So…the best donuts in Chicago. You think we may have mislabeled Portland with Chicago? Actually, no. While Chicago has always been a foodie hotspot, in recent years donuts have captured the hearts – and stomachs – of the Windy City residents. Read on to discover the best donut spots in Chicago.
Stan’s Donuts
I’m shocked that many people don’t know Stan’s is originally from LA! I remember growing up and visiting the original Stan’s – an unassuming spot in Westwood. Unfortunately, the iconic and original location closed permanently during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, Stan’s has expanded to serve the Chicagoland area with plenty of locations scattered throughout the city. You definitely can’t miss it with its signature pink sign. The donut flavors are classic, but the menu continues to grow. Stan’s now has a large all-day breakfast menu and many people rave about the coffee.
Firecakes Donuts
Can’t decide if you’re craving a donut or ice cream? Why not both? At Firecakes, you’ll find a delicious selection of donuts and handmade ice cream. You can create a donut ice cream sandwich, toppings and all. The small batch donuts are baked fresh every morning, so don’t be surprised if you get there later in the afternoon to find the flavor you want has already been devoured for the day.
The River North location stays open late to cater to the party crowd (open until 11PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends). You will likely see a long line for donuts late at night here! With a morning crowd and late crowd, it’s no surprise Firecakes has some of the best donuts in Chicago.
Beacon Doughnuts
If you want a good Instagram shot and an even better donut to munch on, then head straight to Beacon Doughnuts. It is another incredible hand-made, small-batch donut spot. You can pre-order ahead of time and skip the line or take your chances and see what is there upon arrival. Keep in mind Beacon also closes once they sell out of donuts, so get there early! You enter through the alley off of Armitage, so don’t fret if you don’t immediately see it on the main road.
BomboBar
In the West Loop neighborhood, Bombobar always has a crowd. The location is excellent as they are positioned right off of the popular “restaurant row” on Randolph. Fill up on a delicious dinner at one of Chicago’s best restaurants and then hop in line here. Bombobar’s creative donuts are savory and satisfying. The niche here is their bomboloni, which are Italian hole-less donuts. To make eating these even more of an experience, some select donuts (called “Over the Top” on the menu) include a Squeeze Me bottle of a filling to squeeze into the bomboloni to help you indulge even further.
Doughnut Vault
Do you want some of the best donuts in Chicago at a (somewhat) secret location? Check out the Doughnut Vault in the River North neighborhood! Every day the shop offers a Happy Hour (half priced donuts from 12-1) and has rotating specials for each day of the week. The Doughnut Vault is definitely one of the best places to grab a donut in Chicago!
Do-Rite Donuts
On this list of the best donuts in Chicago, we’ve named locations that serve ice cream and donuts, we’ve named locations that serve additional fillings, so what next? You guessed it. How about…CHICKEN and donuts! Do-Rite Donuts has a creative menu incorporating donuts into unique food choices. Here you can grab a breakfast sandwich – served on a donut – or even a chicken sandwich served on a donut! If donut sandwiches aren’t your thing, you can still order individual donuts.
Liberation Donuts
Vegans, don’t fret! Liberation Donuts are 100% vegan! The donut names are soothing and positive (i.e. Kindness, Compassion, and Sanctuary) – not to mention delicious and creative! While you’re here, try the shared space of Uptons Breakroom. It is a 100% vegan cafe! I don’t know about you, but somehow I’d feel slightly less guilty eating a vegan donut. Check them out!
As you can see there are PLENTY of delicious donuts to try in Chicago. I hope you enjoyed my life of best donuts in Chicago! To check-out more Chicago-related content, here are some more links below: