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Amy's Donuts (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Sweet Spots for Doughnuts (or Donuts) in Tucson

Updated March 6, 2024

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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(Photo courtesy of This Is Tucson)

Alvernon Donut Shop

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

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!

A photo of the interior of Batch Whiskey and Donuts in downtown Tucson
(Photo courtesy of Batch)

Batch Whiskey & Donuts

Not only does Batch Whiskey & Donuts have a whole lot of whiskey — they’ve got fresh donuts 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.

(Photo courtesy of BoSa Donuts)

BoSA Donuts

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!

a picture of pastries and cupcakes
dedicated Gluten Free Bakery & Coffee Shop (Photo credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Dedicated gluten free bakery & coffee shop

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.

a picture of donuts
(Photo courtesy of Donut Bar)

Donut Bar

This family-run donut shop in downtown Tucson is all about big, fun, and tasty donuts — over 30 different ones on their menu, in fact, and half of which change every week! We’d steer you to try their Unicorn Donut, Homer Donut, and Cake Batter Donut, for starters. They even open late on weekends, serving wine and local craft beer, so it’s not just a morning thing!

a close up of a doughnut
(Photo courtesy of Donut King)

Donut King

Donut King is an absolute legend amongst Tucson donuts. Get there early because these babies often sell out by noon. But it’s not just about donuts here, their breakfast sandwiches are scrumptious too. It’s melt-in-your-mouth freshness and yumminess all around.

(Photo courtesy of Donut Wheel)

K Donut Wheel

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.

a picture of a cupcake
Blueberry Cupcake from Heemee Coffee & Bakery (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

HeeMee Coffee + Bakery

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.

a close up of food
Vegan Donuts at Houlden's Rise Above (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden’s Rise Above

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.

Bandera from La Estrella (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

La Estrella Bakery Inc

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.

a case full of donuts
Donuts (Photo courtesy of Le Cave's)

Le Cave’s Bakery

Now this place is a local hotspot, and for good reason. They’ve got a mind-boggling assortment of donuts, pastries, pies, you name it. Standouts include a one-of-a-kind blueberry fritter and a Boston Cream donut that’s just perfection. Plus, they keep the bakery case stocked all day, even in the afternoon when most places are sold out. We can’t get enough, and once you try them you’ll see why!

a picture of pastries and croissants
Locale Bakery & Cafe (photo credit: Anna Smirnova)

Locale Bakery & Café

Tucked away behind the main entrance to Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is a sunny, European-inspired bakery and café, perfect to linger outside — dolce far niente — the art of sweet idleness in Italian. Opened at the end of February, co-owner Deb Tenino, a native Tucsonan, spent two decades living in Italy before bringing the Locale concept back home to Arizona — and we’re so glad that she did.

cookies on racks
Pan Dulce at Mendez Bakery (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Mendez Bakery & Tortillas

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.

Up Til The Sunrise at Prep & Pastry (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Prep & Pastry

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

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!

a picture of a hand holding a donut
Doughnut from Sweetscape Desserts (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

SweetScape Desserts at Casino Del Sol

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!

a close up of a doughnut
(Photo courtesy of Young Donuts)

Young Donuts

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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