A man in a green jacket holding a paczki bomb with a straw. — A paczki bomb at Small’s Bar in Hamtramck.

Paczki Day Heatmap: A Guide to Fat Tuesday Parties in Hamtramck

Where to partake in the Mardi Gras debauchery

by Brenna Houck Updated Feb 21, 2020, 4:01pm EST

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A paczki bomb at Small’s Bar in Hamtramck.

| Michelle and Chris Gerard

by Brenna Houck Updated Feb 21, 2020, 4:01pm EST

For many, Paczki Day is all about the pastries. But there’s more to Paczki Mania than just lard, sugar, butter, and flour. Hamtramck bars, restaurants, and community gathering spots all share in the festivities making for an epic carb-fueled bar crawl. From Small’s infamous booze-filled paczki bombs to pierogi pop-ups and P.L.A.V. Post #10’s paczki eating contest, there are plenty of 21+ ways to partake in the Mardi Gras debauchery this February 25.

After hitting the bakeries, consider paying a visit to one (or all) of these many Hamtramck bar and community center events. Sure, most revelers will regret that last shot of jezy come Wednesday, but that’s part of the fun.

Do you have vital intel on Paczki Day events in metro Detroit? Let us know at the tipline.

Next Read: Where to Find Plump, Pillowy Paczki in Metro Detroit

Outer Limits Lounge

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Outer Limits Lounge is opening at 11 a.m. on Paczki Day. Expect plenty of beer, pierogi, paczki, $2 shots of jezynowka, and music by the Yeji Boys.

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5507 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 826-0456

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Small's

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Small’s is home to the infamous paczki bomb — a paczek filled with flavored vodka. They open at 10 a.m. and the bombs often sell out, so get there early. For something more substantial, Small’s will also be serving Polish food. Show up for live music starting at 4 p.m. including a band called Polka Floyd.

10339 Conant St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 873-1117

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A bartender at Small’s selects a paczki from a large and very full box.

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Plav Post #10

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This well-attended annual Paczki Day party typically starts at 10 a.m. with music all day. The famed paczki eating contest kicks off at noon on the second floor and folks can find drinks (two full bars worth) and Polish food on site all day. Even better: all proceeds go to support veterans.

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11824 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 893-1355

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A bald man bites into a paczki at the PLAV Post #10 contest.

Trixie's

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Round off the day at Trixie’s. The bar sidesteps the early morning mayhem fueled by suburban visitors in favor of a 7 p.m. opening with Polish beer and open mic comedy.

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2656 Carpenter Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 316-5376

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A post shared by Trixie's (@trixiesbar) on Jan 22, 2020 at 10:03am PST

Ant Hall

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There’s no cover at Ant Hall on Paczki Day. Drop in at the Ghost Light Lounge starting at 10 a.m. The venue is hosting a Pietrzyk Pierogi pop-up with food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music with special guests the Polish Muslims runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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2320 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 365-4255

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Polish Sea League

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The party at Polish Sea League starts on Saturday, February 22 with a celebration during and after the Paczki Run. For Fat Tuesday revelers, the gathering starts bright and early at 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the Srodek’s food truck on site in the afternoon serving kielbasa, pierogi, and paczki.

2601 Edwin St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 872-8772

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Whiskey In The Jar

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Another classic place to spend a few hours on Paczki Day, Whiskey in the Jar is opening from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25 to 2 a.m with live music by the Kielbasa Kings Polka Band around 11 a.m. and the Polish Muslims at 2:30 p.m. in a heated tent. Expect plenty of kielbasa, pierogi, and paczki vodka from Detroit City Distillery distributed via shot ski.

2741 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 873-4154

A man in plaid sits at the dark bar inside Whiskey in the Jar.

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Baker Streetcar Bar

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Get ready for “Valium shots,” Polish sliders, and paczki at Baker Streetcar Bar on Jos Campau. Start with the Paczki Run on Saturday, February 22, when the bar opens at 10 a.m. serving Polish food to race revelers. The Paczki Day party starts at 9 a.m.

9817 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 873-8296

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Nosh Pit Detroit

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Vegan cafe Nosh Pit will open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Paczki Day with a special lunch service and $3 vegan paczki.

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2995 Yemans St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 486-0777

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Motor City Sports Bar

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Motor City Sports Bar is known for its legendary burger, and for a second year in a row will serve it on a paczki bun for Fat Tuesday. Customers who want to try one can drop in between Saturday, February 22 and Tuesday, February 25.

9122 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

(313) 875-4710

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The Painted Lady Lounge

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Start the party extra early at Hamtramck’s Painted Lady Lounge. The dive bar opens at 7 a.m. with paczki. Head over to the bar for food and and plenty of day drinking.