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Voodoo doughnuts is known for their unique flavors and designs.
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Sweeter
By The Dozen
From creative confections in Colorado to fried chicken doughnut sandwiches in D.C., we’ve found the best doughnut destinations across the country.
By Alexis Moore
“Doughnuts. Is there anything they can’t do?” American cartoonist Matt Groening once asked. After combing the country from east to west in search of the perfect doughy confection, we can answer definitively: No, there’s not. Topped with chocolate, bacon or strawberries; filled with cream, burgers or fried chicken; dunked in coffee, milk or just more chocolate, America’s favorite treat continues to outperform itself. Read on for six of our favorite doughnut destinations.
A dozen Voodoo Doughnuts on display
VOODOO DOUGHNUTS
Boulder, Colorado
Voodoo Doughnut
What to Order: With more than 90 varieties, choosing can be tough—until you spot the “blood-filled” Voodoo Doll doughnut. (“Availability may vary due to the supply, the voodoo gods and gluttony,” the sign warns.) Don’t overthink it; just enjoy the raspberry jelly filling, fluffy yeast dough, chocolate frosting and pretzel stake.
Most Dunk-Worthy: Pair a tall glass of cold milk with Voodoo’s blueberry cake doughnut, recommends Sara Heise, executive wrangler at Voodoo Doughnut. Blueberry bits fill each bite of the warm, cake-y doughnut. “Once you take your first bite and break open the glaze, the milk will soak up nicely,” Heise says.
While You’re There: After your treat, take a seven-minute drive to the Liberty Puzzles Factory. Enjoy a free, behind-the-scenes tour to see the craftsmanship behind their wooden jigsaw puzzles, then browse the shop for a beautiful heirloom puzzle to take home.
Other Locations: Voodoo Doughnut has 19 locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon and Texas.
Washington, D.C.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
What to Order: It’s a dead heat between the Old Bay fried chicken (served in a doughnut-sandwich form, because why not?) and the famous creme brulee. Voted best D.C. doughnut by The Washington Post, the crème brulee’s sugary topping is hand-torched, yielding a delicate, crispy shell. As for the fried chicken sandwich, expect a state fair-level indulgence: sweet and savory, melty and crunchy, dense and pillowy.
Most Dunk-Worthy: As if fried chicken and doughnuts aren’t enough, Astro offers a third reason to visit: their freshly ground drip coffee pairs perfectly with the vanilla-glazed doughnut. Go ahead and dunk it, then savor your final warm, vanilla-tinged sips.
While You’re There: Astro founders Elliot Spaisman and Jeff Halpern bonded over hockey practice in their Maryland hometown. After hard work, they’d reward themselves with a trip to the local doughnut shop. Honor this tradition with a brisk walk through the National Mall, just a short Metro ride away. The orange, blue and silver lines stop right around the corner from Astro Doughnuts.
Other Location: Shirlington Village, Virginia.
Atlanta, Georgia
Sublime Doughnuts
What to Order: Chef Jamal Grant’s world travels with the Navy inspire Sublime’s creations. Singapore’s ice cream sandwich—a thick slice of ice cream between multicolored bread—inspired his favorite: white chocolate Oreo ice cream sandwiched between a yeast-raised doughnut, drizzled with chocolate ganache and topped with Oreo pieces.
Most Dunk-Worthy: For an out-of-this-world dunking experience, start with a mug of hot chocolate. With a chocolate ganache base and Belgium-chocolate-infused milk, it’s like dunking into chocolate bisque. Pair it with the brown sugar oat wheat cinnamon twist for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
While You’re There: Declare it National Treat Yo’ Self Day and grab lunch at Antico Pizza Napoletana before stopping at Sublime. “It’s one of the best pizzerias in the country,” Grant says. The family-owned spot serves brick-oven pies to pizza lovers at communal tables. Another consideration is a visit to the the Georgia Institue of Technology, right across the street from one of Atlanta’s Sublime locations. The 400-acre campus features a pleasant walking environment with many green spaces and beautiful architecture—great if you want to walk off your doughnuts.
Other Locations: Two in Atlanta, plus one at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Pinkbox Doughnuts
What to Order: Pinkbox stands out with its fun, pink-themed atmosphere and creative flavors. Don’t miss the Pretty in Pink velvet cake doughnut or the Banana Puddin’ doughnut. As the official doughnut partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Pinkbox also crafts exclusive themed options for fans. Hosting a celebration? The Jumbo Sprinkle Party—a 10-inch raised doughnut covered in pink icing and sprinkles—is perfect for sharing. (Order 72 hours in advance.)
Most Dunk-Worthy: Try the Choco Bliss, a chocolate-glazed raised doughnut topped with cocoa powder and filled with velvety chocolate cream. Dunk it in hot chocolate or strong black coffee for a moment of pure indulgence.
While You’re There: Visit The Neon Museum downtown. The famous Neon Boneyard features more than 250 rescued neon signs that bring the city’s colorful history to life.
Other Locations: Pinkbox has 16 locations, including 12 in Nevada and Utah, plus four at Allegiant Stadium, Primm Center, Edgewater Casino Laughlin and Pahrump Nugget Casino.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
What to Order: Since 1983, Sweetwater’s has delighted customers with handcrafted doughnuts made from traditional recipes. Try the Mounds, a rich chocolate cake doughnut topped with vanilla frosting dipped in coconut flakes, or S'mores, a chocolate cake doughnut with marshmallow topping and graham cracker bits.
Most Dunk-Worthy: The Boston Cream is Sweetwater’s most popular doughnut for a reason. Its soft texture and delicious filling hold up perfectly when dunked in coffee.
While You’re There: Head to the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience for interactive exhibits, historic aircraft and even amusement park rides.
Other Locations: Two in Kalamazoo and one in Battle Creek, Mich.
Concord, North Carolina
OMG Donuts & Bakery
What to Order: OMG serves handmade, yeast-raised doughnuts that are fluffy and fresh. Get your doughnut filled on the spot with vanilla cream or jelly. Don’t miss the Maple Bacon or the Fruity Pebbles doughnut for a fun twist.
Most Dunk-Worthy: The Apple Fritter is ideal for dunking. Its texture holds up beautifully, while the apple chunks and sweet glaze pair perfectly with coffee.
While You’re There: Visit the Mustang Owner’s Museum, less than 10 minutes away. Explore over 25 Mustangs on display and rare memorabilia in constantly changing exhibits.
Other Locations: Three in North Carolina, including Concord and Charlotte.
Hit the road for Sweet Adventures! Plan your ultimate road trip at AAA.com/TripCanvas and explore doughnut spots coast to coast.
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