Fat Tuesday is right around the corner, and in Milwaukee, that means one thing: Paczki Day!
These rich, buttery, fruit or cream-filled pastries have become a beloved local tradition. If you’ve got kids, this is the perfect excuse to embark on a little sweet adventure together. Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate Paczki Day as a family and where to pick up some of the best paczki around town.
What Is Paczki? Paczki (pronounced PAWNCH-key) are traditional Polish pastries made from a yeast dough enriched with eggs, butter, and sometimes milk. They’re deep-fried and filled with sweet fillings like raspberry, custard, or prune, then topped with powdered sugar or glaze. They’re not your everyday doughnut—they’re richer, fluffier, and a bit more special.
Fat Tuesday, also called Paczki Day here in Milwaukee, is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. It’s all about indulging before the start of Lent, and for many families, it’s the tastiest Tuesday of the year.
Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Paczki Day:
- Paczki Picnic: Grab a box of paczki and enjoy a sweet picnic at home or in the car.
- Taste Test: Pick up different flavors from a few bakeries and let the kids vote on their favorite.
- Decorate Your Own: Some bakeries sell plain paczki. Bring them home and let your kids add their own powdered sugar, glaze, or sprinkles.
- Story Time: Read a book about Polish traditions or baking while enjoying your treat.
Where to Get the Best Paczki in Milwaukee
Milwaukee:
Grebe’s Bakery
- 5132 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee
- Known for its variety of flavors and lively atmosphere around Paczki Day.
National Bakery & Deli
- 3200 S. 16th St., Milwaukee
- Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with polka music and prizes on Fat Tuesday!
Peter Sciortino’s Bakery
- 1101 E. Brady St., Milwaukee
- Great for a classic paczki stop while exploring Brady Street.
M&P Polish Deli & Liquors
- 1215 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee
- Authentic Polish deli with unique paczki flavors like rose and tiramisu.
Scordato Bakery
- 5011 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee
- Traditional and specialty flavors like cannoli cream and Nutella.
North Suburbs
Donut Monster
- 5169 N. Elkhart Ave., Whitefish Bay
- Playful atmosphere and inventive flavors like apple brown butter curd.
Kurt Schulz Deli
- 8752 N. Deerwood Dr., Brown Deer
- A hidden gem offering cream cheese, lemon, and cinnamon raisin paczki.
South Suburbs
Old World Polish Deli
- 7630 W. Grange Ave., Greendale
- Authentic Polish bakery offering rosehip and prune paczki.
Polish Center of Wisconsin
- 6941 S. 68th St., Franklin
- Preorders only; pickup on Paczki Day with a convenient drive-up option.
Wioletta’s Polish Market
- 3955 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee (South Side)
- Known for their variety, including premium flavors like Oreo and tiramisu mousse.
West Suburbs
Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop
7328 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis – Mix-and-match boxes and classic flavors; preorders encouraged.
Cranky Al’s
- 6901 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
- Playful shop with delicious flavors like Biscoff and pistachio.
The Bake Sale
- 6923 W. Becher St., West Allis
- Warm, inviting bakery with prepackaged paczki sets.
La Tarte
- 6742 W. Wells St., Wauwatosa
- Charming bakery with traditional fillings like apple and lemon.
Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe
- 1501 Paramount Dr., Suite C, Waukesha
- Classic and “top shelf” cocktail-inspired paczki like Brandy Old Fashioned.
O&H Danish Bakery
- 9540 S. 27th St., Oak Creek
- Danish bakery offering traditional flavors and dulce de leche.
Looking for a spot to grab lunch or dinner after your paczki run? Check out our guide to the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Milwaukee.
Helpful Tips for Parents
- Order Ahead: Many bakeries allow pre-orders, which is a lifesaver when you’ve got little ones in tow.
- Early Bird Wins: Paczki sell out fast, so pick up your order in the morning.
- Bring Napkins: These pastries can get a little messy, and sticky fingers are almost guaranteed.
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, Paczki Day is a delicious way to make memories with your kids. Happy eating!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
