Get your kids in on the super sweet Fat Tuesday fun. Start at local bakeries that sell paczki (pronounced “poonch-key”), the traditional must-eat Polish donut that symbolizes the start of Lent. But, you have to act fast: They’re typically available for an extremely limited time. This year Paczki Day is Tuesday, March 1, and we’ve got you covered with a guide to great bakeries from Downers Grove to Bridgeport so you can stock up and go wild.
Delightful Pastries
Delightful Pastries
Owner Dobra Bielinski and her team are frying up thousands of paczki using a beloved, generations-old family recipe with a few modern-day twists when it comes to the filling: Apricot Jelly, Plum Butter, Salted Caramel with scratch-made caramel using sea salt, Fresh Strawberry, German Chocolate with pecans and coconut custard topping and more. They're famous for the booze-filled options as well: vodka and vanilla bean custard, Jameson Whiskey with chocolate custard and moonshine and lemon. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-ordering is recommended and must be completed by Feb. 21. The minimum order is a dozen.
It’s Fat Tuesday 24/7/365 at this no-frills but much-loved Polish/Lithuanian bakery. They specialize in paczki and serve them year-round. You’ll always find at least four types, but on Fat Tuesday they go into overdrive with over 20 different fillings from cheese to pineapple. There will likely be a long line of local families looking to load up on this traditional pre-Lenten treat.
Available in all 16 Chicagoland locations, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee are offering four pazcki offerings that will please chocolate and fruit lovers. Guests can choose from vanilla pastry cream, chocolate pastry cream, cannoli cream and cherry paczkis. Stop into your favorite Stan's, Feb. 26-Mar. 1, or order online.
Locations all around Chicagoland, find the one nearest you online.
Fat Tuesday is one of the busiest days of the year at Roeser’s Bakery, one of Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakeries. This year’s Paczki menu boasts over 24 varieties! Since they tend to sell out fast, we recommend ordering in advance. While you’re there, grab a loaf of Roeser’s famous bread, available in rye and buttercrust white.
West Town Bakery is offering raspberry, chocolate and vanilla paczkis in their West Town, Wrigleyville and Financial District locations. Avoid lines by pre-ordering through Feb. 24 at noon for pick-up on Mar. 1 or visit them in person.
Located in the heart of Avondale, the northwest side neighborhood nicknamed “Polish Village” for its large Eastern European population, Kurowski’s and Rich’s Bakery is an emporium of all things Polish and yummy. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into babcia’s kitchen thanks to the sweet smells of kielbasa and paczki that waft through the air. The paczki lean toward the more traditional here, with plum, poppyseed and sweet farmer’s cheese among the top three requests. Take home a kielbasa to make your Fat Tuesday even fatter: You’ll find more than 20 varieties, all freshly smoked on the shop’s second floor.
2976 N. Milwaukee Ave., Avondale
KD Market
This local polish grocery store offers a variety of baked breads, pastries and fresh meals, all made from scratch year-round. But this time of year it’s all about the paczki. They’re proud of maintaining the old baking tradition of frying the paczki with the filling inside, making them unforgettably delicious. Order by Feb. 27 for guaranteed pick-up on Mar. 1.
Locations in Schiller Park, Schaumburg, Wheeling & Mount Prospect; Online: mykdmarket.com
Firecakes Donuts, the delicious artisan donut shop now with four locations as well as Billy, the donut truck, are ready to delight you with Chicago’s tastiest paczki. This year’s lineup included four different varieties: Housemade Raspberry-Blood Orange Jelly with Powdered Sugar, Malted Chocolate Cream with Chocolate Sugar, Lemon Curd with Lemon Glaze, and Apple Bourbon with Sugar, but it’s the other Mardi Gras donut delight that steals the show here, the baby topped King Cake Donut!
Bennison’s has been baking up European-style pastries, cookies, and custom-decorated cakes on Chicago’s North Shore since 1938. If you haven’t stepped into the small, Old World-style bakery, perhaps you’ve peered through the big glass window that gives a peek into the cake decorating room. They started celebrating early this year, so go in anytime between now and Mar. 1 to get your paczki.
Family-owned for over 30 years, Oak Park Bakery offers a wide selection of homemade-from-scratch baked goods. Polish baked goods are a mainstay here, with over 12 types of kolacky offered daily, and Paczki Day is a big deal. The pre-Lenten Polish treats are fried fresh and filled with different flavors, with lemon and cherry being the most in-demand. This bakery is small and old-school. But while it could be lost in the modern, glossy age, its retro-Americana vibe and service is what makes it remain a favorite.
The yellow and black awnings of Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery have always been beacons of happiness for west suburban families looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. Unfortunately, they had to close their doors after the owner, Chuck Kalousek, lost his months-long battle with Covid-19 in Jun. 2021, leaving behind a loving wife and two kids. Chuck's dedication to his community is greatly appreciated and it didn't feel right removing them from this list just yet. If you'd like to support his family, please consider donating to the GoFundMe in Chuck's honor.
“Wow. I really wish I could spend more time with my kids,” said no parent during the pandemic, ever. Except for Jesse Reilly, a New Orleans dad who left his marketing job of 15 years to make popsicles and spend—you guessed it—more time with his kids as the proprietor of the sweetest speakeasy in NOLA.
Realizing he wanted to make a career change that would allow him to spend more time with his three kids (all under the age of five), he started making popsicles with local Ingredients and intriguing flavor combinations to share with his Bywater neighbors. As his business grew, he had to get creative about how to sell Big O’s Pops while taking care of his kids. Enter the Popsicle Doorbell at 1201 St. Roch St., Reilly’s home. Surrounded by chalk drawings of popsicles and other preschool-aged illustrations, the mystical doorbell intrigued passersby and friends alike—could you really pass up ringing a bell with a sign over it that says “Popsicle Doorbell?”—who would stop for a sweet treat while out for a walk or a ride.
“The doorbell idea really came out of convenience and then COVID happened,” he told VeryLocal.com. “It became a way to sell pops while practicing social distancing.” The popsicles are individually packaged and purchased outdoors via Venmo for $3-$4 a pop (pup pops for your pooches are $2 each). The whole operation allowed the neighborhood to stay connected safely, at a distance. And though his popsicle domination strategy slowed, as did all business concepts during the pandemic, the doorbell allowed his pops to gain some serious street cred. It became the neighborhood’s own quirky secret—remaining secret as only something can during an age of social media: about 5 minutes.
Now, you can catch him selling his popsicles around the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans out of the cooler of a custom adult tricycle, catering events and popping up at events and festivals around town. You’ll soon find him as one of the first vendors in the funky and kid-friendly community space Krewe of Red Beans, which is dedicated to New Orleans and the city’s unique, vibrant culture. If it’s a culture of dads looking for ways to spend more time with their kids, popsicle doorbells and adult bikes with frozen treats in the custom attached cooler, we can see why it needs a dedicated space.
Big O’s Original Pops is scaling up, so don’t be surprised if you recognize them somewhere in your neck of the woods one day. Using local ingredients and popsicle molds in his freezer at first, Reilly now employs a “professional machine that freezes them quickly.” And while his business has grown, he still sources as many ingredients as he can from local farms and businesses. For instance, his blood orange pops are made with fruit from Isabelle’s Orange Orchard in Algiers.
It’s no surprise that the man who gave up a career to dive into something new says that he’s always open to ideas and up for a challenge. “Coming up with new popsicle flavors is part of the fun,” he says. Indeed it is.
This year is moving at warp speed and, believe it or not, it’s time to get those Valentine’s Daydate nights in the diary. We were so impressed by the number of restaurants, hotels and businesses planning special packages, meals and activities, that we thought we’d compile everything we’ve read. Warning: It will be an overwhelming amount of info. Chicago is bringing it this year, so read on and plan your parent-night-out.
Hotels
Fairmont Hotel
21c Museum Hotel Chicago — Part hotel, part museum 21c Museum Hotelis currently hosting This We Believe, an exhibition that explores the power and evolution of belief systems. Book the Romantic Getaway package with in-room champagne, a box of chocolate truffles, $50 Lure Fishbar credit, early check-in and late checkout. Until Mar. 31, they also have the Suiten Your Stay package featuring an upgraded suite, welcome amenities and $50 food & beverage credit.
The Blackstone — Witness a place where past meets present and classic architecture melds with modern luxury while staying at The Blackstone, an iconic hotel rooted in Chicago’s legendary past. Book the Spa Retreat package and pamper your loved one with an in-room massage from K'Alma Spa.
Canopy by Hilton — Opened in the former headquarters of the Chicago and North Western Railways, Canopy by Hilton offers a getaway with a bit of history. The hotel incorporates elements from the original building and pays tribute to the property's iconic location. For a cocktail or bite to eat before a night on the town or a romantic dinner for two, guests can enjoy a meal at Depot 226, the hotel’s new restaurant and lounge.
The Drake Oak Brook — Experience the historic icon on ten tranquil acres of land that offers a rich blend of grand hotel experiences and a legendary style of service. Spend a romantic evening under the stars at The Drake Oak Brook by booking a heated igloo that offers a blend of delectable cuisine and crafted cocktails or reserve the Champagne Sunday Brunch.
Fairmont Chicago — Completely transforming the Fairmont Chicago’s arrival experience, Fairmont Lodge celebrates the winter season with cozy décor, indoor fire pits, festive programming, overnight packages and more. Relax and cozy up with their newly introduced indoor fire pits and choose between three different food and beverage packages. The fire pits are available to book, Wed.-Sun., 4 p.m.-11 p.m., and accommodate up to 8 people.
