Okay, let’s be clear about something: There’s no such thing as a bad donut. Those deep-fried bites of sugary deliciousness are so awesomely phenomenal that even the kinds that come in a box taste delightful.
That being said, not all donuts are built alike. Why resort to boxed donuts made in some far-distant factory when you have access to some of the best donuts in the world right here in Indianapolis and the surrounding locations?
Whether you’re a true donut connoisseur or just a casual partaker, it’s definitely worth your time to check out these donut shops around Indy.
Rise’n Roll — Multiple Locations
How does “fresh-baked Amish-style donuts” sound? If they sound as fantastic to you as they do to us, head over to the nearest Rise’n Roll Bakery and check out their creations. They claim that their cinnamon caramel donut is widely known for its addictive properties, but we bet that a lot of their customers are equally hooked on their preservative-free cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls and bread.
The Donut Shop Bakery & Restaurant — Indianapolis
If the phrase “sweet and salty maple bacon donut” doesn’t lure you through the door, what will? The Donut Shop used to be “donuts-only,” but it has expanded its menu to serve a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner — but donuts are still the main draw for its customers. If you go, you may want to grab a few extras for later.
Jack’s Donuts — Multiple Locations
Originally founded in New Castle, IN, Jack’s Donuts has been perfecting their donuts since 1961, and hungry customers keep coming back for more. With more than 20 open locations, one is bound to be close to your neighborhood. Give them a try, and don’t forget to check out some of their unique concoctions, like the chocolate pretzel donut.
Pana Donuts & Boba Tea — Indianapolis
Open every day from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., this donut shop and eatery is a relative newcomer on the scene — but that doesn’t make what they’re serving any less special. Their light, airy donuts and bubble teas have brought rave reviews from their customers. Their drive-through service also makes it easy to get your donut fix without any hassle.
Taylor’s Bakery — Indianapolis, Fishers
For 108 years and four generations, this family-owned bakery has been serving up delectable treats for everyone. After all this time, they really know their donuts (and just about every other kind of dessert you can imagine). Stock up on Bavarian-filled bismarcks, red velvet donuts and all kinds of delights while you’re there.
Doughnuts & Dragons — Indianapolis
This family-friendly hangout located in the Clearwater Crossing shopping center on the Northside of Indy offers a spot where you can get a donut, grab a beer and play some board games with your kiddos or friends. The artisanal donuts come in traditional flavors and whimsical varieties, like Butter Beer and blueberry-lemon basil.
White House Donuts — Westfield
Visitors to this donut shop say that it only takes one bite of their magical creations to transport you back to the donut shop of your youth. Given that the place has been in business since 1988, we’re inclined to believe them. Don’t forget to check out their seasonal specials, like strawberry donuts in the summer and pumpkin in the fall.
General American Donut Company — Indianapolis
Open Wednesdays through Sundays, this local donut shop believes in handcrafted donuts made from scratch, without preservatives or mixes. Their unique approach to their craft means that the menu changes daily, but you won’t go wrong with flavors like raspberry-key lime or PB&J.
Titus Bakery — Lebanon, Westfield
These third-generation bakers have been supplying area donut aficionados with their fixes since the 1950s. Titus Bakery has won multiple awards for their treats and frequently appear as fan-favorites on Indy’s A-List over the years. Their “Pershing,” which is a maple-iced donut filled with cinnamon goodness is their most popular creation, but you don’t want to miss out on some of their other specialties, like the “Black Forest” or “Munchie Stick” donuts.
Long’s Bakery — Indianapolis
Last on our list (but definitely not least) is Long’s Bakery. Long’s is an absolute legend in the local donut scene, so you don’t want to miss this one. They’ve been baking their donuts from scratch since 1955 and have been ranked the best in the business by the Indy A-List. Some favorites among the locals are their blueberry cake donuts, hot yeast donuts and apple cinnamon fritters. (One note of caution: They only take cash, so have plenty on hand.)
Now that you know where the best donuts can be found, grab your keys, head out the door and go try some of these delectable treats for yourself — just don’t blame us if you have to do extra workouts at the gym to burn the calories back off!
Updated August 2020.
