National Bakery & Deli, Milwaukee

Glass cases and racks of fresh bread dominate National Bakery & Deli’s three locations, which bake all of their goods fresh daily. Founded in 1925, the bakery continually recreates classic recipes for a menu that includes glazed doughnuts, frosted cookies, and cherry-filled coffee cake, as well as hard rolls and french bread. Deli fare includes baked ham, seasonal polish sausage, and several varieties of potato salad. In addition to their staples and custom cake orders, the bakery creates seasonal specialties that range from spring’s grasshopper pie and irish soda bread to winter’s gingerbread men and icy snowman souls. Every Mardi Gras, the bakery churns out piles of prune- and raspberry-filled paczki in a celebrated rush that has drawn great press—though patrons can make every Tuesday fat by perusing their year-round paczki selection.