Special Report

The Best Doughnut Shop in Every State

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“There’s one thing that’s really great about waking up early,” the comedian Kathy Griffin apparently once said, “and it’s not jogging or greeting the day — it’s just that that’s when they make doughnuts.” The Dutch brought an ancestor of the modern doughnut to America in the early 19th century, in the form of deep-fried dough balls called olykoeks (literally “oily cakes”). A sailor named Hanson Crockett Gregory is credited with first putting holes in the oily cakes, either to avoid leaving a raw doughy middle when they cooked or so that he could store them on the spokes of his ship’s wheel for convenient snacking.

The first doughnut-making machine appeared in 1920, and doughnuts soon became a commonplace offering at bakeries and diners. They were especially popular during the Depression because they cost less than a nickel and were reasonably filling, according to an article on the history of the doughnut in Smithsonian Magazine.

Today, doughnuts have become a kind of blank canvas for creative bakers, and are likely to be topped or filled with everything from bacon to jalapeños to foie gras. They’re even sometimes repurposed to serve as burger or sandwich buns — like the Krispy Kreme sloppy joes served at the Virginia State Fair. (These are the strangest state fair foods ever.)

Even conventional doughnuts aren’t very healthy, of course. An average glazed doughnut can weigh in at as much as 250 calories, while chocolate-frosted or jelly doughnuts might hit 300. Despite their caloric load, though, they’re still not among the 50 least healthful fast food breakfast items.

There are said to be more than 13,000 doughnut shops in the U.S. currently, counting both chains and independents. According to Yelp, Boston is the per capita doughnut shop capital of America, with one such place for every 2,400 inhabitants. But every state has plenty of doughnut shops of its own, and 24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of the best example in every state, concentrating on independents and small chains. As with restaurants and retail stores all over the nation at this time, some of these shops might be temporarily closed or offer only takeout and/or delivery service.

In order to determine the best doughnut shop in every state, 24/7 Tempo reviewed a dozen existing rankings of the best doughnut shops in every state from a variety of sites. All the shops on this list were ranked as the best doughnut shop in their respective states multiple times. In the case of a tie, the shop’s Yelp rating was used as a tiebreaker.

Click here to see the best doughnut shop in every state.

Courtesy of Julianne M. via Yelp

Alabama: The Heavenly Donut Company
> City: Birmingham
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Coffee iced

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Courtesy of Kathy M. via Yelp

Alaska: Jason’s Donuts
> City: Fairbanks
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Double chocolate cake

Courtesy of LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee via Yelp

Arizona: LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee
> City: Phoenix
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 24 (in five states)
> Sample specialty: Ray’s original glazed

Courtesy of Juliet H. via Yelp

Arkansas: Mark’s Do-Nut Shop
> City: Little Rock
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Coconut

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Courtesy of Albert H. via Yelp

California: Donut Bar
> City: San Diego
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 6 (in three states)
> Sample specialty: Chocolate peanut butter cup

Courtesy of Kylie B. via Yelp

Colorado: Amy’s Donuts
> City: Colorado Springs
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 5 (in five states)
> Sample specialty: Lucky Charms (white frosting covered with Lucky Charms cereal)

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Courtesy of Miguel S. via Yelp

Connecticut: Donut Crazy
> City: New Haven
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 6 locations
> Sample specialty: Cannoli (raised yeast doughnut shell with cream filling and chocolate chips)

Courtesy of Bobby L. via Yelp

Delaware: Fractured Prune Doughnuts
> City: Rehoboth Beach
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 17 locations (in six states)
> Sample specialty: Green Envy (mint glaze with mini chocolate chips)

Courtesy of The Salty Donut via Yelp

Florida: The Salty Donut
> City: Miami
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 3 (in Florida and Texas)
> Sample specialty: Guava and cream cheese

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Courtesy of Toya S. via Yelp

Georgia: Revolution Doughnuts
> City: Decatur
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2
> Sample specialty: Vanilla bean

Courtesy of Praju S. via Yelp

Hawaii: Purvé Donut Stop
> City: Honolulu
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Alohamac (chocolate glaze with macadamia nuts and caramel)

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Courtesy of Guru Donuts via Yelp

Idaho: Guru Donuts
> City: Boise
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Alice in Wonderland (with vanilla bean glaze and birthday cake crumbs)

Courtesy of Emi R. via Yelp

Illinois: Doughnut Vault
> City: Chicago
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2 plus a mobile van
> Sample specialty: Chestnut glazed

Courtesy of Shay B. via Yelp

Indiana: Long’s Bakery
> City: Indianapolis
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2
> Sample specialty: Blueberry cake

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Courtesy of Audrey C. via Yelp

Iowa: Ambrosia Donuts
> City: Ankeny
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Doughnuts or long johns (filled to order with jelly, pudding, etc.)

