Louisvillians, we’re pleased to tell you that June 6 is National Donut Day, which actually is observed twice in the US — once on the first Friday of June and again on November 5.
So that you can plan to celebrate this foodie holiday appropriately, we’ve written a hole guide to donuts in Derby City. Read on for 9 places to get your fill — or no fill, if that’s your jam.
🍩 Square
North Lime Coffee & Donuts
The square yeast donuts — vanilla glazed or chocolate iced — are what put this regional chain on the map. Grab one for yourself or by the dozen. Bonus: Rep your favorite donut shape with this North Lime “It’s okay to be square” T-shirt.
Drink pairing: Dip your donut in the Night Owl, an espresso drink made with half and half + shaken to frothy perfection.
🍩 Twist
Plehn’s Bakery
Reader Eric W. told us about “the best doughnut on earth” — the yum yum from this St. Matthews bakery. It’s a cinnamon twist with white and chocolate glaze. Eric insists you need to know about it.
Our pick: The pretzel donut — shaped like a pretzel, tastes like glazed donut.
🍩 Custard
If you’re looking for a custard treat off the beaten path, try this Oaxacan-inspired micro bakery’s lechecilla donut, which is coated in cinnamon-sugar + filled with Oaxacan vanilla custard.
Drink pairing: Try it with the cortado on the menu — iced or hot.
🍩 Dessert-style
Sugar & Spice
Sugar, spice, and order everything twice at this Fern Creek shop with 40+ varieties of donuts in flavors like banana cream pie, turtle sundae, chocolate oreo cheesecake, and more.
Our pick: Don’t sleep on the chocolate peanut butter cake.
Drip n Dough
Specializing in mini donuts, this Bardstown Road spot is truly dripping in flavor. From apple fritter to cinnamon toast crunch, these little donuts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. They also dish out gourmet hot dogs for your savory tooth.
Drink pairing: Maximize the sweetness with a dark chocolate pistachio latte.
🍩 24-hour
Jeff’s Donuts
While owners Jeff Brown + Diana Green’s goal is to make donuts available for second- and third-shift workers, their 24/7 model benefits us all. This bakery is serving up classics, bismarks + Texas-sized donuts. Reader Kathy F. said Jeff’s Donuts is the cat’s meow, especially at about 3 a.m.
Our pick: A vanilla-iced fruity pebbles long john
🍩 Classic
When we say classic, we’re talking long johns, sprinkles, glazed, and chocolate iced.
Clifton Donut Shop
Start your morning at this bakery that won Best Chocolate, Best Glazed + Baker’s Choice in the Star Duck Charities’ 2021 Doughnut Challenge.
Our pick: Classic pink with sprinkles
Nord’s Bakery
Home of the maple bacon long john donut with an entire piece of bacon on top, this St. Joseph neighborhood bakery usually has a line out of the door on the weekends, so get there early.
Drink pairing: Snag a local coffee from Sunergos next door.
Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli
This bakery has been in Louisville for 130+ years and offers a selection of sweets, including assorted donuts in all the familiar flavors.
Our pick: Classic long john
