ZipPicks Awards
Best Donuts in Portage Park
Master Critic Review
Wiklanski's Bakery
8.0
A Polish bakery stop where pączki and old-world pastries are the reason to come, especially when you buy early and keep the order focused. It’s strongest as a quick takeout run for fresh, classic fried-dough treats rather than a linger-and-sample bakery crawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pączki, Powdered pączki, Jelly-filled pączki
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Polish-bakery pączki and pastries built for early-day takeout runs.
Who should go: Pączki seekers and classic pastry loyalists
When to visit: Early morning for best selection
What to order: Pączki, powdered pączki, jelly-filled pączki
Insider tip: Go early and buy a small mixed box before favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking nearby; easiest in the morning before the commercial strip fills up.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are; this is a quick in-and-out bakery stop.
Noise level: Low—brief counter ordering with minimal background noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—morning-focused bakery, typically closed by early afternoon.
Weekday lunch: No wait or a short line in the morning; late morning selection may be limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited—traditional pączki and pastries are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: No—this is a flour-forward bakery with no gluten-free alternatives.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, traditional Polish pączki done the old-school way, especially when you value authenticity and early-day freshness.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for seating, coffee-house vibes, or modern pastry experimentation—this is about classic takeout pastries, not lingering.