Donut Delight: Exploring the Best Donut Shops in the USA
Nothing beats the sweet and delectable taste of a freshly baked donut. Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed, chocolate-covered, or stuffed donuts, there’s no shortage of delicious donut shops to explore in the USA.
While donuts are certainly delicious on their own, there’s no denying the perfect pairing of coffee and donuts. Whether it’s a simple cup of black coffee or a specialty latte, the caffeine and sweetness of a donut and coffee make for a winning combination.
The donut shops on this list are the perfect spot for a morning or afternoon treat. From local mom-and-pop stores to international chains, in this blog, we explore some of the best donut shops in the USA, from traditional to trendy, and uncover what makes them stand out.
Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, Oregon
When it comes to unique and quirky donuts, Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon takes the cake (or, in this case, the donut!).
Known for their unconventional flavors and shapes, Voodoo Doughnut has gained a cult-like following across the US. From the iconic “Voodoo Doll” donut filled with raspberry jelly and topped with a pretzel stake to the “Bacon Maple Bar” donut topped with crispy bacon strips, Voodoo Doughnut’s creations are anything but ordinary.
Doughnut Plant, New York City
If you’re in New York City and looking for a classic donut with a twist, look no further than Doughnut Plant. Using only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients, Doughnut Plant creates some of the most unique and flavorful donuts you’ll ever taste.
Their “Tres Leches” donut, soaked in three types of milk and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, is a customer favorite.
Other popular flavors include Crème Brûlée, Valrhona Chocolate, and Matcha Green Tea.
Blue Star Donuts, Portland, Oregon
Another top contender from Portland, Oregon, Blue Star Donuts has taken the donut world by storm with their creative flavors and artisanal approach.
Using a brioche-style dough that takes 18 hours to make, each Blue Star donut is made with precision and care.
Some of their standout flavors include the Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut, topped with a bourbon glaze and fresh basil, and the Raspberry Rosemary Buttermilk donut, which features a tangy raspberry glaze and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary.
Federal Donuts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
At Federal Donuts in Philadelphia, donuts and coffee go hand in hand.
This unique donut shop offers a variety of donuts, from classic cake to glazed and filled, but their standout feature is their Fancy donuts, which are covered in unique toppings like coconut cream, pistachio, and blueberry mascarpone.
Federal Donuts also offers a range of locally roasted coffee, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
District Doughnut, Washington D.C.
District Doughnut in Washington D.C. is known for its artisanal, made-from-scratch donuts that are both delicious and visually stunning.
Their Brown Butter donut, topped with a sweet glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt, is a must-try.
However, for an even more unique flavor, try their Passionfruit Guava donut, which is filled with a tangy passionfruit and guava jam and topped with a tropical glaze.
Shipley Do-Nuts, Boston
Shipley Do-Nuts is a Houston-based donut shop that has been serving up its famous glazed donuts since 1936. While their glazed donuts are a fan favorite, they also offer a variety of other flavors like apple fritters, chocolate-filled donuts, and kolaches.
Shipley also serves breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and other baked goods.
Top Pot Doughnuts, Seattle, Washington
Top Pot Doughnuts in Seattle, Washington is a local institution that has been serving up fresh, handmade donuts since 2002.
With a variety of flavors to choose from, including classics like glazed and cinnamon sugar, Top Pot is the perfect spot for donut traditionalists.
For a twist on a classic, try their Maple Bar donut, which is topped with a sweet maple glaze and crispy bacon bits.
Donut Bar, San Diego, California
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy donut, Donut Bar in San Diego, California, has you covered.
With creative and colorful toppings like Fruity Pebbles, Oreo crumbles, and edible glitter, Donut Bar’s creations are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Their Big Poppa Tart donut, filled with strawberry jam and topped with a Pop Tart, is a knockout!
Krispy Kreme, Nationwide
We can’t talk about the best donut shops in the USA without mentioning Krispy Kreme.
This international chain has been serving up its iconic glazed donuts since 1937 and has become a household name. While they may not be as unique or artisanal as some of the other shops on this list, there’s no denying the appeal of a freshly baked Krispy Kreme donut.
And with locations nationwide, you’re never too far away from one.
If all this talk of donuts has your inner entrepreneur dreaming, consider the cost to open a donut shop. According to Entrepreneur.com, the cost to open a donut shop can range from $90,000 to $400,000, depending on the location, size, and equipment. Factors like rent, utilities, and employee wages can also add to the cost.
With the right business plan and passion, owning a donut shop can be fulfilling and profitable.
Conclusion
From Portland to San Diego, the USA is home to some of the best donut shops in the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic glazed donut or a unique flavor combination, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. And with the growing popularity of artisanal and gourmet donuts, the donut industry is showing no signs of slowing down.
