Now operating under v2.0 designation, Bridgeport Bakery returned to the Windy City’s South Side in time for Paczki Day 2020, and currently serving the community amidst COVID-19 precautions it seems as though new owner Can Lao has quickly learned the ropes from former Baker Ron Pavelka who was forced to shutter as a result of illness last October. Well known for Donuts, Bacon Buns and Paczki during Pavelka’s 47 year tenure, a little remodeling and staff donning PPE the only real difference between past and present according to those in the know, it was minutes to 9:30 on Sunday that shelves were found stocked at prices that trend much lower than almost any other Bakery in Chi-town. Located at 2907 South Archer Avenue, and take-out only long before a global pandemic rendered nearly every similar concept in Chicago the same, it was with eyes larger than stomach that six items were chosen, first bites of an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie pleasantly familiar thanks to bold aromatics, crispy rim and soft center. Requesting Ron teach him the trade and keeping almost all Bridgeport’s original staff on payroll, Lao’s Donuts ring in at just $1.30 each, traditional “Frycakes” offering a delicate crumb and thick Glaze while a deep-fried Cinnamon Roll eats light, wispy and oilless at the exact same price. Already sold out of Bacon Buns, and oddly offering a few types of Dim Sum, Breakfast continued with a daily-special Danish-duo, Cream Cheese and Apricot dueling for top billing before getting lost in the wake of a tart and sweet Cherry Slice. Tempted by Coffee Cake and Muffins, but mindful of stomach capacity in the midst of a long day, there was simply no passing up on housemade Rainbow Cookies, the combination of Almond Paste and Raspberry Jam slow to melt and beautifully balanced by Dark Chocolate.