Welcome, donut enthusiasts and fellow travelers, to an exciting gastronomic adventure!
Today, we embark on a mouthwatering journey through some of the most incredible cities in America, uncovering the hidden gems that make our taste buds dance with joy. Join us as we discover the best donut shops in each of these delightful destinations. From classic glazed wonders to innovative creations, get ready to indulge in the sugary delights that define each city’s unique donut culture.
Photo courtesy of Humble Donut Co.
Humble Donut Co.
📍 Ames, Iowa
Our first stop takes us to Ames, where we find ourselves in donut paradise at Humble Donut Co. This beloved establishment offers a delectable array of freshly baked donuts. Whether you’re a fan of traditional glazed donuts, chocolate frosted, or prefer more unique flavors like maple bacon or blueberry cake, Humble Donuts has you covered.
Photo courtesy of Gourdough’s
Gourdough’s
📍 Austin, Texas
With their slogan “Big. Fat. Donuts.,” Gourdough’s is famous for its extravagant and indulgent creations. From the classic “Mother Clucker” topped with fried chicken to the “Flying Pig” featuring bacon and maple syrup, the menu is filled with whimsy and decadence. It’s a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable donut experience in Austin.
Photo courtesy of Hero Doughnuts & Buns
Hero Doughnuts & Buns
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
Next, we make our way to Birmingham, where Hero Doughnuts & Buns reigns supreme. Prepare to be enchanted by their handcrafted, yeast-raised donuts that come in an assortment of delightful flavors. Don’t miss their classic glazed beauties or the tantalizing sea salt caramel donuts that will leave you craving more.
Photo courtesy of Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts
📍 Charlotte, North Carolina
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, Duck Donuts takes center stage. This charming donut shop allows you to customize your treat from start to finish. Watch as your donut is freshly made and then adorned with your choice of coatings, toppings, and drizzles. With options like powdered sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate icing, the possibilities are endless!
Photo courtesy of Holtman’s Donuts
Holtman’s Donuts
📍 Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati boasts a donut destination that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike: Holtman’s Donuts. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth creations, Holtman’s serves up an assortment of flavors, including red velvet, maple bacon, and even vegan options. Prepare for a taste sensation that will leave you yearning for another bite.
Photo courtesy of Brewnuts
Brewnuts
📍 Cleveland, Ohio
Our journey continues to Cleveland, where Brewnuts offers a unique twist on the traditional donut. Combining two beloved indulgences, donuts, and craft beer, this innovative shop crafts their delectable treats with beer-infused dough. From their crowd-favorite “Beeramisu” to the mouthwatering “Maple Bacon,” each donut is a delightful marriage of flavors.
Photo courtesy of Destination Donuts
Destination Donuts
📍 Columbus, Ohio
As we arrive in Columbus, we find ourselves in donut heaven at Destination Donuts. This artisanal donut shop pushes the boundaries of creativity with their rotating menu of flavors. From the exotic passionfruit to the comforting brown butter glazed, the donuts at Destination Donuts are a testament to the artistry of their craft.
Photo courtesy of Glazed Donut Works
Glazed Donut Works
📍 Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas
In the vast metropolis of Dallas – Fort Worth, Glazed Donut Works stands out as a beacon of sugary delight. With their imaginative flavor combinations and stunning presentation, these donuts are a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. From the Nutella-filled S’mores donut to the zesty Lemon Poppy, every visit is a delightful surprise.
Photo courtesy of Donut Hut
Donut Hut
📍 Des Moines, Iowa
In Des Moines, Donut Hut has earned its reputation as a local treasure. This charming family-owned shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can savor their delectable donuts. From classic glazed to seasonal specialties, each bite at Donut Hut is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
Photo courtesy of Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts
📍 Houston, Texas
Our journey takes us to the vibrant city of Houston, where Shipley Do-Nuts has been a beloved institution since 1936. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts, Shipley’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident with every bite. Whether you opt for the original glazed or explore their wide variety of flavors, you’re in for a delightful treat.
Photo courtesy of Long’s Bakery
Long’s Bakery
📍 Indianapolis, Indiana
In the heart of Indianapolis, Long’s Bakery has been satisfying donut cravings for over 60 years. This humble yet legendary establishment boasts an impressive array of freshly baked donuts that keep locals coming back for more. From their heavenly cream-filled Long Johns to the irresistible apple fritters, Long’s Bakery is a must-visit for any donut aficionado.
Photo courtesy of The Mini Bar
The Mini Bar Donuts + Coffee
📍 Jacksonville, Florida
As we venture to Jacksonville, prepare to be charmed by the whimsical delights of The Mini Bar Donuts + Coffee. This artisanal donut shop creates miniature wonders that pack a big punch of flavor. With their ever-changing menu, you’ll discover innovative combinations like maple bacon, Fruity Pebbles, or even a decadent Nutella-filled delight.
Photo courtesy of Donutology
Donutology
📍 Kansas City, Missouri
In the heartland of Kansas City, Donutology takes the art of donut-making to new heights. Here, you become the artist as you customize your own donut creation from a vast selection of glazes, toppings, and drizzles. Let your imagination run wild as you craft a donut masterpiece that reflects your unique taste.
Photo courtesy of Hurts Donuts
Hurts Donuts
📍 Lincoln, Nebraska
As our journey leads us to Lincoln, we encounter the whimsical wonderland of Hurts Donut. This 24-hour donut shop delights visitors with their oversized and extravagantly decorated donuts. From their signature “Hurt” flavors like Cotton Candy and Oreo Crush to their specialty cinnamon rolls, Hurts Donut promises an unforgettable experience.
