Here in Central Ohio, the emergence of pączki (pronounced POONCH-key) feels about as rare as the cicadas waking up from their underground slumber. These rich, filled Polish pastries only show up once a year, and when they do… if you blink, you’ll miss it.
Since pączki season in Columbus is short and sweet, we’re making sure all Step Out Columbus readers know exactly where to find pączki in Central Ohio before they disappear for another year.
What Are Pączki?
Pączki are traditional Polish pastries that look like donuts but are far richer, denser, and generously filled with fruit preserves or cream. The dough is made with extra eggs, butter, and sugar, which gives them that unmistakable “oh no, I’m eating three of these” energy.
They’re traditionally eaten in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday, making them a true once-a-year treat. Translation: if you miss them now, you’re waiting another 12 months.
When Is Fat Tuesday This Year?
This year, Fat Tuesday falls on Tuesday, February 17, which means peak pączki time is almost here. Bakeries will sell out. Feelings will be hurt. Plan accordingly.
So without further ado, here are the best places to get pączki in Columbus and Central Ohio.
(Just a heads up… if you see me crying on Ash Wednesday, it’s because I ate my last pączki. If you have one to spare, the right thing to do is give it to me.)
Pączki in Columbus and Central Ohio
Sweet CLE-‘bus!
447 Lazelle Rd Westerville, Ohio
Lizz of Sweet CLE-‘bus was born and raised in Slavic Village in Cleveland, which allowed her to fully embrace her Polish culture. This results in absolutely unbelievable pierogi and, only for a limited time around Fat Tuesday, truly incredible Pączki. Stay tuned to her Instagram for her official Pączki announcement. In the meantime, we await with baited breath.
Resch’s Bakery
150 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Resch’s Bakery does not mess around when it comes to Fat Tuesday in Columbus. This century-old bakery has Mardi Gras down to a science, and yes, there are rules.
Pączki will sell out, so ordering early is not optional. This year’s flavors include blueberry, cream cheese, chocolate raspberry cream, and lemon.
Important ordering notes from Resch’s Bakery:
- Orders will NOT be accepted via e-mail. Orders can be placed in person, or on the phone.
- Order changes and order cancellations will NOT be accepted via e-mail. Changes and/or cancellations must be done by phone or in person.
- All changes and/or cancellations must be received at least 72 hours before the scheduled pick-up time.
- All custom orders are require to be paid in full at the time the order is placed.
Buckeye Donuts
1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Yes, Buckeye Donuts is the 24-hour, gyro-serving, Ohio State institution we all know and love. But it’s also home to some of the best pączki in Columbus.
These are fluffy, flaky, and absolutely loaded with filling. Strawberry and apple are personal favorites (the apple has real chunks in it), but honestly… there are no bad decisions here.
Rose Dough Donuts
3375 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Rose Dough Donuts has been quietly building a serious reputation among Columbus donut lovers, and their pączki are a big reason why.
This year, they’re offering four Mardi Gras-inspired items, and pre-orders are currently open on their website. These are only available on two separate days, February 7 and February 17, so get on those pre-orders!
This year’s lineup includes:
- Brioche Beignet
- King Cake Pączki
- Praline Pączki
- Hurricane Pączki
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
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