Being from upstate New York, I have a permanent doughnut spot in my stomach. Doughnuts were everywhere growing up, and if you were gathering with family, you’d always stop for a box. A peanut doughnut was always my favorite, but it’s not a doughnut that I’ve ever found outside of New York. When I moved to Seattle in 2009, I was searching hard for the hometown classics. I have found some true treasures in our city. 

The doughnuts at Daily Dozen inside Pike Place Market are worth waiting in line for.

Let’s start with a Seattle staple. I love Pike Place Market, and also love going with my son as often as possible to get a piroshky and then a doughnut from the Daily Dozen. It’s a small booth inside the market across from DeLaurenti Food and Wine. You’ll have to stand in line, but It won’t take long, and you’ll be shoveling hot fresh doughnuts made right in front of you into your mouth before you know it. I prefer the cinnamon, but choices include cinnamon, plain, sugar, maple, and maple bacon. All are delicious. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water, and you’ll want to come back for more. The staff is always wonderful, and be sure to snag a cup of coffee as well. 

Latin American flavors inspire the doughnuts at Doce.

Next up: Don’t walk, run to Doce Donut Co. in Fremont for the Latin American-inspired 24-hour raised brioche doughnuts. I walked into the shop, and immediately my nose went crazy. I had the pleasure of sitting down with owners Claudia and Damian, who moved to Seattle four years ago for corporate jobs, but soon discovered that Seattle has a huge desire for doughnuts. They wanted to bring their Latin American culture into their doughnuts as well as American classic flavors. Damian’s mother and father are a huge part of the business, and came from Venezuela to support their journey. Damian’s father, Daniel, makes the dough, and his mother, Silvia, makes a mean cup of coffee. It’s a wonderful community. 

When I arrived, I asked for four doughnuts to try at their choosing and they provided me with apple cobbler, passion fruit crème brulee, tres leches, and guava + cheese. The latter was my favorite, but it was hard to choose just one. The apple cobbler wasn’t too sweet and had the perfect amount of filling. I was hesitant to try the guava + cheese because I’m not really an adventurous eater, but it was incredibly delicious. I would absolutely eat it again. 

Lucky Donuts offers a classic selection of fresh doughnuts every day.

Now let’s step into your classic doughnut shop with glazed rings, maple bars, apple fritters, and more. Lucky Donuts has been in Burien for more than 20 years. If you’re craving classics, you’ll want to stop here. My favorite part about this shop is the staff — so kind and delightful every time. After you pay, they almost always say, “See you tomorrow!” in which I chuckle and say maybe. I immediately head home for a workout, so I don’t feel bad about returning. I prefer the glazed twist, but you can’t go wrong here. Every doughnut is light, airy, and delicious. Get a dozen and do a tasting. You won’t regret it. 

With rotating flavors and a brioche base, Flour Box doughnuts sell out every day within a few short hours.

Don’t skip this last one. You will wait in line, but it’s worth it. The Flour Box in Columbia City began as a pop-up, but now has a solid line of people craving doughnuts outside the shop. I stood in line for 45 minutes and friends, let me tell you, I do not regret it. While flavors change often, the brioche doughnut base itself is phenomenal. I had been tasting doughnuts for a week now, so I proceeded with caution because the sign is clear: “Only buy what you can eat today.” I bought two. I barely made it to the car before I had to rip open the box. I quickly devoured both. They were light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Flour Box doughnuts sell out every day, usually within two short hours. Plan ahead and keep your eyeballs on its Instagram page. Updates include the length of the wait and number of doughnuts left. 

You’ll never regret eating a doughnut. You might regret eating a whole box, so tread lightly. Enjoy these fantastic spots in Seattle, and doughnut on, my friends! 

Have a hidden gem in or around Seattle, on any topic, you’d like to share? Submit it to stephanie.russell@seattlemag.com