Best Donut Shop in Every State, According to Yelp Elites 2024

From fresh fruit icing and tropical glazes to mochi, minis, and 3.5-pound belt busters, our Elite community shares their top 51 donut shop picks. Arrive early to bag the best-sellers.  

Whether iced, glazed, or filled, donuts are the ultimate “feel-good” treat. To help you find the best sugary confections, our trusty Yelp Elite Squad has unveiled their top picks for local donut spots in every US state (plus Washington, DC). 

Here are the donut trends we spotted across the nation:

Top shops are bringing out local flavors. Island Glazed in Hawaii is earning stars for its guava, lychee, and passionfruit tropical glazes. Jason’s Donuts in Alaska is aiming high with its 3.5-pound, belly-busting Doughnali (named after Denali peak). Fresh Donuts in Kansas City, Missouri, honors its Super Bowl-winning team with Chiefs’-decorated confections. And in the agricultural town of Severn, Maryland, Carlson’s Donuts makes a popular potato donut that Bon Appetit has called “the greatest.”

It’s all about the dough. While trendy flavors and toppings are always popular, Yelp Elites know that top donuts are made from well-tested dough recipes, sometimes perfected over generations. Those are the shops that land on Yelp lists year after year. Olsen Bake Shop in Nebraska, for one, uses an 80-year-old family recipe, while the owners of JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee in California beta-tested their donuts in a backyard turkey fryer before selling them to the public.

Don’t forget to set your alarm. To snag the best donuts in America, you might have to wake up before dawn. Top local shops start baking in the wee hours, and lines of carb-craving customers form as early as 5 am. Many also close shop once they sell out, so arriving even at 10 am may be too late. If you’re craving a fast-selling vegan Creme Brulee confection from Donut Run in Washington, DC, or a perfectly glazed donut from Arkansas’ Mark’s DO-Nut Shop (which closes at 11 am), get ready to roll at sunrise.

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Did your favorite donut shop make it into the Best Donut Shop in Every State list? Let us know on Instagram and TikTok by tagging us on @Yelp and #Yelp. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on our next “Best In” list!  

How we did it: This is an all-time list of the best donut shops in every state, according to Yelp Elites. We identified businesses in the donuts category on Yelp, with a large concentration of 5-star Elite reviews. This list looked at businesses in the United States. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of March 28, 2024. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of March 28, 2024.

Fresh from Bigfoot’s “baking cave” come mini donuts in more than 63 different flavors. The little treasures are “unique, fresh, hot, and easily shared,” says owner Brian Steele. Yelp Elites agree: “Super light and fried to perfection with a slight crunch,” they’re the “perfect little bites.” “We make tons of glazes from scratch every day,” Brian explains, adding that Cinnamon Roll and Maple Glaze are the must-try flavors. Lines can be long, but they generally move customers through in 10 minutes or less.

Yelp Elites say: “This is my JAM. Literally, the jam is mine—I want all of the raspberry cream money can buy…just about the most amazing donuts I’ve ever tried. We gobbled the whole box—no regrets. Definitely a Huntsville gem.” —Maddie H.

Find more donuts in Orange Beach.

If you want to feast on the 3.5-pound “Doughnali” from this wildly popular spot, you’ll have to order ahead. The supersized confection is named for Alaska’s Denali peak—but even the regular donuts at this family-run shop are pretty darn big. “People go ‘holy cow’ every time they come in,” says Ucinia Carlson, daughter of owner and chief baker Jason Carlson. Arrive early, Ucinia advises, because the donuts sell out every day. “People stand in line in blizzards for these donuts. No matter rain or winter wind, people are at our door,” says Jason, who was head baker at the famed Paula’s Donuts in Buffalo, New York, before moving the family to Alaska. 

Yelp Elites say: “Holy donut holes, Batman!!! This place makes donuts as big as my face! LOL! These circular deliciousness will knock your socks off. Some are just too pretty to eat. So many varieties and daily specials. They open early and sell out fast! ‘Doughnut’ miss out!” —Jen C.

Nine out of 10 reviews are 5 stars all the way at “the highlight and shining star of Page,” a shop filled with “super energy” that provides “the best bang for your buck.” Owners Mark and Becky Self start making their sweet confections at 3:30 am to feed tourists who flock there before departing on slot canyon tours (run by a company in the same strip mall). Arrive by 6 am, when doors open, to grab top-selling Cinnamon Roll donuts and other signature favorites before they sell out.

Yelp Elites say: “The donuts are so light and airy and have a slight crispy/crunch; [they were] unlike any type of donut we’ve tried. We’ll be coming back.” —Daniel L.

Find more donuts in Scottsdale.

This North Little Rock shop has been cranking out “sugary clouds of delicious goodness” since 1978. Never mind that “the location is small and the sign is faded…the product is legit,” advises Yelp Elite Juliet H. Of course, the early bird gets the best selection; this mom-and-pop spot is only open from 5:30–11 am, so nothing sits around too long. The result is donuts that are always “pillowy and super-fresh.” 

Yelp Elites say: “Nothing fancy or trendy. Just the best donuts in town. They [have] the right texture, thickness, and consistency. They offer multiple options, but I’m a classic glazed donut girl myself. Just swing through…and pick up a donut or 2 or 13. The service is quick and straight to the point. There’s even a drive-thru.” —Laura F.

Find more donuts in Little Rock.

At Yelp’s #3 donut spot in the US for 2023, the gourmet confections are dressed up in Valrhona chocolate, Maldon sea salt, real vanilla bean, and other premium ingredients. Employees roll and cut small batches of dough by hand throughout the day, so customers get the freshest, warmest donuts possible. Longtime friends and founders John Miller and Dave Rhode tested recipes in a backyard turkey fryer before launching their business in 2019. Arrive early to snag a wildly popular Brown Butter Sea Salt donut that John says is the “perfect blend of a sweet, buttery glaze and a touch of savory.” Gluten-free varieties (including vegan) are cooked in a separate fryer.

