My Ultimate Doughnut Bucket List: The 30 BEST Doughnuts in America
As a travel blogger, I’m extremely familiar with bucket lists. The term seems synonymous with travel these days.
I don’t have a bucket list. Sure, I have some places in my head that I KNOW I want to go to one day (Egypt & Japan immediately come to mind) but I don’t have a formal bucket list anywhere.
Well, that is about to change. In this post, I am starting an official bucket list. But this isn’t your run of the mill bucket list. This is a DOUGHNUT BUCKET LIST. (Yes, caps lock was necessary there).
If you follow along on my Instagram, you’ll know I have a huge sweet tooth. Every Thursday I feature a different sweet treat as part of my #ThursdayTreat series. I also have an EATS section on my blog where I frequently post about food.
But, I never thought to make a food bucket list before. The other day, my husband and I enjoyed some doughnuts from our favorite doughnut spot here in NYC. We started talking about all the doughnuts we’ve tried and I realized that I’ve sampled doughnuts in a bunch of cities around the world. But there are still so many more that I want to try. And I’m going to guess if you are still reading, we share this love of doughnuts.
So, I decided to create a doughnut bucket list! I thought about how I wanted to do this for a while and decided I would limit it to the best doughnuts in America. I might include a world-wide doughnut bucket list in the future, but for now, I’m sticking to the States.
This bucket list is going to feature 30 of the best doughnuts in America. I’ve tried some (but not all) of the doughnuts on this list. Use this post however you want: travel inspiration or as your own doughnut bucket list. Keep track of how many you’ve tried and let me know your count in the comments below!
Ready to get started? I’m so excited! Let me present:
My Ultimate Doughnut Bucket List: The 30 BEST Doughnuts in America
Top Pot Donuts
Seattle, Washington
Top Pot tops the list (see what I did there) because they are some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever tasted. These “hand-forged” doughnuts are made the old-fashioned way. Step into a Top Pot location and you will find locals bonding over the delicious coffee and 40+ types of doughnuts. The Seattle freeze just doesn’t seem to exist when you have a doughnut in hand.
My pick: Chocolate Sandcastle
Daily Dozen Doughnuts
Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
Since they are mini doughnuts that means you can eat more, right? That the strategy I take at Daily Dozen anyways. There are so many great places to eat in Pike Place Market but don’t miss a stop at the Daily Dozen Doughnut shop. You probably won’t be able to miss the line anyways. Bring cash, join the line, and watch as the doughnuts are made right before your eyes (they have an awesome conveyer-belt system going). Ask for a mixed dozen to try a few of each flavor and, usually, you will be treated to at least a baker’s dozen.
My picks: Mixed Dozen or Cinnamon Sugar
Hole Doughnuts
Asheville, North Carolina
Hole Doughnuts has received tons of press, and for good reason. They were named the best dessert of 2016 by Bon Appétit, which is what initially brought me to their shop. They prepare their yeast doughnuts by hand behind the counter, so you can watch the process while you wait. Honestly, I’ve never had a doughnut quite like these. They were the right amount of crispy on the outside, but soft and flaky on the inside. I went with a group of friends and decided to share a few. After we took a bite, one of our friends immediately got back in line to order more. They really were that good.
My picks: Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Glaze
Gourdough’s Donuts
Austin, Texas
Gourdough’s serves large, over-the-top doughnuts out of an airstream. I haven’t been to Austin yet, but when I do, this place will be one of my first stops! I really want to try the Heavenly Hash (Marshmallow With Chocolate Fudge Icing Topped With Brownie Bites).
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Heavenly Hash
Status Dough
Knoxville, Tennessee
The doughnut craze hit my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee hard. There are some pretty great doughnut spots in town including Status Dough. This bakery serves a selection of artisanal doughnuts. When you walk in, review the chalkboard for their recommended doughnut and coffee pairings.
My pick: Strawberry Old Fashioned
Pop’s Original Donuts
Knoxville, Tennessee
Like I said, the doughnut craze really hit my hometown. Pop’s serves old-school doughnuts, doughnut holes, and a few specialty options. In the afternoon, they offer half-priced doughnuts during Doughnut Happy Hour.
My pick: Vanilla Glazed with Sprinkles
Doughnut Vault
Chicago, Illinois
It sounds like you go to Doughnut Vault for the experience, not just the tasty pastries. This standing-room-only doughnut shop serves a limited amount of doughnuts daily. Guests line up to get their hands on these doughnuts before they sell out for the day. I am not one to shy away from standing in line for dessert and I plan to check out Doughnut Vault the next time I’m in Chicago. They only offer a few flavors each day. Past flavors have included Red Velvet Cake, Buttermilk Old Fashioned, and Cookies and Cream Old Fashioned.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Buttermilk Old Fashioned
Stan’s Donuts
Chicago, Illinois
Before creating this bucket list, I asked for suggestions of the best doughnuts in America on my Instagram. Multiple people recommended Stan’s Donuts in Chicago so it sounds like I need to make a foodie trip to the Windy City soon! After browsing their menu and Instagram, I know I would love to try their Strawberry Glazed or Peanut Butter Pocket.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Peanut Butter Pocket
Voodoo Doughnut
Portland, Oregon
Voodoo was probably my first introduction to specialty doughnuts. I didn’t try them until a few years ago, but I remember watching a show on the Travel Channel a long time ago about the best desserts in each state. What did they feature for Oregon? The Voodoo Doll doughnuts of course. Let me say, these doughnuts really did live up to the hype.
