Where to Get the Best Donuts in the U.S.

Whether you’re into a simple glazed donut or want a treat that’s a little more eclectic, check out some of the best donut shops across the U.S.

Everyone loves a good donut. These tasty fried dough confections are the quintessential American pastry.

Whether you’re into a simple glazed donut or want a treat that’s a little more eclectic, check out some of the best donut shops across the U.S. to indulge your sweet tooth.

Firecakes Donuts

firecakes / Instagram

Locations: Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois

Firecakes has been a donut lover’s favorite in the Windy City and Oak Park since 2013.

What Firecakes Is Known For

firecakes / Instagram

Their small-batch donuts are made from quality ingredients and, of course, from scratch.

Firecakes is known for taking traditional donut recipes and adding a new twist to create unique flavors. Their best-sellers are the pistachio donut and the can’t-miss ice cream and donut sandwich.

The Heavenly Donut Co.

heavenlydonutco / Instagram

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Andy Rodriguez and Amanda Pizarro launched their business out of a food truck in 2015, and before long, their delicious donuts drew lines around the block.

What Heavenly Donut Co. Is Known For

heavenlydonutco / Instagram

Often called the best in Alabama, Heavenly Donut Co’s confections are said to be fluffy, large and well-topped.

Their best sellers are bismarks, which are filled with your choice of custard, white cream, raspberry or Nutella (available only on Fridays).

Amy’s Donuts

amysdonutsofficial / Instagram

Locations: Colorado Springs, Colorado; Tucson, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; and Albuquerque, New Mexico

According to the reviews on Tripadvisor, Amy’s is one of the few chains that always delivers a perfect donut experience.

What Amy’s Donuts Is Known For

amysdonutsofficial / Instagram

Fans tout the deliciousness of glazed bacon donuts and sausage rolls above all else, but the strawberry shortcake donuts and apple fritters are also highly regarded.

So is the iced coffee.

Voodoo Doughnut

voodoodoughnut / Instagram

Locations: Portland, Eugene and Milwaukie, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; Austin and Houston, Texas; Hollywood, California; and Orlando, Florida

This 20-year-old donut chain was started by two friends in Portland who were hellbent on “world doughnut domination.”

What Voodoo Doughnut Is Known For

voodoodoughnut / Instagram

Known for a variety of unusual flavor combos, including the “Ring of Fire” (chocolate cake, cinnamon sugar and cayenne pepper, topped with a dried red chili pepper), the “Viscous Hibiscus” (hibiscus-flavored frosting and black sprinkles) and the “Oh Captain, My Captain” (vanilla frosting and Captain Crunch), among others, Voodoo Doughnut is more of an experience than a simple donut shop.

They even perform weddings!

Paula’s Donuts

paulas_donuts_official / Instagram

Locations: Buffalo, New York, and surrounding areas

Food & Wine recently named Paula’s Donuts the best in New York state. It’s especially known for its cannoli doughnut (a one-off to benefit a Buffalo charity back in 2019 that was brought back by popular demand).

What Paula’s Donuts Is Known For

paulas_donuts_official / Instagram

People also come from all over to try the shop’s peanut stick, a Western New York tradition that’s essentially a glazed stick donut coated in crushed peanuts.

While the peanut stick has not been available very much in recent years, it’s as much a staple to Buffalo cuisine as are Anchor Bar chicken wings and beef-on-weck.

Top Pot Doughnuts

toppotdoughnuts / Instagram

Locations: Various ones in Washington and Texas

Top Pot doesn’t experiment with flavors like most of the other shops on this list. Instead, it relies on old favorites — apple fritters, old-fashioned, glazed and chocolate-covered, but what it does, it does well.

What Top Pot Doughnuts Is Known For

toppotdoughnuts / Instagram

Top Pot got the presidential seal of approval when Barack Obama stopped while visiting Seattle in 2010. He loved the donuts but said, “You can’t eat these every day.”

We’re not so sure!

Federal Donuts

federaldonuts / Instagram

Locations: Several around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Federal Donuts is known for its hot, made-to-order donuts. That’s right — you can go in and hear your donut of choice sizzling in the fryer.

What Federal Donuts Is Known For

federaldonuts / Instagram

Favorites include cinnamon and sugar, cookies ‘n’ cream and cannoli (spiced cake with ricotta cheese glaze and mini chocolate chips.)

In fact, Federal makes very good use of that fryer — they also have some of the best fried chicken and Za’atar spiced fries in Philly.

Five Daughters Bakery

five_daughters_bakery / Instagram

Locations: Tennessee, Georgia and Florida

This family-owned donut shop is famous for its 100 Layer Donut, which is indeed 100 layers of buttery deliciousness and takes four days to make.

What Five Daughters Bakery Is Known For

five_daughters_bakery / Instagram

But what really put Five Daughters head and shoulders above the rest is its sugar-free paleo donut, which has been so popular that it led to the shop’s expansion.

Guilt-free donuts? Sign us up!