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Kimpton Gray — Indulge in a spacious one-bedroom suite with a separate living room or splurge on a one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite while staying at The Gray. Book the Suite Yourself package and treat yourself to a home-away-from-home experience thanks to spacious accommodations that include a bath you'll never want to leave. Be sure to reserve dinner under the stars at Boleo, the rooftop restaurant and lounge perched high above the city.
Nobu — Book the Be Well with Nobu and experience ultimate relaxation at one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels, Nobu. The package includes luxury accommodations that include a soaking tub and exclusive Nobu bed, welcome amenities upon arrival, and a private sound bath for two at The Lab. This immersive guided meditation allows you and your partner to find peace and gratitude within a one-hour session.
Renaissance Chicago — Experience the breathtaking views of rooms and suites overlooking the Chicago River and skyline when you book the Valentine's Getaway package at Renaissance Chicago. Stay Feb. 11-14 or Feb. 18-24 and opt into the package to receive breakfast for two and late checkout for a leisurely morning or time to enjoy the indoor heated pool.
Ritz-Carlton — Amp up the romance with the Spa & Dine package at The Ritz-Carlton. You'll receive 20% savings in the hotel's restaurant or bar and any service at the spa. They have a new treatment for couples called Winter Couples Getaway which includes an 80-minute couples massage.
Royal Sonesta — At Royal Sonesta, you'll enjoy scenic views of the Chicago River and the spectacular cityscape while sipping champagne from the comfort of your recently renovated room. Stroll among architectural icons, explore the countless pleasures of Millennium Park and spend the evening reconnecting and reminiscing.
The Rose Hotel — The Rose Hotel brought back the crowd-favorite A Room Full of Roses package. Retreat with your sweetie to the ultimate over-the-top Valentine's Day experience which includes a King Studio Suite filled to the brim with over 400 long-stemmed roses, a bottle of sparkling wine or cider, a welcome amenity, complimentary breakfast in bed for 2 and a late checkout. Package begins at $499.
Sable at Navy Pier — This high-end oasis combines lush accommodations with elegance and comfort, with each room boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled lake and skyline views, serenity beds and spacious living room areas. Sable at Navy Pier guests can also enjoy special add-ons such as Camp Viejo Cava sparkling wine, complimentary Sable chocolate truffles, late checkout and more.
Sofitel Chicago — Sofitel Chicago'sMagnifique Romance Package guarantees couples a relaxing visit, offering luxurious comfort in elegantly-styled accommodation, a bottle of champagne on ice, a romantic welcome amenity, and a complimentary full American breakfast for two. They are also planning a romantic wine dinner with wine pairings, Feb. 11.
Swissotel Chicago — Overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, Swissotel is the ideal hotel for a romantic getaway. Book the Romance Packageto sip champagne and enjoy hand-dipped Swiss chocolate strawberries. Wake up refreshed, enjoy breakfast for two at The Palm Chicago and be in no rush to leave with complimentary 2 p.m. late check out. Rates start at $199 with option to add in-room spa services from Windy City Massage.
Experiences
Museum of Illusions
Be Nude Candle Co. — Take a candle-making class at Be Nude Candle Co.in Addison. You and your date will build your own creations by customizing candles with a variety of colors, scents and vessels. Class is $50 and includes all materials needed.
City Cruises Chicago — Celebrate love aboard City Cruises Chicago, Feb. 12-14, with a dinner or lunch cruise. Sweethearts can expect a delightful plated or buffet-style meal along with a sweets arrangement, onboard entertainment and a cash bar, all while sailing along Chicago’s River or lakefront.
Facets — Facet's focus on the love between friends inspired their Galentine's Day film series, Feb. 11-13. They will host showings of 4 movies that highlight the bonds between women: Set if Off,Mulholland Drive, Frances Ha and Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion.
Marriott Theatre — Plan a theater date to see West Side Story, a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set on the Upper East Side of Manhatten in the 1950s, Feb. 9-Mar. 22.
Museum of Illusions — MOI'sIllusion of Love will infuse adventure and intrigue into your date night. The museum offers a wide variety of fascinating visual, sensory and immersive exhibits ranging from tried-and-true classics to the never-before-seen. For one day, Feb. 14, they will offer a special 2-for-1 ticket deal.
Puttshack Oakbrook Center — Celebrate love with a fun experience and good vibes at Puttshack Oakbrook Center. Puttshack is the world’s first and only upscale, tech-infused mini-golf experience that is perfectly complemented with an array of global food and beverage offerings.
The Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access — The Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Accessis the first-ever walk-through documentary, telling the untold story of how a princess changed the world. World-famous Royal Photographers, Anwar Hussein and his two sons Zak and Samir, share collections of their original images and the intimate, never-before-told stories behind them.
Replay Lincoln Park — Replay Lincoln Park's Harry Potter pop-up features spectacular homages to fan-favorite moments from the series, such as Chamber of Secrets, The Whomping Willow, Diagon Alley, the iconic 9 3/4 platform and more. In celebration of Valentine's Day, they're throwing a Harry Potter Valentine's Bash with live music, Feb. 12.
Dining
Bazaar Meat
Andros Taverna — Chef Doug Psaltis’ Andros Taverna in Logan Square will offer incredible a la carte Valentine’s Day specials designed to be shared between two people, Feb. 12-14.
Bar Mar and Bazaar — Celebrate Valentine's with a specialty "Bella" cocktail made with pineapple, Aperol, sudachi and cava. Available in Bar Mar and Bazaar, Feb. 11-14. Additionally, all guests on Valentine's Day will receive a sweet takeaway of house-made chocolate truffles.
BLVD Steakhouse — Blvd's romantic dining room is the perfect backdrop for date night. The three-course Valentine's Day menu is $80/person and includes course options like Onion Soup Fondue with caramelized onion, veal stock, gruyere cheese and crostini, Lobster Bisque with sweet sherry cream and puff pastry or an 8oz Filet Mignon.
Carnivale — Known for its spectacular celebrations, colorful dining room and delicious Latin-inspired menu, Carnivale is sure to turn any date night into a festive and unforgettable experience for couples. Special menu offerings will be available, Feb. 11-Feb. 14, with lively Samba dancers making appearances each evening from 6 p.m.-9 pm.
Columbus Tap — Show your tastebuds some love and enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Columbus Tap. The savory 4-course dinner includes Oysters, Steamed Mussels, White Wine, Garlic, Caramelized Fennel and Baguette, served in Le Creuset Pots, Steak Frits au Poivre and Heart-shaped Lovers’ Red Velvet Cake.
The Dearborn — Diners will enjoy The Dearborn'sRock N Roll Tasting Menu with a Lobster and hearts of palm salad, braised veal cheeks with popcorn sweetbreads, succotash of green lentils, black forest mushrooms and Alaska chocolate fudge cake.
El Che — In addition to its meat-forward menu, El Che is serving up three specials including a half-dozen Oysters, Lobster Spaghetti ‘Fra Diavolo,’ and Surf & Turf with an 8oz filet mignon and grilled lobster tail. If you prefer to spend the night in, don’t miss out on the Valentine’s Day Kit with a pair of raw 8oz filet mignon steaks and a handful of signature sides.
Farmhouse Evanston— Evanston's cozy Farmhouse Evanston has two signature specials this Valentine's Day. The Seared Scallops feature an olive tapenade, blood orange, bulger wheat and baby grains and the Mushroom Paprike Crusted Pork Tenderloin features sweet potato, tomato relish, mustard demi and wilted greens.
Funkenhausen— For all the couples looking for a quiet weekend full of romance, head to Funkenhausen in West Town for a dinner worth falling in love. With a hand-crafted specialty menu created by Chef Mark for the holiday weekend, guests can enjoy his personal creations, Feb. 11 & 12.
Gemini — The culinary team at Gemini is offering a three-course pre-fixe menu priced at $85/person or diners can order a la carte. On the menu, you'll find Kushi Oysters, Wagyu Beef Tataki, Lamb Shank, Alaskan Halibut, and more.
Grapes & Grains — Grapes & Grains has romance covered, Feb. 11 & 12, with an intimate 3-course dinner for two. The meal starts with a Champagne toast followed by a glass of house white or red wine while sharing a hand-crafted Charcuterie plate. Enjoy a beautifully cut ribeye before you end the meal with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook — Piazza at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook is offering a 3-course prix fixe dinner served in their intimate dining room overlooking a private lake and wooded grounds, $50/person.
Jaleo — At Chef José Andrés's original and most personal restaurant, Jaleo, February marks Truffle Festival, Feb. 7-21. Experience the special truffle menu items for two weeks surrounding Valentine's Day and avoid crowds on the 14th.
Kennedy Rooftop —Kennedy Rooftop's Winter Wonderland setup includes private igloos overlooking the city and a curling rink. The Valentine’s Day weekend experience, Feb. 11, 12 & 14, includes a complimentary glass of champagne, sharing menu and dessert. Minimum $60/person is required to reserve an igloo.
Lardon —Lardon is the home of Chicago’s best in-house charcuterie and salumeria and the restaurant crafted a signature Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Cheese Board for two at $85. Boards are available for pick up Feb. 11, 12 & 14.
Lírica — For a romantic evening on Navy Pier, look to Lírica for an intimate dining experience overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious Latin and Iberian-inspired dishes including Shaved Serrano Ham, Spanish Fried Chicken, seasonal seafood offerings and more.
Nonnina — Truffles, Roasted Wild Mushrooms and Squid Ink Mafalda Pasta are menu standouts as part of Nonnina’s Valentine’s Day menu. They also feature incredible mains like Pan-Roasted U-10-Day Boat Scallops with charred escarole, fennel, cannellini beans and smoked tomato, and Veal Ossobuco with saffron risotto and kale gremolata.
