Where to Get the Best Paczki in Detroit
When winter begins to wind down in Detroit, locals start thinking about one thing: paczki.
These rich Polish pastries (pronounced “poonch-key) have become one of Motor City’s most iconic foods. Paczki’s were originally created to use up ingredients before Lent, but now they are a must-have treat throughout the Detroit area, especially in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardri Gras. This is the final celebration before Lent begins and marks the start of the 40-day Lenten season of fasting and reflection before Easter.
Detroit has strong Polish heritage, particularly in the Hamtramck neighborhood where you’ll find one of the country’s best paczki. Whether you prefer raspberry filling or more creative flavors like peanut butter and jelly, the best paczski in Detroit can be found at these must-visit bakeries.
New Palace Bakery
Get Directions: 9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
If there’s one bakery synonymous with the best paczki in Metro Detroit, it’s New Palace Bakery in Hamtramck. Family-owned for more than a century, New Palace is famous for its traditional recipes and long lines during paczki season. You’ll find classic fillings like raspberry, lemon and custard along specialty flavors that change throughout the season.
While the Polish doughnuts steal the spotlight, they are also beloved for their traditional treats like chruściki (angel wings), kolaczki cookies, fresh rye bread, and babka.
Bozek’s Market
Get Directions: 42354 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Bozek’s Market is part market and part bakery which offers you a chance to experience Polish food beyond just paczki. Alongside freshly baked pastries, you’ll find imported foods, traditional meats and specialty products that celebrate Detroit’s Polish heritage. Such as, homemade Kielbasa that is smoked in-house using an authentic family recipe and a massive deli and meat counter featuring traditional pierogi, stuffed cabbage (golumpki), and city chicken.
Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage, Co.
Get Directions: 9601 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
A Hamtramck institution since 1949, Srodek’s is known for its award winning Polish sausage and specialty foods like pierogi stuffed cabbage. You’ll find strawberry, custard, raspberry, plum and rosehip filled paczki.
Dutch Girl Donuts
Get Directions: 19000 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
Since opening in 1947, Dutch Girl Donuts has become a staple in Detroit for donuts. They offer glazed yeast donuts, cinnamon rolls and apple fritters. While donuts remain the star attraction, the bakery often joins in the region’s paczki celebrations with special seasonal offerings.
Donut Villa
Get Directions: 5875 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Donut Villa located in Southwest Detroit is known for their classic paczki offerings with flavors like raspberry, custard, lemon and apple. They also have other bakery items such as eclairs, choux pastry, cinnamon rolls and croissants.
Pietrzyk Pierogi
Get Directions: 1429 Gratiot Ave #109, Detroit, MI 48207
Pietrzyk Pierogi is known throughout Metro Detroit for handmade pierogi and traditional Polish food. You can also find creative takes on classic Polish pierogi’s such The Becky (jalapeño, cream cheese, and cheddar), The Holy Gouda (smoked gouda, bacon, chives, and potato) and their classic meat-filled pierogi along with the restaurant’s signature dishes. They are famous for hand-filling its paczki and offering unique items like the Raspberry Paczki Pierogi.
Explore Detroit’s Food & City Traditions
Paczki are just one part of Detroit’s culinary story. From historic Polish bakeries and Eastern Market vendors to Detroit-style pizza, Coney dogs and diverse immigrant cuisines, the city offers a food scene unlike any other in the Midwest.
Looking to experience Detroit’s flavors with a local guide? Join us at Detroit Food & City Tours for an experience that showcases the neighborhoods, stories and dishes that make the Motor City unforgettable. Check out our tour calendar for current openings and book today!
First time in Detroit? Our Iconic Foods of Detroit Walking Tour dishes up the classics, from Detroit-style pizza to Coney dogs while sharing the stories behind the bites that made the Motor City famous.