Aurora Donuts
The fuchsia counters and bubbly signage at 13201 Aurora Ave N hint at this shop's past as a Dunkin' location. These days it makes its own donuts in a familiar style, with chocolate Bavarian cream, pink strawberry frosted and buttermilk cake rings filling the case. Save room for the bacon maple bar dotted with black pepper, the one people tend to single out.
Donuts in Seattle's South End
The Flour Box
Expect company at this Hillman City bakery at 5520 Rainier Ave S, where the line for its famous brioche donuts builds well before the doors open and fans bring folding chairs. Flavors rotate each month, so you might find crème brûlée custard under torched sugar or a savory chive cream cheese version topped with everything spice. Oreo mascarpone and Thai tea have made appearances too.
King Donuts
Stop by 7820 Rainier Ave S for King Donuts, a Rainier Valley fixture since the 1980s whose donuts are known for being exceptionally light and airy. Regulars come back for buttermilk bars and sprinkle-topped classics. Keep an eye out for specials such as pistachio glaze, sea salt caramel twists and a German chocolate cake donut with caramel and coconut.
Beacon Hill, the Central District and the International District
Familyfriend
Plan an evening at this Guamanian restaurant at 3315 Beacon Ave S, where donuts are a sweet finish to dinner rather than a morning stop. The donut holes arrive in a small paper bag, studded with chunks of mango that soften the dense dough, with a spiced white peach coulis alongside for dipping. It makes an easy fit for a casual dinner or a date night on Beacon Hill.
Temple Pastries
All week long, Temple Pastries at 2524 S Jackson St #104 in the Central District is known for strikingly pretty baked goods, and on Saturdays and Sundays donuts join the lineup. Try the churro-style donut coated in cinnamon sugar or a brioche filled with chile verde pork. The cronut, with flaky croissant layers and silky cream, is the headliner, and the honey-soaked honeycomb version is one to enjoy at a table.
Fuji Bakery
Wander over to 526 S King St in the International District for this Japanese bakery, a favorite for malasadas in Hawaiian flavors like ube and lilikoi. Its signature is the Crunchy Cream, a brioche donut filled with vanilla bean custard and rolled in sugar and cornflakes. Mochi donuts are popular too, and the curry kare-pan gives savory eaters a reason to come along.
West Seattle and White Center
9th & Hennepin Donuts
Before settling at 5604 Delridge Way SW in West Seattle, 9th & Hennepin started out as a truck working farmers markets around town. Its donuts lean on fresh produce like rainbow carrots, pears, plums and herbs, and everything is fried to order, from a lime hominy cake donut with tequila glaze to a French cruller dusted in Meyer lemon sugar. A dedicated gluten-free fryer means an occasional wheat-free option, and you can book the truck for events like weddings.
Fluffy Donut
New owners took over the former Good Day Donuts space at 9823 15th Ave SW in White Center and renamed it Fluffy Donut. The small counter keeps things simple with maple bars, old-fashioneds, mochi and croffles with strawberry frosting. What sets it apart is its many vegan varieties, airy enough to rival the dairy versions, and a mixed dozen is an easy way to sample.
A Hometown Chain
Top Pot Doughnuts
Top Pot is a Seattle-grown donut chain with several shops around the area. Its lineup of locations has changed recently, so check its website for current addresses before you head out.
Planning Your Donut Morning
- Go early. The Flour Box draws lines before opening, and Family Donut Shop can sell out on weekend mornings.
- Confirm hours first. Schedules can change, and Temple Pastries offers donuts only on weekends.
- Dietary needs: Fluffy Donut has many vegan choices, and 9th & Hennepin sometimes offers gluten-free donuts from a separate fryer.
- Make a day of it. Follow your stop with a stroll through one of Seattle's neighborhoods or a picnic in one of the city's parks.
To fill the rest of your day, browse our guide to things to do in Seattle or map out a route past local Seattle landmarks.
Check each shop's own website for current hours, menus and locations before you go.
