22 Delicious Donut Shops In Ohio You Need To Try

Ohio, a state known for its diverse culinary landscape, boasts an array of donut shops that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. From classic glazed to unique flavor combinations, each shop offers its own special twist on this beloved pastry. Here’s a guide to 22 must-visit donut shops across Ohio, each serving up delicious treats that you’ll want to try.

1. Buckeye Donuts – Columbus

Buckeye Donuts, an Ohio State University legend, keeps the fryers hot all night. It’s a place where apple fritters the size of your hand and perfectly sticky glazed rings are the norm. The neon-lit chaos is part of its charm, offering a fresh donut and fries at 3 a.m.

Students and night-shift regulars line up regardless of the hour. The community vibe is palpable, with people gathering under the bright lights for a sweet treat. This shop captures the vibrant college town spirit like no other.

Whether you’re craving late-night snacks or morning indulgences, Buckeye Donuts delivers.

2. Resch’s Bakery – Columbus / Gahanna

Stepping into Resch’s Bakery feels like a nostalgic trip to a neighborhood bakery of yesteryear. Glass cases brim with raised donuts, cinnamon rings, and long johns. Locals cherish the classic glazed and cream-filled varieties.

Generations have grown up visiting Resch’s, often grabbing a donut after church or on the way to school. The bakery’s old-school charm continues to resonate, drawing loyal customers back time and again.

Resch’s is more than a bakery; it’s a part of the community’s fabric, where tradition and taste meet beautifully.

3. Amy’s Donuts – Columbus

Amy’s Donuts is a playground for those who love their pastries a bit wild. Alongside expertly crafted basics, the racks are filled with over-the-top creations. Think cereal-coated rings and candy-topped specials in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The atmosphere is as vibrant as the donuts, resembling a candy shop explosion. Each visit feels like an adventure, discovering new flavors designed to delight the senses.

This is a place where imagination knows no bounds, inviting you to indulge in childlike wonder with every bite.

4. DK Diner – Grandview Heights (Columbus area)

At DK Diner, the line between diner and donut shop delightfully blurs. Known for giant fritters and sour cream old fashioneds, DK offers a full breakfast experience. Enjoy biscuits and gravy, pancakes, or eggs, followed by a sweet treat.

The cozy atmosphere invites you to linger, sipping coffee while contemplating which donut to take home. The longjohns here are especially famous, practically demanding a second cup.

This spot embodies the best of comfort food, making every visit a satisfying escape from the ordinary.

5. Destination Donuts – Columbus

If you’re seeking a more refined donut experience, Destination Donuts is your stop. Known for brioche-style dough and creative glazes, flavors like raspberry hibiscus and salted chocolate rotate regularly.

These donuts are large, soft, and exquisitely crafted, perfect for impressing colleagues or elevating weekend brunches. Each bite offers a sophisticated twist on the classic treat.

Locals frequently pick up boxes for special occasions, recognizing that these pastries bring a touch of elegance to any gathering.

6. HoneyDip Donuts & Diner – Columbus

HoneyDip Donuts & Diner is a delightful blend of retro charm and neighborhood comfort. It’s the kind of place where coffee, eggs, and a still-warm donut make for a perfect start to the day.

The offerings include well-executed basics—glazed, powdered, jelly-filled—alongside hearty breakfast plates that invite lingering over a morning meal.

The inviting atmosphere makes it too easy to stay for a full meal, but the donuts alone are worth the trip.

7. Schneider’s Bakery – Westerville

In Westerville, Schneider’s Bakery carries the weight of tradition with pride. Known for soft yeast donuts and seasonal specials, it’s a staple for many locals.

The bakery’s warm atmosphere is a hub for early morning risers and late-night snackers alike. Regulars love the maple and chocolate iced rings, often selling out early.

It’s a place where community and flavor meet, creating sweet memories for all who visit.

8. Jolly Pirate Donuts – Grove City

Jolly Pirate Donuts offers a nostalgic escape with its old-school signage and 24-hour energy vibe. The cases are filled with classic rings, twists, and filled donuts.

Visiting Jolly Pirate feels like stepping back in time, where you can still enjoy a dozen assorted with a big coffee. The shop’s atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, a reflection of simpler times.

It’s a beloved local haunt that stands as a testament to timeless donut joy.

9. Bill’s Donut Shop – Centerville (Dayton area)

Bill’s Donut Shop is a cherished local institution in Centerville. Known for never-frozen, old-fashioned donuts, it’s a hub of community activity.

The devil’s food cake donuts and seasonal flavors like pumpkin cake are much loved. The shop’s “everybody ends up here eventually” vibe is palpable, drawing people from all walks of life.

Flying through Dayton? Stopping at Bill’s is almost a rite of passage, offering a taste of Ohio’s donut legacy.

10. Donald’s Donuts – Zanesville

Donald’s Donuts in Zanesville is a mythical stop on the Ohio Donut Trail. Known for simple, perfectly fried donuts, locals insist a detour is worth it.

Expect classics like glazed rings and cake donuts that taste homemade, capturing the essence of traditional pastry making. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious.