Yelp Elites say: “That Brown Butter Sea Salt was just perfect; loved the salty glaze on it! Triple Chocolate was an intensely deep chocolate flavor that was reminiscent of the crunchy edges on freshly baked brownies. Their donuts are quite large and all gorgeous to look at. I don’t get to San Juan Capistrano all too often, but JD Flannel will definitely encourage me to make that drive more frequently!” —Randi B.

Find more donuts in San Juan Capistrano.

Everything is natural—even the sprinkles—at this Boulder-area shop. “We wanted to do something different: donuts and icings made fresh daily entirely from all-natural ingredients,” says Pornchanok “Nok” Liu, who owns the shop with spouse Michael Liu. So these treats have no artificial flavoring, colors, sweeteners, or additives—they even make their own natural baking powder from scratch. Choose from classic cake or “crispy on the outside and moist on the inside” mochi and vegan donuts, both gluten-free. They “actually taste like [the] real flavor,” according to Yelp Elites, who rave about the fruit (blueberry, raspberry, and passion fruit, to name a few) and lemon-frosted donuts (“you can tell [they’re] made with real lemon juice”). Watch Nok’s bakers handcraft their natural creations fresh each day in the open kitchen.

Yelp Elites say: “BEST DONUTS, maybe ever. The woman who runs this shop is an absolute delight! You can tell she takes great pleasure in serving her donuts to the community…and she always has a new flavor for us to try! They are punchy, bright, and send the happiest endorphins to your brain. These may include raspberry or lemon-blueberry. The traditional flavors are just as magical, too—highly recommend trying maple or strawberry!” —Hannah S.

Find more donuts in Denver.

This 100-year-old mom-and-pop shop—named for the Connecticut neighborhood where the bakery got its start—still draws lines out the door for old-school, “soft like pillows” donuts. The “smell when you come in the door is to die for,” according to Yelp Elites. Their “chocolate frosted donuts are the absolute exemplar of the form,” but get them early—they may sell out, “due to how good they are!” 

Yelp Elites say: “I’m not a typical fan of jelly donuts EXCEPT when I go to Brooklyn Bakery. The dough, messy powdery sugar, and filling [are] like no other. I almost find it unfair to call this pastry a jelly donut because other jelly donuts can’t compare. Everything I’ve tried has tasted so fresh, homemade, and perfectly balanced. This is a must-visit place. It’s dangerously good.” —Christine M.

Find more donuts in Hartford.

Cooked to order from fresh-made batter, Sand Pony’s donuts are served right from the fryer. “It’s one of the lightest cake donuts you will ever try,” says Brea Wang, who runs the beachy spot with her husband, Benjamin. Lines can get long, but once you order, you’re just 5 minutes away from biting into a fresh, warm confection. Choose from classic or specialty donuts, including Blueberry Pie (blueberry glaze, graham cracker, and powdered sugar) and Dirty Banana (banana glaze and Oreo). You can create the donut of your dreams with any glaze and topping—or ask for the secret King Neptune donut, a wonder of glaze, cinnamon sugar, bacon, and micro-mini chocolate chips. Gluten-free donuts are also available. 

Yelp Elites say: “Man, these were good. They look super-dense, [but I was] pleasantly surprised with a very fluffy inside and a nice soft texture, with just the right amount of sweetness from the outer toppings. We ordered every flavor, and not a single one was a bad choice.” —Emily H.

Find more donuts in Wilmington.

These donuts are so good, you may be “shocked to find out they’re 100% vegan.” Husband-and-wife team Shawn Petersen and Nicole Dao opened the pink-hued storefront near the Maryland border in 2021, after 2 years of successful pop-ups. Their selection changes daily, so “every day is a fun flavor adventure,” according to Yelp Elites. The “fluffy and creamy” confections include Creme Brulee, with “custard filling in the middle and crunchy caramelized sugar on top,” and Vanilla Sprinkle, with “a perfect texture and thick, sweet frosting.” Other faves include Death by Chocolate and ​​Blueberry Pancake, flavored with maple syrup.

Yelp Elites say: “I’ve tried many vegan donuts and none of them compare to the taste and quality of Donut Run! I love the rotating flavors and the variety they offer. Even when the line is out the door, I am in and out in just a few minutes. If you want a large selection to choose from, you have to get there early because they sell out of the popular items fast! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any flavor.” —Holly B.

Find more donuts in Washington, D.C.

You’ll find more than 50 donut drizzles, frostings, and toppings at this spot near the Daytona Speedway. You can create your own masterpiece or choose from the pre-selected donut menu, which offers 2 styles: “vintage” (traditional cake donuts served plain or rolled in sugar) and heavily iced “modern” (in imaginative flavors). “Maple Bacon, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Cheesecake run a close race for #1,” says Donald Summerlin, who co-owns the shop with wife Patti. Whatever you order, the donuts are “warm, yummy, and fresh,” according to Yelp Elite Erin L.

Yelp Elites say: “The donuts here are small but thick! There were tons of options to pick from: vintage (the OG sugared/powdered) or modern (all the fun flavors/toppings). I opted for the French Toast donut and it was delicious! Definitely does justice to the French Toast flavor. The actual establishment was so cute inside. Nice for a date or even a study session. Will definitely be back!” —Jesy T.

Find more donuts near Daytona Beach.

