The Sweetest Stops: NYC’s Best Donut Shops
New York City isn’t just about pizza and bagels anymore. The donut scene here has exploded into something absolutely wild, with shops slinging everything from classic glazed rings to fancy flavor combos you never knew you needed.
Whether you’re craving a midnight sugar fix or a weekend treat that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, these spots have got you covered.
1. Doughnut Plant, Lower East Side
This legendary spot turned the entire donut game upside down when it opened decades ago. Doughnut Plant basically invented the idea that donuts could be art, not just breakfast.
Their square jelly donuts are stuffed so generously you’ll need napkins and a game plan. The seasonal flavors rotate like fashion trends, keeping regulars coming back to see what’s new.
Expect lines, especially on weekends, but trust me when I say those pillowy creations are worth every minute of waiting.
2. Daily Provisions, Union Square
Where sophistication meets sugar, you’ll find donuts that somehow feel grown up. Daily Provisions treats their fried dough like it deserves a Michelin star.
The chocolate glazed here isn’t just good, it’s the kind of good that makes you question every other donut you’ve ever eaten. They keep things simple, focusing on perfecting the basics rather than going wild with toppings.
Grab one with their excellent coffee and suddenly your morning commute doesn’t seem so terrible anymore.
3. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, Greenpoint
Though Brooklyn has changed dramatically over the decades, this place remains frozen in the best possible time warp. Peter Pan has been slinging donuts since 1953, and they’re not about to change their winning formula now.
The pink and white boxes alone are Instagram gold, but what’s inside matters more. Everything tastes like your grandma made it, assuming your grandma was an absolute donut wizard.
Cash only, no fuss, just pure sugary nostalgia that’ll transport you straight back to simpler times.
4. Dough, Flatiron
Are these donuts or small pillows? Honestly, I’m still not entirely sure. Dough creates massive rings of fried perfection that could probably double as flotation devices.
The hibiscus flavor sounds weird until you taste it and realize it’s basically spring in donut form. They’re not messing around with portion sizes either, one of these bad boys is practically a full meal.
Warning: attempting to eat one gracefully in public is impossible, so just embrace the mess and enjoy the ride.
5. The Donut Pub, Chelsea
When midnight cravings hit hard, you need a hero who never sleeps. The Donut Pub operates around the clock, serving fresh donuts at 3am like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
Their selection is absolutely bonkers, with dozens of varieties that’ll make your decision paralysis kick into overdrive. The neon signs and retro vibe give serious late night diner energy.
Pro tip: the apple fritters here are dangerously good and roughly the size of your head, so plan accordingly.
6. Supermoon Bakehouse, Lower East Side
However you feel about Instagram food trends, you can’t deny these crescent shaped beauties are stunning. Supermoon Bakehouse basically said regular donut shapes were boring and decided to reinvent the wheel.
Each creation looks like it belongs in an art gallery rather than your stomach. The flavors change constantly, with wild combinations that somehow always work perfectly together.
Yes, you’ll pay a premium, but when something tastes this good and looks this gorgeous, your wallet just has to deal with it.
7. Fan Fan Doughnuts, Bedford–Stuyvesant
Did you know donuts could taste like your favorite Asian desserts? Fan Fan Doughnuts took that concept and ran with it beautifully.
Their mochi donuts have this incredible chewy texture that’s completely different from traditional cake or yeast varieties. The matcha glaze tastes authentic, not like that weird artificial green stuff some places try to pass off.
Everything here feels carefully crafted rather than mass produced, and you can absolutely taste the difference in every single bite.
8. Sullivan Street Bakery, Hell’s Kitchen
This bakery is famous for bread, but their donuts deserve way more attention than they get. Sullivan Street Bakery approaches fried dough with the same serious craftsmanship they bring to everything else.
The bomboloni here are ridiculously light and fluffy, filled with cream that tastes homemade because it actually is. They don’t make a million varieties, just a few perfect ones that rotate seasonally.
Sometimes less really is more, especially when the quality level sits this high above the competition.
9. Du’s Donuts & Coffee, Williamsburg
When Williamsburg hipsters need their sugar fix, they head straight here. Du’s Donuts & Coffee combines excellent coffee with donuts that actually deserve to be paired with excellent coffee.
The passion fruit glaze is tart and sweet in perfect harmony, like a tropical vacation for your taste buds. Everything feels thoughtfully made rather than rushed, which is rare in the fast paced donut world.
The space itself is adorable, with plenty of natural light for those obligatory food photos we all pretend we don’t take.
10. Moe’s Doughs Donut Shop, Greenpoint
Though the name sounds like a cartoon character, the donuts here are seriously legit. Moe’s Doughs keeps things fun and approachable without sacrificing quality.
Their maple bacon situation is executed perfectly, with real bacon pieces that actually taste like bacon instead of sad chewy bits. The owners clearly give a damn about what they’re serving, and that care shows in every bite.
It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you wish you lived closer so you could become a regular immediately.
11. Dun-Well Doughnuts, East Williamsburg
Are vegan donuts actually good or just good for vegan donuts? Dun-Well Doughnuts answers that question with a resounding yes to the first option.
Seriously, even hardcore dairy lovers can’t tell these are plant based until you tell them. The texture is spot on, the flavors are wild and creative, and nothing tastes like compromise.
Their rotating specials get absolutely bonkers with combinations you’d never think of yourself, which is exactly what makes them so exciting to try.
12. Doughnuttery, Chelsea Market
Hence the name, this place specializes in tiny donuts that let you try multiple flavors without feeling like you need a nap afterward. Doughnuttery serves their miniature creations fresh and warm, which is basically cheating because warm donuts are impossible to resist.
