Posted by Michael Perna on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 9:15am.
*Updated Feb 24, 2025
In the tapestry of Metro Detroit's cultural celebrations, one day stands out with a sweet significance: Paczki Day (otherwise known as Fat Tuesday). This beloved tradition, deeply rooted in the area's rich Polish heritage, transforms the day before Ash Wednesday into a festival of indulgence, marking the onset of Lent with a flourish of flavor.
While Paczki Day is celebrated in various Polish-American communities across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, it holds a special place in the heart of Metro Detroit. The city's historical connection to Polish culture is evident in its demographics: at one point, Polish residents constituted about 75% of Hamtramck's population, a figure that has since evolved but still underscores the deep Polish roots in the area.
What originated in Poland as Tłusty Czwartek, was brought to American shores by Polish immigrants, finding a particularly fervent following in Michigan. The city of Hamtramck, along with Detroit, Saginaw, and Grand Rapids, became hubs of Polish culture, thanks to the significant number of Polish immigrants who settled there in the early 20th century, drawn by the promise of employment at the burgeoning Dodge Main factory.
The anticipation for Paczki Day begins well before the actual day, with local bakeries, grocery stores, and delis in Metro Detroit showcasing these delectable treats as early as a month in advance, offering a delightful preview for those considering moving to Metro Detroit. However, it's on the day itself that the real magic happens. Esteemed local bakeries, such as New Martha Washington and New Palace Bakery in Hamtramck, become the epicenters of celebration. These establishments, known for their authentic and scrumptious paczki, open their doors in the wee hours of the morning, often as early as 3 a.m., to welcome eager customers. Long lines of Metro Detroiters, united by their love for this Polish delicacy, are a common sight, with many waiting patiently to get their hands on a dozen of these famed doughnuts.
The paczki (pronounced POONCH-kee), is a richer, denser version of the traditional American doughnut, and more than just a treat; it's a symbol of cultural pride and communal joy. Filled with an array of flavors, from the classic prune and raspberry to more adventurous fillings, each paczki is a bite of history and tradition.
Apple Fritter Donut Shop in Ferndale, renowned for its signature apple fritters, is a celebrated destination for Paczki Day enthusiasts. On this special day, the shop expands its offerings to include classic fruit and cream-filled paczki, catering to the diverse tastes of Fat Tuesday celebrants. Recognizing the demand for these delectable treats, the shop wisely accepts pre-orders ahead of the holiday. Conveniently located near Christine’s Cuisine, a popular restaurant serving Polish and Ukrainian delicacies, Apple Fritter Donut Shop is perfectly positioned for patrons to enjoy a full culinary experience, from savory pierogi and smoked sausage to sweet, indulgent paczki.
Donut Cutter, located in Berkley, a cherished cash-only doughnut shop on Woodward Avenue, is gearing up for Paczki Day with a delightful selection of fillings including apple, custard, buttercream, and lemon. The shop is currently accepting pre-orders, allowing patrons to secure their favorite flavors in advance. For those who prefer the excitement of a walk-in experience, Donut Cutter will open its doors at the early hour of 4 a.m. on February 13, welcoming early birds and Paczki enthusiasts alike. This event promises a traditional Fat Tuesday celebration, complete with the irresistible charm of freshly made paczki.
The American Polish Cultural Center is set to celebrate Paczki Day 2025 with a special offering of traditional paczki flavors in Troy. From February 8th to 13th, the center is accepting online preorders for pickups, catering to orders ranging from half a dozen to five dozen. For those who prefer the spontaneity of a walk-in experience, the adjoining Wawel Polish Restaurant welcomes guests to stop by and pick up these fluffy, delectable treats. This event is a perfect opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in Polish culture and indulge in authentic paczki, right in the heart of Troy, Michigan.

Dailydozendoughnuts, Instagram
Daily Dozen, with its three locations in Metro Detroit, is all set to celebrate Paczki Day 2025. The bakery is currently accepting pre-orders for those who need five dozen or more of these classic treats, available in flavors like apple, lemon, custard, and strawberry. For those looking to grab a smaller quantity, walk-ins are welcome on February 13 to pick up a box or even a single paczki. Customers are advised to check the opening times of the individual Daily Dozen stores, as they may vary, ensuring a convenient and delightful Paczki Day experience in Royal Oak, Warren and Sterling Heights.
