Many of the regular customers of Clauss Bakery and Cafe frequent the Rensselaer breakfast and lunch spot to indulge in its wide selection of homemade doughnuts, as well as other sweet treats like yeast rolls, cookies, pies and cakes.

But State Sen. Ed Charbonneau prefers to make it a meal when visiting one of his favorite locally-owned restaurants. “I love their egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches at lunchtime,” the Valparaiso legislator said. And, he described Clauss’ red velvet cupcakes as “absolutely fantastic.”

The bakery, located across from the Jasper County courthouse, has been owned by the Clauss family since 2004.

Its diverse menu includes seasonal favorites like fruitcake at Christmastime, pumpkin doughnuts in the fall, and Paczkis, traditional Polish pastries, early each year before Lent. Hot and hearty homemade soups — like White Chicken Chili, Beef Vegetable, Stuffed Green Pepper, and Cheesy Broccoli — are especially popular on chilly winter days. So are coffee selections like Cafe Americano, cappuccino, latte and mocha. The fully-stocked salad bar is a popular option for those want to save their calories for a doughnut (or two).

Check out the bakery’s Facebook page for regular updates on what’s on the menu that day.

Clauss Bakery and Cafe
110 W. Washington St.
Rensselaer, Indiana
219-866-7970
Hours: Monday-Friday, 5 am to 2 pm; Saturday, 5 to 11 am

About Indiana Sen. Ed Charbonneau: Charbonneau represents Senate District 5, which is includes of all of Pulaski County and portions of Jasper, LaPorte, Porter and Starke counties. Charbonneau serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services. He also serves on several other Senate committees including Appropriations, the School Funding Subcommittee, Tax and Fiscal Policy, and Rules and Legislative Procedures.