There’s a place in Michigan where people line up before sunrise just for a box of donuts.
Not just any donuts, though.
We’re talking about paczki that are soft, rich, and packed with so much filling they practically spill out with every bite.
This bakery has been doing things the same way for over a century, using old-school recipes that haven’t changed much over the years.
Every year, the crowds get bigger, the lines get longer, and the boxes get stacked high as people stock up on these famous treats.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find some of the most talked-about paczki in the state, you’re about to see why this spot has earned its reputation.
Where Is It?
New Palace Bakery is located in Hamtramck, a small city completely surrounded by Detroit in southeast Michigan.
You’ll find it right along Joseph Campau Avenue, the main strip packed with local shops and restaurants.
From downtown Detroit, it’s about a quick 10-minute drive, making it an easy add-on to any city trip.
Coming from Ann Arbor, plan for around 45 minutes on the road.
About
Walk into New Palace Bakery and the first thing that hits you is the smell of fresh dough frying and sugar in the air.
This place is famous for its paczki, those rich, pillowy Polish donuts that come stuffed with fillings like raspberry, custard, lemon, and blueberry.
Each one is bigger and heavier than a standard donut, with a soft, slightly chewy texture and a thick layer of powdered sugar or glaze on top.
You’ll spot long glass cases lined with rows of paczki in every flavor, along with other Polish baked goods and babka loaves with a light, sweet crumb.
The menu is simple and focused, and everything is made fresh on-site, so you’re getting the real deal instead of something shipped in or mass-produced.
If you show up close to Fat Tuesday, get ready for a serious crowd.
Lines can stretch out the door and down the block, with people waiting to grab boxes of paczki by the dozen.
Even outside of peak season, there’s usually a steady flow of customers, especially in the morning when everything is freshest.
Inside, it feels like a classic neighborhood bakery with a no-frills setup.
You order at the counter, pick your pastries, and head out with a box that smells so good you’ll probably open it before you even get back to the car.
Don’t expect a big seating area since most people grab their treats to go.
Come hungry, because it’s very easy to walk out with way more paczki than you planned.
History
New Palace Bakery has been part of Hamtramck’s food scene since 1908, when it first opened its doors to serve the city’s growing Polish community.
The bakery has stayed family-run for generations, sticking closely to traditional recipes that have been passed down over the years.
Over time, it built a reputation as one of the go-to spots for authentic paczki in the Detroit area, especially during the lead-up to Fat Tuesday.
Locals have made it a yearly tradition to stop by, and the bakery’s popularity has spread far beyond Hamtramck, drawing visitors from all over Michigan who come specifically for a box of these famous pastries.
Even as the neighborhood around it has changed, New Palace Bakery has kept its old-school approach, focusing on time-tested methods and classic flavors that keep people coming back year after year.
Know Before You Go
New Palace Bakery typically opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
It sells out fast on busy days, so showing up early gives you the best shot at the full selection.
Parking is mostly street parking along Joseph Campau Avenue, and it can get tight during peak times, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot.
The shop is small and designed for quick visits, so plan on grabbing your box and heading out rather than hanging around inside.
If you’ve got extra time, you’re in a great spot to explore more of Hamtramck.
Head over to Polish Village Cafe for a sit-down meal with classics like pierogi and stuffed cabbage.
Check out Hamtramck Disneyland, a quirky folk art installation built from found objects that’s completely free to visit.
You can also swing by nearby Detroit spots like Eastern Market, which covers 43 acres and is one of the largest historic public markets in the U.S., just 10 minutes away.
If you’re visiting around Fat Tuesday, expect long lines, limited parking, and a high-energy crowd that makes the whole experience feel like an event.
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