Happy National Donut Day, fellow travelers and donut aficionados! Here at Come Monday Travel, we believe that some of the best ways to experience a new city are through its unique flavors and local delights. And what better way to celebrate than by embarking on a delicious journey across the United States, one donut at a time? Get ready to inspire your next domestic adventure with our top 10 picks for the best donuts in the U.S., guaranteed to tempt your taste buds and have you packing your bags!
1. The Cronut® - New York City, NY
- Shop: Dominique Ansel Bakery
- Interesting Fact: This hybrid pastry, a croissant-donut creation, took the world by storm when it was introduced in 2013, leading to lines around the block and imitations worldwide.
- Beyond the Cronut, New York City offers endless possibilities for exploration, from world-class museums and Broadway shows to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
2. Voodoo Doll Donut - Portland, OR
- Shop: Voodoo Doughnut
- Interesting Fact: Known for its quirky, often outrageous donut creations and 24/7 operating hours, Voodoo Doughnut has become a Portland institution with a cult following. The Voodoo Doll donut is shaped like a gingerbread man with a pretzel stake.
- Portland is a haven for foodies, craft beer lovers, and nature enthusiasts, with a vibrant arts scene and easy access to stunning natural beauty like the Columbia River Gorge.
3. Apple Fritter - San Francisco, CA
- Shop: Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
- Interesting Fact: This classic San Francisco spot has been serving up massive, delectable apple fritters (and other donuts) for decades, often drawing late-night crowds.
- San Francisco boasts iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and a diverse culinary landscape. Don't forget to ride a cable car!
4. Maple Bacon Donut - Seattle, WA
- Shop: Top Pot Doughnuts
- Interesting Fact: Top Pot is known for its hand-forged, old-fashioned donuts and a cozy, vintage library-like atmosphere in many of its locations. Their maple bacon is a perfect sweet and savory combination.
- Seattle offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to nearby Mount Rainier National Park.
5. Beignet - New Orleans, LA
- Shop: Cafe Du Monde
- Interesting Fact: While technically a beignet (a square, hole-less donut dusted with powdered sugar), it's a quintessential New Orleans fried dough experience. Cafe Du Monde has been serving them since 1862!
- New Orleans is a city rich in history, music, and culture, with vibrant nightlife in the French Quarter and delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Beyond the Donut: Explore New Orleans History at Lafitte Pirate Shop and Coffee House
While you're in New Orleans savoring those delicious beignets, make sure to carve out time for a unique historical detour! Just a short stroll from the French Quarter, you'll find the Lafitte Pirate Shop and Coffee House (
6. Potato Donut - Cleveland, OH
- Shop: Brewnuts
- Interesting Fact: Brewnuts combines two beloved things: donuts and craft beer. They use local craft beer in their donut dough, resulting in unique flavors and a lighter texture. Their potato donuts are a fan favorite.
- Cleveland is experiencing a revitalization, offering a fantastic food scene, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a vibrant arts district.
7. Boston Cream Donut - Boston, MA
- Shop: Union Square Donuts
- Interesting Fact: While the Boston Cream Pie is the official dessert of Massachusetts, Union Square Donuts elevates the classic Boston Cream into a fluffy, flavorful donut that’s a must-try.
- Boston is steeped in American history, with the Freedom Trail, charming neighborhoods, and world-class universities.
8. French Cruller - Los Angeles, CA
- Shop: Randy's Donuts
- Interesting Fact: Instantly recognizable by its giant donut sign, Randy's Donuts is a Los Angeles landmark that has appeared in countless movies and TV shows. Their French Cruller is a light, airy, and delicately sweet classic.
- Los Angeles offers a vast array of attractions, from Hollywood glamour and stunning beaches to world-class museums and diverse culinary experiences.
9. Pineapple Fritter - Honolulu, HI
- Shop: Leonard's Bakery
- Interesting Fact: Famous for their malasadas (Portuguese-style donuts without a hole, fried and coated in sugar), Leonard's also offers delicious pineapple fritters, a perfect taste of the islands.
- Honolulu provides a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches like Waikiki, historical sites like Pearl Harbor, and a rich Polynesian culture.
10. Old-Fashioned Donut - Chicago, IL
- Shop: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
- Interesting Fact: Do-Rite is known for its artisanal approach to donuts, using high-quality ingredients and often offering gluten-free and vegan options alongside their traditional delights. Their old-fashioned is perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Chicago boasts impressive architecture, world-class museums, a thriving theater scene, and delicious deep-dish pizza!
There you have it – 10 irresistible reasons to pack your bags and embark on a delicious donut-themed adventure across the United States! Whether you want to visit just one of these amazing donut destinations or embark on a multi-city culinary donut tour, Come Monday Travel can help you plan every sweet detail. Contact us today, Bruce@ComeMondayTravel and let us help you create your perfect sweet escape!
