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Sweet Spots for Doughnuts (or Donuts) in Tucson

Sweet Spots for Doughnuts (or Donuts) in Tucson

by Max WingertJul 6, 2023Updated Jul 14, 20265 min read
The first Friday of every June is National Doughnut Day, but you don't need an excuse or special day to embrace the selection of doughnuts in Tucson. Options range from the classic pink-frosted and sprinkled doughnut that Homer Simpson drools over to more recent favorites such as the maple-bacon glazed doughnut or the Hawaiian malasada.
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17 spots

(Photo courtesy of This Is Tucson)

Alvernon Donut Shop

1450 South Alvernon WayMidtown

Over at Alvernon Donut Shop, you'll be treated to a lip-smacking menu that includes perfectly cooked bacon, fried chicken, and ham and cheese croissants. Their cinnamon donuts and apple fritters are simply irresistible. And the coffee? It's a must-have! It's the perfect spot to satisfy both your sweet tooth and savory cravings​.

(Photo courtesy of Amy's Donuts)

Amy's Donuts

101 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

Amy's Donuts is the donut wonderland of Tucson. With Amy and Chin Kim at the helm, they offer around 120 different donut flavors, so you're spoiled for choice. Favorites include the Maple Bacon and the Over the Rainbow donuts, and they even have mini-hotdogs wrapped in dough, a fun Texas specialty. They're open 24/7, so your donut cravings are always covered -- plus, they host field trips for kids!

(Photo courtesy of BoSa Donuts)

BoSA Donuts

6872 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

When you're in the mood for a chill vibe and tasty donuts that don't burn a hole in your wallet, BoSA Donuts is the place to be. This spot is known for dishing up a wide selection of classic donuts daily. And they're not just about donuts - you can also score sandwiches, boba tea, Thai tea, shaved ice, and smoothies. With most of their donuts around a buck and a dozen for about $9-$14, this place is a real deal!

Doughnuts & pastries by Cal’s Bakeshop (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Cal’s Bakeshop

2707 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity

Cal’s Bakeshop products are not your ordinary breakfast sweet. All you have to do is look at them and you know immediately that something special is going on. One bite and you’re convinced. Caleb Orellana is the owner, baker, and mastermind behind this small business. His creations include fluffy donuts, cronuts, Danishes, and more.

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(Photo courtesy of Dedicated)

Dedicated gluten free bakery & coffee shop

4500 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

If it isn't already, Dedicated should definitely be one of your go-to gluten-free bakeries in Tucson. A family-run gem, they whip up everything from breads and pastries to muffins, all gluten-free and super tasty. Their cream puffs are a must-try. Plus, they're up for a challenge, so don't shy away from custom orders or special requests.

HeeMee Coffee + Bakery downtown location (Photo by Jackie Tran)

HeeMee Coffee + Bakery

20 East Congress StreetDowntown

HeeMee serves fresh pastries and cakes in downtown Tucson, handmade daily from scratch (the Red Bean Donuts and Korean Corn Dogs are oustanding!) providing a delightful pairing to your coffee. They serve Intelligentsia Coffee espresso and drip coffee along with locally-roasted Yellow Brick Coffee's cold brew.

Vegan Donuts at Houlden’s Rise Above (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden's Rise Above

5029 East 5th StreetMidtown

Houlden's Rise Above is one of the best vegan bakeries in Tucson. They whip up awesome stuff like the Chocolate Mousse Cruffin and Twice Baked Almond Croissant that folks can't get enough of. Don't miss out on their Oreo Baby Cake or Broccoli Ched'r Danish either - total taste bud delights! They switch up their menu often, so there's always something new to try.

(Photo courtesy of Donut Wheel)

K Donut Wheel

2775 South Wilmot RoadSouth Side

Donut Wheel is a local favorite where you'll find more than just sweets. They've got a wonderful breakfast menu featuring well-done pork and tasty sandwiches. But let's not forget about their donuts! Go for the chocolate ones or the apple fritters - you won't be disappointed. Top it off with a cup of their awesome coffee, bubble tea, or milk tea.

La Estrella Bakery Inc

120 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown

This spot is all about family, tradition, and of course, killer Mexican-style donuts. Every morning, they're whipping up donuts from recipes that have been in the family for years. From classic glazed to chocolate-filled, they've got a donut for everyone. But what really makes these guys stand out is their authentic Mexican flavor that you won't find anywhere else.

(Photo courtesy of Mendez Bakery & Tortillas)

Mendez Bakery & Tortillas

1219 South 6th AvenueDowntown

Run by Fernando Mendez, Mendez Bakery & Tortillas is where traditional Mexican pastries meet innovation. Their fluffy conchas and Cajeta Empanadas are to die for. But they also do awesome croissants, doughnuts, and even tortillas made in a century-old oven. It's a family affair at Mendez, and it shows in the love they put into their food.

(Photo courtesy of Prep & Pastry)

Prep & Pastry

2660 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Great for breakfast, lunch, and, of course, brunch in Tucson, Prep & Pastry. has this cool, laid-back vibe and their breakfast menu is off the charts with all sorts of goodies like French toast (four different kinds, no less!) and biscuits and gravy that'll blow your mind. Donut wise, you gotta go for the Doissant -- think "Tucson Cronut!"

(Photo courtesy of Queen Donuts and Broaster Chicken)

Queen Donuts & Broaster Chicken

5975 West Western Way CircleWestside

Queen Donuts & Broaster Chicken is the ultimate sweet and savory combo spot. They're whipping up fresh donuts and broasted chicken that people can't get enough of. Their apple fritters are legendary - crispy, moist, and perfect with a hot cup of joe or black tea. And don't sleep on the broaster chicken and potato salad - they're seriously good!

Snake & Barrel

118 East Congress StreetDowntown

Not only does Batch Whiskey & Donuts have a whole lot of whiskey -- they've got fresh doughnuts on the weekends to go with them! Everything from classic chocolate to maple bacon to whiskey-flavored delights can be found in a rotating array of tasty treats.

Doughnut from Sweetscape Desserts (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

SweetScape Desserts at Casino Del Sol

5655 West Valencia RoadSouthwest

Nestled inside Casino Del Sol, SweetScape is basically a dessert wonderland. They've got over a dozen types of donuts, a dizzying array of gelatos, and a ton of other pastries, shakes, sundaes, and even breakfast sandwiches. Try the Donut Believe It Gelato, a dreamy mix of donuts, vanilla gelato, and caramel!

(Photo courtesy of Young Donuts)

Young Donuts by Rise'n Shine Donuts and More

1043 North Kolb RoadEastside

Once named "The Best Donut Shop in Arizona" by Thrillist, this spot on Kolb is not to be missed. Serving up both fresh donuts (try their Buttermilk Glazed) and bountiful broasted chicken, owners Sophy and Keng Se have created a true, lasting Tucson donut legacy!

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!