Oreo, fresh strawberry—even tofu and sourdough—donuts are on the menu at this popular spot. Bakers start work before sunrise handcrafting every flavor—from Oreo (a chocolate-frosted cake donut with sandwich cookies on top) to Maple Bacon & Cheddar (with maple frosting topped with bacon and real cheese). Like strawberries? You can choose from regular strawberry frosted, the True Strawberry (dipped in strawberry jelly), and their most popular confection: the Fresh Strawberries & Cream, a yeast donut with fresh berries. And don’t be afraid to try the Muscle Cake—a unique donut made with organic tofu, which has a surprisingly large fan base. 

Yelp Elites say: “Amazing and delicious donuts! Sweet Apple is a locally owned coffee and donut shop that has been in Alpharetta for over 10 years. They bake everything in house and have a delicious variety of donuts and treats including yeast and cake donuts with fun varieties for kids. The ambience is quaint and cozy with friendly service.” —Paulina A.

Find more donuts in Augusta.

Island-inspired donuts earn high ratings for this Pearl Harbor-area newcomer. Married owners Daniel and Rachel Lee specialize in tropical glazes—including pineapple, passion fruit (aka lilikoi), guava, chocolate macadamia nut, and lychee—that “aren’t overpowering or super sweet,” says Reid A. “They have so [many] flavors, it’s hard to choose.” The yeasty donuts are “soft and moist with a cloud-like texture,” drawing comparisons to the popular Krispy Kreme chain. Although they make 18,000 to 20,000 donuts per month, fans advise “going early because they sell out fast.” 

Yelp Elites say: “Clouds of dough wrapped in sugar enveloped in additional sugar and topped with flavorful, delicious frosting. Can’t recommend this place enough. The woman at the front walked me through which flavors are popular, [and explained] that the donuts are glazed before frosted. The ambiance is fresh, uncluttered, airy and open. Overall, just wonderful.” —Chi C.

Find more donuts in Honolulu.

Two beloved comfort desserts pair up at Mojo, a family-run shop that’s wowing Boise sweet-seekers. Brothers Stephen and Patrick Modjeski originally set out to open an ice cream shop, but their wives wanted more dessert creativity, so they crafted this winning combination of donuts and ice cream. Mojo (a play on their last name) now offers close to 50 flavors of donuts (including weekly specials), as well as donut-topped milkshakes and ice cream desserts. The pair traveled the country seeking out the best examples of both donuts and ice cream before opening their own pink-themed shop with “tantalizingly sweet aromas” and “very professional and friendly service.”

Yelp Elites say: “These doughnuts from Mojo’s looked decadent. I tasted one and WOW! Light fluffy, fresh, not too sweet, flavors melted in my mouth. The only doughnut I’ve tasted that seems worth it. Ever since I discovered these existed, I knew that these were the only doughnuts I’d buy if I ever had a craving.” —Cheri N.

Find more donuts in Pocatello.

At age 85, Buritt Bulloch (aka Mr. B) is still turning out oversized donuts and other bakery favorites at the South Side shop that he founded in 1972 (which was also on Yelp’s list of the top US donuts for 2023). His beloved “melt-in-your-mouth” confections are cut, fried, and glazed by hand, and “still fresh and delicious the next day, if you have any left.” For a throwback treat, try Buritt’s favorite item—the Buttermilk Cake donut— it’s the first type he makes when the shop opens at 6 am.

Yelp Elites say: “This delectable bakery has been dispensing deliciousness for 5 decades on Chicago’s South Side. Vintage menu boards and short bar stools, reminiscent of yesteryear, are front and center. The plain glazed is the epitome of seduction. Its soft pillowy goodness melts in your mouth, leaving behind trails of tantalizing flakes of glaze. The apple fritter is immensely luscious, filled with small chunks of delicate apples, spices, hints of vanilla, glazed, and fried to absolute perfection. You won’t find better donuts.” —Shay B.

Find more donuts in Springfield.

Glazed cake and pillowy yeast donuts, perfected over 68 years (and taking 3 hours to make), have earned this Indy institution a loyal following and local awards. Long’s “iconic” Blueberry cake donut, made from scratch every day, is the top seller, according to owner Crystal Smith, whose grandparents, Carl and Mildred Long, started the bakery in 1955. But “basically all of them are great,” fans say. It’s cash-only, so make sure you have enough to fulfill your cravings. Although the bakery is open 18.5 hours a day, you’ll often find lines out the door on weekends, so “call and order ahead (it’s worth it!).”

Yelp Elites say: “Historic, affordable, and delicious! They have a lot more old-school standard selections (glazed, cake donut, apple fritter, etc.). I truly believe the best regular glazed donut in the city is here. The prices are outrageously reasonable. They only accept cash, so make sure to have some handy. The cinnamon apple fry and the regular glazed are probably my two favorites. A lot of donut places have come and gone, but Long’s has always remained the staple in Indy.” —Seth M.

Find more donuts in Indianapolis.

It’s old school all the way for this Des Moines–area favorite, whose beloved glazed donuts and donut holes “seriously melt in your mouth!” Ambrosia’s jelly or cream confections are filled right when you order them, so the pastry doesn’t get soggy. Yelpers also rave about such specialties as the “delicate” cronuts, with a “perfect ratio of glaze-to-flaky softness,” and apple fritters that are “super-flavorful [with] crispy edges.” Come early for the best selection, as there’s generally a line on weekends. 

Yelp Elites say: “Their display case is a visual feast, boasting an array of classic and creative flavors. But the real magic happens when you take that first bite. Their donuts are light and airy, yet incredibly flavorful. The glaze is perfectly sweet, and the toppings are generous and fresh. I swear, they melt in your mouth like little pillows! And let’s not forget the donut holes! These bite-sized morsels are like mini flavor bombs…the perfect sweet treat to complement your donut selection.” —Kirk M.

Find more donuts in Des Moines.