Oaken Bistro & Bar —Oaken Bistro + Bar, located within The Forester Hotel in Lake Forest, is celebrating with a special dinner and dancing package in partnership with the Lake Forest Dance Academy. The evening will include a chef-crafted, three-course prix fixe meal and a romantic dance lesson, Feb. 11, 12 & 14.
Offshore — Offshore, the largest rooftop deck in the world, is the perfect Valentine’s oasis with gorgeous lake and city views. Lovebirds looking for a unique brunch experience or a place for cocktail hour are invited to experience all this venue has to offer, from specialty cocktails to shareable plates, topped with views for days.
Old Pueblo Cantina — Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with Old Pueblo Cantina. Diners can indulge in Heart-Shaped Cheese Crisps and a Lover's Taco Kit available in-restaurant or to-go.
Pigtail
PB&J — Forget about the romantic dinners and head to PB&J’sfor a Bachelor Monday Watch Party to watch the new Bachelor Clayton fall in love (hopefully) with a half-priced special of select wine bottles that pair perfectly with a Valentine's Day pizza specialty aptly named Honey, I'm in Love. With Bachelor games, flower-shaped pizza and prizes throughout the episode, celebrate love with friends while cheering on all your favorites.
Petterinos — Chef Ozzy Amelotti at Petterino’s has crafted an incredible menu for Valentine’s Day. Chef Ozzy’s Torta di Granchioclaw starts off the meal with lump crab cake filled with watercress and fig marmalade. Petterino’s also offers new chef-inspired dishes like Chef Ozzy’s Costata Alla Griglia, which is a beef t-bone with dulce gorgonzola crust, roasted fingerling, portobello mushroom and served with balsamic demi-glaze.
Pigtail — Pigtail'sintimate speak-easy-style setting is perfect for a date night. They offer a curated experience with five courses, four cocktails and three wines.
Pomeroy — Want to travel to Paris without leaving Chicago? Head to Pomeroy for a three-course prix fixe menu featuring appetizers, main course and a dessert for $85/person.
The Press Room — Indulge in a pre-fixe menu priced at $75/person or enjoy dishes from The Press Room's Chef Noah Zamler a la carte. On the menu, guests can expect items such as a Heart Shaped Beet Ravioli, Seafood Tower, Lamb Merguez, Dry Aged Duck Breast, Hibiscus Panna Cotta, and more.
Proxi — Proxi is offering a 3-course family-style menu for $85/person. Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s menu features dishes like Crispy Onion Bhaji Chaat with tamarind, mint and sweet yogurt, Grilled Lamb Satay or his Vegetable and Paneer Kofta with mahkni sauce, cashew and paratha.
Sushi by Bou
Recess — Whip out the hairspray and get ready to boogie 80s style at Recess's Heartbreaker Ball. Dress in your best prom attire for a chance to be crowned prom king and queen. Featuring a $40 3-hour open bar package, prom decor and glamor headshots galore.
Roka Akor — Roka Akor is presenting a romantic Omakase at their Chicago, Old Orchard, andOak Brooklocations. Details vary by location, so check individual websites.
Rose Mary — Rose Mary's 4-course experience is $75/person and will be offered alongside Rose Mary’s regular a la carte menu. The menu includes dishes like Tuna Crudo with crispy capers, shallot-beef fat vinaigrette and veal aioli, or Wild Striped Bass with braised cannellini beans, charred escarole, bagna cauda duck, plum glaze, cabbage and caraway. Apple Crostata closes out the meal and it comes served with salted caramel gelato.
Sepia — Diners will appreciate Sepia's attention to detail with dishes like Foie Gras É Clair with pickled huckleberry, Kanpachi Crudo with winter citrus and baby turnip, Truffled Fried Chicken with dumplings and sauce perigord or the Smokey Dry Aged Squab with black vinegar, chestnut and salsify. Four courses offered for $115/ person.
Sophia Steak — Staying in the suburbs this Valentine’s Day? Sophia Steak in Wilmette has got you and your date covered. Diners can indulge in a three-course pre-fixe menu featuring appetizers, main course and a dessert for $85/person.
Sushi by Bou — Sushi by Bou inside Hotel Lincoln is a great place to start or end your date night. They offer a 30-minute, 12-piece ($50/person) or 60-minute, 17-piece ($100/person) omakase experience with sushi determined by the chef. Who, is a riot.
Sushi Suite
Staytion Market & Bar —Staytion Market & Bar is serving up an elegant and elevated Valentine’s menu, Feb. 11 & 12. For starters, guests can decide between the Truffle & Mushroom Bisque or the Beef Tartare before making the choice of either the Pan Seared Coho Salmon or the Whipped Burrata Ravioli for their main course.
Sushi Suite — Experience Sushi Suite's intimate 17-course omakase in a speakeasy-style setting inside Hotel Lincoln. Their Date Night package includes the 75-minute dinner and craft cocktail for $170-$180.
Wood — Chef Devin at Wood has created a 5-course tasting menu filled with unique seasonal ingredients focused on local farm produce and house-butchered meats that will leave your heart (and stomach) full all night long.
X Pot Chicago — X Pot Chicago offers a luxurious, futuristic hot pot dining experience with robot servers, sushi bar, a state-of-the-art 5D Experience room and 360-degree animated light projections right onto the dinner plate. The X Pot uses only the highest quality ingredients including imported fresh seafood and purebred A5 Wagyu beef flown in daily from Japan.
Gifts
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Garrett Popcorn Shops —Garrett Popcorn Shopsbrought back their Hot Cocoa CaramelCrisp® Mix for Valentine’s Day decadence. The limited-time recipe features classic CaramelCrisp popcorn handcrafted in small-batch copper kettles, then cooled and covered in Belgian milk chocolate and dark chocolate, and gently mixed with equal parts CaramelCrisp. Available in shops and via online shipping through Feb. 20.
Robert Et Fils —Robert Et Fils is a neighborhood darling infused with the elegance of classic French cuisine, the joy of dining like a Parisian and the playfulness of its American chef and owner. The $40 Robert Et Fils Pastry Box is available for pickup Feb. 13 and includes a Chai Opera Cake Slice, a Citron Tart, a Sunflower Paris-Brest and a Chocolate Fondant.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee — Send a sweet treat to someone special with Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Heart Shaped Gift Boxes filled with the most romantic donut flavors for chocolate lovers. Each heart ($24.99) is filled with 12 mini donuts—6 Red Velvet and 6 Chocolate Dipped—and available for pickup, Feb. 12-14, or delivery in the US through Goldbelly delivery.
It has never been a better time to shop small and what better way than to start within our own communities? We’ve curated a holiday gift guide from Bay Area business owners—buy big at these small shops this year!
For the Kids
Sew Mei Mei Is there anything cuter than baby/kid joggers? The answer is no. Handmade in San Francisco, these baby and toddler joggers, bibs and bandanas (some in matching sets) are perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite little elf. Online:sewmeimei.com
Hey Carter! Books Bay Area mom Dr. Thomishia Booker wrote the Hey Carter! Book series inspired by her son, Carter, after being discouraged by the lack of representation for Black boys in children’s books. Through her books, she aims to show us all what Brown Joy is—you’ll want a copy for your little reader! Online:heycarterbooks.com
StereoType Allowing kids to be expressive and playful with their clothing, this clothing line for kids disregards fashion rules and boundaries about who should wear what and the results are dashing, if we may say so ourselves. We especially love the Hero Skirt that also doubles as a cape! Online: stereotypekids.com
Messy Play Kit These kits are… you guessed it—messy! Each themed kit comes with three to five science experiments and art projects and kids will LOVE digging their hands into these kits so get a subscription for the artist/scientist in your life! Online:messyplaykits.com
Shred Dog Want quality, outdoor performance clothing for kids that keeps them both warm and dry while they sled/ski/board/hike? Look no further than Shred Dog. As the ski team supplier for Palisades Tahoe and Bear Valley ski teams, you know it's been tested and quality proven! Online: shreddog.com
People of the World Bingo Kit Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo? Add in brightly colored traditional clothing from different cultures and countries and everyone will want in on this game! Online: sfmoma.org
DIY Christmas Ornament Kit Nothing beats Christmas tree ornaments made by kids! These kits let you choose from several animals and give your kids the chance to get creative and have a keepsake. Online:etsy.com
Solving Fun An online store that is based in Palo Alto with free delivery locally, Solving Fun offers engaging puzzles and games for kids to learn while having fun...because that's the best kind of learning there is! Puzzle packs, pal pack games and sticker sudoku books will keep little minds sharp this holiday. Don’t forget to sign up for their free daily emailed advent puzzle here. Online: solvingfun.com
Beeline Treats South Bay mom Vicki handcrafts unique, personalized cookies that are not only stunning to look at but also mouth wateringly delicious. Up the ante at your next occasion with these cookies that are guaranteed to impress! Online: beelinetreats.com
Local Food Adventures Have a foodie in your life? Gift them a Local Love food box! Choose from themes like the BBQ lover’s collection or Mai Tai cocktail party in a box that will be filled with quality products and go straight from Oakland to your giftee’s home. Online: localfoodadventures.com
Kokak Chocolates Single origin and handcrafted from sustainable and fair trade cocoa, Kokak chocolates stem from founder and chocolatier Carol Gancia’s serious love for chocolate. With a store in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Kokak also offers local bicycle delivery locally and welcomes custom orders. Online:kokakchocolates.com
For Home
SFMOMA Living Wall tumbler With over 20,000 plants, the living wall at SFMOMA is the largest in the country and this tumbler gorgeously celebrates that in a bold, striking fashion...perfect for your every day beverages. Online: sfmoma.org
Ilke Studio Handmade batch ceramics from this Burlingame studio will add a flair of elegance and style to any home. Online:etsy.com
YeeJee Knits Based in Walnut Creek, YeeJee beautifully hand knits and crochets beanies, headbands and cowls. Send one of her cozy creations to anyone who needs an extra hug this season! Online:etsy.com
Paper Sweetly Handcrafted paper art and jewelry like you have never seen before-Paper Sweetly is based in San Jose and Nikitha’s art will blow you away! These unique gifts are perfect for the hard-to-shop for giftee on your list. Online:etsy.com
Iyoba Born out of a desire to relieve her son’s eczema using natural products, Oakland mom Efiya began experimenting in her kitchen and created what is now her famous artisan soap. Today, she handcrafts organic, natural hair, body and home products, all of which are paraben, synthetic fragrance and sulfate free and has a cult-like following. Online: iyoba.com
When Old Man Winter starts getting on your nerves, bundle up your babes and battle the brr’s with a cup of hot chocolate at one of our favorite hot chocolate and coffee houses. From exotic to the everyday, nothing beats a little cocoa to cajole a smile from under all those layers. Here are five hot spots to sit down and enjoy a cup with your cuties.
