20 best donut shops in America that will throw your diet to the wind

20) Beiler's Doughnuts (Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Maryland)

Beiler's Doughnuts, found in Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Germantown, Maryland, showcase the rich tradition of Amish baking. It is a family-run bakery that boasts 30 years of hand-rolled doughnuts by the Beiler Family! Whether you crave classic options like glazed and chocolate-iced or adventurous choices such as Fruity Pebbles Chocolate, their menu ensures a delightful treat for every taste.

19) A Bakers Wife (Minnesota)

From flaky, golden croissants to rich delights that are difficult to choose from, this joint specializes in creating delectable pastries. The donuts are definitely the highlight, even though the pastries are also worth exploring. Choose between a traditional cake donut that is lightly sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or a glazed version that has sprinkles on top. You now know where to satisfy your sweet tooth if you ever decide to visit Minnesota!

18) Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (California)

Born in Costa Mesa, Sidecar excels in artisanal treats, especially their butter and salt doughnut—a vanilla bean cake with brown butter glaze and fleur de sel. With fresh, small-batch production and inventive options like vegan chocolate truffle, it’s a paradise for donut lovers. Classic yet innovative, Sidecar now has four locations with more on the way. A make-your-own custom 6-pack should cost you around $28 and a 12-pack around $54.

17) Holtman's Donut Shop (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Open since 1960, Holtman's Donut Shop has delighted patrons in Loveland, Ohio, and has subsequently grown to several sites in the Cincinnati region. In addition to the traditional glazed and jelly-filled donuts, they specialize in inventive creations like maple bacon bars and cereal-topped pastries and are well-known for their handmade approach. Holtman's, a family-run restaurant with strong community ties, is well-liked by the locals for its charm and excellence.

16) Allie’s Donuts (North Kingstown, Rhode Island)

Since 1968, Allie’s Donuts has been a beloved destination for hungry Rhode Islanders and travelers along Route 2, famous for its hand-cut crullers and perfectly glazed donuts. The weekend lines are proof of its enduring popularity, but those who plan ahead can enjoy its standout specialty: custom donut cakes. These creative treats are guaranteed to make any celebration unforgettable for kids and adults alike.

15) Pinkbox Doughnuts (Las Vegas)

When they first introduced their churro-inspired creation to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Pinkbox Doughnuts must not have thought what a great hit it would've been. Initially known for crafting hand-made pastries, their Mexican creation is now a year-round staple. Topped with a rich dulce de leche, this cinnamon-dusted donut is sure to keep you going back in for more.

14) Barrio Donas (San Diego, California)

This locally owned gem seamlessly infuses classic Mexican flavors into its donuts, offering creative takes on mazapán, cajeta, chocolate abuelita, and arroz con leche. A standout favorite is the Gansito-inspired donut—a tribute to the beloved Mexican snack cake, complete with strawberry filling, cream, and a chocolate coating. Popular for a reason, it often sells out quickly, so don’t wait too long to grab one!

13) Darling Doughnuts (Saratoga Springs, New York)

Darling Doughnuts serves up an inventive assortment of handcrafted treats, offering a rotating selection of unique flavors like caramel stroopwafel, root beer float, and cafe mocha. For something even more adventurous, try their doughrogie—a quirky hybrid described as a cross between a doughnut and a pierogi, filled with gooey, delicious goodness. It’s a fun and creative twist on traditional sweets that keeps customers coming back for more!

12) The Salty Donut (Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado, and Virginia)

The Salty Donut, which started as a food truck in Miami's Wynwood, now has locations across the U.S., including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Charlotte, Denver, and Fairfax. Offering a variety of gourmet donuts, their menu features unique combinations like the Maple Bacon, made with locally sourced bacon, and the Guava + Cheese, a tribute to the vibrant flavors of Miami.

11) Blackbird Doughnuts (Boston, Massachusetts)

Blackbird Doughnuts offers freshly made doughnuts, coffee, and soft-serve treats daily at their locations in Boston's South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, and more. With seven locations in and around Boston, you can easily order for pick-up. All doughnuts are crafted from scratch every morning, ensuring the freshest experience.

