FEDERAL DONUTS • PHILADELPHIA, PA
After finding much success with the Middle-Eastern Zahav, Jewish-inspired Abe Fisher, and Texas-style Percy Street Barbecue, owner Michael Solomonov has proved himself once again with gourmet doughnuts, fried chicken, and coffee at Federal Donuts. The combination of fried chicken and doughnuts may sound strange to some, but you’ll be instantly blown away by the concoctions by this James Beard award-winning chef. Solomonov puts his in-depth knowledge of exotic spices to good use creating mouth-watering rubs and glazes for his Korean-style fried chicken like coconut curry, chili garlic, and honey ginger. Every order of chicken includes your choice of dry seasoning, wet glaze or naked and and a honey doughnut on the side. Another special blend of spices is utilized in the doughnut recipes, which is the little secret behind each delicious bite. The hot fresh flavors include Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, and Strawberry Lavender and go for only $1.50 each. The “fancy donuts” (think Chocolate Eclair, Lemon Meringue, and Butter Pecan) priced at only a dollar more are so freaking good that they typically sell out quickly each day. Luckily for you, there are now a whopping five locations within Philly to find some in stock.
VOODOO DOUGHNUT • PORTLAND, OR
Portland is undeniably hipster. It’s quirky, it’s artsy, and Voodoo Doughnut embodies everything that is unconventional and weird about it. Portland is without a doubt the perfect suitor for the establishment’s first opening (of seven). Everything about this place is out of the box from the loud and crazy colors within the store to the fun and sometimes hilarious flavors. All of the doughnuts are served in awesome pink boxes that we’re a little obsessed with. Opening one up is basically the equivalent to breaking open a treasure full of gold. Our favorite? The Memphis Mafia Doughnut – fried dough with banana chunks and cinnamon covered in a glaze with chocolate frosting, peanut butter, peanuts and chocolate chips on top. Also, important fact – Voodoo even serves vegan doughnuts! So. Hipster.
GOURDOUGH’S • AUSTIN, TX
Maybe it’s the massive piles of toppings loaded on the donuts. Maybe it’s the fact we can grab a beer or cocktail to sip on while we eat. Or, maybe it’s the company of our friends at the outdoor picnic tables after ordering entirely too much food fried up in the cutest little Airstream. This place is really not to be missed. Try the Son Of A Peach (peach filling, cinnamon, sugar, and cake mix topping) or the Black Out (brownie batter, fudge icing, and chocolate covered brownie bites). If you’re feeling ambitious, create your own concoction with one icing, one filling, and up to three toppings of your choice. You really can’t go wrong at Gourdough’s.
THE SALTY DONUT • MIAMI, FL
Seeing the absolute need to get South Florida in on the gastronomical trend that is craft doughnuts, the team behind The Salty Donut opened its doors as soon as possible. It is currently open in an adorable little pop-up location in the artsy Wynwood Design District while they await the opening of their first retail location in early 2016. The Salty Donut is in high demand already. Probably due to the fact that all doughnuts are handmade in small batches with only the freshest ingredients and pair perfectly with coffees from the curated rotation. Grab the Maple Bacon flavor – 24 hour raised brioche doughnut with pure maple glaze and bacon cracklings from Miami Smokers. If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, don’t miss the spiked doughnut holes. Yep, they actually contain shots of liquor inspired by popular cocktails. You are in Miami after all!
BLACKBIRD DOUGHNUTS • BOSTON, MA
That extensive line out the door is a great indicator of the quality of the doughnuts found inside. Owner Rebecca Roth Gullo was hesitant when her general manager came back from Chicago with the brilliant idea to open a doughnut shop. We’re so thankful she changed her mind. In a city that’s overrun with Dunkin Donuts, Blackbird is a breath of fresh air. Although there is not seating inside the small South End joint, there is a glass wall that gives patrons a peak into the behind-the-scenes doughnut making action. On a nice day, snag a seat on a bench out front where you can savor every last morsel of the delicious from scratch treats. The Salted Toffee doughnut is to die for, but we recommend going with the Apple Pie Bismarck since the fruit used to flavor these babies are from the nearby Buckle Farm. Yum!
DOUGH • BROOKLYN, NY and NEW YORK, NY
Dough is all about heart and hard work in the kitchen. These doughnuts are made with a little extra love in small batches with the freshest ingredients throughout each day. By embracing high-quality ingredients such as European style butter and flavorful nutmeg, chefs meticulously prepare a brioche-like dough, hand-cut, and gently fry each batch. Glazes are applied by hand, and all toppings are secured with care. Expect all flavors to be exceptional such as Passion Fruit, Hibiscus, and Cheesecake. Dough’s dedication to the craft pays off, and they consider each doughnut their own work of art. We concur.
DISTRICT DONUTS SLIDERS BREWS • NEW ORLEANS, LA
Put District on your bucket list. These are quite possibly the best doughnuts on our list if not the best doughnuts ever. If you go, do not miss the made-from-scratch doughnuts with filling (Fancy or Extra Fancy). The guys behind District are serious experts pumping their doughnuts full of the most delicious and creative flavors. Think Olive Oil and Rosemary, Maple Sriracha, and Miso Praline Bacon. These seven specials rotate daily, but we were lucky enough to get our hands on the Banana Cream. It’s everything you’d dream of and more. There were even caramelized bananas on top! Feeling extra naughty after all that Mardi Gras drinking? Go for the Croquenuts – griddled sandwiches served on doughnuts. YUP.
UNION SQUARE DONUTS • SOMERVILLE, MA
When in Boston, it’s worth going a little out of the way to stop at one of our favorite doughnut shops, which will soon be one of yours as well. The people here are especially friendly and take into consideration all of your allergies and dietary restrictions. Offering vegan and gluten free choices means more doughnuts (calories) for everyone! Of course, all of their doughnuts are made from scratch using homemade glazes, jams, and creams. If you’re not worried about your diet, try the Sea Salted Bourbon Caramel and the Maple Bacon flavors. Drooling, yet?
