Best Doughnuts and Bread, As Well, Far and In Between in America

Bread and doughnuts bought in grocery stores are too doughy for me. Very flimsy bread no matter the grains of wheat or grain or whatever. I prefer a stiff bread and can only hope to find a stiff rye bread that can hold itself together. Bread that has a nice chewy bite rather than feel like you are rolling a handful of dough in your mouth from cheek to cheek. When I lived in Madrid, I lived next door to a bakery. What a gift!

Best doughnuts in the U.S.: the delicious dozen

By Ann Rivall | U.S. News – Thu, Apr 18, 2013 8:04 PM EDT

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(Photo: Courtesy of Mark Klebeck / Top Pot Doughnut)

Nothing beats a doughnut, whether they're glazed, jelly filled or dressed up in crushed Oreos or a crunchy strip of bacon. These beloved fried pastries took a humble back seat while perfectly crafted cupcakes satisfied sweet savants across the country for the past several years. But as emporiums across the country continue to invent novelty confections, we can't help but think these gourmet delights are replacing cupcakes as the go-to sweet indulgence.

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National Donut Day isn't until June 7 this year, but who says you can't start celebrating early? After taking into account bakery reputation, menu variety and online reviews from die-hard doughnut-lovers, we believe that this delicious dozen represents the best of the best.

Top Pot
Seattle

While some bakeries pride themselves on their unconventional flavor pairings, Top Pot's claim to fame is its classic, "hand-forged" doughnuts. Protected by a crunchy outer shell, these soft doughnuts are some of the Seattle shop's most popular. Admirers of the Old Fashioned variety say these doughnuts have the perfect glaze-to-dough ratio, with a sweetness that isn't overpowering.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop(Photo: Courtesy of Todd Fuller / Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop)
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Admired by Tina Fey, Brooklynites and in-the-know out-of-towners, Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop is an unpretentious mom-and-pop shop that specializes in handmade doughnuts. Though the line is often long, devotees of this Brooklyn-based bakery say delicious variations — like cannoli cream and red velvet doughnuts — are worth the wait. And starting in May, you can once again order up another fan favorite: Peter Pan's ice cream doughnut sandwich. A seasonal offering, the sandwich is a cool antidote to summer's sticky humidity.

Voodoo Doughnut(Photo: Courtesy of RockoBilly / Voodoo Doughnut)
Portland, Ore.

If you consider yourself a doughnut purist, you may not appreciate the unique toppings offered at Voodoo Doughnut. Though this Oregon bake shop does offer traditional variations like glazed and plain cake doughnuts, Voodoo's more inventive confections are the real reason doughnut-lovers keep coming back. If you're nostalgic for the flavors of your childhood, sample the Voodoo Bubble Doughnut or the Orangatang. The former is coated with vanilla frosting and bubble gum garnish, while the latter is layered with Tang, vanilla frosting and orange sprinkles.

Nord's Bakery(Photo: Zepfanman.com/Flickr)
Louisville, Ky.

The standout at Nord's Bakery is undeniably the Maple Bacon Doughnut. These best-sellers are blanketed in maple-flavored icing and then topped with a thick strip of fried bacon. Although coupling doughnuts with bacon may not be a novel idea (a variation of this particular treat appears prominently in almost every shop on this list), fans of Nord's say this bakery's take is mouth-watering.

Doughnut Vault(Photo: xmatt/Flickr)
Chicago

The Doughnut Vault's cerulean- and white-brick storefront may look unassuming, but its freshly made treats are anything but ordinary. Handcrafted in small batches with flavors that rotate weekly, the doughnuts here attract early-morning crowds to Chicago's North Franklin Street. So, arm yourself with $2 to $3 (depending on your doughnut preference) and arrive early because these pastries — especially the specialty flavors like pistachio and lemon poppy seed — sell like hot cakes. If you don't want to risk missing out, check the Doughnut Vault's Facebook page, where you can find frequent updates about the specialties available and the length of the doughnut line.

Stan's Doughnuts(Photo: manda_wong/Flickr)
Los Angeles

The longevity of Stan's Doughnuts proves that even with the proliferation of giant chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts, mom-and-pop shops can still thrive. Located in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood (home to UCLA), Stan's has been a staple since 1965. You can still order a Plain Old Fashioned doughnut for $1 or, for a little extra coin, you can sample some of Stan's more inventive combinations, like its Blueberry Cheese doughnut or one of its peanut butter-filled varieties.

Click here to order another half-dozen delicious doughnuts.