This off-the-beaten-path shop (that landed on our Top 100 Donuts 2022 list) is “worth the trek” for “can’t beat” prices and “lots of variety.” One Yelper actually “drove 12 extra miles out of the way” to sample Hana’s “amazingly fresh,” not-too-sweet selection of donuts, including glazed, Red Velvet, chocolate crullers, and old fashioneds. Hungrier customers can choose from a lineup of “large donuts,” which include fancy varieties such as Strawberry Bowties, Wild Blueberry Fritters, and Bear Claws with Nutella. 

Yelp Elites say: “[A] huge selection of freshly made donuts. Everything we ordered was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s easy to see why this place is a favorite in KCK. Our tip: Let your kiddos walk in first and then watch their faces light up in the pure joy that comes with seeing a case full of colorful, sugar-coated donuts.” —Lauren M.

Find more donuts in Overland Park.

The secret to this shop’s special donut taste? Mixing a bit of prior-day dough into new dough—a recipe holdover from when Mike Nord’s family took over this nearly century-old bakery in 2002. Their most popular offering, Long Johns (rectangular-shaped donuts), are cream-filled, topped with bacon, or flavored with PB&J inside and out—customers buy about 14 dozen per day. The Holland Cream donuts—with fluffy, buttery cream inside and out—are another local fave. The Louisville institution boasts a loyal following of all ages: “My granddaughter ranks it above Disney World on her list of things she loves,” shares Deb M.

Yelp Elites say: “Nord’s donuts were brought to a work event, and I didn’t take a face dive into the box only because I couldn’t be professional with glaze all over my face and clothes! I took one bite of my glazed donut and it melted in my mouth. So fluffy and the right amount of sweetness. I also had a small bite of the chocolate-glazed Long John with bacon. I promise to make a special trip to you, Nord’s! You deserve our breakfast dollars.” —Lorie L.

Find more donuts in Louisville.

Creative combos like Caramel Churro (topped with a Churro Oreo cookie), Caramel and Toasted Coconut, and Grape Ape—a “legendary” yeast donut dipped in white icing, grape-flavored sugar candy, and sprinkles—are “always awesome…worth e-v-e-r-y calorie,” according to Yelp Elites. Owner Brandi Miller’s shop has been drawing throngs for more than 2 decades—it’s so busy you may even “have to wait for a parking spot to open up,” says Huyen N., but “it’s worth it.” Hours are limited (5–11 am Wednesday through Sunday), but service is “fast and friendly.”

Yelp Elites say: “A coworker brought a bunch of glazed donuts into work, and they are hands down the BEST glazed donuts in the city! I typically only like cake donuts, but now I’ve been converted. They are thick, perfectly sweet, soft, and chewy. Not your average glazed donut! Do yourself a favor, go get some! Grab me a few while you’re at it.” —Liza S. 

Find more donuts in Baton Rouge.

On a busy summer day, this coastal hotspot cranks out more than 10,000 doughnuts for locals and tourists traveling through southern Maine. Four generations have helmed the restaurant and bakery, now run by Gary Leech—who grew up in the shop and was a donut maker at age 12—with his wife, Diane, and 7 children. The menu features 30 different donut types including raised, filled, donut holes, and 7 flavors for chocolate lovers. “The line matches the hype, especially in the summer, so get there early,” advises J.B. Insider tip: The shop is now open Mondays (closed Tuesday and Wednesdays though) and the best time to get a full doughnut selection without the wait. 

Yelp Elites say: “I understand why this place is considered one of, if not the best, donut place in Maine. The lines are long but fast moving, and for good reason. I got a baker’s dozen, and my entire family enjoyed every single offering. If you’re anywhere in southern Maine, this place is worth the trip but go early. I will stop here every time I’m in the area.” —Chip P.

Find more donuts in Portland.

Wake up early, because the line forms at 5 am for Carlson’s famous donuts featuring an “an amazing crunch-glazed outside and soft, fluffy inside [for a] perfect texture combination,” says Kendoll C. Bring dollar bills, too (it’s cash-only), to make sure you score the blueberry cake with an “addicting…classic sweet blueberry flavor,” popular marshmallow, or legendary glazed potato donuts that “will change your life.” The potatoes are baked, cooled, then chopped up and mixed into some donut dough before frying and glazing the final confection. There’s also a related location in Annapolis—Carlson’s Donuts & Thai Kitchen—where you can get Thai food with your donut.

Yelp Elites say: “The BEST donut spot in the DMV area (or possibly one of the best I’ve had period). Boston cream chocolate topping was amazing, their cream filling was perfect (not too sweet, not too watery). Apple-filled donut had fresh apple filling. Blueberry cake donut was SUPER soft…moist, and flavorful. We’ll definitely be coming back to try every single flavor!!” —Julia P.

Find more donuts in Baltimore.

This strip-mall spot made it into Yelp’s Top 100 Donuts Shops 2022 list because of the “magic handling” that creates a wide range of classic donuts with “a crunchy texture on the outside and soft inside.” Yelpers recommend the “cakey, not too sweet” Chocolate Glazed, the Twist, “plump beauties…that have a nice fluffiness and pull to them,” and the Raspberry Fritter that’s “too pretty to eat but delicious.” 

Yelp Elites say: “Still cranking out quality donuts after 3 years in the middle of nowhere. The donuts are a little smaller than most, but priced accordingly, so get extra to get both variety and a bargain. Boston Cream: Rounder and much thicker than most, it packs more filling than most, and has just enough extra golden crispness that adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy interior. Bear Claw: Imagine a shiny honey-golden baseball glove filled with hot apple pie filling. Imagine it glistening, sticky, and piping hot out of the fryer, about 7:30 each morning for your eating enjoyment. Imagine you’re there at 7:31. I think you know how this story ends.” —Gary G.

Find more donuts in Salem.

