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The Five Best Donut Shops in Chicago

best donut shops in chicago

Happy National Donut Day!  These days there is a “day” for just about everything.  I’m so grateful for donut day though because I love donuts.  The Chicago donut scene is something to marvel at. It’s almost as popular as the pizza scene in Chicago.  

 

Grabbing a donut is so much more than a sweet treat, it’s a foodie experience.  Gone are the plain cake donuts in Chicago. Today, these donuts are culinary masterpieces.  Our favorite thing to do on the weekends is grab a donut to enjoy with our afternoon coffee.   Here is my list for the five best donut shops in Chicago.

 

Stan’s Donuts & Coffee

Stan’s Donuts & Coffee chicago

My Favorite: Apple Fritter

This is my #1 of the best donut shops in Chicago.  There isn’t one donut there that I don’t like.  Stan’s is known for their three classes of donuts; standards, specialties and dough boy’s best.  The categories start simple and get more complex. At Christmas they have a special edition gingerbread man donut.  I get it because it’s great for pictures (I’m a blogger, it’s part of the job) and the taste is amazing! And if you want an iconic Instagram shot head there and see the wall of kitchen-aid mixers, its Insta-gold!

 

Doughnut Vault

Doughnut Vault

My Favorite: Glazed Vanilla

The Doughnut Vault was the first shop I noticed in Chicago that had a cult following.  People would line up down the block to get a taste of these super fresh donuts and it is worth the wait.  They offer a limited variety of donuts and that’s ok since they are really good. If you’re lucky you can catch the Doughnut Vault truck around town. If you don’t have time to wait in line be sure to snap a picture of the iconic blue door.

Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee

do-rite donuts chicago

My Favorite: Candied Maple Bacon

Do-Rite is known for their classic donuts and has five locations around Chicago.  They have four varieties of old fashioned donuts and they are all delicious. However, my favorite is the candied maple bacon donut.  It’s where sweet and salty meet and its pure heaven. Do-Rite also sells breakfast and chicken sandwiches, and you can get them made with a donut as the bun!

Firecakes

firecakes chicago

My Favorite: Pistachio Old Fashioned

I’ve only been to Firecakes once and I loved the experience.  The storefront is adorable and the staff is amazing. They love what they do and they love sharing it with the customers.  Go for the donuts and leave feeling amazing! They also have a vintage food truck, if you’re lucky you will find it on LaSalle Street downtown in the Loop during the work week.

 

Dunkin Donuts

dunkin donuts

My Favorite: Strawberry Cake with Sprinkles

Yes, you read that right. Dunkin Donuts is in my top five list!  I grew up with Dunkin Donuts and watched the famous commercials with the line “time to make the donuts.”  I still love their classic donuts today. They paved the way for all the shops above so it’s only right to give it the credit it deserves!

 

What’s your favorite donut?  Let me know in the comments below! Looking for more Chicago posts, check out the best farmer’s markets you must visit.

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