15 Virginia Bakeries Serving Donuts That Locals Swear By

Virginia has a sweet side that shines brightest in its bakeries, where donuts are more than just a morning treat.

Across the state, locals line up early for flavors that mix tradition with creativity, from old-fashioned glazed to inventive seasonal specialties.

These shops have earned loyal followings not through flash, but through consistency, care, and recipes that hit the spot every time.

Here are 15 Virginia bakeries where the donuts are so beloved, they’ve become part of the community’s daily rhythm and a bite of comfort worth seeking out.

1. Klassic Doughnuts

Behind every perfect donut at this Virginia Beach gem is a family recipe that dates back decades. Locals line up before dawn for their signature yeast donuts with impossibly light interiors.

What makes them extraordinary isn’t just the traditional flavors but their seasonal specialties that incorporate local ingredients.

2. Glazed Doughnuts

Morning crowds gather at this Hampton hotspot where every donut is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. The bakery’s commitment to small-batch production ensures exceptional freshness.

Rather than mass-producing, bakers create limited quantities throughout the day.

Their maple-glazed varieties with house-cured bacon bits have become legendary, while seasonal offerings like pumpkin spice and blueberry lemon keep regulars coming back year-round.

3. Emily’s Donuts & Café

Tucked away in a Williamsburg shopping center, this unassuming café delivers donut perfection that rivals any fancy bakery.

Regulars swear by the apple fritters – massive, crispy-edged treats loaded with cinnamon-spiced chunks of real apple.

Unlike chain operations, everything here is made fresh daily using recipes that haven’t changed in years.

4. Freddy Donuts

Hidden in Fredericksburg’s historic district, this tiny shop has earned a massive reputation.

Freddy’s signature creation – a maple-glazed donut topped with candied pecans – regularly sells out within an hour of opening.

Every morning, the intoxicating aroma of fresh donuts wafts down the street, drawing in both regulars and curious tourists.

5. Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe

Arlington’s donut scene reached new heights when this bakery opened its doors.

Using locally-milled flour and seasonal ingredients from nearby farms, they’ve created something truly special.

Their sourdough donuts, with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, have developed a devoted following.

6. Dough Haus

Imagine biting into a donut so fresh it’s still warm from the fryer – that’s the everyday experience at Newport News’ beloved Dough Haus.

Watching the skilled bakers through the open kitchen is part of the charm.

Their cinnamon sugar cake donuts achieve the perfect balance of spice and sweetness, while the raspberry-filled varieties burst with house-made preserves that change with the seasons.

7. Just Fine Donuts

Despite its humble name, there’s nothing ordinary about this Alexandria favorite.

Operated by the same family for three generations, they’ve perfected recipes that strike the ideal balance between innovation and tradition.

Their signature old-fashioned buttermilk variety has a distinctive tangy flavor and crackling exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb inside.

8. Amazing Glazed

For an interactive donut experience, Chesapeake residents head to this unique spot where customers can create custom masterpieces.

Starting with freshly-fried bases, you’ll choose from dozens of glazes, toppings, and drizzles.

While the build-your-own concept draws attention, insiders know their premade specialties are equally impressive.

The maple bacon donut features thick-cut, house-cured bacon atop perfectly proofed dough, creating that ideal sweet-savory balance that keeps customers coming back.

9. Parlor Doughnuts

When Virginia Beach locals crave something different, they head to this innovative shop specializing in layered donuts.

Each creation features multiple thin layers of dough that create a croissant-like texture unlike typical cake or yeast varieties.

Their churro flavor, dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with dulce de leche, regularly sells out before noon, prompting many regulars to place advance orders.

10. Sugar Plum

Health-conscious donut lovers rejoice at this Virginia Beach bakery specializing in vegan and gluten-free varieties that actually taste amazing.

Using a proprietary blend of rice and tapioca flours, their gluten-free chocolate glazed achieves that elusive perfect texture.

The seasonal offerings rotate regularly, with summer bringing blueberry lavender varieties and fall featuring apple cider donuts made with locally-pressed cider.

11. Donut Dugout

Baseball fans and donut enthusiasts alike flock to this sports-themed Norfolk bakery where the walls are covered in local memorabilia.

Their signature home run donut – a massive yeast ring topped with chocolate, caramel, and pretzel pieces – weighs nearly half a pound.

Family-owned for over 25 years, they’ve maintained consistent quality while gradually expanding their lineup.

12. Naas Bakery

Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, this family-owned bakery has been serving exceptional donuts for over 40 years.

Unlike flashier establishments, Naas focuses on perfecting traditional recipes rather than creating Instagram-worthy creations.

Their chocolate glazed donuts achieve that perfect balance – light, airy interior with just enough resistance to the bite.

13. Sugar Shack Donuts

Richmond’s donut scene exploded when this local chain opened its first location.

Their maple bacon donut – topped with real Virginia maple syrup and thick-cut bacon – has developed something of a cult following.

The shop maintains a rotating menu of creative specials alongside traditional favorites, ensuring there’s always something new to try alongside the classics.

14. Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen

Following this mobile donut truck around Richmond has become something of a local sport.

Run by a Mennonite family using traditional recipes passed down through generations, these sourdough donuts are worth the chase.

Made in small batches throughout the day, each donut is hand-dipped in a warm glaze that creates a distinctive crackly exterior.

15. Duck Donuts

What started as a small Outer Banks operation has become Virginia’s most beloved donut chain, with locations throughout the state.

Unlike most shops, Duck makes every donut to order, ensuring each one reaches customers warm and fresh. The made-to-order concept allows for endless customization.

Starting with a vanilla cake base hot from the fryer, customers choose from various glazes, toppings, and drizzles.