Two years in a row on Yelp’s Top 100 Donut Shops lists, this 44-year-old family-owned bakery—with its huge variety of gourmet donuts and fun seasonal flavors, like strawberry, peaches and cream, and candy corn for Halloween—“really lives up to the ranking.” Hand-cut and baked daily, Avon’s confections are praised for their “crunchy shell, cakey center…yeast donuts that never disappoint.” It’s always busy, “so get in, make your decision, pay, then get out of the way,” advises Sierra B.  

Yelp Elites say: “Avon Donuts is a magical place with a donut for everyone! Old-school or simple, plain cake or buttermilk, and sprinkles. Wanna get wowed: Grab a maple bacon or cherry chip with cream cheese. As a Detroiter and person who has been through a lot of donuts and donut festivals: Wake up and go or be ready to wrestle for the last red velvet glazed at 11 am like I almost did.” —Desmond J.

Find more donuts in Grand Rapids.

This “quaint little shop” has been around for 60 years and remains family-owned after 4 generations. It’s definitely a no-frills place, but who needs fancy stuff when the “smell of delicious donuts” is wafting down the street when the doors open, bright and early, weekdays at 5 am. Options range from favorites such as glazed, chocolate-dipped, to apple fritters and flaky cronuts, but “everything I’ve ever gotten here was phenomenal,” says Yelp Elite Sarah E.

Yelp Elites say: “A must-visit bakery! It had the welcoming feel of a small-town bakery, with small-batch goods and friendly workers. Everything looked so fresh and tasty! We got a good variety [and] loved each and every thing! Already planning the next time we are going to visit Heights Bakery!” —Tess H.

Find more donuts in Saint Paul.

If you’ve never had a Pine Cone donut—a bumpy, pull-apart yeasted donut with a lot of crispy outer edges—you’ll want to try one at Fantasy Donuts. In addition to being delicious, it’s “fun to eat,” according to customers of this “clean and modern-looking” shop. Everything is baked fresh daily, resulting in praiseworthy confections like the glazed and chocolate twists, which “melted in my mouth.” Kolaches (Czech-style stuffed pastries) and other savory items are also available.

Yelp Elites say: “Donuts are something I only [eat] once or twice a year, when they’re special…and I couldn’t resist a purchase [here]. While the donuts don’t look different, they sure taste different. The 3 I bought tasted incredibly good and fresh. Overall, this was a great experience.” —Vincent V.

Find more donuts in Biloxi.

This Kansas City spot lives up to its name by rolling out fresh donuts every half hour, so customers receive “fluffy cloud[s] of sugary goodness” all morning long. Their “great assortment of options” ranges from “soft and pillowy” cake donuts to cronuts, the ever-popular donut-croissant mashup. Their square version is “warm, flaky, and packed with the perfect glazed flavor.” Local fans also love the special Kansas City Chiefs-themed donuts made during football season.

Yelp Elites say: “Hands down the BEST doughnuts I’ve ever had! Very cute and clean inside, [and these] freshly made doughnuts literally melt in your mouth with every bite! They have all types of assortments to choose from: cake, yeast donuts, pastries, you name it. The Red Velvet and Strawberry Shortcake were my favorite.” —Alicia W.

Find more donuts in Kansas City, Missouri.

Owner Robert McWilliams estimates that he’s made about 1.5 million donuts over the past 2 decades—which is pretty amazing for a shop that’s only open till 1 pm Friday through Sunday. His fans are enthusiastic, to put it mildly. It “smells like heaven when you walk in,” say Yelp Elites, who call the “soft and pillowy” confections “literally the best donuts you’ll find anywhere, ever,” The quaint little shop takes cash-only, and while prices are reasonable, you’ll probably buy more than you planned.

Yelp Elites say: “All the small-town charm you could ever want, backed by some of the most authentic, most delicious donuts you’ve ever eaten. Especially memorable are the owners who greet everyone with warmth, sincerity, and a perfect sense of humor.” —David B.

Find more donuts in Bozeman.

A visit to this iconic spot is like stepping back in time. The Olsens have been making donuts here since 1942—in fact, the family’s 5th generation is now getting up early to craft these “super-light” delights from the 80-year-old recipe. They close every day at noon, but it’s worth planning ahead for “the freshest and tastiest doughnuts [you] have ever had.”  

Yelp Elites say: “A favorite of our family’s for over 25 years, this is a must-visit doughnut shop. Their cake doughnuts offer the perfect balance of fluffy goodness inside with a crisp outside, and of course have either chocolate or vanilla icing. The glazed doughnuts offer a similar combination of crunch and cushion. I also enjoy the special-occasion iced cookies, with shapes selected to match the season.” —Stephanie A.

Find more donuts in Omaha.

At this colorful shop with ’90s hip-hop decor, you’ll find donuts in unique styles and fun flavors (think Crème Brulee, Churro, and Lemonade). Mochi donuts incorporate the traditional Japanese sweet, glutinous rice cakes for a uniquely soft, chewy texture. Or try malasada, a Hawaiian-style yeast-raised donut ball with a variety of fillings (such as chocolate, custard, or ube). Don’t miss the arcade stocked with old-school games.

Yelp Elites say: “This place is the cutest hidden gem with the best donuts! Their mochi donuts are similar to, yet so unlike, any other donut. They’re the right amount of chewy and gooey! There’s such an awesome vibe here and a free arcade in the back. Highly recommend!” —Kaylin Y.

Find more donuts in Las Vegas.

At this popular shop, the yeast-raised donuts can be custom-decorated, but an even more special option is available: laser printing. Customers can get a holiday-themed message, or a clear image of their favorite athlete, video-game character, or even Taylor Swift imprinted right on top. Owners Amanda and Chad Baril developed their donut concept after years as food explorers, looking for places with great customer service that made one product extremely well. They took that experience to open their shop, where they serve donuts that are “soft, light, and not too sweet.”

