The tales of Boston and its affection for doughnuts are sung all over America, drawing all the doughnut lovers to the city. This city surely knows how to win the hearts of every doughnut lover. There are old-school bake shops offering a taste of continued excellence for ages, and some new-age bakeries give you a unique experience every time you visit.
Apart from Dunkin shops that you can find in almost every corner of Boston, there are other acclaimed places as well known for bringing something new to the table. Whether it's the hand-cut doughnuts from Anna’s or pillowy rings from Blackbird, every shop brings a unique experience worth remembering forever.
From making a delightful addition to brunch meals to satisfying late-night cravings, Boston's round-the-clock doughnut scene ensures that you'll be served at any time of the day. Wondering where you’ll find the best doughnuts in the city? Explore these top spots before going anywhere else.
7 Places To Relish The Best Doughnuts In Boston
1) Anna’s Hand-Cut Donuts
Image Credit: Anna’s Hand-Cut Donuts
The timeless appeal of Anna’s Hand Cut Donuts is one of the best reasons why you should come here. Bringing the taste of nostalgia, this cosy spot specialises in classic jelly-filled delights. Established in 1965, this spot takes diners back to the bygone era with its vintage charm, accompanied by hyphenated signage and cash-only transactions. You’ll find a variety of glazed doughnuts on the menu, among which Jelly-filled doughnuts, Chocolate doughnuts, Honey dip doughnuts and Coconut doughnuts are a must-try.
Location: 2056 Centre St, West Roxbury, Boston, MA 02132
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Sun: 6 am–12 pm
Must Try: Jelly-filled doughnuts, Chocolate doughnuts, Honey dip doughnuts and Coconut doughnuts
Price for 2: $20 approx.
2) Doughboy Donuts
Image Credit; Doughboy Donuts
Doughboy Donuts is open 24/7 to help you indulge your sweet cravings any time of day. A staple of Boston for over 40 years, it has been a go-to spot for night owls in the city. This cosy spot offers a rainbow of frosted delights, including blueberry honey-dipped and maple-frosted. From classic Boston cream to fruity pebble, their drive-thru ensures you never miss out. Don't skip the strawberry frosted—it's a fan favourite.
Location: 220 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Must Try: Blueberry honey-dipped, maple-frosted, early morning jelly stick, Boston Cream, Fruity Pebble, crullers, strawberry frosted, butternut.
Price for 2: $20 approx.
3) Blackbird Doughnuts
Image Credit: Blackbird Doughnuts
Blackbird Doughnuts, with multiple locations including South End, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Fenway, Harvard Square, and Newton, is renowned for its creative brioche and cake doughnut offerings. From ruby chocolate sprinkles to everything bagel-cream cheese-filled delights, their innovative flavours delight taste buds. Their salted toffee and signature vanilla bean old-fashioned are must-tries, while savoury options from Sally’s Sandwiches add variety. With praises from publications and readers alike, Blackbird's artisanal doughnuts, including vegan options, continue to impress with each delicious bite.
Location: 492 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Open Hours: Sat-Sun: 8 am–4 pm; Mon-Fri: 7 am–4 pm
Must Try: Everything bagel-cream cheese-filled brioche doughnuts, Salted toffee brioche doughnuts, Vanilla bean old-fashioned brioche doughnuts, Blackbird doughnuts, BBQ Butterscotch cake doughnuts, and Boysenberry Bismarck
Price for 2: $20 approx.
4) Demet’s Donuts
Image Credit: Demet’s Donuts
For over 30 years, Demet’s Donuts on Mystic Avenue has been a local favourite, serving up fresh delights from morning to early afternoon. Their classic flavours like cinnamon sugar, chocolate cake, and jelly-filled fly off the shelves daily. With a retro vibe and cash-only policy, it's a nod to old-school charm. Must-tries include their glazed and jelly-filled doughnuts, with the glazed jelly being a standout. Demet’s focus on perfecting classics shines through in every bite, especially with their unbeatable blueberry cake and Boston cream doughnuts.
Location: 199 Mystic Ave, Medford, Boston, MA 02155
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 5 am–3 pm; Sun: 6 am–2 pm
Must Try: Cinnamon-sugar, chocolate cake, powdered, jelly-filled, classic glazed, classic jelly, glazed jelly, blueberry cake, Boston cream
Price for 2: $25 approx.
5) Donuts with a Difference
Image Credit: Jea Kim via Google Maps
In Medford, Donuts With a Difference has been satisfying doughnut lovers since 1984. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, this old-fashioned spot offers quality treats like honey-dipped spheres and butter-crunch-topped coffee rolls. Their raised doughnuts are light and airy, perfect for enjoying multiples, but the standout is their humble chocolate frosted cake—crispy, perfectly fried, and adorned with chocolate sprinkles. While not fancy, this spot impresses with top-quality, affordable doughnuts, including traditional favourites like Boston cream and lemon-filled glazed. Join the locals in savouring these fluffy delights, served with a side of nostalgia at this no-frills, but utterly delicious, establishment.
Location: 35 Riverside Ave, Medford, Boston MA 02155
Open Hours: Wed-Fri: 7 am–3 pm; Sat: 7 am–2:30 pm; Sun: 7 am–12 pm; Mon-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Honey-dipped spheres, extra-large butter-crunch-topped coffee rolls, chocolate frosted cake, Boston cream, lemon-filled glazed, honey dip, jelly doughnuts with powdered sugar, honey twist.
Price for 2: $20 approx.
6) Back Door Donuts
Image Credit: Back Door Donuts
Back Door Donuts, a Martha’s Vineyard favourite, has popped up in Fenway, offering its iconic treats until 2 a.m. at Loretta’s Last Call. Indulge in famous apple fritters or try flavours like buttercrunch and raspberry jelly. Open nightly for "Donuts After Dark," this late-night spot satisfies cravings with classics like chocolate frosted and Boston cream. Don't miss the chance to rock the official Back Door Donuts poncho sweater while enjoying these delectable treats in the heart of the city.
Location: 1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 pm–2 am
Must Try: Apple fritter, buttercrunch, raspberry jelly, buttermilk glazed, chocolate frosted, cinnamon sugar, Boston cream
Price for 2: $20 approx.
7) Donut Villa Diner
Image Credit: Donut Villa Diner
At Donut Villa Diner, indulge in a variety of doughnut-inspired delights from breakfast to dinner. With locations in Malden, Cambridge, Newton, and Arlington, this local favourite offers dishes like doughnut French toast, doughnut Benedict, and even doughnut cheeseburgers. Their extensive doughnut menu features flavours like lemon honey dip and black raspberry jelly, with plenty of vegan options available. Don't miss their classic honey dip or the indulgent Nutella-filled doughnut. Whether you're craving a classic treat or a creative twist, Donut Villa Diner has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Location: 20 Prospect St, Cambridge, Greater Boston, MA 02139
Open Hours: Mon-Tue: 6:30 am–3 pm; Wed-Thu: 6:30 am–9 pm; Fri: 6:30 am–10 pm; Sat: 7 am–10 pm; Sun: 7 am–8 pm
Must Try: Doughnut French toast, Doughnut Benedict, Lemon honey dip, Black raspberry jelly, Nutella-filled doughnut with chocolate glaze and hazelnuts.
Price for 2: $20 approx.
When in Boston, don't forget to check out these amazing doughnut spots to relish the tastiest doughnuts in the country. Pair them with your brunch meals or have a delightful after-dinner treat; doughnuts in this city will always be there to serve you whenever you like.