Anyone who loves donuts knows the magic isn't just in the flavor. Donuts are an art form that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and oh so many colors.
Traditionally a breakfast food, we believe donuts are good any time of the day. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, grab one for an afternoon snack, or bring home a variety pack for dessert.
Whether you like the tried and true classics or dare to explore the full rainbow of funky tastes, this flavor-infused list of local donut shops and bakeries can satisfy your every craving. Beantown isn't about to run out of your favorite comfort food anytime soon. We'll always have love for Dunkin, but this is the go-to list for the best donut shops Boston has to offer.
See also: The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Boston
Union Square Donuts
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20 Bow St.; 409 Harvard St.; 100 Hanover St.; 401 Park Dr. / Website
Enjoy a freshly-baked selection of donuts from morning to afternoon. Union Square Donuts is not one to play it safe. Offering a selection of offbeat flavors from Maple Bacon to Vietnamese Coffee, your taste buds are in for a surprise. Of course, they’ve got a plentiful array of the classics from glazed to filled and even vegan. Plus, they sell donut holes! Still, we recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and taste testing their Toasted Coconut or Cookies and Cream donuts, paired with your choice of tea or coffee. Union Square Donuts is currently taking online orders for COVID-safe pickup and delivery.
Mass Hole Donuts
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2 Lake St. Arlington / Website
If you couldn’t tell by the name, this fun shop sells a wide selection of donut holes and donut holes only. With so many flavors, making a decision can be hard. That’s why it’s perfect to have a plethora of bite-sized holes, giving each flavor a bite. Keep an eye on their Donut Holes of the Week to catch each interesting special. Past notable donuts have included the New-Berry Street, Pink Papi Lemonade, Drunken Mass Hole and The Green Monster. For a donut lover that doesn’t discriminate, this is the place, currently open for takeout.
Blackbird Doughnuts
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Multiple locations / Website
You simply can’t go wrong with Blackbird Doughnuts. This place prides itself on masterfully-tackling some pretty ingenious flavors. Your morning or afternoon will be showered with surprises. Some of this month’s flavors included Blueberry Bismarck, Passionfruit Frosted and Blood Orange Glazed. Their specialty Doughnut Cannoli Cake is definitely worth trying if you’re up for the challenge. Have your pick of donuts with a side of ice cream, tea or coffee to enjoy the full experience. The signature vanilla bean cake with vanilla glaze, aka ‘The Blackbird’, is a classic that'll never go out of style. Blackbird Doughnuts is currently taking orders for pickup and delivery at all locations.
See also: Try Martha Stewart's Decadent Milk-And-Cookies Cake Recipe
Kane's Donuts
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90 Oliver St. / Website
A healthy mix of fun and flavorful is all you need for a tasty donut. Serving an overwhelming selection of donuts to Bostonians since 1955, Kane’s will have you leave you craving its flavor morning to night. Indulge in the specialty Bismarck donut filled with black raspberry jelly, then topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar. Located in the heart of Boston, it's easy to grab a quick bite anytime. Try Kane's Cookies & Cream cake donut, or Créme Brûlée filled donut, now open available for takeout.
Doughboy Donuts & Deli
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220 Dorchester Ave. / Website
Craving donuts at 3 a.m.? Not a problem. Doughboy Donuts & Deli can satisfy your appetite at literally any hour. With a 24/7 drive-thru, they've got the late-night munchie market cornered. We recommend you try their chocolate butternut, or if you’re looking for something fun, their Tie Dye Donut. Doughboy's is currently open fr in-store shopping and pickup.
Mike's Donuts
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1524 Tremont St. / Website
Get cozy at this small, family-owned donut shop. With a delicious selection of pastries, donuts and coffee, you’re certain to leave with a full stomach and a smile. Conveniently located outside the Roxbury Crossing T station, you can grab a bite to go on your way to work. Try their famous honey-dipped donut specialty, paired with a hot cup of coffee to get your morning started. Mike's Donut Shop is currently open for takeout.
Photography by: Noam Galai
