Doughnuts, otherwise acceptably referred to as donuts, have been a part of American culture for decades. They’re a comfort food that’s managed to survive the Great Depression and the current health-food craze. They taste good and they make people happy – enough said.
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Believe it or not, doughnuts were tossed out of “Doughnut Mobiles” to troops during both World War I and World War II. We bring them to school functions, club gatherings, and even political events. Doughnuts are one of the longest lived snacks in the country, and for good reason. Here are the 10 best doughnut destinations in the country.
10. Bouchon Bakery (New York, Las Vegas, and California)
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The original Bouchon Bakery was built to supply local restaurants with bread. Today, Chef Thomas Keller creates some of the most sought after doughnut recipes on the planet from delectable French-inspired recipes. Our favorite is the gigantic Boston Cream doughnut with extra chocolate topping and cream. Mmmm!
9. Chef Mavro (Honolulu, Hawaii)
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In Hawaii the proper name for a doughnut is the malassada. Inspired by Portugese immigrants, Chef George Mavrothalassitis fills his sweet treats with a curd made of passion-fruit before topping them with guava sauce and a side of ice cream.
8. Coffee an’ Donut Shop (Westport, Connecticut)
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The doughnuts from Coffee an’ Donut Shop in Westport are so good President Bill Clinton used to have them shipped directly to the White House on a regular basis. The bakers here use a safely-guarded old fashioned recipe that has pleased visitors for decades. Even Paul Newman used to stop in on a regular basis.
7. The Donut Man (Glendora, California)
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On the outside, The Donut Man looks like any other doughnut shop. On the inside, however, you’ll be greeted by some of the most mouth-watering treats you’ve ever seen. The owner, Jim Nakano, bakes huge clam-shell style doughnuts that are stuffed with locally grown fresh fruit. You won’t taste anything quite as fresh as this.
6. Doughnut Plant (New York, New York)
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Take one step inside the famed Doughnut Plant and you’ll be in for a real treat. The owner uses incredible organic ingredients, obtained fresh from the farmers market each day, and creates fluffy doughnut flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Some include rose petals and all are made with fresh spring water. Looking for something really unique? Try the peanut butter and banana doughnut!
5. Morning Call (Metairie, Louisiana)
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At Morning Call you’ll be served what is fondly referred to as a beignet, also known as the “French Market doughnut.” They’re fluffy and chewy but have a great deal of substance. Some are served with special toppings or fillings but the traditional beignet is simply sprinkled with powdered sugar and served hot out of the oil bin.
4. Spudnuts (Charlottesville, Virginia)
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The Spudnuts store in Charlottesville is the last of a chain that used to exist across the nation. Today you’ll really only find this one store unless you go out to the West Coast. These doughnuts are incredibly special because they are made with potatoes. The small, fluffy doughnuts have a unique taste you won’t find in most bakeries.
3. Top Pot (Seattle, Washington)
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Top Pot is to Seattle what Doughnut Planet is to New York City. They serve delectable doughnuts that have been created by some of the most creative chefs and bakers in the area. Their sweet treats are made from the finest ingredients and are as close to a gourmet doughnut as you’re going to get in the Seattle area.
2. Zingerman’s Bakehouse (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
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Zingerman’s Bakehouse is one of the hottest bakeries in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area and their doughnuts are certainly nothing to sneeze at. The doughnuts here have two special ingredients: lemon zest and nutmeg. The trailer behind the roadhouse is home to the bakery itself and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see these chewy treats hitting the fryers.
1. Randy’s Donuts (Los Angeles, California)
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Randy’s Donuts has been around since the 1950’s and is as popular as a movie icon as it is for the doughnuts they serve. Despite the 22-foot doughnut that adorns the roof, the little shop has earned its reputation – especially for its glazed doughnut. Not everyone can balance the perfect ratio of doughnut to glaze, but Randy’s has the recipe down pat.
Are you hungry for a doughnut yet? If so, you certainly have quite a few places to choose from. Try to hit one of these incredible doughnut shops the next time you’re on the road. Your stomach won’t regret the experience!
This post is a great appetizer! I just wan to rush to the nearest of these shops right now! Awesome pictures and VERY useful info.
Wow – can’t believe I have been to nine of the ten! (and although I haven’t been to Morning Call I’ve had that type at Cafe Du Monde).
You have great taste! The only comment I would make is re: your Seattle selection Top Pot: “Their sweet treats are made from the finest ingredients and are as close to a gourmet doughnut as you’re going to get in the Seattle area.”
In fact, not far from Top Pot, Dahlia Bakery serves warm, made to order doughnuts weekday mornings with seasonal jam and mascarpone. They are tremendous – definitely in my top 10. And WARM, the best way to eat a doughnut!!
Honorouable mention too to the warm banana doughnuts at Fix at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and Leonards and Champions in Honolulu (if you’re going there to eat at Mavro’s may as well try them all!)