S.A.’s Donut Decadence: 12 Glazed & Glorious Bites!
San Antonio is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and some of the best donuts you can find. From classic shops that have been serving locals for decades to trendy newcomers with innovative flavors, the Alamo City’s donut offerings are sure to delight any sweet tooth.
In this blog, I will discuss with you the Best Donuts In San Antonio.
The Art Of Donut
Address
This is located at 3428 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States.
Overview
The Art Of Donut is a modern and comfy space that opened as a food truck and instantly became one of the most beloved places in the San Antonio food truck scene. This shop isn’t your everyday donut store which serves normal, doughnut-like doughnuts. Here the imagination goes wild, the tastes which astound the utmost limit of your tongue. The atmosphere is just as cheerful as the assortment of sweet delicacies – a contemporary counter for tasty donuts designed to please friends or family.
My Review
Walking into The Art Of Donut feels like stepping into a whimsical wonderland. The scent of fresh pastries and rich coffee envelops you instantly. My first choice was the lavender glazed donut, which was a revelation. Floral undertones were present in the aroma and taste, which I appreciated combined with the sugary glaze. The third dish was the ube haupia; it had a purple-colored look that was very appetizing to the eyes and the tongue.
The coconut, which filled the haupia, was nice and custard-like, complementing the mild, almost soil-like flavor. The ‘Tres Leches’ Donut was the last highlight of my visit and this was, indeed, a divine combination of soft and moist flavors that just dissolved on the palate. It was so delicious that with each bite, I realized more and more that The Art Of Donut is a beloved treasure nestled in the middle of San Antonio.
Original Donut Shop
Address
This is located at 3307 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201, United States.
Overview
Original Donut Shop has been serving the community since 1949. This classic spot is renowned not only for its fresh donuts but also for its mouth-watering breakfast tacos. It is generated from donuts baked fresh to order and served hot and fluffy every time they are ordered. This place is one in which tradition and quality meet harmony and that is why people in this area and the tourists like to visit this place.
My Review
The Original Donut Shop has the same feel of several years back with the same flavored donuts and pastries being on the menu. This I could notice on arrival for there was the sweet smell of baked products all over the place. My first choice was a simpler one, a glazed donut, and it was perfect for the occasion. It was the perfect shade of orange, warm, light, and full of air, the way I like my glazed donuts. The next one, the breakfast tacos, was also extraordinary in the richness of flavors.
I ordered the bacon, egg, and cheese taco which was tasty with well-blended savory contents encased in a tender homemade tortilla. We received the food promptly and the waiting staff in particular was courteous which complemented the appeal of this timeless eatery. In this thinking, the rationale for the Original Donut Shop‘s longevity in San Antonio is now obvious.
Voodoo Doughnut
Address
This is located at 400 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Voodoo Doughnut has become a legend due to its eccentric and peculiar approach to doughnut flavoring. San Antonio location is not an exemption, numerous interesting and graphically compelling delicacies are delightful for marriage as well as for the vision. Starting from the enticing and famous Captain Crunch donut to the more suitable peanut butter and jelly, and even as crazy as the Dirt donut which is a chocolate concoction topped with Oreo dust.
My Review
According to the smell, taste, and atmosphere, Voodoo Doughnut is as exquisite as a mythological creature. The surroundings are cheerful and somewhat reckless, consistent with the temperature of the options presented in the form of delicious donuts. The first on the list that I couldn’t resist tasting was the Captain Crunch donut. This is also considered a childhood treat because the cereal sprinkles on top of it with the sugary cereal give an extra crunch to the softness of the doughnut.
The next one was the Peanut Butter and Jelly donuts are tasteful. The rich peanut butter filling and the sweet jelly complement each other so well, all of that wrapped in a warm fried dough. Last on my list was the Dirt donut with a chocolate base and Oreo crumb – pure over the top of sinful. Every chew was a burst of sweeter-than-sin chocolates. More than that, Voodoo Doughnut sells not only donuts but a vibe, a lovely mood, and an amazing time.
Maybelle’s Donuts
Address
This is located at 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States.
Overview
Maybelle’s Donuts, brought to you by the team behind Bakery Lorraine, offers a sophisticated take on the classic donut. It’s a new restaurant in the San Antonio area, which has started to receive a lot of praise due to their refined and creative dishes. It is not very difficult to imagine matcha green tea and elderflower as well as pistachio rosewater donut flavors which are as stunning as they are tasty. The care and effort used to prepare each layer, along with the use of proper ingredients make each donut perfectly crafted.
