America: land of the free, home of the doughnut. From classic shops doling out traditional delicacies to newcomer artisan stores crafting flavors you could only dream of, get your glass of milk ready. Here are the best places to eat doughnuts in each of the 50 states (and D.C., of course).
The Best Doughnut Shop in Every Single State (Because We Had to Know)
No holes in this list...
Alabama: Heavenly Donut Company
The maple bacon doughnuts, peach and crispy apple fritters put this Birmingham favorite on the map.
4911 Cahaba River Rd., Birmingham; 205-536-7200 or heavenlydonutco.com
Alaska: The Kobuk
This Anchorage spot may look like any old coffee shop, but don’t be fooled: The Kobuk bakes the best old-fashioned doughnuts around.
504 W. Fifth Ave., Anchorage; 907-272-3626 or kobukcoffee.com
Arizona: Bosa Donuts
With 16 locations around the state and more to come, this no-frills joint--minus the sprinkles--sells simple, delicious doughnuts across the Valley.
Multiple locations; bosadonutsaz.com
Arkansas: Mark's Do-nut Shop
Located in North Little Rock, this humble storefront makes a not so humble doughnut. Follow the whiff of sweet, fried dough into the small shop and order a plain, glazed.
4015 Camp Robinson Rd., North Little Rock; 501-753-2017 or facebook
California: Donut Bar
Sorry, L.A. and San Francisco, you’ll have to go to San Diego for the best doughnuts in the state (and quite possibly in the U.S.) Don’t let the killer line deter you… the best things in life are worth the wait, like the Donut Bar’s strawberry split doughnut.
631 B St., San Diego; 619-255-6360 or donutbar.com
Colorado: Glazed & Confuzed
With a name perfectly appropriate for Colorado, Glazed & Confuzed is a state-loved establishment. The pastries here go beyond baking--it’s art, and our favorite exhibit is the the root-beer-glazed doughnut stuffed with Bavarian cream.
2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010; 303-524-9637 or gcdonuts.com
Connecticut: Dottie's Diner
This retro diner serves a solid breakfast, but the doughnuts are the main attraction at Dottie’s. Order a classic glazed, powdered or jelly-filled doughnut. Then order another.
787 Main Street S, Woodbury; 203-263-2516 or dottiesdiner.com
Delaware: Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts was born in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but it quickly became a favorite in Delaware. If you’re feeling ambitious, opt for a doughnut sundae--freshly baked dough topped with ice cream and the works. Your diet can start tomorrow.
145 E. Main St., Newark; (302) 266-6000 or duckdonuts.com
Florida: Mojo Donuts
Warning: These doughnuts are not for the faint of heart. With flavors like butterfinger cheesecake and the famous maple bacon bar, you have to be a warrior.
7906 Pines Blvd., Hollywood; 954-983-6631 or mojodonuts.com
Georgia: Revolution Doughnuts
Get the peach slider: A sugar-coated doughnut filled with fresh, juicy peaches. This is Georgia, after all.
908 W. College Ave., Decatur; 470-428-2023 or revolutiondoughnuts.com
Hawaii: Leonard's Bakery
You may think you traveled to Hawaii for the beach and palm trees, but you’re really there for the doughnuts. In particular, the malasadas, Portuguese-style fried dough coated with cinnamon.
933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu; 808-737-5591 or leonardshawaii.com
Idaho: Guru Donuts
If only every doughnut shop could make Samoa-inspired treats like this Boise staple’s Girl Scout cookie-inspired creation.
928 W. Main St #100, Boise; 208-571-7792 or gurudonuts.com
Illinois: The Doughnut Vault
It’s small. It’s hipster. It’s cash only, and you will wait in a line that tests your doughnut-loving patience only to be re-affirmed with your first bite of chocolate glaze.
401 N. Franklin St., Chicago; (312) 285-2830 or doughnutvault.com
Indiana: Long's Bakery
Long’s Bakery is an Indianapolis institution. The yeast doughnuts are a popular favorite, but at $10 a dozen, you might as well try every flavor.
1453 N. Tremont St., Indianapolis; 317-632-3741 or yelp
Iowa: Hurts Doughnuts
We’re considering buying a vacation home in Des Moines for easy access to one of the 70 types of oversized doughnuts.
5513 Mills Civic Pkwy Ste 105., Des Moines; 515-267-1671 or wannahurts.com
Kansas: Hana's Donuts
This Kansas City joint is a hidden gem among the city’s larger franchises. Try one of Hana’s cream-cheese-filled doughnuts and you may never go back to eating bagels.
2131 S. 34th St., Kansas City; 913-362-0244 or yelp
Kentucky: Nord's Bakery
Influenced by Louisville’s German heritage, Nord’s Bakery makes doughnuts that are slightly crispy on the outside and very fluffy on the inside. Get the signature maple bacon: a long yeast pastry with a thick coat of maple frosting and a strip of bacon on top.