This small shop punches above its weight, delivering big on flavor and charm.

11. Family Donut Shoppe – Londonderry (near Chillicothe)

Tucked away in Londonderry, Family Donut Shoppe earns its praise through word of mouth. Familiar shapes and generous fillings make it a must-visit.

The friendly counter service turns first-timers into regulars, with each visit feeling like a warm homecoming. The variety and quality make every trip worthwhile.

This is a hidden gem where the simple joy of a donut shines brightly.

12. Crispie Creme Donut Shop – Chillicothe

Not to be confused with the national chain, Crispie Creme Donut Shop in Chillicothe is a beloved local treasure. The donuts here are fluffy, fresh, and dangerously easy to enjoy by the dozen.

Central Ohio lists often rank it among the best in the state. The variety caters to all tastes, making it a favorite for many.

Crispie Creme stands out for its commitment to quality, keeping tradition alive with every bite.

13. Holtman’s Donuts – Cincinnati & Suburbs

Holtman’s Donuts, a Cincinnati staple since the 1960s, blends vintage appeal with modern creativity. Bacon-topped maple bars and hefty glazed rings tempt visitors.

The shop’s charm is enhanced by its history, with families returning generation after generation. Despite new locations, the old-school feel remains.

Holtman’s continues to capture the hearts of donut lovers with its inventive and delicious offerings.

14. Hurts Donut – Cincinnati (Montgomery area)

Hurts Donut brings a burst of color and whimsy to Cincinnati’s donut scene. Known for wild toppings and bright flavors, it’s a sugar lover’s paradise.

The energy is contagious, drawing those seeking a break from the ordinary. Group threads often recommend Hurts for anyone wanting a bit of extravagance.

This shop offers a playful twist on the classic, making each visit a memorable adventure.

15. Madsen Donuts – Geneva-on-the-Lake

Operating since 1938, Madsen Donuts is a lakeside treasure in Geneva-on-the-Lake. Summer rituals often include lining up for their cinnamon sticks and cream-filled delights.

The shop’s charm lies in its consistency, with many regulars insisting it never change. It’s a beloved part of the community, embodying timeless quality and tradition.

Madsen captures the essence of summer nostalgia with every bite.

16. Jack Frost Donuts – Cleveland

In Cleveland, Jack Frost Donuts is often the first name mentioned for extraordinary donuts. Known for ultra-fresh, generously frosted pastries, it’s a must-visit.

Chocolate icing and seasonal fillings are particularly popular, drawing crowds eager to indulge. Walking in for one or two often leads to leaving with a full box.

Jack Frost embodies the joyous indulgence of donut delight, bringing smiles to all who enter.

17. Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery – Cleveland / Lyndhurst

Goldie’s keeps Cleveland and Lyndhurst stocked with satisfying donuts and a diverse range of baked goods. Everything is baked daily, ensuring freshness.

The mix of old-school flavors with modern twists makes Goldie’s a weekend morning essential. Regulars appreciate the blend of classic comfort and inventive flair.

It’s a go-to spot for families and office treat runs, offering something delightful for everyone.

18. Crest Bakery – Akron

Crest Bakery in Akron has been delighting locals since the 1930s. Famous for its donuts and “Crestnut,” the shop is a cornerstone of the community.

Classic rings, twists, and filled donuts greet you upon entry, creating an irresistible allure. The Crestnut offers a unique twist, blending croissant flakiness with donut delight.

Crest Bakery’s history and quality continue to charm Akron residents and visitors alike.

19. Donut Land – Northeast Ohio (Mentor area)

Donut Land is celebrated in Northeast Ohio as a late-night and early-morning favorite. Classic, no-nonsense donuts like glazed and jelly-filled are staples.

The friendly staff adds to the shop’s welcoming vibe, often knowing customers by name. It’s a place where familiarity breeds comfort and satisfaction.

Donut Land’s simplicity and charm make it a beloved local institution.

20. Spudnut Donuts – Northeast Ohio

Spudnut Donuts offers a unique twist with its potato flour creations. The texture is lighter and slightly chewy, creating a distinct and memorable bite.

For many Ohio families, these donuts are a nostalgia bomb, bringing back fond memories. The shop focuses on simple rings, allowing the unique flour to shine.

Spudnut invites you to experience a different kind of donut delight.

21. Donut World – Lancaster

In Lancaster, Donut World offers a small-town charm that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Fresh glazed rings and jelly-filled options are fan favorites.

The shop’s inviting atmosphere makes it a prime stop for commuters and day-trippers. The sense of community is strong, with regulars sharing smiles and stories over coffee.

Donut World delivers on taste and experience, making it a must-visit.

22. Jolly Donut – Milan

Jolly Donut in Milan captures the essence of small-town hospitality. Fresh and affordable donuts make it a staple for locals.

The shop serves as an unofficial town meeting spot, fostering connections over coffee and a couple of rings. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging lingering conversations.

Jolly Donut’s simplicity and warmth make it a memorable stop on any journey.