Whether you’re an apple fritter fanatic, a classic glazed connoisseur, or a frosted and sprinkled type of doughnut lover, there’s most likely a Tucson doughnut dive nearby for you to sink your teeth into and up your bad cholesterol. If you’ve been fulfilling your doughnut fix at places such as Starbucks, Safeway, or Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s time to dial up your dedication and check out one or more of the local doughnut dives sprinkled around Tucson.
Alvernon Donut Shop
1450 S Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
The most charming of the bunch, this doughnut shop has been around for over 11 years. The owner, Po, is super friendly, and they have a core group of customers. Alvernon Donut Shop is the South Central Tucson donut 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
Visit Alvernon Donut on Yelp.
Donut Wheel
2630 S Kolb Rd • 4801 S Campbell • 4524 W Ina Rd
Located near Golf Links and Kolb, this doughnut shop features a drive-thru and really cranks out some doughnuts. It’s hard to know if they’re always as busy as they were on the Friday I visited, which also happened to be National Doughnut Day, but the drive-thru line was longer than at a Starbucks.
- 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.
Visit Donut Wheel on Yelp.
King Donut
150 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
You won’t want to do much in this neighborhood save for check out King’s Chinese for pho, Mother Hubbard’s, or grab a quick donut at King Donut. 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 Mother Hubbard’s and King’s Chinese Restaurant, there is also the Grant Stone Supermarket – an experience in itself.
Visit King Donut on Yelp.
Queen Donut
1108 W St Marys Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745
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.
- Standout item: Chocolate cake doughnut, cheap doughnut holes
- Why you should go: It’s in Barrio Hollywood, which many people don’t make it out to. Other nearby standouts are Tania’s, Marisco’s Chihuahua, Oasis Fruit Cones (raspados), and Pat’s Chili Dogs.
Visit Queen Donut on Yelp.
Wheel Donuts (Closed)
3860 E Pima St, Tucson, AZ 85716
This centrally located doughnut dive is quite large for how small of a product they feature. In addition to doughnuts, they might as well host yoga classes or chi gong in the extra space, although I’m not quite sure how well that would mesh with glazed old-fashioned doughnuts and coffee.
- Standout item: Blueberry Cake Doughnut, Apple Fritter
- Why you should go: If you’re getting the blueberry cake doughnut fresh, it’s one of the best baked goods you’ll ever pop into your mouth. Also, they’re proud of their apple fritter for not being too oily. On top of that, they feature a $2 doughnut and coffee special.
Wheel Donut is now closed.
Young Donuts
1043 N Kolb Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710
This is a fun little doughnut dive on the Southwest corner of Speedway and Kolb. Rather than a bell that goes off when the door opens, there’s a voice that happily and robotically greets you.
- Standout item: Buttermilk glazed
- Why you should go: Super friendly staff and lots of fresh choices.
Visit Young Donuts on Yelp.
Honorable Mention: Le Cave’s
1219 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
More of a historic and delicious landmark than your typical donut dive, we received quite a bit of flack for not including Le Cave’s. Are they awesome? Yes. Are they a dive. Eh… not so much, but mighty worthy of a visit.
- Standout items: Apple Fritter, Regular Glazed, Empanada
- Why you should go: Super friendly staff and lots of fresh choices.
Visit Le Cave’s On Facebook.
