- Attraction: DJ’s Bakery
- Location: 3031 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: Facebook Page
Every morning before dawn breaks over Ann Arbor, something magical happens at the corner of Packard and Platt. While most of the city sleeps, Saing Yam arrives to work his craft using century-old German recipes that transform simple ingredients into what many consider Michigan’s finest donuts.
DJ’s Bakery isn’t just another donut shop – it’s a testament to the American dream wrapped in powdered sugar and glazed perfection. This family-owned gem, opened in April 2022 by Cambodian immigrants Kim and Saing Yam, has quickly become the neighborhood’s sweet sanctuary.
The name honors their two sons, Dennis and Jason, who help keep the family legacy alive. You’ll discover that every bite tells a story of resilience, tradition, and the pursuit of pastry perfection.
Donut Excellence That Defies Gravity
Light-as-Air Texture: The moment you sink your teeth into a DJ’s donut, you’ll understand why regulars drive from across the county. These aren’t your typical heavy, oil-soaked rings. The yeast donuts achieve an almost weightless quality that literally melts on your tongue, thanks to Saing’s mastery of traditional German techniques learned during their years running the century-old Dexter Bakery.
Glazed Perfection: The classic glazed donut here sets the gold standard. The glaze strikes that perfect balance between sweetness and shine, creating a delicate shell that gives way to impossibly fluffy interior. You’ll find yourself closing your eyes on the first bite, savoring how the sugar dissolves while the dough practically disappears.
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Keep Exploring →Apple Fritters That Astound: These generously sized pastries have become legendary among local donut enthusiasts. Packed with tender apple pieces and finished with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re substantial enough to serve as breakfast yet delicate enough that the fruit flavors shine through beautifully.
Double Chocolate Indulgence: The double chocolate donuts earn special recognition for their rich, perfectly balanced chocolate frosting. The frosting achieves that coveted sweet spot where it’s decadent without being cloying, complementing rather than masking the cake beneath.
Long Johns That Satisfy: These elongated beauties come filled or unfilled, with the filled versions bursting with cream that somehow stays put until you bite into them. The dough maintains that signature DJ’s lightness even in this more substantial format.
Beyond Donuts: European-Inspired Specialties
German Soft Pretzels: Drawing from authentic European traditions, these pretzels are soft, warm, and utterly addictive. The ham and cheese stuffed versions transform a simple snack into a satisfying meal, with the cheese melting beautifully inside the perfectly salted pretzel shell.
Paczki Paradise: Come Fat Tuesday, DJ’s becomes paczki headquarters with seven different flavors including strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, lemon, apple, custard, and cream. These Polish delicacies are filled generously and disappear from the cases remarkably quickly each season.
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Discover MoreSeasonal German Treats: During the holidays, you’ll discover traditional German Lebkuchen and Springerle cookies alongside their signature fruit and nut bread loaded with candied fruits, walnuts, and raisins.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee: This specialty beverage perfectly complements the pastries, offering a strong, sweet coffee experience that pairs beautifully with lighter donuts or pretzels.
Cozy Neighborhood Atmosphere
Family Operation Warmth: The moment you step inside, you’ll feel the genuine warmth of a true family business. The interior showcases modern comfort with light gray walls and flooring, complemented by rustic touches like wildflower wreaths and a custom acrylic painting of pastries commissioned from a former employee.
Intimate Seating: While most customers grab their treats to go, three comfortable booths provide the perfect spot to enjoy your donuts with coffee while soaking in the neighborhood vibe. The space feels relaxed and informal, encouraging you to linger over your morning treat.
Fresh-Baked Aroma: The intoxicating smell of yeast, sugar, and baking dough permeates every corner, creating an atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. This isn’t artificial bakery fragrance – it’s the real deal wafting from an active kitchen where everything is made from scratch.
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Keep Exploring →Display Case Appeal: The glass cases showcase an array of colorful confections that change throughout the day as fresh batches emerge from the ovens. The visual appeal alone is worth the visit, with each donut looking like a small work of art.
Other Considerations
Budget-Friendly Pricing: You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, especially considering the artisanal quality. Most donuts cost significantly less than typical chain prices while delivering exponentially better taste and texture. The value proposition makes it easy to justify buying a dozen instead of just one or two.
Early Bird Strategy: Arrive early for the best selection – popular items like apple fritters and maple donuts often sell out by mid-morning. The bakery opens at 5 AM Monday through Saturday (7 AM on Sundays), making it perfect for early risers and commuters.
Parking Made Easy: You’ll find convenient parking in their lot, eliminating the downtown Ann Arbor parking headaches. This accessibility makes DJ’s a stress-free stop whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or stocking up for an office meeting.
University Town Appeal: Located near the University of Michigan, DJ’s attracts everyone from students cramming for exams to professors seeking their morning sugar fix. The diverse clientele creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
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Discover MoreNeighborhood Institution Status: Regular customers become part of the DJ’s family, with the Yams remembering orders and greeting familiar faces warmly. This personal touch transforms a simple transaction into a community experience.
Custom Cake Services: Beyond daily pastries, DJ’s creates custom birthday cakes and special occasion treats, extending their artistry to celebration centerpieces.
DJ’s Bakery
📍 3031 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
