, chocolate custard, raspberry, lemon, blueberry, and caramel apple paczkis. 

Ordering ahead is highly recommended, but they assure patrons that there will be many options if a pre-order is not placed. The available days to order Paczkis are until March 4. The last day to place online orders for Paczkis is March 1. The bakery will be open on Monday, March 3, to accommodate early indulgers.

There will also be a variety of beautifully decorated King cakes and Mardi Gras treats!

To place an order, click this link.

Bennison’s Bakery – 1000 Davis Street, Evanston

Bennison’s has been a staple on the North Shore for three decades. They use farm-fresh ingredients and skills honed over the years and passed down through generations.

Bennison’s will also celebrate its fourteenth annual Paczki eating contest this year on Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. Call the bakery for more information.

King Cakes are also available for pre-order purchase.

All pre-orders require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Follow this link to place orders.

Stan’s Donuts – various locations citywide

Stan’s Donuts will be providing a wide selection of flavors of paczkis this year. Be sure to grab yours before the rush. These Fat Tuesday donuts go FAST around "Paczki Day!"

Alliance Bakery – 1837 W. Grand Ave., West Town

Alliance Bakery keeps Paczki Day simple and delicious. Six mouthwatering flavors are available for pre-order online or in-store on a first-come, first-served basis. Choices include strawberry, raspberry rose, blueberry rose, classic apple cinnamon, vanilla bean ganache, and chocolate salted caramel.

When ordering, allow 48 hours for a response from bakery personnel. Pre-orders end at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.

King cakes will also be available forpre-order or in-store purchase on Thursday, February 27, through Fat Tuesday, March 4.

In-store purchases will also be available at their Wicker Park location at 1736 West Division Street.

Roeser’s Bakery – 3216 W. North Ave., Humboldt Park

One of the oldest family-owned bakeries in Chicago, Roeser’s Bakery sells thousands of Paczki during the Fat Tuesday season. Dripping with sweet sugar icing or dusted with powdered sugar, the variety of fruit or cream fillings will satisfy any sinful craving.

For ordering options, call the bakery at 773.489.6900.

Weber’s Bakery – 7055 W. Archer Ave., Garfield Ridge

Weber’s Bakery is a third-generation family-owned business in the heart of the Garfield Park neighborhood. It has served the community since 1930, and the next generation is training to take the reins. For Paczki Day, it offers 13 flavors for pre-orders or in-store purchases. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for all online pre-orders.

At the bakery, Paczki season begins on Thursday, Feb. 27, and ends on Sunday, March 2. On Fat Tuesday, March 4, Weber’s will be open from 4 a.m. until 3 p.m. to serve all your Paczki Day needs.

delightful pastries – 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., Jefferson Park

Delightful Pastries is a mother-daughter team making delectable treats since 1998. Everything is made in-house using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. They never use chemicals or preservatives and only the freshest and finest ingredients. Even though their Paczkis are available all year long, they pull out all the stops, adding gourmet “adult” flavored fillings as well as their standard fruit and cream or custard fillings. Their specialty drunken Paczkis include moonshine and lemon, Jameson Whiskey with chocolate custard, and vodka and vanilla bean custard.

A minimum order value of $36 is required to order online. All online orders will require a 48-hour processing period. Submit all orders by Feb. 28 at this link.

West Town Bakery – various city and suburban locations

With locations in West Town, River North, Wheeling, and Evanston, West Town Bakery serves up simple but tantalizing Paczki treats. Their limited selection includes blueberry lemon, raspberry, cookies and cream, and strawberry cheesecake. Pre-order online by the dozen or buy single paczkis in-store on March 4. Place your order for Fat Tuesday pick-up by Friday, Feb. 28.