For a delicious marshmallow topper on your decadent cup of molten chocolate, head to Avalon and find the Malvi Mallow truck, which will be on the Boulevard until Jan. 2. Until Dec. 19, find them Wed.-Fri. from 3-9 p.m. From Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, find them daily from noon to 9 p.m.
ChocoLaté Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that specializes in hand crafted coffee beverages prepared in the European traditional way. They roast their own beans freshly every week, and their award winning hot chocolate comes in several varieties. Our favorites are their house blend of dark and milk chocolate, or the hazelnut variety.
This heavenly hot chocolate can be found on Marietta Square. The Chocolate Chaud is made with strong, freshly-melted dark chocolate, heavy cream, whipped cream, and a dainty sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Stroll the square with your cup in hand, and it's easy to convince yourself that you've found the best cup in town.
The first Europeans to consume chocolate were members of the Spanish royal family, and you'll feel pretty darn royal after a cup of Xocol's small batch drinking chocolate. While you're there, don't pass up a chance to sample their Blood Orange & Raspberry chocolate bar. And vegans rejoice! All chocolate at Xocol is vegan. Current hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For curbside pick-ups, call 404-333-8562.
This Chamblee coffee shop is a local's favorite for coffee, grab-and-go breakfasts, and of course, hot chocolate. Grab a cup of their rich, regular hot chocolate, or try something different with their Mexican hot chocolate—and leave with a little kick on your lips. Current hours are Wed.-Sat. from 8-11:30 a.m. for takeout (no indoor seating). Card and mobile payment only.
5394 Peachtree Rd.
Chamblee
678-332-7280
Online:moonbirdcoffee.com
Garnet Gal's is the perfect spot for picking up a some breakfast, a light lunch, or a mid-day snack to pair with your cup of hot chocolate, which comes straight up or with caramel or hazelnut, if you're feeling frisky. Current hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for grab-and-go and limited patio dining.
2770 Lenox Rd. NE
Buckhead
404-748-4027
Online: garnetgalscoffeeshop.com
Located in the backside of a building with a lovely, quiet patio, this french bakery and café has authentic food and a Parisian atmosphere. Enjoy the iconic and delicious hot chocolate or the pastries collections, and don't leave without a delicious crêpes. The tea room also offers a brunch, as well as a savory menu during the day. Current hours are Mon.-Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4969 Roswell Rd Suite #155 (Located in the back side of Cibo E Beve, and the Food 101 Restaurants.) 404-551-5163
It’s the ultimate summer dessert, an occasional bribe, a sweet treat snuck from the freezer at midnight—it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with ice cream (as are our kids). We’ve rounded up a list of the best ice cream shops in every state (plus D.C.) so you can satisfy your sweet tooth all summer long. Keep reading to get the scoop on the ice cream parlors that should be on your radar.
1. Alabama: Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream With cones, floats, splits and old-fashioned sodas, Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream has something for everyone. Try a scoop of one of Matt’s specialties, like the Creole praline or red velvet cake—you'll be glad you did.
2. Alaska: Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream During the summer months, Hot Licks is a must. Their ice cream is made in-house in 40-quart batches, and with local flavors like cranberry and wild blueberry, it’s some of the best Alaska has to offer.
3. Arizona: Sweet Republic From the local Arizona milk and cream to the slow-roasted bananas, everything here is made with care. And with rotating flavors like Meyer lemon, peaches ‘n’ cream and peaberry espresso, you’ll want to come to Sweet Republic again and again to try them all. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
4. Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery Loblolly Creamery is a must-stop the next time you’re in Little Rock. Folks in the know love their salted caramel and Little Rocky Road. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, from fruit to lavender.
5. California: Fentons Creamery Founded in 1894 in Oakland, Fentons has been a Bay Area favorite ever since. The ice cream is made in small batches (there’s a production tour for curious kids!), and the menu has decadent sundaes to satisfy any dessert connoisseur.
6. Colorado: Little Man Ice Cream With a distinctive shop in the shape of an ice cream cone, Little Man serves up nostalgic flavors that your whole crew will love (not to mention some awesome vegan options). And for every scoop of ice cream purchased, Little Man matches that scoop with a donated scoop of rice, beans or other essentials to a community in need.
7. Connecticut: Arethusa Farm For the ultimate in ice cream, you really can’t beat Arethusa Farm. Fresh milk is brought from their dairy cows a few miles away to make classic flavors like butter pecan, strawberry and pistachio.
8. Delaware: Woodside Farm Creamery The Woodside Farm was established in 1796, but their ice cream operation didn’t get started until 1998. They’ve been a Delaware favorite ever since, offering up flavors like dirt (that’s gummy worms and Oreo cookies in chocolate ice cream) and cake batter. Say hi to the cows after enjoying your scoop.
9. Florida: Azucar Ice Cream Company Be sure to scope out this sweet shop in Little Havana, where you'll find great flavors like platano maduro and rum cake with walnuts.
10. Georgia: Leopold’s Ice Cream Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919, and the shop still has old-school charm—the black marble soda fountain, wooden back bar and telephone booth come from the original location. The ice cream is just as delicious as ever, with classic flavors like butter pecan alongside unique seasonal picks like spicy mocha.
11. Hawaii: Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts In addition to regular scoops and cones, Bubbies’ specialty is mochi ice cream—a scoop of ice cream that’s wrapped in a layer of chewy mochi (a soft, sweet paste made out of rice). It’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to be an instant family favorite.
12. Idaho: Goody’s Soda Fountain You won’t regret a visit to Goody’s Soda Fountain—with their massive banana splits and ice cream sodas, there’s no way you’ll leave hungry. They also offer homemade chocolates if you’re in the mood for something different.
This fun ice cream spot was launched almost 100 years ago, but now they have four locations! Their ice cream trucks can also be found all over the city, and the spot on Navy Pier is especially fun for visitors. They have tons of flavors, plus ice cream cakes and even donuts.
14. Indiana: The Chief Ice Cream On a hot summer’s day, you can’t beat a visit to The Chief. Grab a scoop of peanut butter or toasted coconut and head out back to the picnic tables to gobble it up—delicious!
15. Iowa: Heyn’s Premium Ice Cream It’ll be love at first bite when you visit Heyn’s—the ice cream is made with 14% buttermilk fat content, giving it an extra oomph of creaminess. And with flavors like monster mash (vanilla ice cream with cookie dough, peanut butter and M&Ms) and blueberry cheesecake, you’ll keep coming back for more.
16. Kansas: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream Sylas and Maddy’s takes hand-crafted ice cream to the next level. They use an entire watermelon in every batch of watermelon sherbet, and their pie flavors (think apple pie, key lime pie) contain an entire pie in each bucket of ice cream. Get your scoop in a homemade waffle cone to up the tasty factor.
17. Kentucky: The Comfy Cow The Comfy Cow is serious about making awesome ice cream, and you’ll be able to tell when you sample their flavors. Whether you go for brown butter peanut brittle or cookie monster dough, you won’t be disappointed.
13301 Shelbyville Rd., Ste. 106 Louisville, KY
Additional locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana
18. Louisiana: Creole Creamery You’ll love the old-school look of New Orleans’ best ice cream parlor, and with rotating flavors like lavender honey and chocolate malt chip, they’ve got something for everyone. If you dare, take the challenge to finish an enormous Tchoupitoulas sundae and earn a spot in their Hall of Fame.
19. Maine: The Dairy Corner With more than 70 ice cream flavors to choose from in addition to frozen yogurt and sorbet, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone at The Dairy Corner. Bring your treats outside to the picnic tables and chairs to enjoy them in the sunshine.
20. Maryland: Scottish Highland Creamery Founded by an Edinburgh native, the Scottish Highland Creamery is a must visit, loved for their super fresh ice cream made with local ingredients, fresh milk, cream and flavorings imported from Italy. Order the Mexican vanilla or the Italian lemon cookie and prepare to be amazed.
21. Massachusetts: Toscanini’s Ice Cream Located around the corner from MIT, Toscanini’s has been serving up amazing ice cream to college kids, locals and tourists alike for more than 30 years. Try one of their inventive flavors like B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies) or sour cherry sorbet.