Yelp Elites say: “New Hampshire Doughnut is one of the best local donut companies in the state. These little gems come in varieties that I’ve never seen before and differentiate themselves with unique flavors from other similar places.” —Alec B.

Find more donuts in Portsmouth.

Uncle Dood’s is a fun shop near the Jersey Shore where donuts are named Bed Rockin’ (Flintstones-themed topped with Fruity Pebbles) and Vermont Swine (with maple icing and bacon bits). But it’s the freshness and flavors that keep fans coming back. Donuts are made all day long and topped to order, and are “outstanding…sooo good, they melt in your mouth.” Regulars recommend ordering the box of 9 “because you get to try more flavors and it’s very reasonable!”

Yelp Elites say: “Yep, these are great. Very moist and tasty. Hubby went on a weekday so there weren’t any crazy lines. They make your donuts to order…be patient!” —Alexandra B.

Find more donuts in Toms River.

Former University of New Mexico basketball player Obij Aget and his wife, former cheerleader Ashlynn Brown, have scored a winning combination—“adorable, delicious, and dangerous” mini donuts that have been getting raves since this downtown Albuquerque shop opened in 2021. They’re fresh, sweet, and available to “customize with different drizzle and topping options.” For a more decadent dessert, choose the Special—donuts, ice cream, and a choice of toppings.

Yelp Elites say: “Yummy’s mini donuts are definitely more of a dessert/fair vibe than a traditional donut experience, but they are so cute and delicious. Absolutely a sweet tooth fix, especially if you add ice cream. The best part is you get to pick a combination of toppings for yourself and they have a bunch to choose from. —Destiny L.

Find more donuts in Albuquerque.

Call ahead before taking a trip for small-batch, scratch-made vegan donuts at this Dutchess County shop. They’re only open a few days a week, and close when they sell out for the day. Lucky customers score popular varieties like NY Cream, filled with vanilla pudding and topped with chocolate icing, or Strawberry Jam, oozing with locally made preserves. (The menu changes weekly.) They all start with fermented wheat and barley dough, resulting in “great texture and wonderful flavors, especially the vibrant fruit flavors.”

Yelp Elites say: Not only are [the donuts] eye-pleasing, gorgeous and so aesthetic, they’re equally or even more delicious than [how] they look. That first bite is everything and once your taste buds explode and discover all the flavors, you’ll thank me later. Or actually, thank THEM later. Absolutely LOVE Peaceful Provisions, their brand, their mission, their staples, and the humans behind them. Go show them some love but don’t be mad if they sell out. Just visit them again next week.”— Marietta C.

Find more donuts in Manhattan

There’s a reason this nearly 70-year-old shop has landed on consecutive Yelp best donut lists: the “secret” dough. Under second-generation owner-baker Nick Poulos, it’s made with a unique combination of butter, lemon, orange, and vanilla flavoring, plus cinnamon, and there’s vanilla and butter flavoring in the house-made glazes. The result is a complex taste you won’t get from an average donut. Whether you order traditional yeast-raised varieties or the sour cream or blueberry cake donuts, they’re “nothing but the purest, freshest, melt-in-your-mouth treats.”

Yelp Elites say: “Over 60 years in business for good reason. The staff does a great job with keeping the line moving while giving patient and friendly service. Whether only to grab a single treat on the go or a group order of multiple items, everything tastes freshly made with love and the food is priced fairly. The chocolate eclair, cheese danish, croissants, and pumpkin doughnuts aren’t to be missed!” —Ky T.

Find more donuts in Charlotte.

Founder Sandy Ostlund’s mom taught him to make buttermilk donuts in a cast iron pan on a coal-burning stove. It was a family recipe for success. Some 40 years later, the business has expanded into 3 Fargo locations—lead by Sandy’s grandson Jeff—churning out more than 10,000 donuts daily. Kids of all ages flock here for dozens of different flavors and fun themes such as Cookie Monster, Dirt n Worms, and The Homer (vegan). Summer 2024 specials include Old Fashioned Strawberry Angel and Strawberry Rhubarb Fritter.

Yelp Elites say: “Excellent small-town donuts. Friendly service and awesome varieties that include classics such as Bismarcks, raised, and cake donuts, while also adding more adventurous [toppings] like cookies, candy, and other sweet and savory additions. Their raised donuts are light and fluffy…and the kids loved the bright, fun colors.” —Garrett Z.

Find more donuts in Bismarck.

Donuts are made to order at this Columbus shop, so they’re ultra-fresh and the toppings are “completely customizable.” (They take about 15 minutes to prepare, but you can also order in advance.) So let your imagination run wild, or choose from popular flavors like “absolutely fantastic” Strawberry Cheesecake, Cinnamon Swirl, or Pralines & Cream. Owner Traci Lukemire left the corporate world to open this shop 5 years ago, and named it after her grandmother. Her menu includes a large selection of “light and fluffy” gluten-free donuts, made in their own fryer and prep area.

Yelp Elites say: “Wow. Talk about a donut being worth every single calorie, carb, etc. Donna’s Delicious Dozen is like a yeast donut and a cake donut had a baby—and it’s PERFECT! This is a must-have, and get them when they’re warm! The donuts literally melt in your mouth. Before you know it, you’ll be in a sugar coma because you’ll have eaten the entire dozen in one sitting.” —Trisha H.

Find more donuts in Columbus.

Donuts here range from glazed and filled to those with tongue-in-cheek names (that won’t be mentioned here). Guests enjoy being in on the joke, proclaiming, “these are the best @&$# donuts in OKC !!!” Owner Younts Waters’ special recipe isn’t ordinary, however. It features butter, eggs, dough conditioners…and potato flakes, resulting in soft-textured donuts that have been drawing fans for more than 30 years. And good news for fans: Everybody gets a free donut, just for coming in.

