Recent trends have been all about the concept of “gourmet doughnuts” allowing doughnut lovers to successfully open up their very own “doughnut shops!” Being a doughnut lover myself, I decided not to open my own shop, but to simply enjoy myself by working on trying out as many doughnut shops possible amongst my travels. Here are some of my favorites I have come upon. Life is short, enjoy a doughnut!
Blackbird Doughnuts – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in Boston’s South End, Blackbird Doughnuts is the only artisanal doughnut shop in Boston, that actually bakes on site! Their raised doughnuts are made with brioche dough, topped with a variety of housemade glazes and frostings. Offering doughnuts in any size, from mini doughnuts to doughnut cakes, Blackbird Doughnuts combines unique flavors, with classics to appeal to their growing crowd!
Personal favorite: Boston Cream Bismark- Luscious vanilla bean custard inside buttery brioche doughnut, topped with chocolate ganache. (1)
Payne’s Killer Donuts – Block Island, Rhode Island
Payne’s Donuts has certainly become a Block Island staple for years now. Offering three simple flavors of, cinnamon sugar, sugar, and old fashion, islanders, and tourists line up outside the truck to get a taste of Carol Payne’s warm killer donut. Although its location has changed three times, it’s crowd has seemed to follow.
Personal favorite: Cinnamon sugar (for sure!) (2)
PVdonuts – Providence, Rhode Island
Known has Rhode Islands, first specialty donut shop, PVdonuts uses nothing but their hands (that’s right no machines) to craft their unique looking donuts. Anywhere from crullers, to monkey bread, to “flourless donuts” PVdonuts has an ever-changing monthly menu appealing to all of their local supporters. Is your mouth watering yet?
Personal Favorite: Chocolate Cake Donut – created just how its sound, with a chocolate cake mix! (3)
Randy’s Donuts – Los Angeles, California
Recognized globally, Randys Donuts is one of the most iconic locations in Los Angeles attracting customers to take photographs in front of the giant rooftop donut. If the iconic building doesn’t bring you back than one taste of the fresh homemade donut will. Offering over 60 varieties of donuts and pastries, Randy’s has been recognized as one of the top donut shops in the country for nearly 60 years now.
Personal Favorite: Fruit loops raised – classic old fashion brioche raised donut covered in icing and fruit loops. (4)
Allies Donuts – North Kingstone, Rhode Island
Located on the seashore, Allie’s Donuts is a popular place to hit up before watching the sunrise early morning. Serving sweet old fashion donuts, often topped with frosting and bright sprinkles, Allie’s has truly made their trademark by also selling donut cakes offered in any shape and size for any occasion! Worth waiting in line!
Personal Favorite: They all taste good to me! (Choose your favorite sprinkles color and go with it!) (5)