MomSkoop
New York City is famous for many foods, but donuts hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From old-school bakeries that have been around for generations to innovative spots creating wild flavor combinations, the city’s donut scene is second to none. Whether you’re craving a classic glazed or something more adventurous, these 13 iconic donut shops prove that sometimes it’s perfectly acceptable to eat dessert first.
1. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
Walking into this Greenpoint institution feels like stepping back to the 1950s when it first opened. The shop’s red counter stools and vintage vibe create the perfect backdrop for their legendary red velvet donuts.
What makes Peter Pan special isn’t just their perfectly crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors – it’s the family atmosphere that has remained unchanged for decades. Lines form early, especially on weekends.
Regulars know to arrive before 10am when the most popular flavors sell out. Their white cream-filled powdered donut has developed an almost cult-like following among Brooklyn residents.
2. Dough
Handcrafted yeasted donuts the size of your face – that’s the Dough difference. Each creation emerges from their kitchen looking like edible art, with vibrant glazes in unexpected flavors like hibiscus, tropical chili, and blood orange.
Founded by chef Fany Gerson, these pillowy delights weigh in at nearly four ounces each. The secret lies in their dough fermentation process, which creates an airy texture that’s simultaneously substantial and light.
Unlike cake donuts that can sit around for days, Dough’s creations are best enjoyed fresh. Their Flatiron District flagship store often features seasonal specials worth traveling across boroughs to taste.
3. Doughnut Plant
Innovation meets tradition at this Lower East Side pioneer that sparked New York’s gourmet donut revolution back in 1994. Mark Israel’s groundbreaking shop introduced the world to square-filled donuts – ingenious creations that ensure cream or jelly in every bite.
Their signature crème brûlée donut, complete with a caramelized sugar top that you crack like the classic dessert, remains a bestseller decades later. Seasonal offerings showcase local ingredients, from summer berries to fall apple cider.
Multiple locations now dot Manhattan and Brooklyn, but donut aficionados make pilgrimages to the original shop. The black and white sesame donut provides a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
4. The Donut Pub
Neon lights have beckoned donut lovers to this West Village corner shop since 1964. Operating 24/7, it’s both a late-night sanctuary for party-goers and an early morning haven for workers grabbing coffee and a classic honey-dipped.
The black and white donut, inspired by New York’s famous cookies, features vanilla frosting on one half and chocolate on the other. Marble countertops and swivel stools complete the authentic diner experience that feels increasingly rare in modern Manhattan.
Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon here, though the staff treats everyone with the same no-nonsense New York efficiency. Their cronut-inspired creation, the ‘Croissant Donut,’ arrived long before the hybrid pastry trend exploded.
5. Dun-Well Doughnuts
Vegans rejoice! This Brooklyn gem proves plant-based donuts can rival their traditional counterparts. Founded by two friends in 2011, Dun-Well’s 1920s-inspired shop churns out over 200 rotating flavors without using any animal products.
The secret lies in their carefully developed recipe that achieves the perfect texture without eggs or dairy. French toast, peanut butter and jelly, and maple coconut varieties taste so authentic that most customers can’t tell they’re vegan.
Vintage music plays on a record player while antique fixtures create an atmosphere as unique as the donuts themselves. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond ingredients to compostable packaging and energy-efficient practices.
6. Fan-Fan Doughnuts
Chef Fany Gerson’s second donut venture showcases her Mexican heritage and French pastry training. After leaving Dough, she created this Crown Heights sensation where guava and cheese donuts share space with mango-chili pâte de fruit-topped creations.
The signature fan-fan donut resembles a flattened croissant, with layers that pull apart to reveal perfect lamination. Weekend specials often feature collaborations with local chefs, resulting in unexpected flavor combinations like black sesame yuzu or rose pistachio.
Unlike many donut shops that close early, Fan-Fan stays open until late afternoon. Their sourdough donuts offer a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, making it possible to devour more than one without sugar overload.
7. Sullivan Street Bakery
Though primarily known for artisanal bread, this Hell’s Kitchen bakery creates bomboloni that inspire spontaneous detours. These Italian-style donuts differ from American versions – lighter, less sweet, and filled with housemade custards or jams that change seasonally.