Yelp Elites say: “Small store with big flavor! You won’t find 30 different flavors, but you will enjoy the taste and texture. Without a doubt, the best-smelling and -tasting maple donut I’ve ever had! Dough is not your traditional white—it’s more of a yellow color, [and] the texture is amazing.” —Athena R.

Find more donuts in Oklahoma City.

Pip’s bite-sized, made-to-order donuts have made multiple appearances on Yelp’s best donut shop lists. Inspired by the flavors of churros and Belgian waffles, the treats have a “strong caramel flavor [without being] overly sweet,” says Nate Snell, who founded the shop with his wife, Jamie. Their highly curated, 6-item menu features mashups like candied bacon and maple or raw honey and sea salt, along with seasonal specials like Tropical Hibiscus. There’s also an assortment of gourmet beverages, including 5 celebrity-named flavors of house-crafted chai.

Yelp Elites say: “The smell of cinnamon hits your face when you step into the shop. I [ordered] 8 donuts because I wanted to try a little bit of everything. The donuts were made to order and light and fluffy but had a nice crispy exterior. They were surprisingly super-flavorful. I also ordered a Japanese Garden, which was similar to a matcha matte with hints of lavender. This is definitely a spot to check out if you’re stopping by Portland!” —Wilter T.

Find more donuts in Portland.

Opened in 1938, this classic donut shop proudly avoids the latest trends. Instead, it focuses on quality, using a decades-old secret recipe to turn out cake, filled, and raised donuts that “stand out for classic flavors and soft, pillowy dough.” While the recipes are old-fashioned, they now use a modern online ordering system, so it’s easy to secure items like their decadent cinnamon rolls, which fans call “the kind of dessert that comes with an unscheduled nap afterwards.”

Yelp Elites say: “I live [for] Oram’s, plain and simple. This past weekend I made my way over to Beaver Falls to get donuts and of course their famous cinnamon rolls. I ordered the special, which was a cordial-cherry-flavored filled donut, and some simple glazed donuts. Everything was so darn fresh and tasty. I was very impressed. I’ll continue to visit Oram’s for their amazing baked goods.” —Pete J.

Find more donuts in Pittsburgh.

Owner Kimlong Hang studied the techniques of expert donut makers before developing her own varieties, many of which combine classic recipes with gourmet toppings. Crowd favorites include Strawberry Krunch, inspired by the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bar, and Maple Almond, topped with maple buttercream and chopped almonds. “Donuts are fresh, fluffy, and affordable,” says Yelp Elite Vivian A. “You can’t go wrong with any of their options.”

Yelp Elites say: “These donuts are some of the largest, lightest, fluffiest, pillowy morsels I have had in some time. I taste-tested their Maple Bacon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Stranger Things (chocolate, Oreo, and Nutella), and Chocolate Hazelnut options, and each of them was a delight. Looking forward to my next opportunity to drop by! —Ashley P.

Find more donuts in Newport.

Fill up your tank and tummy at this popular gas station-adjacent donut spot. Owner Andrew Poeng recently took over from his dad, who taught him how to make the circular confections. Luckily for fans, he kept the family recipes, developed through trial and error, for maple cinnamon, maple bacon, chocolate old-fashioneds, buttermilk bars, and other classics. Insider tip: if you want to grab some of the “fantastic and huge” fritters, or other popular offerings, call to order ahead.

Yelp Elites say: “I just love this quaint little donut shop next to a gas station. The service is amazing, always friendly and kind. And the donuts are the best! If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping at Sunny’s Donuts.” —Linda S.

Find more donuts in Myrtle Beach.

Jerry and LeeAnn Schubert have been making donuts from a “secret family recipe” for more than 4 decades at their award-winning Rapid City shop. Fans favorites include glazed, sour cream cake, and peanut butter and chocolate donuts, apple fritters, and “flips” (turnover-style baked cinnamon rolls with fruit fillings) along with fun seasonal specials like solar eclipse donuts with oreos and heart-shaped Valentine’s Day confections. Don’t miss out: Call ahead to place your order the day before—or even a few days before. They open at 5 am and demand for their fresh treats is high, especially on weekends.

Yelp Elites say: “I couldn’t believe how many different kinds of donuts they had. We tried 6 different ones and loved the Pumpkin Cake donut, caramel roll, and apple fritter the best. They were so fresh, and you could taste the quality ingredients in each bite. Highly recommend!” —Annie F.

Find more donuts in Sioux Falls.

This shop is no stranger to Yelp’s best donuts lists, so it’s no wonder that “there’s always a line.” Look for charmingly decorated treats for every holiday, as well as 50 delightful versions of classic donuts, like the chocolate glaze, which has “perfect density and sweetness.” Mack and Renee McGaugh opened their namesake shop in 2017 after operating a franchise of Shipley Do-Nuts for more than 25 years.

Yelp Elites say: “One bite in the car ride home and I knew I’d found Nashville’s greatest donut! There is something so complex and deeply yeasty with McGaugh’s little masterpieces that sets them apart. The lemon-filled was a spectacular combination of rich lemon curd and soft, sugary donut. The vanilla icing with Fruity Pebbles was easily my second favorite. But the long cinnamon twist spanning the length of the entire box was the ultimate prize! Each donut is so impossibly soft and richly flavorful, more than any other donut in town.” —William W.

Find more donuts in Nashville.

Out of 255 reviews (and counting) on Yelp, 243 give this spot 5 stars. Because they’re all mixed, rolled, cut, fried, and decorated by hand, “each donut is different, like a snowflake,” says Robin Nou, who owns the shop with husband, Vuth. The one-of-a-kind beauties have earned numerous accolades, including the No. 5 spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Texas Restaurants 2022 list. The shop’s more than 60 varieties span the spectrum from classics to rounds stuffed with candies, cookies, and cereal.