10) Nord's Bakery (Louisville, Kentucky)

Established in 1960, Nord’s has become a local institution, offering a wide variety of baked goods, from classic donuts to irresistible pastries and cakes. The bakery is especially famous for its Maple Bacon doughnut, a sweet and savory treat that features a yeast long john topped with homemade maple glaze and a crispy slice of bacon.

9) Doughnut Vault (Chicago)

The Doughnut Vault is a well-known bakery in Chicago that is well-known for its artisanal, handcrafted donuts. The bakery uses high-quality ingredients for all of its treats and is well-known for its flavors including the Vanilla Bean Glazed and Chocolate-Glazed Old-Fashioned. Long queues form every morning, demonstrating its devoted customer base despite its modest size and short menu. For Chicago's doughnut enthusiasts, The Doughnut Vault continues to be a unique attraction.

8) Donnie's Donuts (Georgia and Florida)

With locations in both Georgia and Florida, Donnie's Donuts has become a hotspot for donut lovers in the Southeast. They are known for their hand-crafted donuts and keep experimenting with bacon, and fruity cereals to curate new experiences for their patrons.

7) Dough (Brooklyn)

Dough, a cult-favorite Brooklyn-based donut shop, offers a carefully curated menu designed to satisfy various tastes. Their year-round flavors include the classic Plain Glazed and creative twists on beloved favorites. One standout is the Hibiscus Doughnut, with its strikingly gorgeous hue and exotic, slightly tart flavor. Chef and founder Fanny Gerson, originally from Mexico, was inspired by a craving for hibiscus water, leading to this unique creation.

6) JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee (California)

JD Flannel Donuts, located in San Juan Capistrano, offers a delicious array of both classic and unique donuts. The shop is known for its variety of gourmet flavors, including festive vanilla, boysenberry, cookies & cream, and caramel apple fritter, as well as its selection of gluten-free options. Whether you're a fan of traditional treats or looking to try something new, JD Flannel delivers a donut experience that stands out.

5) City Donut (Orange Beach, Alabama)

Every bite of City Donut's freshly crafted doughnuts is a sensory delight. There is something to fulfill any craving, whether you like rich and deep cake variants or light and airy yeast doughnuts. There are several kinds, ranging from sweet Oreo-topped and maple-iced varieties to spicy key lime-filled ones. For the ultimate pleasure, pair your donut with a cool boba drink or a creamy milkshake!

4) Five Daughters Bakery (Tennessee)

At Five Daughters Bakery, the signature 100 Layer Donut is a light, flaky pastry made with croissant dough over three days. Flavors include chocolate with sea salt, vanilla cream, and seasonal fruit. The King Kong donut features maple flavor and locally sourced bacon, offering a deliciously indulgent treat. Made from scratch daily with organic, non-GMO ingredients, Five Daughters Bakery’s pastries are crafted with love and care.

3) Sublime Doughnuts (Atlanta)

Sublime Doughnuts in Atlanta, founded by Culinary Institute of America graduate Kamal Grant, is a hub of creativity and bold flavors. Known for anticipating customer cravings, Grant’s shop serves up innovative treats like the star-shaped orange star doughnut, filled with citrus cream and topped with orange glaze. With two 24/7 locations and a global reach (including Bangkok), Sublime Doughnuts is a must-visit for anyone seeking inventive and high-quality pastries.

2) Fluffy Fresh Donuts (Kansas)

Fluffy Fresh Donuts in Mission, a charming suburb of Kansas City, is a beloved local spot known for its indulgent creations. From giant cinnamon twists drizzled in glaze to maple-frosted Long Johns that overflow from their boxes, and Boston creams topped with rich, real chocolate and cream, there's something for every donut lover. Popularity runs high, so be sure to arrive early—once they're sold out, the day’s batch is gone.

1) Rocklin Donuts and Cinnamon

Rocklin Donuts and Cinnamon, named the top donut shop in the U.S. by Yelp in 2023, has earned its spot as a fan favorite. On National Donut Day, the shop saw such high demand that a line formed around the building. Known for its delicious offerings, Rocklin Donuts and Cinnamon continues to attract donut lovers far and wide, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination.