Happy National Doughnut Day! In honor of America’s favorite sweet breakfast rings, we’re taking a look at eight cool doughnut shops worth a visit — and a taste — around the country.
Dominique Ansel Bakery, New York, New York
This New York City bakery burst onto the doughnut scene last year when it introduced the world to the game-changing cronut, a pastry that’s half-donut, half-croissant and 100 percent addictive. Lines for the ever-popular cronut begin early, but if you’re one of the lucky few to get your hands on these sweet and flaky treats, you won’t be disappointed.
Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, Oregon
Portland has long been known for its quirky eateries, and when it comes to indulging in sweet, fried breakfast rings, embrace a bit of Portland’s quirky essence over at Voodoo Doughnut, where the bacon maple bar (that’s a maple bar covered with strips of bacon), the Loop (in which breakfast worlds collide when a doughnut is covered in Fruit Loops) and the Mango Tango (a doughnut with mango jelly and Tang) keep your taste buds happy. Don’t miss the namesake doughnut, which is shaped like a voodoo doll and comes complete with a pretzel stake jutting out of its voodoo heart.
Glam Doll Donuts, Minneapolis, Minnesota
It may be a relative newcomer to the doughnut scene, but Glam Doll Donuts in Minneapolis has started a cult following for its rockin’ creations. The must-try is the Chart Topper, which glamorizes the run-of-the-mill donughut with peanut butter and sriracha. Other noteworthy doughnuts include the Girl Next Door (with provolone and muenster), the Flirty Frenchie (with espresso cream cheese) and the Pinup Girl (an apple bourbon fritter topped with real bacon).
Doughnut Vault, Chicago, Illinois
When it comes to getting your doughnut on in the Windy City, look no further than the Doughnut Vault. Each week, they announce a rotating list of daily doughnut specials that includes the likes of pistachio-glazed, birthday cake and eggnog. If you like things simple, though, don’t worry: Locals say the plain old-fashioned here is the best they’ve ever had.
Gourdough’s Specialty Doughnuts, Austin, Texas
Where else would you find oversized doughnuts being slung from the side of a vintage Airstream trailer than the proudly weird city of Austin? At Gourdough’s, the eclectic toppings are only outdone by the sheer volume of these gargantuan doughnuts; rest assured, you’ll need a knife and fork to tackle these delicious breakfast monstrosities. Try the Funky Monkey (caramelized bananas, brown sugar and cream cheese icing), the Baby Rattler (fudge icing, Oreos and gummy worms) or the PB&J (grape jelly filling, peanut butter icing and peanut butter chips).
Glazed Donut Bistro, Los Angeles, California
If it’s hearty fillings you seek when it comes to your daily doughnut, check out the artisan creations at Glazed Donut Bistro in Los Angeles. Quickly becoming the “it” breakfast spot for the trendsetting crowd of L.A., Glazed Donut Bistro is best known for its beignet stuffed with fried chicken. There’s also the Jimmy Carter and Jelly (fresh farmer’s market jam, peanut butter glaze and toffee peanuts), the S’more Please (house-made marshmallow fluff, marshmallow creme, chocolate ganache and graham cracker streusel), and the donut ice cream sandwich (available in chocolate mint, blueberry lemon and vanilla).
Federal Donuts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Forget what you think you know about chicken and waffles — it’s all about chicken and doughnuts at Federal Donuts in Philadelphia. Doughnuts here come in flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt, Blueberry Mascarpone and Strawberry Lavender, but really, you can’t come without trying an order of the fried chicken (which comes with a honey doughnut).
Top Pot Doughnuts, Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a city that takes its coffee seriously, and since doughnuts and coffee go hand in hand, you can rest assured the Emerald City is doing its doughnuts right, too. Just take a gander at the two-story Top Pot Doughnuts cafe, where more than 40 types of “hand-forged” doughnuts are served everyday. They’re best enjoyed with a cup of Top Pot’s small-batch, hand-roasted coffee.
How will you be celebrating National Doughnut Day? Let us know in the comments!
(Main image: SheriW)