2118 S. Preston St., Louisville; 502-634-0931 or nordsbakery.biz
Louisiana: District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
Come for the doughnuts, stay for the cheeseburger sliders. District’s menu offers seven flavors that rotate daily (hello, Monte Cristo doughnut), but it always offers the classics like chocolate glazed and cinnamon sugar.
2209 Magazine St, New Orleans; (504) 570-6945 or donutsandsliders.com
Maine: The Holy Donut
These doughnuts are made from roasted, hand-peeled sweet potatoes. They’re both quirky and delicious, which is exactly what you should expect when in Portland.
Multiple locations; theholydonut.com
Maryland: Fractured Prune
Fractured Prune has locations across the country, but the most notable is its Ocean City spot. The signature flavor, O.C. Sand, is a simple yet perfectly executed cinnamon sugar and honey glazed doughnut.
127th St., Ocean City; 410-250-4400 or fracturedprune.com
Massachusetts: Back Door Donuts
During the daytime, you may not see a single person enter Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café & Bakery. But drive into the town of Oak Bluffs any summer night and you’ll see at least 100 people waiting for hot apple fritters at the back door of this speakeasy-style doughnut joint.
1-11 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs; 508-693-3688
Michigan: Hinkley Bakery
This family-owned shop clearly knows its doughnuts: it's been a local favorite for over 100 years. (Don't leave without a blueberry crescent.)
700 S. Blackstone St., Jackson; 517-782-1122 or yelp
Minnesota: Glam Doll Donuts
The doughnuts at this retro Minneapolis spot are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Glam Doll is also a perfectly acceptable brunch option, thanks to its eggs Benedict and breakfast doughnut sandwich offerings.
2605 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-345-7064 or glamdolldonuts.com
Mississippi: Monroe's
With four locations in Jackson, Monroe’s is a local favorite. Don’t expect crazy flavors; rather, you’ll find solid takes on classic French crullers and Bavarian creams.
Multiple locations; monroesdonutsandbakery.com
Missouri: Donut Stop
The must-try item at this St. Louis institution is the cinnamon glob: a giant, dense ball of fried dough loaded with buttery cinnamon.
1101 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis; (314) 631-3333 or thedonutstopinc.net
Montana: Granny's Gourmet Donuts
The kitschy decor, homey vibe and sweet smell of the fryer will take you back to grandma’s house as you bite into a strawberry-glazed doughnut finished with a dollop of jam.
3 Tai Lane, Bozeman; 406-922-0022 or facebook
Nebraska: Olsen Bake Shop
Olsen bakery has been around since 1942, and (thankfully) not much has changed. Stroll in to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a glazed cake doughnut to start your day.
1708 S. Tenth St., Omaha; 402-341-1145 or yelp
Nevada: Pink Box Doughnuts
Remember: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. So go for a specialty creation like “The Fat Elvis,” a chocolate-covered, peanut-butter-filled doughnut topped off with caramelized banana.
New Hampshire: Muriel's
You could easily walk by this small storefront in Lebanon without even noticing it. A quintessential mom-and-pop shop, Muriel’s offers a small and simple yet consistently delicious selection of doughnuts including crullers, cinnamon, sugar and jelly-filled.
20 West St., Lebanon; 603-448-1508 or yelp
New Jersey: Uncle Dood's Donuts
Uncle Dood’s has gained a cult following in Jersey. Go for the unusual flavors like the “Bed-Rockin,” with vanilla frosting and Fruity Pebbles or the “Twixed,” covered with chocolate glaze, Nila wafers and caramel.
4 Robbins St., Toms River; 609-462-3517 or facebook
New Mexico: Whoo's Donuts
Should you find yourself in Santa Fe, run to Whoo’s for a lemon pistachio white chocolate doughnut. It’ll blow your damn mind.
851 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe; 505-629-1678 or whoosdonuts.com
New York: Dough
Dough could easily compete for the title of best doughnuts in the world. And naturally, New Yorkers have no problem paying $27 for a dozen artisanal doughnuts when they come in mind-blowing flavors like dulce de leche with toasted almonds, hibiscus and chocolate chipotle. You know what, make that two dozen; we’ll take out a loan.
Multiple locations; doughdoughnuts.com
North Carolina: Britt's Donuts
The menu here consists of three items: Glazed doughnuts, coffee and milk. Don’t ask for sprinkles.
13 Boardwalk, Carolina Beach; (910) 707-0755 or brittsdonutshop.com
North Dakota: Sandy's Donuts
Play it safe with a delicious old-fashioned doughnut or try a more inventive flavor like double chocolate peanut butter or caramel with pecans.