You can mix and match flavors, creating your own custom box of bite sized happiness. The cinnamon sugar coating is classic perfection, but don’t sleep on their more adventurous options.
Perfect for indecisive people who want to taste everything without committing to full sized regret.
13. Donut Project, West Village
This spot treats donut creation like a science experiment, and the results are consistently delicious. Donut Project rotates flavors constantly, so you never know what weird wonderful combination they’ll dream up next.
Their everything bagel donut sounds like a joke until you try it and realize it’s actually genius. They’re not afraid to take risks, and most of the time those risks pay off spectacularly.
Even when a flavor sounds questionable, trust the process and order it anyway because they rarely miss the mark here.
14. Carpe Donut NYC, Upper West Side
Where Upper West Siders go when they want to seize the donut, obviously. Carpe Donut NYC makes elevated versions of classic flavors that taste familiar yet somehow fancier.
The Boston cream here is what Boston cream dreams of becoming when it grows up. They use quality ingredients that you can actually taste, not just cheap fillers and artificial flavoring.
It’s a smaller operation, so sometimes they sell out of popular flavors early, which just means you need to show up earlier next time.
15. Leske’s Bakery, Bay Ridge
Did your grandparents have a favorite bakery that made everything from scratch? Leske’s Bakery is exactly that kind of place, operating since 1929 with the same commitment to quality.
Their donuts taste like they came from another era, in the absolute best way possible. Nothing here tries to be trendy or Instagram worthy, just consistently delicious.
The crumb donuts are particularly outstanding, with that perfect ratio of cakey interior to crunchy sweet topping that’s impossible to get right without decades of practice.
16. Shaikh’s Place (formerly Donut Shoppe), Brooklyn
Though the name changed, the quality stayed exactly the same at this beloved Brooklyn institution. Shaikh’s Place keeps cranking out donuts that taste like childhood memories, assuming you had a really delicious childhood.
The glazed rings here achieve that elusive balance of sweet without being cloying. They make everything fresh daily, and you can tell immediately when you bite into one.
It’s the kind of no frills spot that lets the donuts do all the talking, and honestly they’re pretty eloquent.
17. Bear Donut, Midtown
When Korean bakery techniques meet American donut culture, magical things happen. Bear Donut brings flavors and textures you won’t find at your typical donut shop.
The ube glaze tastes authentically Filipino, not like artificial purple nonsense. Everything here has this incredibly light texture that makes eating three in one sitting feel totally reasonable and not at all shameful.
They’re tucked away in Midtown, which means fewer tourists and more donuts left for people who actually know what’s up with this place.
18. Cloudy Donut Co., Brooklyn Heights
However you feel about food names being literal, these donuts actually do taste like eating sweet clouds. Cloudy Donut Co. has perfected an impossibly airy texture that practically melts on your tongue.
Their flavor combinations lean toward the adventurous side without getting too weird for normal humans. The lavender honey sounds fancy because it is fancy, and it tastes absolutely incredible.
Warning: regular donuts will disappoint you forever after experiencing these fluffy pillows of perfection, so proceed at your own risk.
19. The Dough Club, Chinatown
The Dough Club, located at 119 Baxter Street in Chinatown, was New York City’s first mochi donut shop, offering a modern twist on the classic fried pastry. Their signature “Pon de Ring” style mochi donuts are made fresh daily in small batches using high-quality ingredients.
The donuts are known for their light, chewy texture and come in a variety of flavors, including matcha, ube, and black sesame. The shop’s minimalist design and neon signage create a lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
20. Orwashers Bakery, Upper East Side
This legendary bakery has been around since 1916, so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their donut recipe. Orwashers Bakery treats their donuts with the same artisanal care they give their famous breads.
The old fashioned cake donuts here have that perfect dense crumb and subtle sweetness that lets you taste the actual ingredients. Nothing feels mass produced or rushed, just thoughtfully crafted baked goods.
It’s a proper bakery experience, not just a donut shop, which makes the whole visit feel more special and worth the trip.
21. Liberty Donuts & Coffee Shop, Bronx
Liberty Donuts & Coffee Shop, located at 2059 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, is a cozy establishment offering a variety of freshly baked donuts and specialty coffee beverages.
Known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for locals seeking a quick breakfast or a leisurely coffee break. The shop’s menu includes classic donut options, and they are open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
22. Lady Wong (Malaysian donuts), East Village
Though American donuts dominate the NYC scene, these Malaysian style treats bring something completely different to the table. Lady Wong serves donuts that’ll expand your understanding of what fried dough can be.
The pandan flavor is fragrant and subtly sweet, tasting nothing like the artificial versions you might have tried elsewhere. Everything here feels authentic and carefully prepared, not like fusion food trying too hard to please everyone.
If you’re tired of the same old donut flavors, this is your ticket to something genuinely new and exciting.
23. Cuzin’s Duzin, Downtown Brooklyn
Hence the name, buying by the dozen makes perfect sense here. Cuzin’s Duzin specializes in giving you more donuts for your money without sacrificing quality.
Their selection covers all the classics plus some creative options that keep things interesting. Everything tastes fresh, which is crucial because stale donuts are one of life’s greatest disappointments.
Bring these to your next office meeting and watch yourself become everyone’s favorite coworker instantly, guaranteed results or your money back probably.
24. Mike’s Donuts, Sunset Park
This neighborhood diamond has been serving Sunset Park residents for years with zero fanfare and maximum deliciousness. Mike’s Donuts keeps things straightforward and honest, just really good donuts without any pretension.
The prices here won’t make you cry, unlike some trendy spots charging boutique prices for basic fried dough. Everything tastes homemade because it is homemade, baked fresh daily by people who actually care.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you donuts don’t need to be complicated or expensive to be absolutely perfect.