Courtesy of Caitlin C. via Yelp

Kansas: The Donut Whole
> City: Wichita
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Pumpkin spice

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Courtesy of Dione M. via Yelp

Kentucky: King Donuts
> City: Louisville
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2
> Sample specialty: Glazed

Courtesy of Briana T. via Yelp

Louisiana: DISTRICT: Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
> City: New Orleans
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 6 (in Louisiana and Nevada)
> Sample specialty: Cinnamon sugar

Courtesy of Thanh L. via Yelp

Maine: The Holy Donut
> City: Portland
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 3
> Sample specialty: Sea salt dark chocolate potato

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Courtesy of Krumpe’s Do-nuts via Yelp

Maryland: Krumpe’s Do-nuts
> City: Hagerstown
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Peanut butter iced twists

Massachusetts: Union Square Donuts
> City: Somerville
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 4
> Sample specialty: Vietnamese coffee (covered in creamy glaze made from condensed milk and espresso)

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Courtesy of Rita G. via Yelp

Michigan: Avon Donuts
> City: Pontiac
> Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Original honey glaze

Courtesy of Michael U. via Yelp

Minnesota: Cardigan Donuts
> City: Minneapolis
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Blackeye (made with Blackeye Roasting Co. coffee and a coffee glaze)

Courtesy of Kati K. via Yelp

Mississippi: The Tatonut Shop
> City: Ocean Springs
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: King cake donuts

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Courtesy of Dylan A. via Yelp

Missouri: Pharaoh’s Donuts
> City: St. Louis
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Strawberry cheesecake

Courtesy of Samantha M. via Yelp

Montana: Granny’s Gourmet Donuts
> City: Bozeman
> Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Maple bar

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Courtesy of Emily T. via Yelp

Nebraska: Olsen’s Bake Shop
> City: Omaha
> Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Chocolate cherry

Courtesy of Pink Box Doughnuts via Yelp

Nevada: Pinkbox Doughnuts
> City: Las Vegas
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 3
> Sample specialty: John Lemon (lemon filling with graham cracker crumb topping)

Courtesy of Kathy D. via Yelp

New Hampshire: Donut Love
> City: North Hampton
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Double choc-frosted

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Courtesy of Latoya G. via Yelp

New Jersey: Uncle Dood’s Donuts
> City: Toms River
> Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Vermont Swine (maple bacon)

Courtesy of Alicia W. via Yelp

New Mexico: Whoo’s Donuts
> City: Santa Fe
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Blue corn maple pecan

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Courtesy of Shoshana R. via Yelp

New York: Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
> City: Brooklyn
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: French toast cake

Courtesy of Rushmina M. via Yelp

North Carolina: Your Mom’s Donuts
> City: Matthews
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2 (plus two farmer’s market carts)
> Sample specialty: Gold milk latte (with turmeric ginger cream glaze)

Courtesy of FoodWanderer A. via Yelp

North Dakota: Bearscat Bakehouse
> City: Bismarck
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 4 (in North Dakota and Oregon)
> Sample specialty: Tango Mango (mango filling, topped with Tang)

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Courtesy of Natalia B. via Yelp

Ohio: Buckeye Donuts
> City: Columbus
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1 (plus a food truck)
> Sample specialty: Buckeye (peanut butter filling)

Courtesy of Karla M. via Yelp

Oklahoma: Polar Donuts
> City: Oklahoma City
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Boston cream

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Courtesy of Kerby H. via Yelp

Oregon: Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
> City: Portland
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Nutella and sea salt

Courtesy of Mike C. via Yelp

Pennsylvania: Federal Donuts
> City: Philadelphia
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 8
> Sample specialty: Grapefruit Brûlée

Courtesy of Stephanie N. via Yelp

Rhode Island: PVDonuts
> City: Providence
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Oreo fudge

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Courtesy of Kevin B. via Yelp

South Carolina: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts
> City: Charleston
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: The Beet Salad (beet custard, orange goat cheese glaze, candied fennel)

Courtesy of Christina B. via Yelp

South Dakota: Jerry’s Cakes & Donuts
> City: Rapid City
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Chocolate peanut butter

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Courtesy of Bassam T. via Yelp

Tennessee: Gibson’s Donuts
> City: Memphis
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Maple bacon

Courtesy of Jesse G. via Yelp

Texas: Hugs & Donuts
> City: Houston
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Tres Leches cake

Courtesy of Brant P. via Yelp

Utah: Fresh Donut & Deli
> City: Salt Lake City
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Blueberry glazed

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Courtesy of Tunyaluck P. via Yelp

Vermont: Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts
> City: Manchester
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Maple cream

Courtesy of Debbie Z. via Yelp

Virginia: Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee
> City: Richmond
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 3
> Sample specialty: Caramel macchiato

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Courtesy of Huyen D. via Yelp

Washington: Top Pot Doughnuts
> City: Seattle
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 20 (in Washington and Texas)
> Sample specialty: Carrot cake

Courtesy of Michael U. via Yelp

Washington D.C.: District Doughnut
> City: Washington D.C.
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 5 (in Washington D.C. and Virginia)
> Sample specialty: Cherry Blossom (vanilla bean dough, cherry pie filling, cream cheese glaze)

Courtesy of Courtni R. via Yelp

West Virginia: Moe’s Donut Shop
> City: Martinsburg
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Chocolate bacon bar

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Courtesy of Holey Moley Coffee + Doughnuts via Yelp

Wisconsin: Holey Moley Coffee + Doughnuts
> City: Milwaukee
> Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
> Number of locations: 1
> Sample specialty: Caramel chocolate pretzel

Courtesy of Jeff L. via Yelp

Wyoming: Cowboy Donuts
> City: Rock Springs
> Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
> Number of locations: 2
> Sample specialty: Piña Colada

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