Amy's Donuts (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

12 Sweet spots to celebrate National Doughnut Day 2021


June 3, 2021
By Matt Sterner

National Doughnut Day arrives every year on the first Friday of June.

In Tucson, you’ve got some sweet options. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something simple like a classic glazed doughnut, or one that’s got enough sprinkles to tickle Homer Simpson’s fancy, these shops have you covered.

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Alvernon Donut Shop

1450 S. Alvernon Way
Maple Bacon Glazed Long Johns at Alvernon Donut Shop (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
Maple Bacon Glazed Long Johns at Alvernon Donut Shop (Credit: Adam Lehrman)

The most charming of the bunch, Alvernon Donut Shop has been around for over 15 years and is often considered to be the South Central Tucson doughnut dive.

  • Standout item: Maple Bacon Glazed Long John, Ginormous bear claw
  • Why you should go: Friendly staff, charming, B&B-like interior, Maple Bacon Glazed Long John.

Keep up with Alvernon Donuts on Facebook.

Amy’s Donuts

101 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Amy's Donuts (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Amy’s Donuts (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Amy’s Donuts sells fresh, vibrant doughnuts with toppings that seem limitless. Going big? Choose your own or opt for a frosted dozen (or half dozen) box. Also, they’re open from 5 a.m. – midnight daily, so you’ve got plenty of time to make more than one trip in a day.

  • Standout item: Heart Attack Doughnut
  • Why you should go: You will always be entertained — by the varied flavors and playful, Tucson-inspired murals that provide endless selfie backdrops.

For more information, visit amysdonuts.com.

Batch Cafe & Bar

118 E. Congress St.
Doughnuts at Batch Cafe & Bar (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The downtown location is open from 4 – 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and then 2 p.m. – midnight on Friday and Saturday.

  • Standout item: The Stud, Creme Brulee
  • Why you should go: Dozens of whisk(e)ys, grilled cheese sandwiches, local-roasted drip coffee.

For more information, visit batchtucson.com.

Donut Bar

33. N. Sixth Ave.
Donut Bar offerings (Photo courtesy of Donut Bar on Facebook)
Donut Bar offerings (Photo courtesy of Donut Bar on Facebook)

The San Diego-based doughnut shop Donut Bar is celebrating the holiday big with extended hours from 7 a.m. – midnight.

The first 50 customers will get a free doughnut, they’ll be unveiling the Burger Donut, and $1 off all of their drinks. Plus, if you order a Burger Donut, you’ll be automatically entered to win a $50 gift card.

Keep up with Donut Bar on Facebook.

Donut Wheel

2630 S. Kolb Rd. • 4801 S. Campbell Ave. • 4524 W. Ina Rd. • 675 W. Valencia Rd.

Donut Wheel has multiple locations around Tucson, so there’s a chance you’ve stopped by one of them in the past.

  • Standout item: Apple Fritter
  • Why you should go: Their apple fritter is big, plump, thick, and only slightly crispy on the edges. It’s heavy and a bit oilier than some of the others, but it’s one of the best fritters I’ve tasted.

Keep up with Donut Wheel Ina Rd on Facebook.

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King Donut

150 W. Grant Rd.
Doughnuts at King Donut (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
Doughnuts at King Donut (Credit: Adam Lehrman)

If you’ve been confused as to whether King Donut is the same as Donut King, I’m here to assure you, yes, they are the same place. Although, for the record, their sign clearly says “King Donut” with the “King” on top of donut.

  • Standout item: Regular glazed
  • Why you should go: You could make a day out of this sketchy Tucson street corner. In addition to King’s Chinese Restaurant, there is also the Grant Stone Supermarket — an experience in itself.

For more information, visit donutking.business.site.

La Estrella Bakery

5266 S. 12th Ave. • 120 South Avenida del Convento, Ste. 100
Glazed doughnuts at La Estrella Bakery (Credit: La Estrella Bakery)
Glazed doughnuts at La Estrella Bakery (Credit: La Estrella Bakery)

While assortments of donuts are available here, you’ll find yourself returning for the assortment of Mexican pastries available, such as the piernas or galletas. Tortillas, tamales, and menudo are also available to bring home.

  • Standout item: Regular glazed
  • Why you should go:  This is one of the few places in Tucson that offer hot dog buns ideal for Sonoran hot dogs.

For more information, visit laestrellabakeryincaz.com.

Le Cave’s Bakery

3950 E. 22nd St.
Assorted doughnuts at Le Cave's Bakery (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Assorted doughnuts at Le Cave’s Bakery (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Though we don’t consult PETA on where we should eat, they ranked Le Cave’s as one of the top six vegan-friendly doughnut shops in the nation. They open up early at 6 a.m. on National Doughnut Day.

  • Standout items: Apple Fritter, Regular Glazed, Mango Empanada
  • Why you should go: Vegan options and empanadas.

Keep up with Le Cave’s Bakery on Facebook.

Prep & Pastry

6450 E. Grant Rd., Ste. 160 • 2660 N. Campbell Ave.
Doissant at Prep & Pastry (Credit: Prep & Pastry)
Doissant at Prep & Pastry (Credit: Prep & Pastry)

Ensuring you’ll never spell it right, the illegitimate sister to New York City baker Dominique Ansel’s Cronut® is only available in Tucson at one place. And that’s Prep & Pastry.

  • Standout item: All the baked goods rock, but if you’re wanting something of more substance, check out the Cast Iron Duck Confit Hash
  • Why you should go: If the doissant doesn’t sway you, perhaps the breakfast will. It’s worthy. But be patient. They get busy.

More info at prepandpastry.com.

Queen Donuts & Bakery

1108 W. St Marys Rd.

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Located just west of the freeway on St. Mary’s is Queen Donuts. There is no relationship between Queen Donuts and King Donut. Although, someone should open up a Prince Donut and Jester Donut just to add confusion to this Illuminati-like underground doughnut conspiracy.

For more information, call (520) 908-3280.

Sweetscape Bakeshop at Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.
Doughnut at Sweetscape Desserts (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Doughnut at Sweetscape Desserts (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Located inside the casino near the Bingo Hall, Sweetscape offers a variety of sweets and treats including doughnuts, gelato, pastries, desserts, shakes, floats, sundaes, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee beverages.

Over 15 varieties of freshly-made yeast and cake doughnuts are available in the bakeshop of Casino Del Sol.

  • Standout item: Maple Bacon & Chocolate Doughnut
  • Why you should go: Specialty desserts, made-from-scratch breakfast sandwiches, and 18 flavors of house-made slow-churned gelato.

For more information, visit casinodelsol.com.

Young Donuts

1043 N. Kolb Dr.

A few years ago, In their “Best Donuts In All 50 States” roundup, Thrillist named Young Donuts on Kolb Road the best donut shop in all of Arizona.

That was pretty sweet of them.

For more information, call (520) 298-0020.

Where are your favorite doughnuts in town? Let us know in the comments.

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