Give Thanks Bakery, located in Rochester, is all set to celebrate Paczki Day with a delightful selection of flavors including chocolate, cream, lemon, and raspberry. Each paczki is priced at $3, offering a sweet treat without breaking the bank. Customers have the convenience of pre-ordering online to ensure they get their favorite flavors. Additionally, paczki will be available for purchase on the day of the event, catering to both planners and spontaneous visitors alike. This bakery provides a perfect opportunity for paczki enthusiasts to enjoy these traditional Polish treats in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
New Palace Bakery, a beloved century-old landmark in Hamtramck, is all set to celebrate Paczki Day 2025 with a delectable array of flavors. This year, they're introducing two new exciting flavors to their already impressive lineup. Alongside traditional favorites like Raspberry, Custard, and Strawberry, patrons can indulge in unique offerings such as Honey Cream Dream. Known for their mastery in crafting traditional Paczki, the bakery features 12 classic fillings and five specialty options. For those who love variety, New Palace Bakery also offers innovative two-in-one or three-in-one fillings. To ensure you get to savor these delightful treats, it's advisable to place your orders in advance for this eagerly awaited event.
Family Donut Shop in Hamtramck is a must-visit destination on Paczki Day 2025, known for its delightful array of classic flavors like custard, cherry, and chocolate cream. Catering to diverse tastes, the shop ensures its pastries are halal by using vegetable shortening. Given the popularity of this local gem, the cozy space can get quite busy on the big day, making preorders a wise choice for those eager to indulge in these sought-after treats. To place an order or for more information, customers are encouraged to call the shop directly.
Steeped in tradition and community spirit, Srodek’s in Hamtramck offers more than just paczki—it’s a hub for local celebration. Customers can pre-order for both the annual Paczki Run and Fat Tuesday festivities, with an added incentive for runners who receive a complimentary sauerkraut and meat pierogi with proof of participation. Their paczki lineup features classic flavors like strawberry, custard, raspberry, plum, and rosehip, each crafted to honor the bakery’s Polish roots. With bustling energy and mouthwatering aromas filling the air, visiting Srodek’s during Paczki Day has become a cherished tradition for many locals.
A Detroit institution, Dutch Girl Donuts welcomes paczki lovers with open doors and irresistible aromas each Fat Tuesday. Pre-orders for large quantities (three dozen or more) include three curated box options featuring flavors like raspberry, strawberry, lemon, apple, custard, cherry, and buttercream. Walk-ins are welcome starting at 5 a.m. on Monday, March 3, with the 24-hour shop drawing early risers eager to beat the lines. Known for its no-frills, nostalgic vibe and consistently fresh pastries, Dutch Girl remains a beloved spot for Metro Detroiters seeking their annual paczki fix.
Pietrzyk Pierogi, a celebrated spot in Detroit, is gearing up for Paczki Day 2025 with a special offering. The establishment is accepting online pre-orders for their limited batch of 100 dozen paczki, available in options ranging from single to four flavors for mixed dozens. Patrons can look forward to classic flavors like raspberry, blueberry, lemon curd, and vanilla custard, as well as the unique and signature strawberry jalapeño. This event is an excellent opportunity for paczki lovers to experience a blend of traditional and innovative flavors, crafted with care by Pietrzyk Pierogi.
Donut Villa, a beloved mainstay in Southwest Detroit, is gearing up to satisfy the sweet tooth of both those living in Metro Detroit and those recently moving to Metro Detroit with a substantial selection of paczki on Fat Tuesday 2024. Since summer 2022, the shop has been delighting locals and newcomers alike from a temporary location in the Hacienda Building at 6016 W Vernor, directly across from its original site, currently under renovation. There's hope to reopen the original space in time for the holiday, but regardless, paczki fans in Metro Detroit can fulfill their cravings at the temporary spot. The shop offers a variety of flavors, including lemon, apple, raspberry, and custard, ensuring a treat for every palate on this festive day.
Chene Modern Bakery, a cherished establishment on West Warren Avenue, is renowned for its enthusiastic celebration of Paczki Day. The bakery offers a delightful array of flavors, including apricot, prune, blueberry, and the unique strawberry cheesecake. For those eager to jumpstart their Mardi Gras festivities, the good news is that these paczki are already available. On Fat Tuesday, the bakery's doors typically open at 5 a.m., welcoming early risers and paczki aficionados. Chene Modern Bakery stands as one of the last in the venerable line of West Warren Avenue bakeries, continuing the tradition of serving these beloved treats with passion and excellence.
Donut Kastle is set to serve up a delightful array of classic paczki flavors for the holiday, and possibly in the days leading up to it. To stay informed about their offerings and updates, patrons are encouraged to follow the spot’s social media channels. Notably, service at Donut Kastle is exclusively drive-through, offering a convenient way for customers to indulge in these traditional treats. This setup ensures a seamless experience for paczki lovers looking to enjoy these delicious doughnuts on the go during the festive season.
