The average American eats 31 donuts per year, according to a 2018 survey from Dawn Foods, a global supplier of bakery ingredients – with over a third of consumers eating donuts at least once a month.
While America’s obsession with these fried treats is generations old, recent decades have seen a wave of independent and small chain donut shops sweep the nation. Of the 10 billion donuts made in the U.S. annually, the two most ubiquitous chains account for less than half. Krispy Kreme sells up to 1.6 billion a year, while Dunkin’ sells 2.9 billion – including munchkins. (These are the Dunkin’ Donuts capitals of America.)
To compile a list of the best donut shops in America, 24/7 Tempo consulted articles and rankings on a variety of sites, including Eater, Food & Wine, Thrillist, Time Out, and Tasting Table, as well as numerous local and regional sources, then made a final choice based on editorial discretion. Some of these shops offer virtually nothing but donuts, while others are full-service bakeries or cafés known for the quality of their donuts as well as other foods. Most of the shops here are independent one-unit operations; exceptions are noted as such.
According to Dawn Foods, some 82% of Gen Z and Millennial consumers are interested in trying donuts offering adventurous and novel flavor combinations – and most of the best donut shops in the nation offer some edgy flavors that push the envelope beyond the everyday glazed and cream-filled varieties. From olive oil and black pepper to broccoli cream to strawberry matcha, the varieties at these purveyors are virtually limitless.
Southern California has long been known as a donut mecca, and five of the best donut shops are in that regionl. Los Angeles boasts a donut shop for every 7,000 residents, while the rate in the rest of the country is closer to one per 30,000. Four shops are in Texas, which is also known for its plethora of donut purveyors. (This is the best donut shop in every state.)
Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken
> Location: Miami, Florida
> Sample donut: Guava and cheese
Demet’s Donuts
> Location: Medford, Massachusetts
> Sample donut: Blueberry nugget
Do-Rite Donuts
> Location: Chicago, Illinois (five locations)`
> Sample donut: Pistachio old-fashioned
Donut Bar
> Location: San Diego, California
> Sample donut: Real vanilla bean glazed
Funkytown Donuts
> Location: Fort Worth, Texas
> Sample donut: Orange dark chocolate
Round Rock Donuts
> Location: Round Rock and Cedar Park, Texas
> Sample donut: Chocolate-dipped chocolate
Purvé Donut Stop
> Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (two locations)
> Sample donut: Alohamac (chocolate glazed dusted with macadamia nuts and caramel
24/7 Tempo
DK’s Donuts
> Location: Santa Monica, California
> Sample donut: Caramel Snickers
The Doughnut Plant
> Location: New York City (two locations), Brooklyn (two locations), Queens, New York
> Sample donut: Peanut butter & banana cream
The Heavenly Donut Company
> Location: Birmingham, Alabama
> Sample donut: Sour cream old-fashioned
Dino’s Donuts
> Location: Anchorage, Alaska
> Sample donut: German chocolate frosted
Revolution Doughnuts
> Location: Decatur and Atlanta, Georgia
> Sample donut: Toasted almond cake
24/7 Tempo
Guru Donuts
> Location: Boise and Eagle, Idaho (three locations)
> Sample donut: Cinnamon sugar potato
Krumpe’s Do-nuts
> Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
> Sample donut: Lemon drop
Cardigan Donuts
> Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
> Sample donut: Turtle cheesecake
Granny’s Gourmet Donuts
> Location: Bozeman, Montana
> Sample donut: Broccoli cream
Uncle Dood’s Donuts
> Location: Toms River, New Jersey
> Sample donut: Werewolf Fuzz (maple icing and toasted coconut
Whoo’s Donuts
> Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
> Sample donut: Strawberry matcha
Buckeye Donuts
> Location: Columbus, Ohio
> Sample donut: Red velvet with cream cheese
Polar Donuts
> Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
> Sample donut: Blueberry frosted
Gibson’s Donuts
> Location: Memphis, Tennessee
> Sample donut: Maple bacon
Colorado Donuts
> Location: Eagle Rock, California
> Sample donut: Banana Nilla Wafer
24/7 Tempo
North Country Donuts
> Location: Morrisville, Vermont
> Sample donut: Ricotta cream
Cowboy Donuts
> Location: Rock Springs, Wyoming, and American Fork, Utah
> Sample donut: Pumpkin spice
Pinkbox Donuts
> Location: Las Vegas (two locations) and Henderson, Nevada
> Sample donut: Coco Loco (chocolate-frosted glazed chocolate cake with Cocoa Pebbles
Neil’s Donuts
> Location: Wallingford and Middletown, Connecticut
> Sample donut: Reese’s peanut butter crumb
Combo Donuts
> Location: Austin, Texas
> Sample donut: Plain glazed
Sugar Shack Donuts
> Location: Richmond, North Chesterfield, and Charter Colony, Virginia
> Sample donut: Strawberry shortcake
The Holy Donut
> Location: Portland (two locations), Scarborough, Arundel, Maine
> Sample donut: Holy Cannoli ginger glazed
Donnie’s Donuts
> Location: Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, Florida
> Sample donut: Death by Chocolate (chocolate cake with chocolate chips, sprinkles, and drizzle)
California Donuts
> Location: Los Angeles, California
> Sample donut: Thin Mint (Girl Scout cookie)
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
> Location: Brooklyn, New York
> Sample donut: White cream coconut
Donut Run
> Location: Washington, D.C.
> Sample donut: Peppermint mocha (vegan)
The Donut Whole
> Location: Wichita, Kansas
> Sample donut: Cherry berry
Dottie’s Donuts
> Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (three locations)
> Sample donut: Pumpkin-miso goji berry
The Doughnut Project
> Location: New York City, New York
> Sample donut: The Bronx (olive oil and black pepper glaze)
The Jelly Donut
> Location: San Francisco, California
> Sample donut: Pineapple jelly
River Oaks Donut Shop
> Location: Houston, Texas
> Sample donut: Cherry iced
Doughnut Vault
> Location: Chicago, Illinois
> Sample donut: Piña colada old-fashioned
The Tatonut Shop
> Location: Ocean Springs, Mississippi
> Sample donut: Cookie butter
Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Tempo Editorial team.
