The 25 Best Donut Shops in America (2026 Guide)
From century-old family bakeries to viral TikTok sensations, these are the 25 donut shops every enthusiast needs to visit in 2026.
America's donut landscape has never been more exciting. From coast to coast, a new generation of bakers is pushing boundaries with creative flavors and techniques while beloved institutions continue perfecting the classics. We combed through our database of over 1,500 shops, analyzed ratings, awards, and reader feedback to bring you the definitive list of the 25 best donut shops in America for 2026.
The Northeast
1. Beiler's Doughnuts — Philadelphia, PA
Tucked inside the iconic Reading Terminal Market, Beiler's has been hand-rolling Pennsylvania Dutch doughnuts for over 30 years. With 40+ varieties available daily and lines that never seem to shrink, this Amish family operation is a Philadelphia institution. The blueberry fritters and seasonal s'mores donut are worth the wait. Donuts start at just $1.50 — a steal by any measure.
2. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop — Brooklyn, NY
Open since 1953 with its original pink neon sign and vintage decor, Peter Pan in Greenpoint is the real deal. Cash only, no fancy flavors, just perfectly executed classic donuts starting at $2. They open at 4:30 AM and the bow tie donut is legendary. This is what a donut shop should feel like.
3. Doughnut Plant — New York, NY
Mark Isreal pioneered the gourmet donut movement in 1994, long before it was trendy. Using organic ingredients, fresh fruit purees, and zero preservatives, Doughnut Plant's square donuts and innovative flavors like Blackout Cake and Crème Brûlée set the standard. Multiple locations across NYC keep loyal fans satisfied.
4. Federal Donuts & Chicken — Philadelphia, PA
Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, Federal Donuts combines artisan doughnuts with Korean-style fried chicken. Hot fresh doughnuts in rotating flavors are available all day, while limited "fancy" varieties sell out by mid-morning. With multiple locations across Philly, this is a hometown hero.
5. Kora — New York, NY
This Filipino-American donut shop had 10,000 people on the waitlist when it opened. The ube coconut and calamansi cream flavors draw from Filipino traditions while pushing American donut culture forward. Get there early — they sell out by noon most days.
The Midwest
6. Doughnut Vault — Chicago, IL
Hidden in a tiny River North storefront, Doughnut Vault sells out within hours of opening — sometimes within 60 minutes. The buttermilk old fashioned is perfection, and weekly specials like champagne old fashioned keep serious donut hunters coming back. Part of the Hogsalt Hospitality family, these are among the most sought-after donuts in the country.
7. Old Fashioned Donuts — Chicago, IL
Named the best donut shop in all of Illinois by Yelp's Elite Squad in 2024, this Roseland institution has been perfecting its craft for decades. The apple fritters are the size of dinner plates, and the chocolate cake donuts have a cult following. Owner Burritt Bullock's dedication shows in every bite.
8. Dat Donut — Chicago, IL
A South Side legend since 1980, Dat Donut serves pillowy glazed yeast donuts that melt in your mouth. Their famous Big Dat Donut is literally larger than your head. The kicker? Single donuts cost about a buck and change. They stay open until 10 PM, rare for any donut shop.
9. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken — Chicago, IL
Chicago's go-to for pillowy yeast-raised donuts with locations across downtown. Their vanilla bean glazed is the benchmark — sweet but not cloying, perfectly flaky. They're one of the few premium shops that genuinely serves excellent vegan and gluten-free options daily. The donut fried chicken sandwich is an indulgent must-try.
10. Beacon Doughnuts — Chicago, IL
Hidden in a Lincoln Park alley, Beacon went viral on TikTok and earned spots on every best-of list. The remarkable secret: all their gorgeous small-batch brioche doughnuts are 100% vegan. The 24-hour batches of brioche dough are so rich and light, you would never guess. Available through a walk-up window until they sell out.
The South
11. Voodoo Doughnut — Portland, OR (with Southern locations)
The original Portland icon has expanded across the country. Their irreverent style — think Bacon Maple Bar and Grape Ape — helped launch the craft donut revolution. Love them or debate them, Voodoo put creative donuts on the map.
12. Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts — Charleston, SC
Small-batch artisan donuts in the heart of Charleston. Flavors rotate daily and incorporate Southern ingredients like bourbon, peach, and sweet tea. A perfect complement to a morning stroll through the historic district.
13. Gibson's Donuts — Memphis, TN
Open 24 hours and serving Memphis since 1967, Gibson's is a late-night institution. The glazed donut is pillowy perfection, and the maple bacon was ahead of the trend by decades. Whether you need a 3 AM sugar fix or an early morning treat, Gibson's delivers.
The West Coast
14. Sidecar Doughnuts — Costa Mesa, CA
Hatch-to-batch donuts made with premium seasonal ingredients. The butter and salt donut is legendary — a brown butter cake donut with flaky sea salt that perfectly balances sweet and savory. They partner with local farms and rotate flavors with the seasons.
15. Donut Man — Glendora, CA
Jim Nakano's roadside stand has been perfecting donuts since 1972. The strawberry-stuffed donut during strawberry season is a pilgrimage-worthy experience — a fresh yeast donut literally overflowing with glazed strawberries. The peach version in summer is equally transcendent.
16. Blue Star Donuts — Portland, OR
Using a brioche-style dough with a 24-hour rise, Blue Star creates dense, rich, European-style donuts. The blueberry bourbon basil and Cointreau crème brûlée showcase their chef-driven approach. No artificial colors or flavors, ever.
17. Dough Zone — Seattle, WA
Blending Chinese baking traditions with Pacific Northwest ingredients, Dough Zone creates unique fusion donuts that reflect Seattle's diverse food scene. The ube donut and matcha cream are standouts.
18. Randy's Donuts — Inglewood, CA
You know the giant rooftop donut from movies and Instagram. Beyond the iconic architecture, Randy's has been serving excellent classic donuts since 1953. The chocolate raised and buttermilk bar are worth the trip to LAX-adjacent Inglewood.
The Hidden Gems
19. Dottie's Donuts — Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's first all-vegan doughnut shop has expanded to four locations, proving that plant-based donuts can be exceptional. The rotating daily flavors — from apple fritters to glazed gingerbread with chocolate-apple spiced cake — keep regulars coming back. Everything in the store is vegan.
20. Frangelli's Bakery — Philadelphia, PA
This South Philadelphia family bakery invented the Franolli — a donut-cannoli hybrid filled with cannoli cream and chocolate chips. Operating since the 1960s, their ice cream donuts are equally legendary. Cash preferred.
21. Firecakes Donuts — Chicago, IL
Jonathan Fox's Firecakes has become a Chicago institution with vintage presentation and baker's twine-wrapped boxes. The old fashioned buttermilk is modest yet perfect, and the ice cream donut sandwiches are a summertime revelation.
22. Cloudy Donut Co. — Brooklyn, NY
This Black-owned, 100% vegan donut shop in Bushwick makes incredibly light and fluffy donuts that rival any traditional recipe. Weekend pop-up model with online pre-orders. The churro cloud and berry lavender are outstanding.
23. Dominique Ansel Bakery — New York, NY
The inventor of the Cronut changed donut culture forever. While primarily a patisserie, the croissant-donut hybrid remains a must-try NYC experience. Pre-order two weeks in advance or brave the walk-in line.
24. D&D's Place — Chicago, IL
Winner of both the Judge's Choice AND Crowd Favorite at the Chicago Donut Fest 2020, D&D's Place in Chatham was founded by a protégé of Old Fashioned Donuts. Opening at 5:30 AM, they carry on the South Side tradition of incredible, affordable donuts.
25. Kouklet Brazilian Bakehouse — Philadelphia, PA
Bringing authentic Brazilian pastry traditions to East Passyunk Avenue, Kouklet's sonhos — plump, airy Brazilian doughnuts — are like biting into sugary pillows. The bolo de rolo and rotating seasonal flavors make this one of the most exciting newcomers in the country.
How We Chose
Our rankings consider multiple factors: consistency of quality, customer ratings across platforms, national and local press recognition, uniqueness of offerings, and community impact. We prioritize shops that excel at their chosen style — whether that's a $1.50 classic glazed or a $7 artisan creation.
Want to find more amazing donut shops near you? Browse our complete directory of over 1,500 shops across every state at NearbyDonuts.com.