22. Michigan: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream This family-owned shop is a real winner, with more than 160 flavors made right in-house (20 of which are available each day). The coolest part? The shop overlooks their dairy farm, meaning you can watch the cows while you gobble up your ice cream.
23. Minnesota: Cup and Cone This understated hidden gem serves a generous helping of soft serve in a kiddie cone or cup for just .70 cents and that's just one of the things locals love about the Cup and Cone. The lines can go for over a block in the summer but they are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. most day so you can usually find a time to grab a treat. The owners donate proceeds to a special frozen treat (different ice cream treats are featured each month) to the local food shelf, and the Cup and Cone provides gainful summer employment for some of the sweetest local youth.
24. Mississippi: Area 51 Ice Cream Area 51 prides itself on using only the freshest seasonal produce—from the local farmers market, no less—for its ice creams. The end product is innovative flavors like blackberry goat cheese, green tea latte and salted dark chocolate.
25. Missouri: Betty Rae's Ice Cream Newly re-opened under new owners, Betty Rae's still offers unique flavors like Lavender Honey, brown butter & toasted pecans and blood orange creamsicle.
26. Montana: Big Dipper Ice Cream On a summer evening, there’s nothing better than a visit to Big Dipper. Relax at their picnic tables while you devour a scoop of their raved-about huckleberry ice cream on a homemade waffle cone.
27. Nebraska: Ted & Wally’s An Omaha classic, Ted & Wally’s has been selling their 18% butterfat ice cream since 1984. They’ve got classic flavors like Dutch chocolate alongside more experimental rotating batches like watermelon gazpacho and butter mochi.
28. Nevada: Dylan's Family Ice Cream This mom-and-pop shop is a kid’s ice cream dream. In addition to colorful flavors like circus animal cookies, rainbow sherbet and birthday cake, they’ve got an area with games and a chalkboard just for the little ones.
29. New Hampshire: Jordan’s Ice Creamery With a huge selection of homemade ice creams, frozen yogurts and sugar-free options, there’s something for everyone at Jordan’s. Try their blueberry pie ice cream (made with Maine berries!) or the coffee heath bar.
30. New Jersey: Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream Cool off with a scoop or two of seriously delicious ice cream at Cliff’s. From butterbeer to s’mores to peach melba, the rotating list of flavors will keep you coming back for repeat visits.
31. New Mexico: I Scream Ice Cream I Scream Ice Cream is heaven for the little ones—after you’ve polished off a scoop of cotton candy or raspberry chocolate chunk, head to the back of the store to check out their collection of vintage memorabilia, toys, and games. Go ahead, play a game on the Ms. Pac-Man machine or play dress-up with their collection of masks.
32. New York: Ample Hills Creamery New York has enough amazing ice cream parlors to keep your sweet tooth satisfied and then some, but our top pick goes to Ample Hills for their hands-on approach. Their ice cream is pasteurized on site, and almost all their mix-ins are made in-house from scratch. Try The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels and M&Ms) or Snap Mallow Pop (marshmallow ice cream with Rice Krispie clusters).
33. North Carolina: The Parlour After operating out of a converted school bus for two years, The Parlour opened their Durham shop in 2013, and they’ve been serving up delicious 18% butterfat ice cream ever since. Try one of their well-loved, inventive flavors like salted butter caramel, blueberry buttermilk (made with local NC berries) or rosemary olive oil.
34. North Dakota: Pride Dairy The only small-town creamery remaining in North Dakota, Pride Dairy is a must-visit shop. They still use the same basic recipe from when the creamery started producing ice cream in the 1940s, offering tried-and-true flavors like strawberry cheesecake, chocolate peanut butter and rhubarb-strawberry.
35. Ohio: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams You can count on Jeni’s for inventive and delicious flavors—think gooey butter cake, brambleberry crisp, wildberry lavender and Bangkok peanut. You’ll love the smooth taste (thanks to the buttercream base); all their ice creams are made without synthetic flavorings, dyes and off-the-shelf mixes.
36. Oklahoma: Roxy’s Ice Cream Social Grab a simple scoop or a cookie ice cream sandwich at this Oklahoma City hot spot. Their small-batch ice creams are a local favorite, offering classic flavors like cookies 'n' cream alongside a rotating menu of specialties like bananas foster and graham cracker.
37. Oregon: Salt & Straw At Salt & Straw, you’ll find crazy unique flavors year round. Whether you’re in the mood for Meyer lemon buttermilk with blueberries, goat cheese marionberry habanero or cinnamon snickerdoodle, you’re going to leave satisfied.
838 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, OR
3345 SE Division St. Portland, OR
2035 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR
Additional locations in Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco
Penn State's dairy research started in 1865, and with that came the creamery. They offer dozens of flavors and their world-famous 12 steps to perfect ice cream are legendary. A visit to the area is not complete without a stop at the Creamery.
119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building University Park, PA 16802
39. Rhode Island: Brickley’s Ice Cream With more than 45 flavors to choose from on any given day, Brickley’s has classic flavors that everyone in your family will love. Get your scoop on a homemade waffle cone and sit back and enjoy the huge portions.
40. South Carolina: Sweet Cream Company With a constantly rotating menu, on any given day at Sweet Cream Company, you’ll find ingenious flavors like white chocolate lavender, blueberry crumble and cranberry thyme sorbet. You can also snag a cookie ice cream sandwich—of course, the cookies are made from scratch in-house too.
41. South Dakota: Leones’ Creamery Leones’ Creamery is a small-town staple with some seriously delicious and unexpected flavors: think blueberry goat cheese, vanilla black pepper and rhubarb. Since the menu is constantly changing, you’ll want to come back again and again.
42. Tennessee: Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Opened by the son of a third-generation candy maker, Clumpies has been a Chattanooga favorite since 1999. Try one of their signature flavors like coconut almond chunk or raspberry sorbet, or go for a specialty like sweet corn blueberry or vegan peanut butter Oreo.
43. Texas: Lick Honest Ice Creams This Austin hot spot takes honest to heart when making their ice cream—they source milk and cream from a family-owned dairy in central Texas, and their seasonal offerings let the freshest local ingredients shine. Try an old standby like Texas sheet cake or get adventurous with lemon lavender or loquat margarita.
44. Utah: Rowley’s Red Barn Located right on a farm, Rowley’s is totally worth the trip. They’re famous for their home-grown cherries, so the cherry cheesecake or cherry chocolate chip is a must-try. Or go for an apple cider slush—icy hand-pressed apple cider that can be mixed with vanilla ice cream.
45. Vermont: Creemee Stand Of course Ben & Jerry’s is Vermont’s most famous ice cream empire, but Creemee Stand is another local favorite. With rave-worthy soft serve and hard scoop ice creams, they’ve really got something for everyone. Try their signature maple soft serve, made with fresh Vermont maple syrup.
46. Virginia: Island Creamery Since 1975, Island Creamery has been serving up delicious treats to locals and tourists alike on beautiful Chincoteague Island. Sample the muddy butter (chocolate ice cream with nutter butter cookies and peanut butter swirl) or the cantaloupe—you’ll be an instant fan!
47. Washington: Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream When it comes to ice cream, we’re all about fresh and local, and Molly Moon’s fits the bill. 90% of their ingredients are locally sourced, from milk and cream to honey and fruit. The result is drool-worthy flavors like cherry chunk, honey lavender and cookie chunk that your whole crew will love.
48. Washington D.C.: Ice Cream Jubilee Started by a corporate lawyer turned ice cream mogul, Ice Cream Jubilee is a must-visit the next time you’re in the District. You’ll love their outside-the-box flavors like snickers snickerdoodle and Thai iced tea.
49. West Virginia: Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream For almost 20 years, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving up old-fashioned treats that locals and tourists alike love. In addition to the classics like mocha almond and black raspberry, you’ll find a rotating selection of seasonal flavors like lavender honey and lime orange pineapple.
50. Wisconsin: Sassy Cow Creamery Head to Sassy Cow for some of the creamiest, freshest ice cream around. You can gaze at the grazing cows as you chow down on your ice cream, and you can also pick up delicious milk and cheese there while you’re at it. Hunker down with a yummy scoop of blueberry cheesecake or caramel chunk.
51. Wyoming: Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream Huckleberry ice cream, anyone? You’ll find it and lots more at Moo’s, a Wyoming favorite serving up rave-worthy treats. With a rotating menu of 24 flavors, there’s definitely something for everyone in your crew.
Between Seattle’s super hot summer and the start of National Ice Cream month, we couldn’t think of better reasons to treat yourself and the kids to an ice cream scoop (or two!) at one of our favorite Seattle ice cream or gelato shops. From new spots you gotta try to old faves that can’t be beat, here’s where to score the best frozen treats in Seattle and beyond.
The Pastry Project
The Pastry Project
Although eating ice cream is always good, doing good while eating ice cream isn't a guarantee. Enter the new collab between The Pastry Project (a sweet social enterprise that helps future bakers and pastry chefs overcome barriers to education and jobs) and Molly Moon's. Just swing by The Pastry Project Dutch door to order a soft serve in a cone or cup. For now, this brand-spanking new enterprise is focusing on classic flavors (chocolate, vanilla or a swirl) paired with homemade crumbles, dips and hot sauces. Doesn't a soft serve twist with sticky toffee sauce and rainbow peanut crunch sound like something you need in your life?
As parents it's hard not to love this place just based on the name alone. And we're pretty sure after you've had a taste of their scrumptious soft serve you'll be "milk drunk" too, just like your sweet newborn. They serve up irresistible flavors like lime leaf and ginger pineapple that can be enjoyed as single flavors or twisted together for an unexpected treat. Flavors rotate often... guess that means you have to go a lot this summer!
