National Donut Day is coming up soon, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by treating yourself to one (or five) of Seattle’s best donuts. What started as a feel-good gesture by Salvation Army volunteers during World War I has turned into a full-on excuse to indulge in the fluffiest, gooiest, most photo-worthy treats. Seattle’s donut scene hits all the right notes—from old-school glazed classics to vegan creations topped with Earl Grey icing and lavender sprinkles. Whether you’re on a sugar-fueled mission across the city or just looking for the perfect maple bar to go with your cold brew, these local donut shops are ready to deliver. This list covers the spots Seattleites actually love, not just the ones that look good on Instagram.
From their savory Cheddar Jalapeño to the Tiramisu and Salted Beer Caramel, every flavor tastes like it’s been handcrafted with serious joy. The donuts are soft, airy, and never overly sweet, letting their quality fillings shine. Service is warm and welcoming, and they even sling excellent coffee.
If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free and have given up hope on donuts tasting like anything other than sadness, this place will restore your faith. The Lavender Lemon and Gramma Ann (a vanilla cake donut with Earl Grey glaze and strawberry jam) are top-tier. The space itself is cozy and welcoming, with solid coffee to match the treats.
Seattle’s plant-based donut institution. Everything at Mighty-O is 100% organic and vegan, but you’d never guess it from the taste. Fluffy, sweet, and flavorful, their donuts range from classic glazed to zany seasonal specials. The vibe is community-forward, and the staff are the kind of folks who remember your name and go the extra mile.
A true neighborhood gem with some of the freshest donuts in town—and that’s saying a lot. The place recently had a sleek makeover, but the soul of the shop remains in its warm service and incredibly soft, fresh donuts. Try the apple fritter or a maple bar if you want something classic. Bonus points for the boiled peanuts and espresso on the side.
These are the donuts you post about on Instagram before you take a bite. Fluffy, massive, and unapologetically topped with vibrant glazes and creative twists, Dough Joy is 100% vegan and 1000% joyful. The Maple Bar is a standout, and their Pop Tart donut will bring you back to childhood, in a good way. Also, dog-friendly with fun merch.
This spot feels like walking into your favorite aunt’s kitchen. The couple who runs it is lovely, the prices are friendly, and the donuts? Crunchy outside, soft inside, full of flavor. The apple fritter is the stuff of legend, and the vibe is pure old-school donut shop charm.
One of Seattle’s OG donut heavyweights. Known for their inviting, cozy interior (think deep wood tones and bookshelves), this is the perfect spot to linger over a donut and a latte. The Maple Bar is a local favorite, and their wide selection ensures there’s something for everyone. Great for groups, solo study sessions, or just watching the rain fall outside.
If a mochi donut and a classic American donut had a baby, you’d get Dochi. These chewy, bouncy, crispy-on-the-outside donuts are addictive. Flavors rotate but often include bangers like Churro, Cookie Butter, and Matcha. It’s fun, it’s playful, and it’s the kind of treat you’ll crave after just one visit.
This spot brings nostalgic donut shop vibes with a side of new-school flavor. You’ll find all the old-school hits—glazed, maple, Bismarck—but also bacon maple bars and apple cider old-fashioned donuts that take things up a notch. Great service, a casual street-side seating vibe, and consistently top-tier quality. Get a dozen and thank yourself later.
Donuts, mochi donuts, apple turnovers, and garlic chicken? This place does it all. It’s a mix of sweet and savory, with a small-town hospitality that makes you feel instantly welcome. The prices are fair, the texture of their iced donuts is perfect, and their donut holes are dangerously snackable. A total hidden gem worth the drive.