Top 6 Chicago Donut Shops

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day...or so we've all been told. Which means of all meals, our breakfast should be good quality. For those who are like me, it can be hard to wake up early enough to make yourself a healthy and well balanced breakfast. Moreover, you might find yourself typically eating breakfast on the go. In a an attempt to both kickstart my metabolism earlier in the day (while also feeding into my sweet-tooth), I took it upon myself to find the best donut shops in Chicago. Now let me tell you, this was actually quite the adventure, so if you are in Chicago and bored try out the Emi Eat's donut tour in your spare time and compare for yourself!

Without further ado, here is my list of the must try Top 6 Donut Shops in the city of Chicago:

6. Beaver's Donuts

Operating out of the Chicago French Market and their own food truck, Beavers is a mini donut shop with over 15 signature toppings. Bevers also cater so check out their website to learn more.

5. Stan's Donuts

Located all throughout downtown Chicago, it is pretty easy to find a Stan’s Donuts located near you. Originally a famous LA doughnut shop, Stan's started in 1963 and has made its way into the hearts of Chicagoans. 

4. Do-Rite Donuts

Focused on small batch production, Do-Rite makes all of their donuts no more than 36 at a time. They are also unique on this list because they had a selection of gluten free as well as vegan donuts! Do-Rite has two locations in Chicago, Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee on Randolph and Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken on Erie. They are also on Thrillist's list of the 33 Best Donut Shops in America, so you do just have to take my word for it. 

3. Glazed & Infused 

When thinking about how to describe Glazed & Infused, I thought of words like creative yet classic, daring, and spunky. However, I thought that that might not be the best way to accuratly describe who they are as a company, so I'll just quote them instead. "Glazed & Infused presents a flavorful re-invention of the iconic American doughnut...uniquely imagined for you enjoyment. With a focus on artisan technique, local sourcing, and quality favors..." -G&I website.

2. Firecakes Donuts

I highly recommend trying Firecakes if you are visiting Chicago, and going during different parts of the year if you are a city native. There is always something new to try between there 13 standard flavors and the changing seasonal additions. You can find Firecakes both in River North and Lincoln Park. From their standard menu, the Chocolate Hazelnut Long John and Butterscotch Praline are really good. My personal favorite is their Vanilla Iced, so try one for me if you ever find yourself at Firecakes!

1. Doughnut Vault

Another shop to appear on Thriller's list, Doughnut Vault is in my opinion the best donut shop in Chicago and a must try. This tiny bakery was my favorite stop along the donut tour, with unique as well as sweet smelling aromas from the second you walk in. Each day of the week Doughnut Vault has a different daily special. If you find yourself busy out on the town, you can also pick up one of their delicious donuts from the Vault Van. For those in Chicago, you might also recognize some of Brendan Sodikoff's other establishments like Gilt Bar, Au Cheval, and Maude's Liquor Bar - all equally as good. Out of the three donuts I had at Vault during the tour, the blueberry old fashion was my favorite. 

There is so much to love about the Chicago donut scene, and it appears to be expanding over time. Be sure to let me know what your favorite Chicago donut shop is and any flavor recommendations in the comments below!