Best Donut Places in D.C.
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Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE sweets. Over the past 5 years or so, my love of all things sweet has focused most specifically on one of the best treats in the universe, the donut. There are just so many different variations and flavors and I want to eat them all. Cake, yeast, gluten-free (shout-out to my sister), stuffed, topped. Classic flavors, crazy combos, make your own, boozy, mini!
I literally could go on and on. But I’ll limit myself to the best donut places in D.C. Next time you’re visiting the Capital, make time to check one, or all of them, out.
1. District Doughnut
Locations: Georgetown, Eastern Market, The Wharf, Union Market, Ballston Quarter
Price: $2.75-$3.50
Favorite Flavors: Baklava, Strawberry, Apple Pie
My #1 favorite donut place in D.C. is District Doughnut. This is due to two reasons, the flavors and the locations. District changes their specialty flavors every season, as well as a few delicious staples, like Funfetti and Brown Butter. And if you order a Creme Brulee doughnut, they will brulee it to order right in front of you. They have stores in a variety of locations, making it easy to get my fix. They also have cinnamon rolls and doughnut holes if you don’t want a regular doughnut.
2. Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken
Locations: Metro Center area, Falls Church, VA, and a food truck
Price: $2.60-$3.60
Favorite Flavors: Key Lime Pie, Creme Brulee, Mudslide
Another amazing donut spot in D.C. is Astro Doughnuts, mainly because it has delicious donuts as well as fried chicken. As a southerner, it’s hard to find good fried chicken up here. Let me tell you, Astro has got it. Their biscuits are particularly delicious, and you can even get a breakfast sandwich with donuts replacing the biscuit! If you like variety in your donut flavors, Astro is perfect, since they change their featured donuts every month.
3. Donut Run
Location: Takoma
Price: $3-4 per donut
Favorite Flavors: Strawberry, Cookies and Cream
The newest donut shop in D.C., Donut Run easily makes my top 5 list, despite all the donuts being vegan! I am not vegan, but I honestly could not tell the difference. This place is so popular that they regularly run out of everything before noon, so get up early for these! But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
4. Good Company Doughnuts and Cafe
Locations: Arlington, VA
Price: $15 for a half dozen
Favorite Flavors: Nutella & Toffee, anything Blueberry flavored, mini doughnuts
Good Company is only located in Arlington, VA, but I’m including it on my list since there are delivery options and the doughnuts are just that good. The thing that sets them apart is that they have a full menu as well as doughnuts and coffee. So if you’re looking for breakfast dishes, savory meals, or beer and wine with your doughnuts, this is the place. Plus, their doughnut and pastry selection is extensive compared to the others.
5. Tabard Inn
Location: Dupont Circle
Price: $2
Flavor: cinnamon and sugar, with vanilla whipped cream
Although not a donut place, Tabard Inn’s ‘famous Tabard donut’ is the best classic donut I’ve had in the city. It is perfectly fluffy with a cinnamon-sugar coating. Go for these donuts and stay for the rest of the brunch menu, including shrimp and grits!
6. Duck Donuts
Locations: Arlington, Alexandria
Price: $1.85
Favorite Flavors: Maple Bacon, Cinnamon Sugar, Orange Creamsicle
Duck Donuts began in North Carolina and has quickly spread. Although there aren’t any locations in D.C., there are 2 in Northern Virginia. Since this is in my neck of the woods still, I’m including them. Plus, Duck has the best maple bacon donut I’ve ever had. And since bacon is my favorite food, trust me, I’ve tried A LOT of bacon donuts. The other unique thing about this place is that you can customize your donut flavors, which is always a bonus, and they’re a bit cheaper than the other options.
Honorable Mention: Farmers and Distillers
Location: Chinatown
Price: $1-3
Favorite Flavors: Cinnamon Roll, Strawberries and Cream croissant donut
I can’t mention donuts in D.C. without talking about Farmers and Distillers. Although not a donut place per se, this restaurant has a bakery counter in the middle of the dining room that provides donuts, pastries and coffee. You can even order certain dishes that come with a donut as a side. If you want a nice dinner and a donut to go, this is your place.
Are there any donut places you go back to again and again? I’d love to hear about your favorites! And I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best donut places in D.C. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to check out my other Best of DC posts.
42 Comments
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Jennifer | Me and My Traveling Hat
Oh this is definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing it. We go to DC often, so now we have some new places to check out thanks to you!
I just posted on my blog about craving donuts and how I had to make them at home because I could not stop craving a certain kind.
I thought kicked the feeling of my craving but after reading yours I might have to drive to DC, lol.
Jordan
Hi Jennifer,
That’s great that y’all visit DC a lot! It’s such a great city. You’ll have to let me know what you think if you get to try any of the donut places during your next visit.
Adrian Pottinger
Sugar Shack was my go to shop when I lived in DC
Jordan
Hi Adrian,
Nice to meet a former DC-dweller. And Sugar Shack is definitely a regular destination for me.
Tanya
Everything looks so yummy!
Amanda
We just got a Duck Donuts locally. I will have to try it out. And that chicken biscuit, yum!
Jordan
Hi Amanda,
Oh nice! You’ll have to let me know what you think of it. I like that you can make your own flavor combos here.
Missy
I love that you gave out an honorable mention too. Love donuts!!!!