Lau's Czech Bakery - New Prague, MN

Attraction: Lau’s Czech Bakery
Location: 121 Main St W, New Prague, MN 56071
Industry: Bakery
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lau’s-Czech-Bakery/115572088472983

Every morning at 2 AM, while most of New Prague sleeps, the magic begins at a charming Main Street bakery where Czech tradition meets small-town American hospitality.

Doug and Patty Lau have been carrying on decades-old recipes since 1989, transforming their modest storefront into a beloved gathering place that feels like stepping back in time.

This isn’t just another bakery—it’s a living piece of Czech heritage where traditional kolaches are hand-folded with the same care that immigrants brought from Czechoslovakia generations ago.

What started as Golden Crust Bakery in 1942 has evolved into a cornerstone of New Prague’s Czech community, serving everything from authentic sauerkraut rye bread to perfectly balanced cinnamon rolls alongside hearty hot beef sandwiches that have locals returning for decades.

Czech Specialties & Signature Treats

Hand-Folded Kolaches: These aren’t your typical open-faced pastries—you’ll discover traditional closed-face kolaches that keep their fruit, poppy seed, or cheese fillings perfectly moist.

Each one is carefully hand-folded using time-honored techniques, creating little pockets of sweetness that stay fresh whether you’re enjoying them at the vintage counter or packing them for later.

Sauerkraut Rye Bread: It sounds unusual, but this tangy, flavorful bread has become a cult favorite among visitors. The unique combination creates a complex, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the bakery’s lunch offerings or makes an exceptional sandwich bread at home.

Cronuts & King-Size Donuts: The cronuts here are legendary—crispy, flaky, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. You’ll also find those famous “big as your head” king donuts that have become a New Prague tradition, especially popular with families celebrating the first day of school.

Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Rolls: Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of cinnamon swirl, soft tender bread, and sweet frosting that doesn’t overpower the pastry. These rolls showcase the bakery’s mastery of classic American treats alongside their Czech specialties.

Zelnicky (Sauerkraut Crackers): An authentic Czech creation made from 90% sauerkraut, these unique crackers are rolled by hand because the dough is too sticky for machines. They’re labor-intensive to make but offer a taste of true Czech tradition that you won’t find elsewhere.

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Menu Highlights Beyond Pastries

Hot Beef & Turkey Sandwiches: These hearty lunch favorites feature tender, slow-cooked meat piled high on fresh bakery bread. The hot beef sandwich especially gets rave reviews for its comfort-food satisfaction and generous portions.

Burgers & Comfort Food: You’ll find classic American lunch fare prepared with the same attention to quality as the baked goods. The burgers are particularly popular among locals who appreciate the fresh-grilled taste and reasonable prices.

Coffee & Egg Salad Sandwiches: The coffee here pairs perfectly with any pastry, while the egg salad sandwiches offer a lighter lunch option made with care and served on the bakery’s own fresh bread.

Atmosphere & Vintage Charm

Old-School Soda Shop Vibes: Walking into Lau’s feels like entering a time capsule from the 1960s. The long eating counter, vintage décor, and classic bakery display cases create an authentic small-town atmosphere that locals treasure and visitors find enchanting.

Community Gathering Spot: This isn’t just a business—it’s a social hub where regulars have their preferred seats and newcomers quickly feel welcome.

You’ll notice the morning coffee crowd has established territories, and the friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel like part of the New Prague family.

Prime Main Street Location: Situated right in the heart of downtown New Prague, the bakery is easy to spot and perfectly positioned for a leisurely stroll through this charming Czech-heritage town.

Cozy & Spotless: Despite its vintage feel, everything is impeccably clean and well-maintained. The intimate size means you’re never far from the action, and the aroma of fresh-baked goods fills every corner of the space.

Other Considerations

Exceptional Value: You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the prices are, especially considering the quality and generous portions. This is small-town pricing with big-city quality, making it easy to try multiple items without breaking the bank.

Early Bird Hours: The bakery opens at 5 AM Tuesday through Saturday, perfect for grabbing fresh donuts and coffee before work. However, they close by 2 PM, so don’t plan on afternoon visits—the early bird truly gets the best selection here.

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Limited Parking: You’ll find street parking along Main Street, which is usually manageable except during busy weekend mornings or during New Prague’s September Czech Festival when the town comes alive with celebration.

Family-Friendly Tradition: This is absolutely a multigenerational destination where grandparents, parents, and kids all find something to love. Many families have traditions spanning decades, from first-day-of-school donut runs to holiday kolache orders.

No Delivery Service: You’ll need to visit in person to experience Lau’s—they don’t offer delivery, but the charming atmosphere and personal service make the trip worthwhile.

Seasonal Specialties: Keep an eye out for special Czech treats during Dozinky Days (the Czech Harvest Festival) in September, when the bakery creates extra kolaches and traditional items for the town-wide celebration.

Lau’s Czech Bakery
📍 121 Main St W, New Prague, MN 56071