Sure you can make your own popsicles at home, or you can just head to Wallingford to score the best pops in town. These handmade frozen treats are inspired by Mexican pelatas and they are either fruit or milk based. You can find fruity flavors like zesty lime, lilikoi and banana mango all the time, alongside creamy flavors like chocolate fudge and coconut cream. But the way to go with these pops is to soup them up with fancy drizzles, toppings and dips. Trust us on this one!
Good to know: You can also find Seattle Pops at local farmers markets and in grocery stores.
If light and creative ice cream flavors are what you're craving, look no further than this local small batch pop-up. Indulge in a pint of Dirty Matcha, Melon Mint or Orange Thai Basil while you can. These pints are only available until they sell out, so order yours while you can!
Good to know: These fabu pints are available as a pop-up pick-up at Musangtino's at Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Or grab scoops at Communion Restaurant & Bar, Musang Seattle, Taste of the Carribean or Sugarhill.
You used to have to drive to Wallingford to wait in an around-the-corner line for Seattle’s best ice cream. That was so 2009. Now, almost every pocket of the city can stake a claim to a Molly Moon’s, including Madrona, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, University Village, Wallingford and 19th & Mercer downtown. C’mon, Ms. Molly Moon Neitzel: here's hoping for new stores to start selling scoops of salted caramel and scout mint in Beacon Hill and West Seattle.
Locations in Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Madrona, U Village, Columbia City, Redmond and Bellevue. Online: mollymoonicecream.com
When it comes to small-batch, made-from-scratch ice cream, it doesn't get any better than Sweet Alchemy. This delish spot hit the ice cream scene back in 2016 and owner Lois Ko has been crushing it ever since. You'll find inventive flavors like London Fog, Persian Rose and Thai Iced Tea, alongside flavors your kids know and love like Strawberry, Sweet Cream and Cookie Explosion. Get yours in a waffle bowl to make it extra special.
Good to know: In addition to its three retail shops, Sweet Alchemy has pint pick-up locations around the city.
If you're looking for plant-based ice cream, look no further than this vegan option. At Frankie & Jo's, families can count on intriguing ice cream and sorbet flavors like Salty Caramel Ash and Golden Milk to tempt their vegan tastebuds, served alongside seasonal flavors that rotate. Have yours scooped into a cone with Frankie & Jo's signature Moon Goo and you won't be disappointed.
Locations in U Village, Capitol Hill and Ballard. Online: frankieandjos.com
This Pike Place Market favorite is an old-school soda fountain, complete with novelty ice cream sundaes and egg creams. The interiors are preciously pastel and modern, with a row of stools to perch and enjoy your Mighty-O Donut topped with Lopez Island vanilla and a dollop of hot fudge. Make a day of it and enjoy a walk around the market or trip to the aquarium after.
1525 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-602-6420 Online: shugsfountain.com
Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 1-8 p.m.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
This family owned business, which has gained a cult-like following since its first opening in 2011, is known for conjuring up wildly imaginative, city-specific flavors made with in-season organic and sustainable ingredients sourced from local businesses. Produced in small batches, Salt & Straw’s ice creams combine unique flavors you can’t (and won't!) find anywhere else.
Their menu has two parts: “classics” which are permanent menu fixtures that are so beloved they remain year-round and monthly flavors that rotate. Tempt your tastebuds with classics that include Pear & Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. Psst... they've got two classic vegan flavors too, if plant-based is your jam. The rotating flavors always delight and usually tie in with a theme (this month it's Rad Readers, as in books).
Locations in Ballard, Capitol Hill and Totem Lake, but they also ship nationwide. Online: saltandstraw.com
Top It Yogurt Shoppe
Top It Yogurt Shoppe
Located in historic Snohomish, Top It Yogurt Shoppe gives the old school ice shop a modern twist with a dozen different flavors offered each day. Flavors change weekly, but you’ll usually find the old standbys of Cake Batter, County Vanilla and Pomegranate Raspberry on the daily menu. You’ll also find a huge selection of toppings to pile on as well, including fresh fruit, nuts, syrups and candy pieces. The prices here are pretty sweet as well.
So while this may not be your first place in mind for ice cream, think again. Rachel’s offers a mean ginger beer float. Ginger beer has a more aggressive flavor than root beer, but ice cream is the perfect way to temper it for a more kid-friendly palate. Choose your ginger beer flavor—original is awesome, but the seasonal varieties like blueberry, white peach and blood orange are both gorgeously colored and extremely flavorful—and add ice cream in vanilla, strawberry or vegan coconut flavors. Psst.. they're doing pop-ups at the Spheres every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
1530 Post Alley Seattle, WA 98101
1610 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122
University Village 4626 26th Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 98105
The creative geniuses behind Seattle's delicious cupcakes have brought their bakeshop favorites to ice cream, so you can have your cake and your ice cream too. Enjoy flavors like Red Velvet, Salted Caramel or Triple Vanilla, made with fresh, natural, local ingredients, or try the newest flavors in the Royale Creamery’s Elevated Soda Fountain Classic series (think: Banana Split and Salted Cookie Dough ice creams and Retro Cherry Cola sorbet). Go ahead and order a double scoop. We won't tell!
Locations in Capitol Hill, Ballard, Downtown, West Seattle, Madrona. Online: cupcakeroyale.com
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
This ice creamery is a bit of a drive for Seattle families, however it’s worth it! Snoqualmie churns sorbet, ice cream and frozen custard (our favorite is the Lemon Custard) with no artificial flavors or colors and is sweetened with non-GMO cane sugar. They also churn a line of Snoqualmie Organic flavors (try their salty caramel - it's to die for!) and 22 gluten-free flavors. In addition, their shop (Snoqualmie Ice Cream & Fountain) hosts parties, so you can take your next big bash there. It’s also a perfect place to end a trip to Flower World or even Woodinville. And you can also buy pints at local markets if Snohomish isn’t on your "to-do” list or find it at several restaurants around Seattle, including Ivar's on the waterfront.
Good to Know: Order pints from their website and have them delivered right to your doorstep. It doesn't get any sweeter than that!
This West Seattle icon is where everyone heads for cups, cones and milkshakes. The family owned shop has been making its ice cream for over 75 years! In addition to classic flavors, Husky Deli makes an array of gourmet flavors, but it's their Husky Flake, French Orange and Dollar Mint that keeps locals coming back. Pick up a few scoops, sandwiches and drinks, head to Alki and voila! A perfect day with the kids.
4721 California Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 206-937-2810 Online: huskydeli.com
The closest ice cream will ever get to being considered punk rock, Full Tilt serves sweet treats in colorful shops featuring pinball machines that hearken back to when we were kiddos. In addition to dairy flavors like mexican chocolate and green tea chip, vegan families can bite into scoops of crusty punkin or mint chocolate.
Locations in Ballard, Columbia City, White Center and the U District. Online: fulltilticecream.com
Grab some of Scoop Du Jour’s delicious ice cream in a waffle cone and walk down to the park or waterfront in Madison Park. No frills and around forever, Scoop Du Jour is an unpretentious, beloved Seattle tradition. Don’t miss out on their kid-approved burgers or grilled cheese, either.
4029 E. Madison St. Seattle, WA 98112 206-325-9562 Online: facebook.com
Bluebird is as much a destination for kiddos as it is for adults: Little ones love bowls of ice cream infused with the likes of pink-iced animal crackers or floats made with Rachel’s ginger beer or small batch root beer, and grown-ups can fill take-home growlers of Chocolate Milk Stout at the Greenwood store from Bluebird’s nanobrewery. Plus Bluebird is now doing home delivery of your favorite pints to customers in Fremont, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Maple Leaf, Crown Hill, Queen Anne and Wallingford on Fridays.
The smell of fresh-made waffle cones hits you from a block down Greenwood from this adorable little café. Who could resist? The gelato here is rich and ultra-flavorful; even the "small" can be made with two flavors, so try multiple flavors like the sea salt caramel or nutty pistachio (or go fruity with the dairy-free sorbettos). There’s no need to rush, as there are tables and a felt play wall at the back perfect to keep littles entertained.
Phinney Ridge 7212 Greenwood Ave. N Seattle, WA 98103
Wish you were in Italy? This is where you can get your gelato fix. Bottega Italiana’s ingredients are fresh and creative, and the menu includes vegan and non-dairy options. With 60% less fat than ice cream, you’ll be saying “grazi!” alongside the kids.
Pike Place Market 1425 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-343-0200 Online: bottegaitaliana.com
Fainting Goat Gelato
Fainting Goat Gelato
With two Seattle locations, this small family business serves up delicious handcrafted gelato and sorbetto in a variety of flavors. In addition to local seasonal berries, Fainting Goat also uses only organic milk and sugar, making the shop a popular family destination. Plus with flavors that rotate daily, you can expect to find a new fave (or two!) every day of the week.
During the warm summer months, families line up outside to get a huge scoop of this delicious premium gelato, handcrafted one pan at a time from an old-fashioned Italian recipe. Indulge in one of their many flavors including amaretto, cappuccino, chocolate, strawberry, mango, lemon or coconut or go for a pan dolce gelato “popsicle” or one of the many frozen sandwiches heaped with the Italian treat.
Kirkland 109 Park Ln. Kirkland, WA 98033 425-739-9339
Bellingham 960 Harris Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-733-6700
A San Fernando Valley, California chain with a slew of local stores, it’s hard to say no to Menchie’s self-serve froyo since it averages about 20 to 40 calories per ounce. When your kids add gummy worms, cookie dough chunks and peanut butter sauce that good-for-you dessert might cross the line into junk food territory, but you can always stick with fresh fruit toppings...and maybe a drizzle of hot chocolate.
