In Austin, there’s only one morning food item that’s better than (OK, on par with) breakfast tacos: Doughnuts! If you’re burned out on brunch and tired of Tex-Mex, it’s time to take advantage of the city’s plethora of doughnut shops and bakeries.
Of course, it’s always a bit of a tough task to narrow down Austin’s foodie options — yes, even when it comes to doughnuts. The culinary scene here is off-the-charts good, and that ethos extends to its bakery delights. Seriously, there’s no end in sight to the dessert ‘n doughnuts choices in this town!
To help you out, we put together a list of the 10 best doughnut shops in all of Austin. Whether you’re craving inventive and sugary doughnut concoctions, a savory doughnut burger topped with jalapeno and bacon (yep!), or a simple order of perfect glazed holes, these shops are guaranteed to satisfy your needs.
Plus, they’re are all kid-friendly — so, if you’re a parent, a babysitter, or a nanny looking to take your kids out for a sweet treat, these 10 doughnut shops should be at the top of your list.
Gourdough’s
Address: Click here for a list of locations.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – midnight | Saturday, 8 a.m. – 3 a.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m. – midnight
Phone: Varies by location
If you’ve ever dreamed of a land where everything was made of doughnuts (um, who hasn’t?), then Gourdough’s is a must-visit. Spanning three locations (downtown, on South Lamar, and a trailer on South First), Gourdough’s is well known around town for its decadent doughnut creations and adventurous foodie pairings. Sure, you may go into a sugar coma afterward, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of Gourdough’s infamous Donut Burgers — a plethora of burger options that come served atop piping-hot homemade glazed doughnuts. Yum!
Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery
Address: 4909 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751
Hours: Open daily, midnight – noon AND 7:30 p.m. – midnight
Phone: 512-452-4750
Craving simplicity in your doughnuts? If a no-frills dozen of glazed and a cup of steaming black coffee is what you’re after, Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery will undoubtedly hit the spot. This legendary Austin institution has been serving up delicious doughnuts since 1948 (yes, you read that right!), and they’re still going strong. You could opt for one of the specialty doughnuts here (we’re partial to the Bavarian Cream Filled Donuts), but why mess with simple? The Famous Glazed Donut is what Mrs. Johnson’s is known for, and for good reason. Best of all, Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery is open all night and there’s a drive-thru.
Voodoo Doughnut
Address: 212 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 512-215-8586
Ah, Voodoo Doughnut — home of the craziest flavor combos imaginable! Originally from that other “weird” city (Portland, Oregon), this iconic doughnut shop is located on West Sixth Street (or, “Dirty Sixth,” as it’s known to the 20-something crowd). So, while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend coming here at night with young kids in tow, this is a perfect spot during the daylight hours. Kids and parents alike will love Voodoo’s signature breakfast cereal–topped confections (think old-school cereals like Cap’n Crunch and Froot Loops), and there are always fun themed and holiday doughnuts available. Just keep in mind that Voodoo Doughnut operates on a cash-only basis.
Bribery Bakery
Address:
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Wells Branch: 2013 Wells Branch Pkwy, #109, Austin, TX 78728
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Mueller: 1900 Simond Ave., #300, Austin, TX 78723)
Hours:
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Wells Branch: Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Mueller: Tuesday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Wednesday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Phone:
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Wells Branch: 512-531-9832
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Mueller: 512-297-2720
This sweet little bakery opened up a second location in Austin’s Mueller district last year, and it’s this one that we love the most. For one, they’ve expanded their menu to include delicious lunch options, in addition to their noteworthy bakery items. In addition, there’s booze involved — including yummy and refreshing craft cocktails, like the Franny (vodka, rosemary, blood orange, and bubbly). But, best of all (and the reason we’ve included it on the list), Bribery Bakery makes the fluffiest, creamiest sprinkle doughnuts you could possibly imagine. Don’t miss them!
Ken’s Donuts
Address: 2820 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 512-320-8484
Ken’s Donuts is a pure old-fashioned delight. Located on the University of Texas’s West Campus, Ken’s offers cheap yet delectable doughnut options that keep dozens of regulars coming back for more. There’s nothing fancy about this place or its menu offerings — and that’s what we like about it! And hey, if you don’t feel like leaving your house on Sunday morning, keep in mind that Ken’s also delivers. Seriously, if you’re in the mood for simple and delicious doughnuts, you can’t go wrong here.
Round Rock Donuts
Address: 106 W. Liberty Ave., Round Rock, TX 78664
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 5 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sunday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 512-255-3629
Yes, it’s the same Round Rock Donuts that was featured on the TV show “Man v. Food”! Touting a “world famous” recipe from the 1940s, this extremely popular doughnut shop attracts hundreds of customers per week. Expect to wait in line here — and expect the wait to be worth it. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, the Texas Sized Donut is two pounds of deliciousness. Or, stick with Round Rock’s classic orange glazed doughnuts or specialty cake doughnuts.
Angel Donuts & Treats
Address: 8300 N. FM 620, Building A, Ste. 200, Austin, TX 78726
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: 512-330-4825
Angel Donuts & Treats has a little something for everyone. Of course, there are all the usual go-to options — like tasty doughnut holes, and iced and cake doughnuts of several varieties — but Angel’s takes it one step farther with their incredible Raised Filled Donuts (two words: chocolate hazelnut) and their speciality apple fritters and eclairs. Heck, they even have delicious beignets. Come here if you want some variety in your doughnut life!
Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts
Address: 75 Rainey St., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Monday – Friday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Saturday & Sunday, noon – 2 a.m.
Phone: 424-235-8297
It wouldn’t be a true Austin foodie list without a food truck mention. Situated on lively Rainey Street, Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts serves bite-sized doughnuts that will satiate your sweet tooth without giving you a stomachache in the proces. This adorable, bubble gum-pink joint was recently named one of the top 10 hottest food trucks in the U.S. (by Zagat), and it’s no wonder. You’ll love sampling Little Lucy’s bags of cinnamon and sugar–dusted mini-donuts, as well as their equally delicious dipping sauces.
Howdy Donut
Address: 314 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Sunday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 512-912-7557
Howdy, ya’ll! It’s doughnut time. Located on an unassuming strip of South Congress, Howdy Donut is home to some seriously good Texas-sized doughnuts (and kolaches, to boot). Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their signature crumb cake doughnut or their blueberry doughnut. Or, you could always get a dozen of each and call it a day. (We won’t tell anyone!)
Donut Taco Palace
Address: 807 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 200, Austin, TX 78748
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phone: 512-997-8110
Last but certainly nowhere near least, if you’ve got a hankering for tacos and doughnuts (no judgments here), we’ve got some excellent news for you. You don’t have to make up your mind about which you’d like more, because at Donut Taco Palace you can have both. At the same time. (Have we blown your mind yet?) Donut Taco Palace became an internet sensation back in 2012, and its cult appeal has only grown since then — thanks, in no small part, to its special Longhorn Donut (pictured above), which features the familiar pinkie-and-index-finger salute of UT’s “hook ’em horns.” Yumminess (and state pride) all around!
Did we list all your favorite doughnut shops in Austin? Let us know in the comments below!
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