CHICAGO | Over the past couple of years, Chicago’s gourmet donut scene has flourished, and people looking for the best donuts in Chicago are spoiled for choice. Whether it’s a traditional donut or a more gourmet offering you’re after, you can find some of the most Instagrammable, inventive donut treats in the Windy City. We’ve rounded up some of the top shops and donut picks for you below.
Stan’s Donuts
In addition to a wide array of donuts (everything from Glazed to Nutella Banana Pockets), Stan’s Donuts also serves up gelato, shakes and Intelligentsia coffee. Stop by to take in the fun, retro vibe and order one of their most popular creations – Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned.
Stan’s Donuts
Various locations
Firecakes Donuts
The creative Firecakes Donuts has two locations and one food truck roaming the city that serve up La Colombe coffee alongside their donuts or donut ice cream sandwiches (yes, this exists). Firecakes uses quality ingredients, including chocolate from France and fruits from local farmers for its jellies, and often invents new flavors for different seasons or holidays. Try the Peanut Butter Cup or the beautiful Tahitian Vanilla Iced donut.
Firecakes Donuts
River North
68 W Hubbard Street
Chicago
Illinois 60654
United States
Park West
2453 N Clark Street
Chicago
Illinois 60614
United States
The Doughnut Vault
If you like the chase, add this hard-to-get shop to your list. The Doughnut Vault makes its donuts in small batches to preserve quality and stays open only until it sells out, which doesn’t take long, so get there early and expect a line. Once you’re in, get the Glazed, Buttermilk Old Fashioned or one of the daily specials. Along with the two stores, The Doughnut Vault also has a roaming “vault van”. Follow @doughnutvalut on twitter to track the location of their mobile vault van or get a heads up on the daily specials.
The Doughnut Vault
River North
401 N Franklin Street
Chicago
Illinois 60654
United States
West Loop
111 N Canal Street
Chicago
Illinois 60606
United States
Glazed & Infused
Scott Harris, the man behind Glazed & Infused, is one of Chicago’s most influential restaurateurs as the man behind the Francesca’s chain and Davanti Enoteca. With several locations throughout the city, Glazed and Infused is a convenient and worthwhile stop to weave into your itinerary. Give their most talked-about donut, the Maple Bacon Long John, a try for a blend of sweet and salty goodness.
Glazed & Infused
Various locations
Do-rite Donuts
In the market for donuts, coffee, and chicken? Well then Do-rite Donuts on Eire is the spot for you. Top-pick donuts here include the Carrot Cake, Chocolate Old Fashioned and Pistachio Lemon. If you are trying to be less sinful, try their gluten-free or vegan options. Do-rite serves them up daily and you can even order online. The Randolph location is also great for a donut and coffee fix, but unfortunately there’s no chicken menu.
Do-rite Donuts
Do-rite Donuts & Chicken
233 E Erie Street
Chicago
Illinois 60611
United States
Do-rite Donuts & Coffee
50 W Randolph Street
Chicago
Illinois 60601
United States
Whichever you pick, it’s hard to go wrong with donuts in Chicago. Which ones catch your eye?