Photo courtesy of Nord’s Bakery
Nord’s Bakery
📍 Louisville, Kentucky
In the charming city of Louisville, Nord’s Bakery has been delighting locals for over 50 years with their homemade, old-fashioned donuts. From the iconic yeast-raised glazed donuts to the indulgent cream-filled delights, Nord’s Bakery serves up traditional treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia with every bite.
Photo courtesy of Supernova
Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts
📍 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee brings us to Supernova, a neighborhood favorite renowned for its scratch-made donuts. With their commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship, each donut is a miniature work of art. From the classic cake donuts to the inventive flavor combinations, this cozy bakery inside 3rd Street Market Hall will win over your taste buds.
Photo courtesy of Glam Doll Donuts
Glam Doll Donuts
📍 Minneapolis, Minnesota
In the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Glam Doll Donuts stands as a beacon of retro-chic charm. As you step into their colorful haven, you’ll find a dazzling array of creatively named donuts, each one more delightful than the last. From the “Calendar Girl” with its vanilla icing and sea salt to the vegan-friendly “Femme Fatale,” Glam Doll Donuts caters to every donut lover’s dreams.
Photo courtesy of Five Daughers Bakery
Five Daughters Bakery
📍 Nashville, Tennessee
As we arrive in Nashville, Five Daughters Bakery beckons with its heavenly selection of 100-layer donuts, also known as cronuts. These flaky, buttery pastries are carefully crafted and filled with indulgent flavors like maple glaze and cream. A visit to Five Daughters Bakery is an absolute must for those seeking a taste of pastry perfection.
Photo courtesy of District Donuts
District Donuts Sliders Brew
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana
No visit to the vibrant city of New Orleans is complete without a visit to District Donuts Sliders Brew. Here, they elevate the humble donut to an extraordinary level. With their creative flavor combinations like Bacon, Banana, and Peanut Butter or the zingy Lemon Icebox Pie, District Donuts promises a taste adventure that showcases the city’s culinary prowess.
Photo courtesy of Federal Donuts
Federal Donuts
📍 Philadelphia, Pennslyvania
Known for their innovative combination of donuts and fried chicken, Federal Donuts offers a unique dining experience. Their donuts are made fresh throughout the day, ensuring a warm and delicious treat for visitors. From their signature flavors like the “Strawberry Lavender” to seasonal specials, Federal Donuts never fails to surprise and delight.
Photo courtesy of caro.lee.na
BoSa Donuts
📍 Phoenix, Arizona
Looking for the fluffiest donuts for an affordable price? Bosa Donuts has become a beloved destination for donut enthusiasts in Phoenix. With multiple locations throughout the city, Bosa Donuts offers a wide variety of donuts, from classic flavors to unique creations.
Photo courtesy of Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
📍 Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania
Our journey takes us to Pittsburgh, where Peace, Love, and Little Donuts captures the essence of the city’s vibrant spirit. These little bites of heaven are carefully crafted and come in an array of unique flavors. From the classic cinnamon sugar to the funky maple bacon, each donut is a testament to Pittsburgh’s love for all things flavorful and fun.
Photo courtesy of The Local Donut
The Local Donut
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
In the desert oasis of Scottsdale, The Local Donut delights visitors with their made-from-scratch creations. This cozy shop offers a variety of donuts ranging from classic favorites to innovative seasonal treats. Indulge in their blueberry cheesecake donut or the irresistible caramel pretzel, and let the flavors transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Photo courtesy of Rise’n Roll
Rise’n Roll Bakery
📍 South Bend, Indiana
In South Bend, Rise’n Roll Bakery captivates locals with their handcrafted Amish-style donuts. From the traditional cinnamon caramel to the mouthwatering raspberry jelly-filled delights, each donut is a testament to the bakery’s commitment to quality and authenticity. A visit to Rise’n Roll Bakery is a delightful journey to the heart of Amish country.
Photo courtesy of Strange Donuts
Strange Donuts
📍 St. Louis, Missouri
In the bustling city of St. Louis, Strange Donuts offers a playful twist on the classic treat. This whimsical donut shop combines unexpected flavor combinations with unique toppings, creating a truly memorable experience. From the savory bacon and egg donut to the indulgent gooey butter cake, Strange Donuts pushes the boundaries of creativity in the donut world.
Photo courtesy of Daddies Donuts
Daddies Donuts & Delites
📍 St. Petersburg – Tampa, Florida
Our journey takes us to St. Petersburg – Tampa, where this shop steals the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From the vibrant Fruity Pebbles to the decadent s’mores, these little delights are bursting with flavor and charm.
Photo courtesy of Mochinut
Mochinut
📍 Tempe, Arizona
Last but not least, in Tempe, we discover the wonder that is Mochinut, an American-Japanese donut from Hawaii. Whether you opt for the classic powdered sugar or venture into more adventurous flavor combinations, Mochinut is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Our adventure through the best donut shops in these incredible cities has come to an end. From the East Coast to the West, and the Midwest to the South, we have experienced the diverse and delectable world of donuts. These establishments, with their commitment to quality, creativity, and the art of donut making, have left an indelible mark on the donut landscape of America. So, dear readers, venture forth, explore these culinary treasures, and let the magic of donuts guide you on your own delectable adventures!