Who else is excited to countdown the days until the holidays? Maybe you are just happy to see 2020 come to an end. Walmart has you covered with the ultimate countdown we all need this season.
Starting Nov. 1, the new Tasty 12 Days of Wine, Cheese + Chocolate Pairings Holiday Calendars will be available at Walmart stores. The best part of all is that all three can be purchased together for less than $100. Plus, if you grab all three you’ll have samples of wine already perfectly paired with cheese and chocolate. We can’t think of a better way to ring in the season.
The new Tasty Holiday Calendars bring 12 days of wine, cheese and chocolate pairings to life with wines like SRSLY Sauv Blanc, Oh So Rose and Beyond Red Blend. Discover unique cheese pairings including mozzarella cheddar and jalapeño pepper and chocolate pairings including a pink ruby cocoa strawberry ganache heart and a dark chocolate ganache tree.
Tasty 12 Days of Wine – $69.98
Whet your palette with cans of Tasty wine, each equivalent to two glasses of wine. Enjoy exciting varietals including Bubbly Rose, Beyond Red Blend, SRSLY Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir, Deeply Blood Orange, Oh So Rose, Raspberry Rose, For Real Grapefruit and Lil’ Brut.
Tasty 12 Days of Cheese – $9.98
What’s wine without cheese! Pair your blend with a selection of cheeses such as mozzarella cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno pepper and cheddar.
Tasty 12 Days of Chocolate – $9.98
Indulge in decadent chocolates, paired perfectly with your daily glass (or two!) of vino. Enjoy samplings of punk ruby cocoa strawberry ganache hearts, milk chocolate sea salted caramel snowmen and dark chocolate ganache trees.
We may still be enjoying the summer, but fall is slowly creeping near. HARIBO is getting ready for Halloween with a new limited-edition treat. HARIBO’s Scaremix offers gummi lovers a mix of sweet and sour spooky flavors with its Boo Bears, Dracula’s Rings, Spooky Twin Snakes, Blood Orange Cola and Black Cherries.
HARIBO will delight your little ghouls with two additional limited-edition gummi treats and three different pack mixes to fill their cauldrons.
The new collection of gummi treats includes:
S’Witches Brew: features a mix of sweet and sour gummies in seasonal shapes including bats, witches and pumpkins
Sour Vampire Bats: pucker up with these sour gummies in nightmarish bat shapes
The trick-or-treat pack mixes include:
Sweet-or-Scary Mix: features signature Goldbears and limited-edition Ghostly Gummies and Mini Sour Vampire Bats (new addition in 2020) in treat-size packs
Trick-or-Treat Mix: features a wide range of HARBIO gummies including Goldbears, Ghostly Gummies, Mini Sour Vampire Bats (new addition in 2020), Happy Cola and Twin Snakes, all in treat-size packs
HARIBO Goldbears Mix: the flavors you love in the perfect treat-size packs
There’s nothing like starting the day with a little sugar rush, right? In honor of National Donut Day, we’ve rounded up a list of the best donut shops in every state (plus D.C.). From off-the-wall artisan flavors to down-home classic styles, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to get the scoop.
1. Alabama: The Heavenly Donut Company Opened by a husband-wife duo in 2013, The Heavenly Donut Company has been serving up delicious bites at their brick-and-mortar store and two food trucks ever since. Try a classic maple glazed, a blueberry cake donut, or one of their rotating specials like a Nutella glazed donut.
2. Alaska: The Moose Is Loose This hidden gem is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in small-town Alaska. In addition to killer apple fritters and donuts, they’ve also got a sweet collection of kitschy Alaskan goods for your browsing pleasure (think moose pajamas and kids’ books).
3. Arizona: The Original Rainbow Donuts Cherry fritters, anyone? This family-owned spot churns them out daily, along with classics like long johns, Boston creams and bear claws. If you’re feeling adventurous (or need a serious sugar fix), try the M&M-topped donut.
4. Arkansas: Mark’s Do-Nut Shop No frills needed: this sweet mom-and-pop shop in North Little Rock serves up deliciously fluffy donuts that locals rave about. The menu is small, but anything you get will be a home run.
5. California: Donut Bar This is not your typical donut shop! Donut Bar is famous for their artisan donuts with a menu that changes daily. The flavors include crème Brulee, Nutella, Twix, red velvet and peaches and cream, just to name a few.
6. Colorado: The Donut House It’ll only take one bite to fall in love with the handmade donuts at this Colorado hot spot. Try an old-fashioned blueberry donut or a peanut butter brownie (a raised donut topped with peanut butter and brownie chunks).
3124 S. Parker Rd. Aurora, CO
5 additional locations in Denver, Parker, Castle Rock and East Aurora Online: thedonuthouse.com
7. Connecticut: Dixie Donuts Locals rave about this Norwich gem, and we think you’ll be an instant fan, too. Chow down on a Boston cream, or try their specialty, inspired by Samoa Girl Scout cookies: a chocolate glazed donut topped with toasted coconut and caramel.
8. Delaware: Fractured Prune At Fractured Prune, you can customize your own donut. Choose from 19 glazes (everything from strawberry to mocha) and 13 toppings (crumbled bacon, chocolate chips, sprinkles…) to make the perfect sweet treat.
9. Florida: Leon’s Donuts Whether you’re into maple bacon or classic cake donuts, you’re sure to find something to love at Leon’s. Light and fluffy donuts with friendly service—what more could you ask for?
10. Georgia: Sublime Doughnuts You’ll be wowed by all the options at Sublime Doughnuts. Just to name a few, there’s the A-town (a Boston cream in the shape of an A), a white chocolate peach fritter and a Butterfinger variety—and that’s only the beginning. For a picture-perfect birthday treat, you can order a custom message spelled out in doughnuts (sign us up!).
Georgia Tech 535 10th St. NW Atlanta, GA
North Druid Hills 2566 Briarcliff Rd. NE Atlanta, GA
11. Hawaii: Leonard’s Bakery Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Leonard’s Bakery is well worth a visit. Their specialty is the malasada, a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, coated in sugar and sometimes filled with custard, chocolate or coconut.
12. Idaho: Guru Donuts Made with locally sourced ingredients, the donuts at this Boise spot are as tasty as they are inventive. The menu changes monthly, but highlights include the root beer float, the raspberry lemonade (it’s vegan!) and the Nutella chocolate chip.
928 W. Main St., Ste. 100 Boise, ID Online: gurudonuts.com
10. Georgia: Sublime Doughnuts You’ll be wowed by all the options at Sublime Doughnuts. Just to name a few, there’s the A-town (a Boston cream in the shape of an A), a white chocolate peach fritter and a Butterfinger variety—and that’s only the beginning. For a picture-perfect birthday treat, you can order a custom message spelled out in doughnuts (sign us up!).
Georgia Tech 535 10th St. NW Atlanta, GA
North Druid Hills 2566 Briarcliff Rd. NE Atlanta, GA
11. Hawaii: Leonard’s Bakery Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Leonard’s Bakery is well worth a visit. Their specialty is the malasada, a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, coated in sugar and sometimes filled with custard, chocolate or coconut.
12. Idaho: Guru Donuts Made with locally sourced ingredients, the donuts at this Boise spot are as tasty as they are inventive. The menu changes monthly, but highlights include the root beer float, the raspberry lemonade (it’s vegan!) and the Nutella chocolate chip.
928 W. Main St., Ste. 100 Boise, ID Online: gurudonuts.com
Pixaby
13. Illinois: Doughnut Vault Offering flavors from lemon poppy seed to root beer, Doughnut Vault has something for everyone. The tiny Franklin location is a grab-and-go spot for fritters and glazed donuts, while the Canal restaurant offers lots of seating and a selection of old-fashioned donuts. And don’t forget their van—give them a follow on Twitter to find out where they pop up.
14. Indiana: Long’s Bakery Since 1955, Long’s Bakery has been churning out drool-worthy doughnuts for super affordable prices. You can’t go wrong here, but locals love the chocolate glazed and the blueberry cake. Grab a dozen, and your day will definitely be off to a great start.
15. Iowa: Ambrosia Donuts Ambrosia Donuts is sure to be an instant hit with your crew, with their awesome selection of sweet treats. If you pick a Boston cream or long john, you can request the filling of your choice—yum!
16. Kansas: Varsity Donuts Varsity Donuts started serving up fluffy donuts in Aggieville in 2011, and they’ve been a local favorite ever since. As you chow down on your donuts (try the blueberry opal or maple bacon), the littles can try out the ping pong table or play board games.
17. Kentucky: North Lime Coffee & Donuts Made daily from scratch, you can’t go wrong with any of the selections at North Lime Coffee & Donuts. Each location has a different Donut of the Day so you can try inventive flavors like chocolate chip pancake, blueberry lemonade and oreo cheesecake.
18. Louisiana: Cafe du Monde Established in 1862, Cafe du Monde has been serving up beignets (French-style donuts served piping hot and covered in powdered sugar) to locals and tourists alike ever since. Pair your beignets with a cup of their dark-roast coffee, spiced with chicory (chocolate milk and orange juice is available for the younger set).
800 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA
8 additional locations in the New Orleans metropolitan area Online: cafedumonde.com
19. Maine: The Holy Donut At The Holy Donut, their secret ingredient is something you might not expect: fresh Maine potatoes. The mashed potatoes give the donuts a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and once you’ve tried flavors like triple berry glaze, dark chocolate sea salt and fresh lemon, you’ll be an instant convert to the church of Holy Donut.
