Is there anything better than some fried dough covered in powdered sugar or a little cinnamon? Doubtful. Extremely doubtful in the case of these of these seven bakeries. If you’re wondering what the best donut in New York City is, you’re going to have to try more than one to make the call. Different in their own unique ways, every donut and donut shop listed below adds to this wonderful city’s culinary lure. Simply put, NYC’s donut game is on point: here are our picks for the best of the best.
Best of NYC Donuts: Lower East Side
It’s fair to say that Doughnut Plant pretty much led the way for boutique donut shops in New York City, and we know we’ll be forever grateful. Doughnut Plant doesn’t stick to either yeast or cake donuts, instead mastering both of them. Make sure to try one of their filled square donuts (Peanut Butter and Banana Cream is our number one), as well as their Triple Chocolate Cake Doughnut which cannot be beat. Additional locations in Chelsea, Brooklyn, and Long Island City. 379 Grand St., 929-373-4997, doughnutplant.com
Best of NYC Donuts: West Village
The Donut Pub knows how to make a good donut, and that should come as no surprise considering that they’ve been doing it since the 1960s. Specialty donuts, such as the Orange Kremsicle and Birthday Cake Donut are worth a go, as is the Chocolate Dipper, a chocolate cake donut dipped in fudge. Go ahead, order a dozen…we won’t tell. 203 W. 14th St., 212-929-0126, donutpub.com
Best of NYC Donuts: Chelsea
Who said bite-sized donuts don’t count? We know we didn’t. Doughnuttery’s micro-donuts are some of our favorites. You can probably scarf down a dozen of these little guys in under a minute, but with the incredible flavors that they offer, you’re going to want to stop and savor. Keeping it simple, the classic cinnamon sugar route is one you won’t regret taking; otherwise, hop on board with more adventurous flavors, such as the Purple Pig (maple, purple potatoes, bacon) and Fruity Cereal (Fruity Pebbles sugar blend). Additional location in Midtown West. 425 W. 15th St., 212-633-4359, doughnuttery.com
Best of NYC Donuts: Brooklyn
Head on over to Brooklyn to have your mind blown by Peter Pan Donut’s Red Velvet Cake donut. If red velvet isn’t your jam, not to worry, as this Greenpoint staple serves up the best old-fashioned donuts in the city. From apple pie donuts to Crispy Crullers, you’ll never go back to Dunkin’ again. Added bonus: they’ll slice and add ice cream to any of their cake donuts. Stop. 727 Manhattan Ave., 718-389-3676, peterpandonuts.com
Best NYC Donuts: Flatiron
When it comes to NYC’s best yeast donuts, Dough tops our list with nothing even comparable in sight. Their donuts are ginormous, and it’s not all just fluff. One alone can easily fill you up, but the assortment of perfectly curated flavors will keep you stuffing your face regardless. The salted chocolate caramel and cheesecake donuts will hit the sweet tooth spot while the hibiscus and passion fruit flavors keep things interesting in the flavor department. Additional locations in Midtown West, Midtown East, and Brooklyn. 14 W. 19th St., 212-243-6844, doughdoughnuts.com
Best of NYC Donuts: Brooklyn
Head over to Williamsburg for a slice of vegan-donut heaven (and please note that non-vegans go just as crazy for these donuts!). Inspired by The Simpsons—don’t you love this place already?—Dun-Well Doughnuts has over 200 flavors, and while you can’t go wrong with any of them, chunky peanut butter, maple bourbon, and peach cobbler are must-orders if they’re being made fresh the day you visit. 222 Montrose Ave., 347-294-0871, dunwelldoughnuts.com
Best of NYC Donuts: Upper East Side
Orwasher’s Bakery was founded in 1916 and though it’s not primarily a donut joint, it still sells some of the best circles of dough this city has to offer. The house filled donuts are made with fresh fruit jam that sets the bar when it comes to jelly-filled bakes. Never too sweet, but still meeting any sugary craving, if there was ever such thing as a happy medium, it’s the filling here. Blackberry, peach, and raspberry are only a few of the flavors you’ll have to choose from. Good luck. 308 E. 78th St., 212-288-6560, orwashers.com
