Fab Happenings: Top 5 Doughnut Shops in Chicago

Donut judge. I frequently think to myself, D.I.E.T. (Did I eat that?) This is especially true when it comes to doughnuts. I don’t know about you but I can’t resist these deep-fried, doughy treats especially if they are glazed and filled with chocolate, fruit, or custard. #thestruggleisreal

Here are my Top 5 Doughnut Shops in Chicago to get my fix…

5. Dinkel’s Bakery

Dinkel’s Bakery is a family-owned business that has been serving tasty baked goods in the Chicagoland area since 1922. Through four generations, Dinkel’s continue to serve original recipes without compromising the quality. To ensure freshness, they use locally sourced and organic ingredients as much as possible.

The doughnuts are simple and traditional, like this chocolate glazed doughnut with sprinkles. The chocolate glaze was generously portioned. Even the doughnut hole was filled with chocolate, making sure you get plenty of chocolate in every bite.

The doughnuts at Dinkel’s are mainly cake doughnuts. The pumpkin doughnut with cream cheese frosting fell a little short in appearance and taste. Maybe I got one that was sitting out too long but the doughnut itself was a little dry for me. I did like the cream cheese frosting, which was rich but not overly sweet.

The maple walnut cake doughnut had great flavors and textures. The sweetness of the maple and the saltiness of the walnuts really paired well with the softness of the cake and the crunchiness of the nuts. The maple had a nice sweetness but not too overpowering.

Along with doughnuts, they also serve fresh baked bread, custom cookies, breakfast sandwiches, organic coffee, and more. They also make wedding and other special occasion cakes.

FAB TIP: There is a sit-down cafe that is open Tuesday-Sunday. Menu items include sandwiches, salads, and daily soup specials.

{Location}
Dinkel’s Bakery
Lakeview || 3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 281-7300

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Firecakes Donuts

Firecakes Donuts is a small, counter-service doughnut shop located in River North opened by restaurant vet, Jonathan Fox (La Madia). All the doughnuts are made on-site and only the finest ingredients are used, such as fruits that are locally sourced and chocolate from France.

They plan on opening a second location in Lincoln Park. In the meantime, you can see their doughnut truck roaming around Chicago.

The Pistachio Old Fashioned is a crowd favorite and usually sells out fast.

If you’ve never tried a doughnut ice cream sandwich from Firecakes, I urge you to stop what you are doing now and go. It’s a seasonal item, so grab one while they are still available.

Topped off last night’s meal with something sweet at @Firecakes. This seasonal special is a glazed doughnut filled pumpkin gelato and a caramel praline. You muuust get it while it’s still available. Hand model: @VansVentures

A photo posted by Kristen Mendiola (@kristen_mendiola) on Nov 6, 2015 at 7:18am PST

FAB TIP: They are open until midnight on Wednesday-Saturday.

{Location}
Firecakes
River North || 68 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 329-6500

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

3. Do-Rite Donuts

Third time’s a charm. My previous attempts to try Do-Rite were big fails. With the crazy long lines, everything was always sold out by the time I got there. At the end of the day, it was all worth waiting for because Do-Rite does it right. The doughnuts are made in small batches so you’re guaranteed they will be fresh.

The Meyer-lemon glazed pistachio cake doughnut is covered in toasted Sicilian pistachios giving it a nice crunch and saltiness.

The pumpkin overload is the latest #doritecollab series with renowned chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini. It is a pumpkin spice cake doughnut with apple brandy glaze, cream cheese frosting, and spicy pumpkin seed brittle. It is the perfect fall treat and only available until 11/19. Get it while it lasts!

FAB TIP: They offer a variety of gluten-free and vegan doughnuts daily.

{Location}
Do-Rite Donuts
The Loop || 50 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 488-2483
River East || 233 E Erie St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 344-1374

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Stan’s Donuts

Started by Stan Berman in 1963, Stan’s Donuts is a popular gourmet doughnut shop which originated from Los Angeles. The doughnuts are fried fresh every day. The selection is large. With Nutella banana pockets, old fashioned, fritters, and pretzels, you can never have too many doughnuts.

The interior is cute with hints of pink and a wall full of Kitchen Aid mixers.

You got me twisted over you. The cinnamon sugar pretzel shaped doughnut is a sugar addict’s dream. You are bound to get a little sugar on your hair, hands, and lips but don’t fret because it’s all worth it!

you got me twisted over you. {cinnamon sugar pretzel shaped donut} || thanks @stansdonutschicago and @popularpays for my afternoon treat! || #🍩 #treeeeeats #poppays #stansdonuts #fabfoodchicago #hyattcentricexplorercontest

A photo posted by Soo Park (@fabsoopark) on Aug 10, 2015 at 2:56pm PDT

The Nutella Banana Pocket is one of my favorites. Each heavenly bite is packed with ample portions of Nutella and banana cream.

FAB TIP: Get FREE Stan’s Donuts via Popular Pays.

{Location}
Stan’s Donuts
Lakeview || 2800 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 868-0173
Streeterville || 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 255-1130
Wicker Park || 1560 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 360-7386

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

1. Doughnut Vault

Doughnut Vault serves freshly made doughnuts in limited quantities. Best recognized for their unique old fashioned flavors, Doughnut Vault continues to be one of Chicago’s most sought-after doughnut shops and my personal favorite.

@doughnutvault serves freshly made doughnuts in limited quantities. Best recognized for their unique flavors, Doughnut Vault continues to be one of Chicago’s most sought-after doughnut shops. || 📷: @triphenawong || #fabfoodchicago Neighborhoods: River North and West Loop FAB TIP: They close as soon as they sell out. Doughnuts sell out fast, so come early! Thanks for tagging #fabfoodchicago!

A photo posted by Fab Food Chicago (@fabfoodchicago) on Oct 11, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

The Salted Caramel Old Fashioned tops my list for a savory option.

When I want something fruity and sweet, I opt for the Blueberry Old-Fashioned with Lemon Crumble. Their flavors change daily so check their calendar on their website for more info.

i donut regret eating this hole thing. {blueberry old fashioned w/ lemon crumble} || #treatyoself #treeeeeats #doughnutvault #fabfoodchicago #🍩

A photo posted by Soo Park (@fabsoopark) on Aug 16, 2015 at 7:04pm PDT

FAB TIP: They close as soon as the doughnuts sell out, so come early.

{Location}
The Doughnut Vault
River North || 401 1/2 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL || (312) 285-2830
West Loop || 111 N Canal St, Chicago, IL || (312) 285-2830

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

I donut regret eating this hole thing. Where are you favorite doughnut spots? Share with us below.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: These treats were not complimentary except Stan’s Donuts which were received via Popular Pays. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.