Jim Lahey, the bakery’s founder, studied breadmaking in Italy before bringing those techniques to New York. The bomboloni benefit from his obsession with fermentation and quality ingredients, resulting in a delicate pastry with perfect chew.
Unlike heavily frosted American donuts, these refined treats feature just a dusting of sugar. The vanilla bean custard filling uses Madagascar beans that leave tiny black specks – evidence of real vanilla rather than extract.
8. Daily Provisions
Danny Meyer’s neighborhood cafe turns out maple-crusted crullers that have developed a fanatical following. These twisted French-style donuts emerge warm from the fryer throughout the morning, often selling out before noon despite continuous production.
The ridged exterior provides the perfect surface for maple glaze to cling to, while the eggy interior stays custardy and light. Seasonal variations include cinnamon sugar in fall and citrus in winter, but regulars insist the original maple reigns supreme.
Limited quantities create a sense of urgency – the staff won’t hold them even for celebrities (and yes, they’ve tried). The cruller has become so iconic that it’s now featured on merchandise and has inspired countless home bakers to attempt recreations.
9. The Donut Project
With a flair for the artistic and a penchant for the unique, The Donut Project stands out in New York’s competitive donut scene. This shop takes inspiration from cocktails, food, and even fashion, resulting in one-of-a-kind flavors that intrigue and delight. Each donut is crafted with precision and care, transforming familiar tastes into extraordinary treats.
What sets The Donut Project apart is its commitment to pushing boundaries. Flavors like “Those Beetz Are Dope” showcase the shop’s creativity and willingness to experiment. This adventurous spirit is evident from the moment you step in, with a vibrant atmosphere that encourages exploration.
For those looking to expand their donut palate, The Donut Project offers a journey into the unexpected, making each visit a new adventure in taste and style.
10. Orwasher’s Bakery
Orwasher’s Bakery has been a staple in the New York baking scene since 1916, offering a slice of history along with its famed pastries. Known for its traditional jelly donuts, this bakery combines nostalgia with quality. Imagine biting into a donut filled with homemade jam, a burst of sweetness in every bite, all while being surrounded by a cozy, vintage atmosphere.
The bakery’s charm lies not just in its delicious offerings but in the experience it provides. As you step inside, the scent of freshly baked goods fills the air, inviting you to indulge in a moment of pure delight. Orwasher’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients ensures every donut is a treat worth savoring.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Orwasher’s Bakery offers a unique glimpse into New York’s rich culinary heritage, making it a must-stop for donut lovers.
11. Supermoon Bakehouse
“Crazy outside, caring inside” is the motto of this Lower East Side bakery that creates donuts as visually stunning as they are delicious. Their twice-baked donut-croissant hybrids feature outrageous fillings like black sesame banana cream or roasted peach with jasmine tea.
The space feels more like an art gallery than a bakery, with mirrored ceilings and neon signs creating the perfect backdrop for their photogenic creations. Founder Ry Stephen previously worked at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse in San Francisco, where he helped create the “cruffin.”
Each pastry comes in a holographic box that customers collect like trophies. Limited production means they often sell out by early afternoon, despite prices that reach $8 per donut.
12. Dominique Ansel Bakery
The bakery that launched the Cronut® phenomenon still draws lines around the block for this trademarked donut-croissant hybrid. Each month features a new flavor combination, announced to eager fans on social media who plan visits accordingly.
Beyond the famous Cronut®, Ansel creates seasonal donuts that showcase his French training. The brown sugar DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann) offers a caramelized crunchy exterior with a tender, buttery center that many regulars prefer to the more famous creation.
The bakery limits purchases to two Cronuts® per customer to prevent reselling – yes, there was once a black market for these pastries! Arrive before 7:30am for the best chance at securing the limited daily production.
13. Moe’s Doughs
After decades making donuts for someone else, Moe opened his own Greenpoint shop where family recipes shine. The red velvet donut here sparked a neighborhood rivalry with nearby Peter Pan, where Moe previously worked – locals passionately debate which version reigns supreme.
This no-frills shop focuses on classic varieties done perfectly rather than wild innovations. Their honey-dipped old-fashioned develops a characteristic crack along the top that donut purists recognize as the mark of proper frying technique.
Unlike trendier establishments, prices remain remarkably affordable, with most options under $2. Early birds catch the coveted toasted coconut variety, which regularly sells out before 9am despite continuous production throughout the morning.