Posted in Illinois
March 05, 2021
Take This Road Trip To Visit 10 Of The Best Donut Shops In Illinois
Donuts have long been the sidekick to coffee but these days, they stand out all on their own. Many bakeries around the nation have exercised their creativity with flavors, decorating, and other unexpected twists on an old classic (cronut, anyone?) Although a classic glazed will always be a crowd favorite, there are so many varieties now created by some excellent donut shops. We thought it would be fun to create this donut road trip through Illinois featuring 10 shops around the state.
Here is an interactive Google Map if you wish to follow along or add some of your favorite places. Let’s get this road trip started!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
For over 20 years, family-owned and operated Gurnee Donuts has been making the classics like Old Fashioned and Boston Cream. But they also exercise their creativity and make some unique specialty donuts. A favorite ingredient they use is a purple yam called ube. Ube Donuts are only sold on the weekends, so if you want to try one, that's the time to go! To check hours and location, visit the Gurnee Donuts website.
With popular donut flavors like Chocolate Oreo, Maple Bacon, and Fruit Loops, it's no wonder why this shop was voted 2020 Best Donuts in Kane County. Fresh Donuts bakes in small batches so everything tastes fresh and delicious. Call ahead to order their famous 10-inch Giant Donut! For hours and location, visit the Fresh Donuts website.
Arguably the best donut shop in town, family-owned Home Cut Donuts has been a Joliet institution since 1966 and has two locations. They make some of the best doughy treats around and you can even order a Donut Cake for a special occasion. Try something different like a Sundae or Taffy Apple Donut or maybe a Vanilla or Chocolate Stick Donut! For more information, visit the Home Cut Donuts website.
Pandamonium makes artisan donuts from scratch and presents a new menu of innovative flavors daily. They use the freshest ingredients and source local and organic ingredients whenever possible. This shop was voted Best Donuts in Champaign-Urbana-Savoy and Central Illinois for four years running. For more information, visit the Pandamonium Doughnuts Facebook page.
Although they bake everything from cakes and cupcakes to pies and stollen, Ahne's is known for their incredible donuts! They also serve lunch and dinner, but if you come in for a meal, you'll want to save some room for dessert. For more information and to see the menu, visit the Ahne's Bakery website.
People drive from all over to get their hands on some donuts at this nostalgic shop. They are so amazing and may remind you of your childhood. For more information, visit the Mister Donut Facebook page.
This place is popular with the locals and known for its variety of super-fresh, melt-in-your-mouth donuts and friendly service. They will even add filling to your donuts if you ask. For more information, visit the BigBoy's Donuts Facebook page.
A preferred donut shop in Springfield since 1932, enjoy a classic or one of their more innovative flavors. Choose from a variety of old fashion, cake, bismark, long john, ring, or hole donuts. Everyone can find a favorite at Mel-O-Cream! For more information on the menu and locations, visit the Mel-O-Cream Donuts website.
Ron's has been around for over 40 years and sells both retail and wholesale. They are known for their Giant Donuts, which are always a hit at a party! For more information, visit the Ron's Donuts and Bakery website.
A recent addition to Douangchay's Kitchen, this shop bakes some incredible cronuts, blueberry cake donuts, and paczki, which are Polish donuts. Find your new favorite fried dough treat here in Algonquin! For more information and to view a menu, visit the Roll N Donuts Cafe website.
Who’s ready for some donuts? If your favorite shop is not on this list, feel free to add it to the list in the comments!
Address: 4949 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
Address: 1188 E State St, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
Address: 815 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
Address: 1105 Windsor Rd, Champaign, IL 61821, USA
Address: 201 W Mill St, Waterloo, IL 62298, USA
Address: 2720 Grovelin St, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA
Address: 933 S State St, Jerseyville, IL 62052, USA
Address: 3010 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
Address: 1004 Walnut St, Washington, IL 61571, USA
Address: 3907 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102, USA