Bartz Bakery in Dearborn is a renowned destination for those seeking authentic Eastern European pastries, especially on Fat Tuesday. Known for its plump, golden paczki filled with various fruit flavors, the bakery draws a significant crowd on this special day. For those planning to indulge in these delightful treats, Bartz Bakery accepts orders ahead of time for two dozen or more paczki. Alternatively, visitors can plan an early visit, as the bakery opens its doors at 6:30 a.m. on Fat Tuesday. This bakeshop's reputation for quality and tradition makes it a must-visit for paczki enthusiasts and those looking to partake in the festive spirit of the day.
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Paris Bakery Livonia, Facebook
Paris Bakery, a cherished family-owned Polish establishment in Livonia, is a go-to spot for Paczki Day enthusiasts. The bakery offers a delightful array of classic fruit fillings like prune, apple, and raspberry, catering to traditional tastes. In addition, they feature unique flavors such as margarita cheesecake and cannoli cream, providing a creative twist to the conventional paczki. This bakery's commitment to quality and variety ensures a memorable experience for all who visit, whether they're seeking the comfort of classic flavors or the excitement of something new and inventive.
visitors can expect a bustling atmosphere at this Livonia bakeshop, especially known for its cinnamon rolls and other handmade delights. On Paczki Day, The Looney Baker typically sees a significant influx of customers, drawn by the promise of delicious, freshly-made paczki.
Elliott’s Bakery in Trenton is a popular destination for Paczki Day enthusiasts, known for its classic flavors like apple, custard, lemon, and raspberry. The bakery is currently accepting pre-orders by phone, allowing customers to secure their favorite paczki in advance. This traditional bakery offers a delightful experience for those seeking authentic paczki, made with care and expertise. Patrons are encouraged to call Elliott’s Bakery to place their orders and ensure they don't miss out on these delicious treats for Paczki Day.
Grosse Ile Bakery, nestled in the quaint setting of Grosse Ile, is a charming destination for Paczki Day enthusiasts. This small island bakery is known for selling classic paczki by the dozen, featuring traditional flavors that are sure to delight. In addition to their paczki, the bakery is also celebrated for its irresistible pizza rolls and freshly baked bread loaves. Patrons visiting Grosse Ile Bakery can expect a warm, community-focused atmosphere, where each bite of their paczki is a taste of local tradition and culinary craftsmanship.
this renowned establishment in Plymouth, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and market, may offer a unique culinary experience around this time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their offerings and any special events for Paczki Day. They are known for their commitment to quality and authentic Italian flavors, which could provide an interesting twist to the traditional Paczki Day celebrations.
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Tringali's Bakery in Warren, renowned for its Italian baked goods, offers a unique twist on traditional Paczki Day celebrations. Best known for its cannoli cream and cappuccino cream paczki, the bakery also serves standard flavors like raspberry, apple, lemon, and chocolate custard. Throughout February, leading up to Fat Tuesday, patrons can enjoy these traditional varieties, available as singles or by the dozen. This bakery provides a perfect blend of Italian and Polish traditions, offering a unique and delicious experience for all who visit.
East Detroit Bakery & Deli in Eastpointe is a renowned destination for paczki enthusiasts, especially on the east side of Detroit. Known for their larger-than-average paczki, this bakery offers these sumptuous treats glazed or dusted with powdered sugar, filled with unique flavors like casada cheesecake. Throughout February, leading up to Fat Tuesday, visitors can indulge in these delightful paczki, making the bakery a must-visit spot for those seeking a truly indulgent experience. The combination of size, flavor, and quality makes East Detroit Bakery & Deli a standout in the paczki scene.
East Detroit Bakery & Deli in Eastpointe is a renowned destination for paczki enthusiasts, especially on the east side of Detroit. Known for their larger-than-average paczki, this bakery offers these sumptuous treats glazed or dusted with powdered sugar, filled with unique flavors like casada cheesecake. Throughout February, leading up to Fat Tuesday, visitors can indulge in these delightful paczki, making the bakery a must-visit spot for those seeking a truly indulgent experience. The combination of size, flavor, and quality makes East Detroit Bakery & Deli a standout in the paczki scene.
In celebration of Fat Tuesday, Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor is offering a delectable array of paczki with five flavorful fillings: raspberry jam, lemon cream, sweet ricotta, chocolate pudding, and rose hip jam. Customers can preorder their paczki by calling (734) 761-2095, ensuring they get their preferred flavors. Alternatively, patrons can visit the shop in person to place their orders for pick-up. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, known for its quality and creativity, promises a delightful Paczki Day experience, combining traditional techniques with unique and delicious fillings.
