They may not be good for your body, but these doughnuts are certainly good for your soul!
There’s no arguing: Doughnuts are delightful! And while the goodies are known to be a favorite treat for kids, we know adults love them just as much. Whether you like apple cider doughnuts, frosted with sprinkles, or our favorite — the Boston cream, going out for doughnuts is a fun family indulgence.
These 10 doughnut shops around Boston are perfect for any parent, babysitter, or nanny to visit with the little ones. Not only do these locations make great pastries, they also have fun atmospheres and are full of other families out for a sweet treat. And remember, doughnuts aren’t just for breakfast! Once you try these shops, you’ll want to bring some home for an afternoon snack.
Kane’s Donuts
Address: 90 Oliver St., Boston, MA 02110
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phone: 857-317-2654
Kane’s Donuts was named one of the top 10 doughnut shops in the country by Bon Appétit magazine, so there’s no doubt these doughnuts will blow you away. The charming history of the shop is just the icing on top! Kane’s was started by husband-and-wife team Peter and Kay Delois in 1955. Eventually, the couple’s five children took over the family business, opening the second location in Boston, much to the delight of doughnut lovers.
Kane’s has all the traditional flavors of doughnuts, as well as special varieties that kids will love, like turtle, Oreo, and more. They even have gluten-free options for the more sensitive consumers, and special monthly flavors that ensure you’ll never get sick of these doughnuts. During August, we recommend trying the ginger pear fritter. Yum!
Doughboy Donuts and Deli
Address: 220 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 617-269-7560
Kids will absolutely love Doughboy’s signature tie-dye donuts, which taste as great as they look. The shop is also famous for its Boston cream, unsurprisingly. But that’s not all, because Doughboy serves more than just doughnuts. For those mornings when you really need a boost, try ordering an egg sandwich on a glazed doughnut. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
While the college crowd might love that Doughboy is open all night, parents will love that they can come in for a doughnut and coffee no matter how early the kids wake up. That alone makes Doughboy one of our favorite Boston doughnut shops. The shop may be no frills, but you won’t regret taking the kids out for a special treat from Doughboy.
Blackbird Doughnuts
Locations:
- Fenway/Kenmore: 20 Kilmarnock St. Boston, MA 02115
- South End: 492 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 617-482-9000
At Blackbird Doughnuts, doughnuts are no child’s play. This place takes the treats seriously, and so will you after you taste their gourmet creations. The doughnuts are made with a brioche dough that gives them a light, airy texture. Patrons can also opt for the cake variety, made with buttermilk and sour cream. For a totally unique doughnut experience, we recommend the everything bagel doughnut — a brioche doughnut filled with whipped cream cheese and topped with toasted garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds.
The shops are intended for carry-out service, so Blackbird Doughnuts is a good option if it’s a sunny day and your family wants to take your treats on the road. Both locations — one in the heart of the city and one near Fenway — offer plenty to do nearby.
Twin Donuts
Address: 501 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134
Hours: Monday – Friday, 4 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Sunday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 617-254-9421
Twin Donuts is old school: There’s no website and no Facebook page, but there are plenty of good doughnuts just waiting to be discovered. Best of all, prices are also from years past at just 85 cents per doughnut! But the Allston favorite is more than just a doughnut shop. They serve complete breakfasts with table service that is efficient and speedy.
Twin Donuts is open early enough to accommodate even the earliest risers, making this a good option for parents with little ones. You could be in and out with full bellies before the college crowd even wakes up.
Union Square Donuts
Locations:
- Brookline: 409 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446
- Somerville: 20 Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 617-209-2257
If you’ve spent any time in Somerville, you’ve probably met someone who is obsessed with Union Square Donuts. This shop has its own following, which is no surprise. The doughnuts are made fresh each day in traditional flavors and bolder options, like Vietnamese coffee or raspberry lime rickey — one of three vegan doughnut flavors that the shop keeps on hand. For little ones, Union Square Donuts makes doughnut holes that will be a hit.
True Bostonians can now get Union Square Donuts without leaving the city limits, since the shop has opened an additional location at the Boston Public Market. That bustling shopping center is a great destination if you’re looking for a morning out.
Mike’s Donuts
Locations:
- Forest Hills T Station: Washington Street at Hyde Park Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
- Roxbury Crossing: 1524 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02120
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 617-427-6828
The secret to Mike’s Donut’s success are the light, airy honey-dipped doughnuts that melt in your mouth. And the secret to those is a coveted recipe that owners Bruce and Maria Weinograd have protected diligently since they took over Mike’s in 1976. After you taste these doughnuts, you’ll swear there’s just a touch of magic involved.
If you go to Mike’s, you have to try the honey-dipped doughnuts, obviously. But there are plenty of other things on the menu, some of which are even healthy, like the fruit smoothies, so you have the option of getting a healthy treat for the kids. Mike’s serves lunch, so there’s no need to worry if you’re late getting out the door. There are also plenty of hot and cold coffee options for when you need an extra pick-me-up after having a little one who was up all night.
Demet’s Donuts
Address: 199 Mystic Ave., Medford, MA 02155
Hours: Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday, 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phone: 781-395-8422
Demet’s Donuts is outside the city, but if you’re traveling to the ’burbs, it’s well worth a stop. Demet’s has been making their doughnuts on-site for 30 years, and the shop still has a small-town neighborhood feel. The only bummer is that because Demet’s Donuts are so good, the most popular flavors tend to run out fast.
Parents who need a little extra kick will love that Demet’s takes as much pride in its coffee as it does in its doughnuts. The shop has a secret blend that tastes delicious and will leave you with energy to spare!
Donuts With a Difference
Address: 35 Riverside Ave., Medford, MA 02155
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Sunday, 6:30 a.m. – noon
Phone: 781-396-1021
The minds behind Donuts With a Difference believe that everyone should be able to enjoy doughnuts — even people with dietary restrictions. While the doughnuts can’t accommodate all allergies, the shop does its best! The store and all its products are free of peanuts and tree nuts, and they sell kosher options.
Donuts With a Difference started in 1984, after the owners spent 15 years working for other doughnut companies, including Dunkin’ Donuts. They left to create their own treats and focus on service and attention to their customers, so you can expect great customer service. When you visit, be sure to try the cider doughnuts. They rival those of any area farm, and the kids will love them.
Boston Common Coffee Co.
Address: 515 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 617-542-0595
It may not have “doughnuts” in the name, but Boston Common Coffee Company can compete with any doughnut shop in the city. Unfortunately, there’s a catch: The shop bakes doughnuts only on Thursdays, and once the four varieties (one of which is always vegan) are gone you’re out of luck until next week. However, that added incentive makes these doughnuts truly a treat, and kids will love the excitement of getting to the shop before the doughnuts are gone.
Of course, the location of this shop — just across from the Common — makes it perfect for families. We recommend grabbing your doughnuts (and coffee, of course) and having a picnic at the Frog Pond.
Gail Ann’s Coffee Shop
Address: 10 Medford St., Arlington, MA 02474
Hours: Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday, 5 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sunday, 5 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Phone: 781-648-9584
Stepping into Gail Ann’s Coffee Shop is like stepping back in time. Not only are the 25 varieties of doughnuts baked in the shop, which oozes with small-town charm, but the joint is also cash only. But that minor inconvenience is well worth it once you taste these treats.
The coffee shop has been making great doughnuts — and coffee — since your grandmother was out with her kids, so they’re pros at handling the needs of their littlest visitors.
Did we list all your favorite doughnut shops in the Boston area? Let us know in the comments below!
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