On this Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, I implore you to stuff your wonderful faces with the deep-fried, fatty, and sugary goodness that is a fastnacht — a doughnut of German origin found in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
These treats were traditionally made by emptying the pantry of lard, sugar, fat, and butter, and eaten before the onset of the Christian season of Lent. Its name translates to “fasting night” in German.
We’ve rounded up some verified spots around town so you can get your fill!
🍩 718 South St., Bella Vista
The folks at this German restaurant love fastnachts so much, you can start eating them now!
- Through Tuesday, Feb. 13, you can enjoy six delicious treats for $12. Orders come with Bavarian cream and Nutella sauce for dipping!
- You can pre-order on their website, or enjoy in haus.
🍩 4164 Barnett St., Mayfair
Four generations have owned this old-fashioned German bakeshop since 1930. The very nice person on the phone told me you can expect the authentic fastnacht-style doughnuts here!
- On Monday, Feb. 12, they’re accepting any size orders from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- On Tuesday, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can order two dozen or more fastnachts only.
- They’re serving up cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar flavors.
🍩 901 N 3rd St., Northern Liberties
This bakery has served the community for over 100 years. Kaplan’s was also named one of Philly’s best bagel shops in Eater.
- Kalpan’s will be selling glazed, cinnamon, and powdered sugar fastnachts on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
🍩 8126 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill
Since 1889, this historic shop has been serving up baked goods, cakes, and ice cream for the Northern Philly neighborhood.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 13, grab a plain, sugared, powdered, jelly-filled, cream-filled, chocolate glaze, vanilla glaze, or Boston cream fastnacht for $2.10 a piece, or $23.95 a dozen.
- They encourage pre-orders!
📣 Is your favorite fastnacht-selling bakery not on this list? Send us an email!