20. Maryland: Krumpe’s Do-nuts Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to this cozy spot in western Maryland. Lines snake out the door to snag some of their trademark treats, like the peanut butter iced twists, chocolate cream filled and cinnamon cake donuts, all of which are worth the wait.
21. Massachusetts: Union Square Donuts At Union Square Donuts, everything is made from scratch daily so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest and best quality. Try the maple bacon made with Vermont maple syrup and thick cut bacon, or go for an egg and cheese sandwich that uses donut dough instead of bread.
22. Michigan: New Palace Bakery This Detroit spot offers pies, bread and cakes, but their signature item is the Polish pączki, a filled doughnut traditionally served on Fat Tuesday. At New Palace, you can get pączki all year long (phew!) with fillings ranging from raspberry to custard to caramel cream.
23. Minnesota: Moon Donuts & Cafe Locals rave about this Minnesota gem with an incredible selection of donuts, from apricot filled to maple bacon and plain glazed. After just one bite you’ll understand why—and then go back for more.
24. Mississippi: The Tatonut Shop Located in historic Ocean Springs, the donuts at this sweet spot are made from potato flour, which helps them stay light and fluffy. Try the applesauce donut or the blueberry cake donut—delish!
1114 Government St. Ocean Springs, MS Online: tatonut.com
25. Missouri: The Donut Stop Founded in 1953, The Donut Stop has been a south St. Louis favorite ever since. In addition to the classics like glazed donuts and long johns, they’ve got unique offerings like cinnamon globs (aka the cinnamon roll’s less refined cousin).
26. Montana: Granny’s Gourmet Donuts Dollar donuts, anyone? At this amazing shop, you’ll find an amazing selection of donuts that won’t break the bank. Try a melt-in-your-mouth Boston cream or a filled donut topped with fresh strawberries.
27. Nebraska: The Donut Stop In addition to serving up delicious eats, The Donut Stop is also a fun hangout spot—they’ve got board games, and customers are encouraged to stick around and play. You’ll love the low prices and delicious donuts, all served up with a smile.
28. Nevada: Pink Box Doughnuts At Pink Box Doughnuts, you’ll find classic flavors like apple fritters and old-fashioned alongside inventive creations like the Fat Elvis (a chocolate-topped donut filled with banana and peanut butter) and the Unicorn (a pink velvet cake donut with lots of sprinkles). A perfect break from the Strip!
29. New Hampshire: Brothers Donuts Get your donut fix at this top New Hampshire spot, which serves up huge donuts of all kinds, from buttercrunch to honey dip to blueberry fritters. Be sure to get there early, as they often sell out!
30. New Jersey: Uncle Dood’s Donuts At Uncle Dood’s Donuts, you’ll know you’re getting the best quality—the donuts are freshly made all day long, and iced and topped to order. Try the Vermont Swine (maple bacon), the Vanilla-O (vanilla icing and Oreo crumble) or the PBJ (filled with grape jelly and topped with peanut butter icing).
31. New Mexico: Whoo’s Donuts This Santa Fe favorite is serving up seriously innovative donuts. There’s a chocolate toffee donut spiced with red chile and a blue corn blueberry lavender donut, plus more conventional flavors like lemon curd and berry jam filled varieties.
32. New York: Doughnut Plant A New York staple, Doughnut Plant had its humble start in the basement of a Lower East Side tenement building in 1994. Now it’s home to tons of delicious creations like Doughseeds, doughnut holes that have a tasty filling inside. Try the vanilla bean doughnut filled with blackberry jam and you’ll become a forever fan.
Lower East Side 379 Grand St. New York, NY
Chelsea Hotel 220 W. 23rd St. New York, NY
Brooklyn 245 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, NY
Queens Falchi Building, 31-00 47th Avenue Long Island City, Queens
33. North Carolina: Duck Donuts Hailing from North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Duck Donuts has become a cult favorite. The donuts are customizable and made to order—you get to choose your own combination of icing, toppings and drizzle, so the possibilities are endless. With buckets (!) of coffee available for adults, this place is a little slice of heaven.
1190 Duck Rd. Duck, NC
Additional locations in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Online: duckdonuts.com
34. North Dakota: Sandy’s Donuts With more than 80 types of donuts on offer, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone at Sandy’s Donuts. Go for a cherry Bismarck, a s’mores long john or a lemon poppyseed old-fashioned.
35. Ohio: Bill's Donut Shop A Centerville tradition since 1960, Bill’s Donut Shop is a must-visit spot with lots of local flavor. You can’t go wrong with a butter twist, or a sour cream, or a blueberry cake donut. Might as well get one of each!
36. Oklahoma: Polar Donuts After one bite, you’ll be hooked on the offerings at Polar Donuts. Some of the donuts have decidedly racy names (you’ll find out what we mean!), but we’re willing to distract the kiddos long enough to get our hands on the deliciousness.
1111 N. Meridian Ave., Ste. B Oklahoma City, OK Online: polardonuts.org
37. Oregon: Blue Star Donuts Boasting a brioche-style dough and freshly made glazes and fillings in a variety of interesting flavors, this shop is the stuff donut dreams are made of. The Portland-born gem is rapidly expanding, with new locations popping up in Southern California. Pay a visit to try a tasty seasonal donut (think matcha green tea and Mexican hot chocolate), and keep an eye out for the vegan options, too.
0672 #2 SW Gaines St. Portland, OR
Additional Portland-area locations in Downtown, North Portland, Southeast Portland, Northwest Portland and Beaverton Online: bluestardonuts.com
38. Pennsylvania: Yum Yum Bake Shops Yum Yum puts chain donut shops to shame, with delicious varieties like Chocolate Thunder (chocolate filling and chocolate icing) and White Lightning (whipped cream filling). Their raised donuts are super light and airy so your whole crew will gobble them up in no time.
39. Rhode Island: Allie’s Donuts This Rhode Island gem is totally worth the trip. The family-owned spot has been around since 1968, and for good reason, as the locals will tell you. Try anything with their whipped maple glaze, or you can never go wrong with a delicious sprinkle doughnut.
40. South Carolina: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts At Glazed, everything is made in-house, from the dough to the fillings to the glaze, and they don’t use artificial flavorings or food coloring. The result is a rotating selection of drool-worthy flavors like raspberry buttercream, far east peach and sweet corn & blueberry.
41. South Dakota: Flyboy Donuts A visit to Flyboy Donuts is sure to be the highlight of your morning. Try a maple bacon long john or a Samoa donut—delish! You can also order letter-shaped donuts for birthdays or other special occasions.
5005 S. Western Ave. Ste. 190 Sioux Falls, SD Online: flyboydonuts.com
42. Tennessee: Ralph’s Donut Shop Amazing donuts, affordable prices and friendly faces—there’s not much more we can ask for in a donut shop. Locals love the butter twist, the red velvet and the enormous apple fritter. But be careful: it’s hard to stop at just one!
43. Texas: Hugs & Donuts This Houston hot spot offers a solid mix of classic donuts and unique ideas. You’ll find cinnamon sugar cake donuts alongside fruity pebble crunch and green tea coconut. Plus, they offer a rotating selection of vegan cake donuts Friday through Sunday.
44. Utah: Roger's Bakery A hidden gem tucked inside an unassuming supermarket, Roger’s Bakery is totally worth a visit. Try a maple bar or an apple fritter, and you’ll be an instant fan.
45. Vermont: Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts is about to become your favorite weekend haunt. This homey spot serves up delicious homemade donuts (we recommend the Boston cream and the honeydew cake donut) alongside breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
46. Virginia:Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee At Sugar Shack, they’re all about using the freshest ingredients, making small batches of donuts throughout the day. See what all the fuss is about and try one of their rotating flavors, like sea salt caramel, red velvet cake and fresh strawberry.
47. Washington: Top Pot Doughnuts Top Pot does doughnuts the old-fashioned way, making them the perfect choice for breakfast purists. With everything from Bavarian creme to seasonal blueberry to feather boa (cake doughnuts topped with flavored icing and coconut flakes), you won’t be short on options. Psst—you can even order online ahead of time for pickup at their Western cafe.
Downtown Seattle 2124 5th Ave. Seattle, Wa
Additional locations throughout western Washington and in Texas Online: toppotdoughnuts.com
48. Washington D.C.: District Doughnut When you visit District Doughnut, you know you’re going to get a high-quality product. Mastermind chef Christine Schaefer is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate who dreams up flavors like bananas foster creme brulee, Nutella cream and cherry blossom. Since the menu changes every season, repeat visits are a must!
49. West Virginia: JR’s Donut Castle Freshly made every day, the donuts at this cozy shop are always delicious. In addition to classic glazed donuts and apple fritters, you can try out their pepperoni rolls (a kid favorite!), bread, muffins and brownies.
50. Wisconsin: Holey Moley Coffee + Doughnuts As Milwaukee’s only craft doughnut shop, Holey Moley is a must-visit the next time you’re in the city. Chow down on a blood orange cake doughnut, a PBCB (peanut butter chocolate bacon) or a seasonal fruit fritter. If your family has dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free and vegan options, so everyone wins.
51. Wyoming: Cowboy Donuts Inspired by weekly childhood visits to his local donut shop, Jason Hammond co-founded Cowboy Donuts in 2010. Today you can pick up a drool-worthy batch of donuts that your family will love, along with kolaches (a butter bread that’s filled with premium meats and cheeses).
1573 Dewar Dr. Rock Springs, WY
Additional location in Spanish Fork, UT Online: cowboydonuts.com