Yelp Elites say: “My experience here is always pure awesomeness. I tried the Biscoff [cookie] donut today—and all I can say is OMG. The folks here are so nice and attentive. You can’t go wrong with anything you get!” —Dave F.

Find more donuts in Houston.

The line starts forming at 5 am when this shop opens. Why? “The dough is perfectly fried, with the exact right glaze ratio, [resulting in] a raised glazed donut that makes you reconsider all your donut-related life choices,” says Yelp Elite Rebecca N. Other fans note that the dough is “truly fresh” and the donut holes are “melt-in-your-mouth perfection.”

Yelp Elites say: “You can smell the doughy goodness a mile away from this place! If you’re going to blow your diet, at least do it in glory and flames…these are soooo good it’s worth it! The apple fritter is huge, [with] sugary coating on a fried, almost crunchy outside with a soft and sweet dough mixed with apples on the inside. The service is great and very fast!” —Melinda H.

 Find more donuts in Park City.

Hurry hurry hurry. This artisanal, weekend-only shop opens online ordering at 7 am. Competition is so fierce for such top sellers as the Triple Chocolate Brownie, Mango Curd, and Pink Raspberry Sprinkle donuts, they may disappear from your cart if you don’t cash out fast enough. The owners make all of their jams, jellies, and cream fillings in-house, and focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients ranging from whole berries and fruits to flour, butter, eggs, and even bacon—and, of course, Vermont maple syrup.

Yelp Elites say: “This is what a donut shop should be. High-quality, good variety, super-tasty, and not overpriced. My entire family, from toddlers to senior citizens, loves North Country Donuts. We set the alarm for 7 am when online ordering opens. Today we tried Mixed Berry jelly, Ricotta Cream, and Maple glazed, and all were delicious.” —Jason B.

Find more donuts in Montpelier.

Generations of customers (and former students) have fond memories of visiting this shop in a former gas station across from Virginia Tech, saying “the quality and charm has not changed a bit” since it opened in 1968. Choose from flavors like “iconic” Blueberry, Strawberry Icing, and Double Chocolate, but don’t dally—“the later you come, the [fewer] options you’re gonna have.”

Yelp Elites say: “We’ve heard nothing but good things about this place so I decided to try it out. Did it fill the hype? It sure did, and bypassed it by far! I ordered a variety of random donuts which were all delicious, but the ones that stood out were the White Coconut, glazed, and the FRESH apple-filled. The best in the business compared to all the famous competitors.” —June T.

Find more donuts in VIrginia Beach.

Rest assured, “the reviews don’t lie” about this highly rated donut shop with fast and friendly service, easy-on-the-wallet prices, and a selection of fried treats to please every donut aficionado. Standouts include the raised glaze, donut holes, bear claws, apple fritters, and maple bars topped with real bacon. Insider tip: Set your alarm (the shop opens at 4 am)—and they sell out fast.  

Yelp Elites say: “The donuts here are amazing! The best donuts I’ve had in [the area]. Fresh, fluffy, moist. Our group got chocolate sprinkles, apple fritter, apple bear claw, chocolate cake donut, and raspberry jelly-filled. Each flavor was delicious and melt-in-your-mouth!” —Tricia T.

Find great donuts in Spokane.

Jolly never sells out—because it’s open (and baking) 24 hours a day. George Alexandropoulos and his family have been operating this donut franchise for 48 years, garnering regional awards for dozens of old-school flavors. They also have a knack for crafting seasonal delights—think heart-shaped pastries for Valentine’s Day and Christmas trees in December.

Yelp Elites say: “I love Jolly Pirate Donuts, and I consider myself extremely fortunate that I live only 2 minutes away. There’s an excellent selection of donuts, all of which are delicious. Do you prefer other baked goods like apple fritters? Worry not, they’ve got those too (and they’re AMAZING). This place is awesome and it’s always open. What better combo can you have than that?” —Keegan Z.

Find more donuts in Morgantown.

The only certified-kosher bakery in the Greater Madison area draws visitors for miles to feast on “amazing” confections, made fresh daily under rabbinic supervision. Founded in 1996 by lifelong Madison residents Marv and Barb Miller, and now operated by the family’s 2nd and 3rd generations, the shop’s “excellent” flavors like Cherry and Oreo Cream make it hard to choose just one. The “reasonable prices” mean you don’t have to.

Yelp Elites say: “Hands-down the best donut shop in Madison. You know it’s going to be a good day at work when someone brings in Greenbush! I could have multiple [donuts] in one sitting. My favorites are the Oreo with Cream or a sour cream donut. Seriously heavenly!!” —Tom S.

Find more donuts in Madison.

Founder Jason Hammond opened this shop back in 2011 as an homage to memories of childhood, when his parents took their 7 kids to a local donut shop every Saturday—and his dad dreamt of starting one himself. Now each baking day starts at 1 am so there’s enough time to raise “super soft and tasty” rounds of yeasted goodness, in classic glazed and sugared flavors, as well as savory kolaches—a buttery homemade Czech-style bread stuffed with fresh meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Don’t miss the sausage cheese jalapeno.

Yelp Elites say: “The cases were packed with plenty of options, [so] we got a dozen donuts to share. The Boston Creme donut was very good; the Banana Iced donut was also delicious, [and] the Ham & Cheese Kolache was savory goodness! They volunteered to make the Turtle donut for us; it was super-fresh and delish!! Highly recommend!” — PatrickJ T.

Find more donuts in Rock Springs.

Best Donut Shop in Every State, According to Yelp Elites, was written and reported by Jeanne O’Brien Coffey.