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As Paczki Day approaches, Iversen's Bakery in Dearborn stands out as a prime destination for those seeking to indulge in these traditional Polish treats. Renowned for its array of delightful baked goods, Iversen's is expected to showcase a variety of paczki, each filled with mouthwatering flavors. Known for their commitment to quality and diversity in their offerings, the bakery is set to cater to all tastes, whether you're a fan of classic paczki fillings or in search of something uniquely different. Iversen's Bakery promises not just a treat for the palate but an experience that celebrates the rich tradition and joyous spirit of Paczki Day.
As Paczki Day draws near, Donut Bar + Cafe in Southfield is gearing up to add its unique flair to this beloved tradition. Celebrated for its inventive and scrumptious donut selections, the cafe is anticipated to present an array of paczki that blend traditional tastes with modern culinary creativity. Patrons can expect more than just the usual fillings; Donut Bar + Cafe is known for pushing the boundaries, potentially introducing paczki flavors that are as imaginative as they are delicious. This Paczki Day, Donut Bar + Cafe is poised to be a go-to spot for those seeking to experience classic paczki with a twist, making the celebration a truly memorable culinary adventure.
Donutville U.S.A in Dearborn, a cherished destination for donut enthusiasts, is expected to bring its own special touch to Paczki Day. Known for a wide array of delectable donut options, the bakery is likely to offer a special lineup for this festive occasion. With a reputation for both quality and innovation, Donutville U.S.A could present a range of paczki that not only honors the traditional aspects of these Polish treats but also infuses them with unique and creative twists. This Paczki Day, Donutville U.S.A is set to be a key spot for those looking to savor the classic paczki experience while also enjoying new, inventive flavors that elevate the celebration.
Looking to get your Fat Tuesday fix without the massive caloric intake? Try something a little different with locally made paczki vodka & beer - in moderation, of course.
In the heart of Detroit, a unique Fat Tuesday celebration is brewing, blending traditional Polish paczki with a modern twist. Detroit City Distillery and Eastern Market Brewing are gearing up to offer a tantalizing experience with their paczki-flavored vodka and beer, adding a spirited kick to the annual festivities.
Detroit City Distillery is set to launch its much-anticipated PÄ…czki Day Vodka on January 26th, a special event for those living in Metro Detroit. Available for online purchase from 8 a.m. onwards, this special edition vodka, infused with the essence of traditional paczki, can be picked up later that day at the distillery's tasting room located at 2462 Riopelle in Eastern Market.
This innovative vodka, distilled with traditional paczki, originated as a tribute to the beloved Polish sweet treat. What started as a small-scale experiment, producing just 20 bottles for friends and family, has now evolved into a highly anticipated annual event. With production ramping up to meet the growing demand, Detroit City Distillery expects to produce around 20,000 bottles of their raspberry-flavored PÄ…czki Day Vodka this year, according to Jerome, a testament to the spirit's growing popularity.
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Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Brewing Co., Instagram
The celebration culminates with a joint party on February 10th in Eastern Market at the Detroit City Distillery tasting room and Eastern Market Brewing's taproom where patrons can try both the paczki vodka and cherry and lemon PÄ…czki Beer on draft. Attendees will also enjoy live music from the Kielbasa Kings, indulge in pierogis, and participate in a pÄ…czki-eating contest organized by Dooped Donuts. Meanwhile, Detroit City Distillery will showcase their PÄ…czki Day Vodka in crafted cocktails, alongside other drinks and food offerings, both indoors and outdoors, offering a warm welcome to the city's vibrant culture.
As the Eastern Market distillery gears up for its annual Paczki Day Vodka (PDV) release this Friday, a new and exciting flavor is set to make its debut. In a recent venture, the distillery has crafted a limited batch of Orange Cream Paczki Day Vodka, adding a fresh twist to their lineup. This exclusive edition, limited to about 1,800 bottles of 750 milliliters each, is poised to hit the shelves later this week, offering a unique taste experience to vodka enthusiasts
Originating as a homage to the beloved Polish paczki, the distillery's vodka, infused with the essence of these sweet treats, has evolved from a small-scale experiment into a highly anticipated annual event. Initially produced in a modest batch of just 20 bottles for close friends and family, the PDV has since sparked a widespread fascination. With each passing year, the production has scaled up significantly, and this year, the distillery is set to produce an impressive 20,000 bottles of their raspberry-flavored PDV, continuing to celebrate this unique once-a-year spirit