My Review
Maybelle’s Donuts may be just a doughnut shop but it brings new life into the world of sweets. The shop overall has great aesthetics, meaning its exterior and interior have an aura of sophistication that does not alienate anyone. My first encounter with the tasting event was the matcha green tea donut. The taste was smooth and complex, with a bitter undertone of green tea that blended with the sweetness of the glaze.
The elderflower donut was up next and I felt like I was having a cup of tea with a twist of floral and a slight orange hue. The pistachio rosewater donut was particularly memorable: the pistachio flavour with a touch of floral taste of rosewater produced a harmonious and exquisite taste sensation. Every single donut was a clear indication of well-baaked delicious morsels that were crafted by Maybelle’s bakers. It is a sanctuary where, quite literally, donuts have been turned into a piece of art.
Duck Donuts
Address
This is located at 11703 Huebner Rd #113, San Antonio, TX 78230, United States.
Overview
Duck Donuts, a franchise hailing from North Carolina, has made its mark in San Antonio with its made-to-order donuts. This means every donut is fried fresh and customized to your liking, with a wide array of toppings including glazes, sprinkles, and fruits. This leads to a hot, crispy, and most importantly, new culinary creation each time one wants to personalize it.
My Review
Duck Donuts is a one-of-a-kind franchise whereby the customer prepares the donut on its own. The fact that I had to watch my donut being fried and then embellished was an entertaining part of my experience. I first prepared the simple vanilla glaze with rainbow sprinkles drizzled on top of it. When the donut arrived, it was crispy outside, and it was soft and doughy inside – just amazing. Next, I decided to try a maple bacon donut.
The pieces of bacon were crunchy and salty which somehow perfectly complemented the sweetness of the maple syrup glaze. Last but not least, there was a lemon glaze donut which was topped with fresh blueberries, and the taste of the sour and juicy berries balanced well with the sweetness of the donut. In addition to the quality of Donuts, Duck Donuts boasts of a unique selling proposition of personalized Donuts. Indeed, those who love the doughnut should not miss this place.
East Side Dough
Address
This is located at 1602 E Houston St #111, San Antonio, TX 78202, United States.
Overview
First of all, East Side Dough is Estate Coffee Co.’s confectionery project and the place offers fresh, seasonal donut creations. This location serves donuts as nice as grilled pineapple, basil, lavender, and even bacon, which means you will never get bored of coming here.
My Review
East Side Dough is perfect for people who aren’t afraid of experiments and looking for a perfect donut. The atmosphere is pleasant and warm, which means it is perfect to grab something and enjoy a snack. First up, I had the grilled pineapple donut, and that was quite an experience. Many people thought that the taste of the caramelized pineapple was exquisite as it had a hint of smokiness and sweetness while the dough was more delicate and airy.
Next up was the basil donut which was an interesting variation with a pronounced herb-like taste that was refreshing. The lavender-flavored donut, though faintly floral, offered a very pleasant taste experience and a relaxing ambiance. Last but not the least was the bacon donut which was indeed a combination of both, savory and sweet, and it was delicious. Food quality and freshness specifically pertaining to the utilization of seasonal produce are also values seen in implementation here.
Krispy Kreme
Address
This is located at 12328 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, United States.
Overview
Krispy Kreme needs no introduction. This is a national chain that has tickled the fancy of many people through their trademark hot glazed donuts. Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937, and has since expanded to international levels and is recognized for its Original Glazed donut, best tasted when still warm coming off the conveyor. Apart from the traditional types they have other flavors such as seasonal products and special products that are only available after some time hence making people explore them.
My Review
If one is to visit a Krispy Kreme the first thing they are likely to encounter is the smell of fresh donuts. Just observing the donuts getting coated with the glaze is a fascinating feature in the motion picture. The Original Glazed donut, is warm and fluffy, tender to the taste like a pillow, and collapses instantly in the mouth. It is sweet but it is not overly sweet which could explain why it is one of the most popular ones.
Their seasonal flavors are also worth a mention. From the pumpkin spice donut in the fall to the festive holiday varieties, Krispy Kreme knows how to keep things exciting. I’m a fan of their Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled donut – it’s like biting into a cloud of chocolatey goodness.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Address
This is located at 315 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Shipley Do-Nuts is another beloved chain, known for its melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Shipley began in Houston, Texas in 1936 and now has branches that offer over 60 types of donuts, kolaches, and other bakery products. This commitment has placed them among the most reputable businesses widely used in the southern region.
My Review
But if one is craving different yet equally delightful donuts, then Shipley Do-Nuts can cater to this need. Their donuts are incredibly soft and fresh, and this is because they are made from scratch and cooked to order. However, the regular snack that I can always recommend is the Glazed Donut; it is tender, delicate, and sweet. There is a certain pleasant texture to it and you just love the feel of every piece you take.
