Happy National Doughnut Day: Best Spots to Indulge Around the USA
Doughnuts are basically the best thing ever invented. I’m not quite sure who invented them or where it started (though a quick Google would probably help me out). Frankly, I don’t even care because I’m just happy doughnuts exist. Literally, I could eat one every day for the rest of my life and it would make me so happy.
In my travels, I’ve come across some seriously awesome doughnuts from places all over the country. Here are some of my favorites:
Voodoo Doughnuts (Portland, OR and Denver, CO): Voodoo offers the fluffiest, sweetest doughnuts I have ever come across in some seriously interesting flavors like bacon maple and Oreo peanut butter. Last time we were in Portland, I ate about four after our set and immediately regretted scarfing down that much food so fast, but they were so good that I couldn’t help it.
Donut Friend (Los Angeles, CA): I personally always miss this one when we are in town, but it’s run by a music industry veteran turned doughnut connoisseur and all the doughnuts are punk rock themed. The shop offers sophisticated flavors like Srirachosin (which features peanut butter, strawberries and Sriracha) and Jets to Basil (which mixes strawberry jam with goat cheese and a balsamic glaze. All the doughnuts are served sandwich style and you can customize them to your liking.
Dunwell Donuts (Brooklyn, NY): These vegan treats are so amazing that non-vegans will enjoy them too. They’re perfectly chewy and sweet without being overwhelming. I personally love the chai tea, lemon poppy and earl gray flavors. My friends enjoy the PB&J flavor the most.
The Brown Bag (Troy, NY): Okay, this isn’t really a dougnut shop. It’s a burger place but it’s home of the awesome South Troy Burger, which includes a traditional hamburger served with a glazed doughnut bun and peanut butter. You can also get an egg on it too. I know it sounds gross, but trust me, it’s insanely good.
Hypnotic Donuts (Dallas, TX): Hypnotic Donuts offers two of my favorite things – doughnuts and chicken and biscuits. This artisan doughnut shop beautifully decorated doughnuts as well as vegan options and some zany flavors like habenero and jalapeno. Totally delicious and also kind of weird.
The Fractured Prune (various locations): This doughnut chain is not your average Dunkin Donuts. Everything is made to order and they cook your doughnuts while you wait. Is there anything better than a warm, s’mores doughnut? These are best right after they’re ordered when the toppings are still melty and warm. Beware though, they can make a total mess.
Krispy Kreme (everywhere): I’m sorry, but no matter how much I love artisinal doughnuts, nothing will be better than a classic glazed Krispy Kreme. In honor of National Doughnut Day, the chain is offering a free doughnut to everyone. Yay!
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the famed Cronut (doughnut croissant hybrid) from Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC or the Waffle Doughnut (it is what it sounds like) from Waffles Cafe in Chicago, IL.
Check out the gallery to view pics from the best doughnut spots in the country. I’m drooling. Seriously.
What’s your favorite doughnut spot?