My pick: Voodoo Doll (I mean, how could you not get this one?)
The Donut Pub
New York City
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good gourmet doughnut. But sometimes, I want a simple, old-school doughnut. And that is where Donut Pub comes in. This 24-hour doughnut shop is hands-down my favorite in NYC. It is almost a weekly tradition for me to stop by Donut Pub. They offer croissant doughnuts as well, but the real winners here are the simple, cake doughnuts.
My picks: Chocolate Cake and Blueberry Cake
District
New Orleans, Louisiana
District makes everything (including the sprinkles) from scratch. Their flavors rotate weekly and they have a catalog of over 100 doughnuts to choose from. Their staples of Glazed, Cinnamon Sugar, and Chocolate Glazed are always available. Some of their rotating flavors have included Turtle Cheesecake, Margarita, and Funfetti.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Chocolate Glazed
California Donuts
Los Angeles, California
I feel like the picture says everything here. California Donuts is a 24-hour walk-up window where you can purchase some of the cutest doughnuts in Cali. They get pretty creative with their toppings and they all look so tempting (and make for great Instagram pics, too).
My picks: M&M or Panda
Federal Donuts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Federal Donuts seems to do it all: doughnuts, coffee, and fried chicken. They offer a selection of fancy doughnuts, with flavors like Blueberry Muffin, Carrot Cake, and Strawberry Lavender. Later in the morning, they serve Honey Doughnuts with a piece of fried chicken.
My pick: Chocolate Cookies N Cream
Glaze Donuts
New Milford, New Jersey
Glaze Donuts is known for their small-batch artisan doughnuts. They are the home of the Italian Rainbow Donut, which looks pretty fantastic. I’m not going to say their doughnuts are healthy, but they are made without preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.
My pick: Italian Rainbow Donut
The Salty Donut
Miami, Florida
The Salty Donut exceed all of my expectations. This craft doughnut shop makes small-batch pastries that rotate seasonally. When I first walked in, I was overwhelmed by the options. So naturally, I had to try a ton. I went with two other people and I think we shared a half dozen between us. Check out their seasonal flavors (past ones have included Dragon + Passion Fruit and Cafe Con Leche) but don’t miss their classic Guava + Cheese. Oh, and while you are here, be sure to try their Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte!
My pick: Brown Butter + Salt
Blackbird Doughnuts
Boston, Massachusetts
When I learned that Adele once visited Blackbird, I knew I needed to stop here during my trip to Boston. Blackbird serves a nice mix of cake (my favorites!) and brioche doughnuts. Their signature flavor is the Blackbird- a vanilla bean old fashioned with vanilla glaze. They also experiment with unique flavors like Everything Bagel, Scallion Pancake Fritter, and Bubblegum.
My pick: The Blackbird
Five Daughters Bakery
Nashville, Tennessee
Even though I grew up in Tennessee, I never made it to Five Daughters Bakery in Nashville. Next time I’m home, I will be making a special trip to Middle Tennessee to get my hands on these treats. Five Daughters is known for their 100 layer croissant-style doughnuts. Uh, yum! You can check out their Donut Cam online to see what flavors are left or if they’ve sold out.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Chocolate Ganache with Sprinkles
Granny’s Gourmet Donuts
Bozeman, Montana
One of my best friends recommended Granny’s to me and I’m SO glad she did. I stopped at Granny’s on a cross-country road trip from Tennessee to California. When I mapped out my trip, I realized I’d be stopping in Bozeman around July 4. I panicked and immediately called Granny’s (which as an introvert is not something I normally do) to make sure they would be open over the holiday weekend. Luckily, they were open and I got to try their soft and incredibly delicious doughnuts.
My pick: Strawberry
Shipley’s Do-Nuts
Houston, Texas
Shipley’s is a Southern doughnut staple that has been serving treats since 1936. You can find cake, glazed, and yeast doughnuts on the menu. I hate to admit it, but I once visited a Shipley’s years ago during a phase where I didn’t think I liked doughnuts (clearly that’s changed!) and I don’t remember trying them. Next time, I’m getting a dozen as a formal apology to Shipley’s because, as I scroll their Instagram, I’m pretty upset with my mistake.
My pick: Strawberry Sprinkle
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Washington DC
Another doughnut and fried chicken spot? Why not! Astro Doughnuts has a few spots across the country but so far I’ve only visited their DC location. You can choose from their staples of Vanilla Glazed, Maple Bacon, PB&J, or Creme Brule doughnuts. Doughnuts can sell out, so arrive early to make sure you get your pick. Oh, and if you want a doughnut sandwich, you can make that happen. Savory or Old Bay Doughnuts are used for their fried chicken breakfast sandwiches.
My pick: Creme Brule
The Holy Donut
Portland, Maine
The Holy Donut is a Maine institution that specializes in potato doughnuts. Doughnuts regularly sell out and it is recommended you get here before noon for the best selection. Classic flavors include Cinnamon Sugar and Pure Vanilla Glaze potato doughnuts. Seasonal flavors are often featured and the fall Apple Potato doughnut sounds incredible to me!
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Sea Salt Dark Chocolate
Donut Bar
San Diego, California
Donut Bar has been featured on so many lists and TV shows (Thrillist, Food Network, and the Travel Channel just to name a few). They now have a few locations out west but San Diego is home to their original spot. Donut Bar is known for its large doughnuts Pop Tart-inspired doughnuts. These creations are stuffed with fruit filling and might inspire some nostalgia for 90s-kids.
My pick: S’mores
Sublime Doughnuts
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s top doughnut spot offers creative and colorful pastries. Get ready for varieties like Salt & Vinegar, Butterfinger, and Fresh Strawberry N Cream. Custom lettered doughnuts are also available for special occasions.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): A-Town Mocha
Round Rock Donuts
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock serves their classic glazed or chocolate covered doughnuts for less than $1 each. But, if you want to try the Texas-sized doughnut, it’s going to cost you a bit more ($8). These massive doughnuts were featured on an episode of Man v Food back in the day.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Texas-sized doughnut
Long’s Bakery
Indianapolis, Indiana
For over 50 years, Long’s Bakery has been a staple in Indianapolis. This bakery continues to sell old school doughnuts at incredibly fair prices. Bring cash and prepare to wait, especially on the weekends.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Cinnamon-Sugar Dusted Cake Donut
Underwest Donuts
New York City
Some of the best doughnuts in NYC are actually found in a car wash. Underwest serves cake doughnuts that are expertly glazed and old fashioned doughnuts that are fried on the spot. You can also find Underwest Donuts at various coffee shops around NYC.
My pick: Car Wash (vanilla topped doughnut with blue, green, and pink stripes)
Sugar Shack Donuts
Richmond, Virginia
Sugar Shack is frequently included on lists of the best doughnuts in America. The next time I’m in Virginia, I’m going to go out to my way to make sure I stop at a Sugar Shack. Their flavors rotate frequently (you can check out their “rare-o-meter” rankings on their website) but I’m very interested in the Chocolate & Caramel With Sea Salt (3/5 rare-o-meter) and Chocolate Peanut (2/5 rare-o-meter).
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Chocolate & Caramel With Sea Salt
Pinkbox Doughnuts
Las Vegas, Nevada
This 24-hour specialty doughnut shop is the perfect place to stop after (or during) a night out in Vegas. They serve a rotating selection of creative flavors that are made without preservatives. Most of their flavors are yeast doughnuts but they also serve a few cake options as well.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Chocolate frosted yeast ring with sprinkles
Rebel Donut
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I’ve already been craving a trip back to New Mexico and I think Rebel Donut might be the tipping point. I need to go try their creative doughnuts. Rebel knows that there isn’t one “perfect” doughnut, so they offer plenty of variety.
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Chocolate Dipped Raised
Liliha Bakery
Honolulu, Hawaii
Last, but certainly not least, we have Poi Mochi donuts from Liliha Bakery. This bakery has been running since the 1950s and it frequently tops “what to eat in Hawaii” lists. Not that I needed another reason to want to go to Hawaii, but I know this will be high on my list when I go!
My pick (I haven’t visited yet!): Poi Mochi Donuts
Ready to go eat some doughnuts? I know I am! I hope you enjoyed my Ultimate Doughnut Bucket List of the BEST Doughnuts in America!
How many have you tried? Right now I’ve had 15 on this list, so I’m halfway there! Let me know how many you’ve tried or any of your favorites that I left off this list!
If you are looking for more, check out these posts:
What You HAVE to Eat in Boston
12 Seattle Desserts You Need to Try
If you liked this post, feel free to share it or pin it!
2 Comments
Merrie Rodriguez
Houstonian here! I can tell you Shipley’s is great but some of the others on this list look so crazy (and totally yummy!) Donuts are the key to happiness 😉
Adventuring Millennial
I’m so bummed that I didn’t actually try Shipley’s! They look so good to me now. Next time I get the chance I will for sure be trying them. And I totally agree- doughnuts are the key to happiness!!