However, it is the blend that makes Shipley stand out from the rest. The kolaches, a type of pastry, meat, cheese, or fruit filling, is also good. When I just need a little something savory to counteract the sugar rush of the favorite, it’s the jalapeño cheese sausage kolache for me. If you are into sweet creations, their Chocolate Iced Cake donut is sweet and flavorful enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
La Canela Bakery & Cafe
Address
This is located at 8305 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
La Canela Bakery & Cafe is a family favorite that has a diverse variety of Mexican food products including donuts. This bakery boasts of creating quality and traditional pastries from scratch daily, allowing customers to delight in authentic Mexican flavors even in San Antonio.
My Review
The La Canela Bakery & Cafe can be viewed as a variant of the site type which focuses on the selling of donuts. The donuts’ texture, density, and flavor are slightly different with a little crunch on the outer part and lighter texture on the inside. The selection here is great, and it is offered in various products that depict the Mexican background of the bakery. That is one of the reasons why the churro donut is among my most preferred donuts.
It is a hybrid of a churro because of its round shape and soft texture with the fattiness of a donut. Coated in cinnamon sugar, it goes wonderfully well with their hearty coffee with an amazing aroma. Notable among them is the leches donut, which is soaked in three types of milk to make it spongy and bathed in a cream that makes it unique from other donuts.
H-E-B Bakery
Address
This is located at 11551 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78213, United States.
Overview
H-E-B is another well-known grocery store that only has locations in Texas, and its bakery department is a heavenly place to find donuts. H-E-B bakery serves normal glazed donuts, non-sweetened chocolate glazed, and donuts with sprinkles in a unique way.
My Review
When it comes to grocery stores, one would not anticipate going to a store like H-E-B Bakery and getting some of the most delicious donuts. The store’s donuts are moist and tasty; moreover, they offer many more options than one would expect from the grocery store. One of the long-standing icons, the Glazed Donut is simple, soft smooth, and not too sweet.
Among my most preferred H-E-B specialty items, I must single out the Chocolate Glazed Donut. It left a perfect chocolate taste that is not too bitter, yet not overwhelmingly sweet. The sprinkle donuts are one more type of colorful doughnut that is loved by children and those who want to stay a child.
Central Market Bakery
Address
This is located at 4821 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
The Central Market Bakery offers an array of all sorts of gourmet products, including their donuts. Although some of the exotic donuts offered at Central Market may include chocolate sea salt, maple bacon, and strawberry cheesecake, it rips the donut experience to an extraordinary level.
My Review
Central Market Bakery takes donuts to a whole new level. Their selection is both creative and delicious. The Maple Bacon donut, for instance, is a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The smoky bacon complements the rich maple glaze, creating a flavor explosion with each bite.
Required readings include the Chocolate Sea Salt donut. Milk chocolate with a touch of sea salt and dark chocolate is so dreamy to the palate – it is thick without being overly dominant. And for the one that is fruit flavor, the donut commonly known as Strawberry Cheesecake can only be described as revolutionary. This recipe is accompanied by a thick layer of soft and creamy cheesecake with a hint of sourness and topped with fresh strawberry sauce or glaze. They are miniature deserts that make each bite to be so much like having a dessert.
Bigfoot Coffee & Donuts
Overview
Bigfoot Coffee & Donuts is an environment-friendly local coffee shop that provides a limited number of freshly made donuts daily. This location is ideal for picking up a quick cup of coffee and a snack or sitting down and reading while savoring delicious coffee and freshly baked pastry.
My Review
The Focus’ of Bigfoot Coffee & Donuts is not as extensive as a larger bakery but they do it exceptionally well. I want to say that the food served here specifically the donuts is always fresh and tasty. Even the simplest one like the classic glazed donut is heavenly – it is so light, so fluffy, and just has a hint of sugary taste. Out of the available options, the most outstanding choice that I would like to recommend is the Cinnamon Sugar Donut.
Ordinary yet enjoyable, spiked with a sweet sugar-cinnamon coating that delivers a crunchy sensation. That is why, it is perfect to take any of the donuts and enjoy it with their perfectly brewed coffee. This is made better by the environment of the coffee shop; one feels extremely relaxed and the treat is perfect.
Also Read: Top 10 Best BBQ In San Antonio
Final Words
The ever-growing and immensely popular donut shops of San Antonio are as colorful and diverse as the city. The artistry and craftsmanship at Maybelle’s Donuts and The Art Of Donut; the retro appeal of Original Donut Shop; the over-the-top, silly dessert choices at Voodoo Doughnut; the interactive experience of Duck Donuts; and even the specialty holiday donuts at East Side Dough all cater for the various donut enthusiasts. Every shop has its agenda and vibe, which makes the best donut in San Antonio exciting.