I Used to Crave Krispy Kreme, But These 8 Donut Spots Are Better

The best way to start your morning is with a fresh donut and a hot cup of Joe. With so many options to choose from, you could eat a different donut every day. Donuts are a common breakfast pastry across all 50 states in America, and popular chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts are typically most people's go-to stops. However, there are hundreds of other donut spots with delicious donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth craving.

If you're ever in the area of one of these donut shops, you have to stop and try one. These little gems have unique donut flavors with their own little twist of creativity. I used to crave Krispy Kreme, but these 8 donut spots are better.

This post was updated in November 2025 with updated information about some of the best donut shops and additional editorial enhancements.

Hole Doughnuts

Address: 168 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, United States

Rating: 4.9 stars

Doughnuts at the Hole are served piping hot and made to order. You can enjoy a cup of coffee while you watch the staff hand-roll the doughnuts before your eyes in their open kitchen. Hole's doughnuts are crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside. Each bite is an absolute pleasure.

Furthermore, their scrumptious doughnuts are made with organic stone flour, sea salt, unrefined organic cane sugar, whole butter, and cage-free eggs and are then fried in non-GMO rice bran oil.

Review

The Hole has a warm, welcoming vibe with beautiful vintage décor. This hidden gem really does know how to make the best doughnuts. The texture and the glaze are fantastic. They only serve 4 types of doughnuts, but I recommend them all.

Recommended:

Toasted Almond Sesame Cinnamon
Vanilla Glazed
Cinnamon Sugar
Weekly Special

Whoo’s Donuts

Address: 851 Cerrillos Rd B, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States

Rating: 4.4 stars

Whoo’s Donuts are made daily from scratch using a clean list of ingredients. There are 22 different flavors and nine seasonal donut flavors to choose from. The Blue Corn Blueberry Lavender is popular amongst Whoo fans as well as the Boston Crème. Apart from donuts, they also offer a variety of freshly baked goods such as muffins, tarts, croissants, danishes, and breads. Their menu also features breakfast burritos and empanadas at affordable prices. Don't forget to order an exceptional cuppa to go with your donut.

Review

Via Yelp, reviewer Fiona K. posted four days ago, “I can’t even begin to describe how cool this place is! The donuts are great, the vibes are great, and the music is great! Jeff is awesome, and we had great conversations. I will definitely be back when I find myself in SF. Thank you, Jeff.”

Recommended:

Blue Corn Blackberry Donut
Green Chile Apple Fritter and Dark Chocolate Crunch

JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee

Address: 31878 Del Obispo St #122, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States

Rating: 4.8 stars

While fly-fishing in 2017 on the Big Hole River in Montana, two Dads and childhood friends came up with the idea of creating one of the best donut stores in San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy their special blend of coffee and authentic donuts made from scratch.

Review

According to CBS News, JD Flannel Donuts was ranked #3 nationally and named the best donut shop in California on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Donut Shops list. What an amazing achievement!

Via Google reviewer ちんエミリー (Emily), “This place is adorable! The donuts are super good; I loved the Boysenberry baked donut and the chocolate-raised donut. The raised donut was sooo fluffy, and the baked one was crispy on the outside but so moist on the inside. They were good even 3 days later, which is surprising to me for donuts! That’s how fresh they are.
We also got a small espresso shot while we were waiting! That was so nice. I saw the owner handing out stickers to children, which was really sweet. The service is so friendly here.”

Recommended:

Gluten-Free Doughnut
Maple Bacon Donut
Raised Donuts
Caramel Apple Fritter

The Italian Bakery

Address: 225 Bartlett St, Lewiston, ME 04240, United States

Rating: 4.7 stars

At first, the Italian Bakery served clients bread, pizza crusts, and Italian sandwiches in bulk to clients throughout Maine. A couple of years later, they prepared donuts and other pastries. Now on Saturday, they also serve salmon pies, baked bean specials, and meat pies, which are local favorites.

Review

Sasha B. via Yelp said, “This local gem always and usually has a line, especially on weekends.
They offer a bit of everything, so you are sure to find something you'd enjoy even if you are on a budget (ask them about their day-old offerings).”

Recommended:
French horns
Raspberry turnovers
Donuts

Old Fashioned Donuts

Address: 11248 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628, United States

Rating: 4.7 stars

Head on over to Old Fashioned Donuts. The apple fritters are out of this world and bring on the feeling of world peace. This establishment has been around for over 50 years and is dedicated to serving its customers the best donuts on the South Side of Chicago.

Review

Google reviewer Naiima Dandridge said, “This place is definitely a hole in the wall kicking out straight heat! It's been around for 50-plus years. I came in today and can see why Yelp has voted this place the best donut shop in Illinois!!!!! It was a line that moved fast. I ordered 6 donuts — all glazed! That yeasted glaze melted in my mouth."

Recommended:

Pineapple Coconut
Caramel

Rocklin Donuts & Cinnamon

Address: 4845 Granite Dr Ste. B, Rocklin, CA 95677, United States

Rating: 4.9 stars

Rocklin Donuts & Cinnamon serves the best donuts, sticky buns, breakfast croissants, scones, pastries, and croissant pastries in Rocklin. The service is awesome, and the atmosphere is energetic. The donuts are so light and fluffy that you just want to keep inhaling them.

Review

Yelp Reviewer Jessica K. said, “I was in Roseville for a couple of days; I am a sucker for donuts and read the reviews. I knew I had to try this place.”

Doughnut Plant

Address: 245 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Rating: 4.3 stars

Life is always better with sprinkles; they remind me of my childhood. Baking cupcakes with my Nana was my favorite, and she always said, “Sprinkles make everything better.” I guess that’s because they are colorful, and it’s a beautiful sight when you see a rainbow. Just like a delicious, tasty, colorful doughnut from the Doughnut Plant.

Review

Doughnut flavors change regularly; vegan options are available, too. It’s best to call and order in advance.

Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee

Address: 1001 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23220, United States

Rating: 4.6 stars

This cute little donut shop is welcoming for a Sunday morning with fresh, hot donuts and coffee. The shop is small; however, the donuts are great. The cinnamon rolls definitely deserve a thumbs-up.