Ever since the Dutch introduced the doughnut to America in the mid 19th century, it has been a staple pastry for Americans that has evolved over the years from flavored fillings to bite-size creations.
If you were wondering where in Gainesville you can find some deals for National Doughnut Day, here’s the Avenue’s ranking of the best doughnuts in town.
4. Dunkin Donuts- 3411 SW Archer Road
Chances are, you grew up eating Dunkin Donuts as it’s one of America’s oldest doughnuts chains.
Starting in a small town in Massachusetts in the 1950s, Dunkin Donuts has expanded to more than 12,000 restaurants worldwide, according to their website.
Here, you find comfort in finding the classic doughnuts, whether glazed or with sprinkles on top, but not necessarily a place to go if you’re looking for something more eccentric.
This Friday, Dunkin Donuts will be offering a free doughnut with the purchase of a drink.
Vegan options: No
Gluten-free options: No
Rate: 5/10
Price range: $1
3. Krispy Kreme- 306 NW 13th St.
When Krispy Kreme’s red neon light is on, it attracts customers like moths to a flame – and I understand why. (Friendly tip: Krispy Kreme has an app that notifies you when the red light is on at your local shop.)
The first bite of a freshly made warm glazed donut is one you remember and one that consistently brings you back for more.
Like Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme does not branch out of their classic flavors like glazed, strawberry with sprinkles and glazed with a cream filling on the inside – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Located just across the street from campus, this 24/7 doughnut shop makes it convenient to stop by and grab a quick bite before class in the morning or after a night out.
For national Donut Day, Krispy Kreme will be giving out a free doughnut with no purchase all day on Friday.
Vegan options: no
Gluten-free options: no
Price range: $1.19 to $1.59
Rate: 7/10
2. Karma Cream - 607 W. University Ave.
Karma Cream is well known throughout Gainesville for its vegan baked goods and ice cream.
But what makes Karma Cream unique is that you won’t find a simple glazed doughnut. Instead, you can expect to find flavors like orange blossom cream and chai cookie donuts inside their glass cases.
Although they are priced higher than the others, you won’t be disappointed by the quality and taste of their doughnuts.
Vegan options: Yes
Gluten-free options: No
Price range: $3.50 to $4.50
Rate: 8/10
1.Halo Potato- 1323 S. Main St.
What started as a food truck, Halo Potato Donuts, has transformed into a small but mighty blue brick-and-mortar shop that serves a wide range of doughnut flavors like cinnamon toast crunch and maple syrup. On Sundays, they offer vegan options, as well.
Ever since I bought my first order of doughnuts from their truck about a year ago, I have not stopped raving about them since then.
A doughnut (or three) with a cup of coffee is the perfect start to the long-awaited weekend. For National Donut Day on Friday, they will be having a weekend-long celebration full of prizes like stickers, keychains and gift cards to other local businesses.
Vegan options: yes
Gluten-free: No
Price range: $2.25 to $3.00
Rate: 9/10
Contact Valentina Botero at vbotero@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @lvbotero_.
June 5 is National Doughnut Day — the Avenue put together a list of the best doughnuts and deals in town.
