11 Must-Try New England Donut Spots Loved by Locals And Travelers Alike
Crispy, fluffy, glazed, or filled – New England boasts some of the most mouthwatering donuts in America.
From historic bakeries that have perfected recipes over generations to innovative shops creating wild flavor combinations, the region’s donut scene has something for everyone.
Ready your sweet tooth as we explore the absolute best donut destinations that both locals and visitors line up for, rain or shine!
1. Blackbird Doughnuts – Boston, MA
Handcrafted magic happens daily at this Boston hotspot where gourmet meets comfort food.
Vanilla glazed to chocolate old-fashioned, each bite delivers pure bliss without artificial ingredients.
Weekend crowds form early, so arrive before 10am to score their famous Boston Cream, a brioche-style masterpiece that locals swear is worth every calorie.
2. Doughnut Dip – West Springfield, MA
Since 1957, generations have flocked to this family-owned treasure for old-school donut perfection.
Morning commuters can’t resist stopping for honey-dipped classics made from scratch daily.
What makes them special? Perfectly crisp exteriors giving way to pillowy centers that practically melt in your mouth – a texture science few have mastered.
3. The Holy Donut – Portland, ME
Potato-based donuts might sound strange until you taste these Maine masterpieces that redefine donut texture.
Made with local Maine potatoes, each variety boasts incredible moisture that keeps fans returning daily.
Seasonal flavors shine alongside standards like maple bacon and dark chocolate sea salt that perfectly balance sweet with savory notes.
4. Allie’s Donuts – North Kingstown, RI
Rhode Island’s donut royalty has operated since 1968 without changing what works – simple, perfect donuts at fair prices.
Famous for sprinkle-covered donut cakes that grace countless birthday celebrations throughout the state.
Cash only and worth every penny, locals advise calling ahead to reserve their legendary crullers that regularly sell out before 9am.
5. Frosty’s Donuts – Brunswick, ME
Watching donuts made through the window becomes morning entertainment at this Maine institution established in 1965.
Sugar-coating wizardry happens before your eyes as fresh batches emerge throughout the day.
Signature cinnamon donuts emerge hot from the fryer, creating an aroma that wafts down Maine Street, drawing customers from blocks away.
6. The Donut Factory – Fairhaven, MA
Small-batch creativity defines this Fairhaven gem where experimental flavors change weekly based on customer suggestions.
Cronut-style creations merge flaky pastry with donut indulgence in unexpected combinations like blueberry cheesecake and maple bourbon.
Visit on Wednesdays when they debut new flavors and offer half-price coffee with any donut purchase.
7. PVDonuts – Providence, RI
Instagram-worthy creations have made this Providence hotspot the social media darling of New England’s donut scene.
Monthly rotating menus feature seasonal inspirations that transform nostalgic flavors into brioche donut form.
Collaborations with local businesses create unique limited editions like coffee milk donuts using Rhode Island’s famous Autocrat syrup.
8. Congdon’s Doughnuts – Wells, ME
Summer vacationers plan entire trips around visits to this third-generation family bakery operating since 1945.
Famous honey-dipped donuts use the original recipe that hasn’t changed in 75+ years.
Late risers rejoice – unlike most donut shops, they serve fresh-made treats all day alongside complete breakfast and lunch menus.
9. Union Square Donuts – Somerville, MA
Artistry meets science at this Somerville sensation where each donut undergoes 30 hours of preparation before reaching customers’ hands.
Brown butter hazelnut crunch exemplifies their commitment to unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly.
Savory options like everything bagel donuts filled with cream cheese have created a weekend brunch revolution.
10. Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts – Southwick, MA
Stepping into this Southwick institution feels like traveling back to simpler times when donuts cost pennies and came in wax paper.
No-frills classics remain unchanged since opening in 1962, with jelly-filled squares stealing the spotlight.
Apple cider donuts arrive autumn through winter, causing traffic jams as leaf-peepers make mandatory stops.
11. Kane’s Donuts – Saugus & Boston, MA
Giant-sized creations have made Kane’s a Massachusetts legend since 1955, where donuts are nearly twice the size of competitors’.
Maine blueberry donuts burst with whole berries sourced directly from farms during peak season.
Gluten-conscious customers drive hours for their dedicated gluten-free days featuring options that rival traditional recipes.
