Covid won’t scare away Paczki Day this year

Hamtramck’s very own holiday, Paczki Day, is coming up this Tuesday (March 1). Now that the spread of Covid has slowed down, more bars and veterans posts are opening their doors for festivities this year. File Photo

By Charles Sercombe
Paczki Day is back in full swing this year.
Hamtramck’s very own holiday is coming up this Tuesday, March 1, and local bars and veterans posts are ready to open their doors once again – now that the Covid pandemic has receded (well, let’s cross our fingers on that one).
Coming back this year is a paczki eating contest at PLAV Post 10 hall (11824 Jos. Campau Ave.), starting at noon sharp. Be forewarned, though, watching contestants stuff paczki down their gullets for 15 minutes is not – repeat not – for the faint of heart.
There is one tradition not returning this year, however. And that would be Hamtramck’s favorite party band, The Polish Muslims, who made that day extra special by trekking to three locations in town to perform.
Folks, the bandmembers are no spring chickens, and hauling all that equipment around is about as appealing as, well, watching a paczki eating contest.
Fortunately, local bars are also back in action, starting with New Dodge Lounge, which kicks off the day at 7 a.m. with live bands, Polish food, drink specials and the irrepressible presence of owner Cathy Gordon.
If you’re lucky, you catch her in action walking on top of the bar and pouring strong drinks down the throats of thirsty customers.

But wait, New Dodge is not alone in starting off the day early. One of our favorite neighborhood bars – and one of only a couple left in the city – the Polish Sea League (located at Edwin and Brombach) is also celebrating starting at 7 a.m.
Look for the Srodek food truck parked outside. Word to the wise: Jezy (officially called “Jezynowka,” a Polish blackberry brandy) shots are strong here.
Oh wait, who are we kidding? Jezy is poured strong and plentifully everywhere in Hamtramck. For those unfamiliar with the drink, it could be the last thing you remember that day.
Whiskey in the Jar (on Yemans St., just west of Jos. Campau Ave.) is also another Paczki Day fan favorite. Word is, though, the bar won’t have its huge tent installed out in the alley, so good luck trying to squeeze inside.
Over at Small’s (located at Caniff and Conant) where area rockers hang out, their own drink specialty is being served up. This is the home of Paczki Bombs.
For the uninitiated, Paczki Bombs are paczkis filled with booze, booze and a little more booze. Live bands will also be playing throughout the day and evening.
Need a warm Polish meal for a timeout on Tuesday (and to let the booze soak in)? If so, head on over to Polonia restaurant (on Yemans, just east of Jos. Campau) for a hearty home-cooked meal.
(Disclosure: Polonia is owned by Review Publisher John Ulaj.)
Weather-wise, it looks like we’ll have temperatures hovering around 32 degrees, which is tolerable. With the right amount of Jezy, you won’t feel a thing anyway.
Happy Paczki Day folks!
Posted Feb. 25, 2022