Randy’s Donuts

randysdonuts / Instagram

Locations: Los Angeles, California, and surrounding areas

Randy’s is as iconic as the Hollywood sign due to the signage on its flagship store in Inglewood — a giant 32-foot donut, which is a selfie-must when visiting the City of Angels.

What Randy’s Donuts Is Known For

randysdonuts / Instagram

Randy’s started serving donuts 60 years ago and now features a combo of classics and unique flavors.

They must be doing something right as they continue to expand — by the looks of their website, they even have stores in South Korea. Krispy Kreme who?

Baker’s Dozen

lovebakersdozen / Instagram

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

In a town known for some of the most iconic pastries ever (beignets, anyone?) Baker’s Dozen stands out against the rest.

What Baker’s Dozen Is Known For

lovebakersdozen / Instagram

Customers get fresh, hot donuts (classic, seasonal and unique flavor pairings) made on the premises every morning, and of course, those who order a dozen get an extra donut, hence the name.

Also, make sure to look out for their award-winning king cake during Mardi Gras.

Neil’s Donuts

neilsdonutsct / Instagram

Locations: Wallingford and Middletown, Connecticut

When it comes to the best donuts in Connecticut, Neil’s is often at the top of the list.

What Neil’s Donuts Is Known For

neilsdonutsct / Instagram

The donut shop’s generously proportioned confections come in classic New England flavors, among them Boston cream and cider.

In autumn, the pumpkin spice cake and cinnamon sugar-dusted apple donuts are popular favorites.

Pinkbox Doughnuts

pinkboxdoughnuts / Instagram

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

These special recipe donuts are the toast of Vegas, baby! Pinkbox wants to give donut lovers that “wow” factor and prides itself on coming up with different flavor combinations no one has ever thought of.

What Pinkbox Doughnuts Is Known For

pinkboxdoughnuts / Instagram

In recent months, the shop created the “Be Well,” a masked donut that was a pandemic staple, and the Golden Knight, which is a combo of dark and white chocolate and peanut butter drizzle.

They also do custom orders.

Kamehameha Bakery

kamehamehabakeryhawaii / Instagram

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

After 36 years in the donut business, Kamehameha Bakery is still going strong.

What Kamehameha Bakery Is Known For

kamehamehabakeryhawaii / Instagram

Located in a strip mall in Honolulu, this no-frills bakery focuses on ingredients native to the state and features one-of-a-kind flavors, including poi- and haupia-filled donuts.

You can even visit after a late night out — they open at 2 a.m.!

Hugs & Donuts

hugsanddonutshtx / Instagram

Location: Houston, Texas

Hugs & Donuts create palate-pleasing treats in the Houston area, using high-quality ingredients in flavorful donuts like blueberry lemon, cinnamon sugar, birthday cake, tea coconuts, s’mores and toffee latte.

What Hugs & Donuts Is Known For

hugsanddonutshtx / Instagram

The store also features kolaches, which are pastries that are a mix of sweet and savory.

Think flavors like BBQ, sausage and pepper, and egg.

Vortex Doughnuts

vortexdoughnuts / Instagram

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Vortex makes donut delights from scratch and is one of the only places in Asheville that has vegan and gluten-free options.

What Vortex Doughnuts Is Known For

vortexdoughnuts / Instagram

The most popular items on the menu are the salted caramel donut and the vortex donut.

If you have a particular flavor you like, be sure to check with the store before ordering — they change their menu every few days.

Jason’s Donuts

jasonsdonuts / Instagram

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Jason’s Donuts may not have the high-profile storefront of most of the other donut shops on this list — in fact, it’s located on a dirt lot — but the donuts are a favorite of Fairbanks locals and tourists alike.

What Jason’s Donuts Is Known For

jasonsdonuts / Instagram

Hot, fresh donuts are the order of the day here.

You can even order the Doughnali Donut, a donut the size of a cake that is made to order for special events.

Mark’s Do-Nut Shop

the_scientist_eats / Instagram

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas

Mark’s Do-Nut Shop is an old-school shop that delivers.

What Mark’s Do-Nut Shop Is Known For

martymarr82 / Instagram

Pillowy and fresh every morning, all the classics are here, from glazed to double chocolate and everything in between.

Mark’s also features larger confections, including cinnamon twists and rolls and chocolate-covered bow ties.

District Doughnut and Coffee

dcdoughnut / Instagram

Locations: Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia

District’s gourmet donuts come in classic and unique flavors made with only the finest ingredients.

What District Doughnut and Coffee Is Known For

dcdoughnut / Instagram

The bakery’s “Doughfessionals” make their vanilla bean yeast dough, creams, jams, glazes and ganaches from scratch every day.

Their donuts come in a variety of unique flavors such as salted dulce de leche, baklava and even sweet potato.

Fractured Prune

fracturedprunecharleston / Instagram

Locations: Several states in the U.S. and American Samoa

Fractured Prune has been in business for 45 years and with good reason — its donuts are delicious!

What Fractured Prune Is Known For

fracturedprunesurfcitync / Instagram

These donut shops are franchised across the country, and the donuts are made to order, which means you can order the classics or make your own yummy concoction on site.

That’s right — Fractured Prune allows you to follow your donut destiny!

