Atlanta takes its doughnuts seriously. From old-school counters that open before sunrise to chef-driven shops layering flavors like they’re building a tasting menu, the city’s doughnut scene is far deeper than a pink box of glazed rings.
You’ll find brioche and yeast-raised classics, cake doughnuts done right, and made-to-order creations that reward patience and curiosity. This guide rounds up some of the best doughnuts in and around Atlanta—the spots locals swear by, argue about, and happily drive across town for when the craving hits.
Sublime Doughnuts
Sublime Doughnuts, near Georgia Tech, has earned a cult following for its cake doughnuts topped with bold combinations like maple bacon—a perfect sweet-and-savory hit—and cookies and cream. Regulars swear by classics like the A-Town and the Orange Cream Star, and with the shop open 24 hours a day, it’s just as likely to fuel a late-night craving as an early-morning doughnut run. Multiple locations, sublimedoughnuts.com
Revolution Doughnuts
Revolution Doughnuts specializes in handcrafted, from-scratch doughnuts made with quality ingredients. Indulge in creative flavors like blackout chocolate cake or tangerine pistachio, with vegan and gluten-free options available as well. They also take their coffee seriously, with a full espresso bar and thoughtfully crafted coffee drinks. Multiple locations, revoutiondoughnuts.com
Dough in the Box
With three locations around Atlanta, this family-run shop has built a loyal following for its impossibly light doughnuts—so good it’s easy to polish off two or three without thinking twice. They also serve breakfast sandwiches, plus tables and counter seating for those who want to dine in. Fan favorites include the apple fritter, dulce de leche, and the cronut, and devoted customers have even been known to drive across state lines just to grab a box. Multiple locations, doughinthebox.com
Dutch Monkey
Dutch Monkey offers both raised and cake doughnuts, each crafted with an artisanal touch. Every doughnut is individually fried, glazed, and hand-decorated for quality you can taste. You can’t go wrong with the classic plain glazed or the lemon meringue, but for something a little more adventurous, try the blueberry lemon ginger. If your coffee matters just as much as your doughnut, you’ll appreciate that they brew theirs using beans from Kaldi’s Atlanta Roastery. Gluten-free options are available as well. 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming, dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com
Hero Doughnuts & Buns
Located in the trendy Summer Hill neighborhood, Hero Doughnuts & Buns is known for its soft, brioche-style doughnuts that lean elegant rather than over-the-top. The vanilla glaze is a standout for purists, while rotating seasonal fruit flavors and chocolate-topped options remain longtime crowd favorites. For something unique, try the banana pudding doughnut. The shop slings burgers too, and has an outdoor patio that’s perfect on warm days. 33 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, eatathero.com
Duck Donuts
Founded 20 years ago in Duck, North Carolina, Duck Donuts is known for its small, cake-style doughnuts made to order. Guests can customize their treat with a choice of 11 frostings, seven toppings, and five drizzles. Can’t decide? Popular combinations include the cookie crumble and peanut butter fluff. They also serve coffee and breakfast sandwiches, making it a go-to spot for families out in the suburbs. 3005 Old Alabama Rd., Alpharetta, duckdonuts.com
Davinci Donuts
These cake-style doughnuts stand out for their petite size—about half that of a typical doughnut. The smaller portion is intentional, so customers can enjoy one (or two) without the guilt. Another thing that sets them apart is that each doughnut is customized to order. Think of it as the “Chipotle of doughnuts”: you can choose from more than 20 toppings to create your own combination. Prefer to leave it to the pros? The menu features favorites like the cinnamon roll and chocolate Oreo. Multiple locations, davincisdonuts.com
Five Daughters Bakery
Five Daughters Bakery’s croissant-doughnut hybrid boasts an impressive 144 layers. Made over the course of three days, it’s rich and buttery with the delicate structure of laminated pastry rather than a standard yeast ring. Alongside year-round favorites like chocolate sea salt and maple glaze, the bakery debuts rotating seasonal flavors each month—think samoa and tiramisu—that keep regulars coming back. Vegan yeast-raised doughnuts and paleo-friendly treats are available as well. Multiple locations, fivedaughtersbakery.com
UMI Sushi
Beyond its sushi program, Michelin-recommended UMI serves small-but-mighty sweets packed with flavor. Among its many talented chefs, the now-iconic doughnut—dubbed “Donot Touch My Donut”—is the brainchild of chef Todd Dae Kulper. Pillowy on the outside and filled with creamy custard, it’s the kind of bite that guests swear is life-changing. 3050 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, umiatlanta.com
Sarah Donuts
Sarah Donuts is a classic, no-frills favorite with multiple metro locations and a loyal following. This family-owned business prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and offers both raised and cake doughnuts. Bestsellers include the glazed, chocolate iced, and cinnamon sugar varieties, along with fun seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and maple bacon. They can also create custom doughnuts upon request. Multiple locations, sarahdonuts.com