Ohio: Bill's Donut Shop
A Centerville staple since 1967, Bill’s exterior is is easy to miss. But inside it’s a classic place that’s friendly and inviting. The old-fashioned sour-cream-filled doughnut is a longtime crowd favorite.
268 N. Main St., Centerville; 937-433-0002 or billsdonutshop.com
Oklahoma: Polar Donuts
You might blush while asking for the cherry jelly-filled “Camel Toe” or apple-filled fritter “Strong Pimp Hand,” but try not to overthink the names.
1111 N. Meridian Ave., Ste B Oklahoma City; 405-946-7448 or polardon
Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut
If there’s one thing you must do while in Portland, it’s take a trip to Voodoo Doughnut, where no creation is too outlandish. Case in point: “The Old Dirty Bastard,” a cholesterol-raising, decadent combination of chocolate, peanut butter and Oreos.
Locations here.
Pennsylvania: Federal Donuts
Three words: Fried Chicken Doughnut. Philly chef Michael Solomonov has perfected the art of sweet and savory with these legendary honey doughnuts served with crispy twice fried, chicken.
Multiple locations; federaldonuts.com
Rhode Island: Allie's Donuts
People frequently drive over the Connecticut or Massachusetts border to snag one of Allie’s legendary doughnuts. The shop also makes massive doughnut cakes to feed a crowd.
3661 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown; 401-295-8036 or facebook
South Carolina: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts
Charleston’s food scene is no joke, so you know that Glazed Gourmet, seated on Upper King St., is the real deal. Pay attention to the eccentric flavors like orange pistachio and the lavender-flavored “Purple Goat.”
481 King St., Charleston; 843-577-5557 or glazedgourmet.com
South Dakota: Jerry's Cakes And Donuts
A real family-run spot, this Rapid City shop has a loyal clientele that keeps coming back for the maple bacon pastries. The doughnuts are good enough for Hillary Clinton, who stopped for a bite when she was in town.
109 E. Omaha St., Rapid City; 605-341-4814 or jerryscakesanddonuts.com
Tennessee: Fox's Donut Den
Donut Den’s red neon sign marks a Green Hills icon: Since 1973, the shop has been deep-frying apple fritters and chocolate old-fashioneds that draw in crowds. But you must try the famous Kolache--a sweet pastry filled with savory sausage and cheddar.
3900 Hillsboro Pike #2, Nashville; 615-385-1021 or facebook
Texas: Gourdough's
Everything’s bigger in Texas…including the doughnuts. This Austin-based food truck sells its top-notch treats from a vintage trailer. The toppings include everything from jalapeño and grilled strawberries to fried chicken strips.
1503 S. First St., Austin; gourdoughs.com
Utah: Banbury Cross Donuts
Across the state, people recognize the iconic yellow box with a red rocking horse logo. The classic glazeds may be simple, but they’re the best quality doughnuts around.
705 S. 700 E., Salt Lake City; 801-537-1433
Vermont: Mrs. Murphy Donuts
You'll have to be quick to get your hands on one of these tasty treats (they sell out fast). This old-school coffee shop has got all the classics plus some more unusual picks like sour cream, chocolate chip and cookies and cream.
Virginia: Sugar Shack
Since the original Sugar Shack opened in Virginia, it’s gained a cult following and opened several new locations. Get adventurous with the famous chicken doughnut, a mouthwatering combo of fried chicken on a maple glazed pastry.
Multiple locations; sugarshackdonuts.com
Washington: Top Pot Doughnuts
This Seattle-based chain now has over a dozen locations all across Washington state. The menu always features the classics with a rotating list of seasonal specialties like the cherry blossom and pumpkin old-fashioned.
Locations here.
Washington, D.c.: Astro
Is there anything better in life than a crème brûlée doughnut served with a fried chicken wing? The answer is no. Why don’t you just head to the nation’s capital and try it for yourself.
1308 G Street NW; 202-809-5565 or astrodoughnuts.com
West Virginia: Jr's Donut Castle
The recipes at this West Virginia mainstay haven’t changed in over 30 years and the giant glazed doughnuts are a sight to see…and eat.
3318 Emerson Ave., Parkersburg; 304-428-9097 or jrsdonutcastle.com
Wisconsin: Manderfield's Home Bakery
Take a break from the cheese and bratwurst and go for something sweet. With three locations in the Fox Valley area, Manderfield’s has been serving top-notch doughnuts for over 70 years.
Multiple locations; manderfieldsbakery.com
Wyoming: Cowboy Donuts
This Wild West-themed shop offers about 40 rotating flavors on any given day. Order something out-of-the-box, like a turtle doughnut made with chocolate icing, drizzled caramel and candied pecans.
1573 Dewar Dr., Rock Springs; 307-362-3400 or cowbo