Sarah Donuts

sarah_donuts / Instagram

Locations: Various cities throughout Georgia

Southern hospitality is the name of the game at Sarah Donuts.

What Sarah Donuts Is Known For

sarah_donuts / Instagram

Often rated best in the state, Sarah features the classics you’ve come to know and love as well as donuts that are a little more eclectic, like the red velvet donut and the cinnamon and glazed sunflower.

The customer service here is top notch, too.

Mahalo’s Coffee & Mini Donuts

mahalosminidonuts / Instagram

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa

For a Hawaiian vibe on the mainland, Mahalo’s has you covered.

What Mahalo’s Coffee & Mini Donuts Is Known For

mahalosminidonuts / Instagram

The shop’s donuts are small in size but big in flavor. These are light sponge donuts drizzled in your choice of toppings.

Mahalo’s also features an espresso bar and 100 percent Hawaiian coffee to wash it all down.

Fluffy Fresh Donuts

fluffyfreshdonuts_kc / Instagram

Location: Mission, Kansas

If you’re looking for a great no-frills donut shop, look no further than Fluffy Fresh.

What Fluffy Fresh Donuts Is Known For

shawneemissionpost / Instagram

There are no unusual flavor pairings here, but in this case, less is more (and they do feature a different old-fashioned flavor once a week.)

According to Yelp, customers can call the night before to request their favorites, and they will be ready the next morning. You may want to consider this as they sell out early!

The Holy Donut

holydonutmaine / Instagram

Location: Portland, Maine

Just looking at Holy Donut’s Instagram page makes us want to take a road trip!

What The Holy Donut Is Known For

holydonutmaine / Instagram

These donut delicacies are made from potato flour, which gives them an extra pillowy texture.

Some favorites include blueberry maple bacon, pomegranate, margarita and toasted coconut. Just get there early — there will be a line!

Granny’s Gourmet Donuts

oppapandaman / Instagram

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Granny’s doesn’t have much of a web presence, so you’ll have the word of locals at heart when they tell you it’s the best in Bozeman and perhaps all of Montana.

What Granny’s Gourmet Donuts Is Known For

isabella__gentry / Instagram

The donuts here are made on the premises, and because they are popular and the shop is only open on weekends, they occasionally run out of ingredients.

Nevertheless, it’s worth the trip!

Sandy’s Donuts & Coffee Shop

sandys.donuts / Instagram

Location: Fargo, North Dakota

This family-owned business offers 80 different donut varieties daily and fresh roasted coffee.

What Sandy’s Donuts & Coffee Shop Is Known For

sandys.donuts / Instagram

Sandy’s features rotating flavors, like cookie dough donuts, that never disappoint.

They will even have these (and their other yummy flavors) delivered right to your door if you live in the Fargo area.

PANA Donuts Coffee & Boba Tea

go.eat.explore / Instagram

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

If you want just the right donut — not too sweet and not too heavy — PANA is Indianapolis’ choice of donuts and usually ends up on “best of” lists.

What PANA Donuts Coffee & Boba Tea Is Known For

wwdeatnext / Instagram

The shop features childhood favorites as well as seasonal donuts, like red velvet cake and apple fritter with fluffy glaze yeast.

Then, you can wash them down with either coffee or their world-famous Boba tea.

DG Doughnuts

dgdoughnuts / Instagram

Location: Oakland, Florida

Voted the best in Florida by Yelp, DG is located in a gas station, but this is no gas station donut.

What DG Doughnuts Is Known For

dgdoughnuts / Instagram

These well-crafted, delicious cake donuts are as gourmet as it gets.

They are big in size as well as flavor. Recent favorites include the old-fashioned blueberry, the Knob Creek smoked maple bacon and the Snickers bomb.

Rebel Donuts

rebeldonut / Instagram

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rebel makes their delectable donuts by hand every morning.

What Rebel Donuts Is Known For

rebeldonut / Instagram

Of course, they have what they call their “Usual Suspects” (i.e., the classics), but they do create spontaneous flavor selections they call “Radicals” and “Outliers” that have made them one of the top-rated donut shops in New Mexico.

There are also vegan and gluten-free donuts to choose from daily.

Round Rock Donuts

roundtherocktx / Instagram

Location: Round Rock, Texas

Round Rock, in operation since 1926, may be the oldest donut shop on our list. With that kind of staying power, it has to be good.

What Round Rock Donuts Is Known For

ohsuziq1972 / Instagram

People come from miles around for their classic glazed, which looks and tastes like no other donut you’ve experienced.

They also feature donuts they call “Texas size.” Because why not?

Sweetwater’s Donut Mill

sweetwatersdm / Instagram

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Since 1983, this rustic donut shop has been a must-visit when traveling to Kalamazoo.

What Sweetwater’s Donut Mill Is Known For

sweetwatersdm / Instagram

Yelpers rave about Sweetwater’s, calling it a “doughnut delicatessen” and home of the “best cakes donuts EVER.”

The variety of donuts is said to be staggering and ranges from tried-and-true classics to one-of-kind sweet treats such as lemon cheesecake and root beer float.