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.
Alvernon Donut Shop
1450 S. Alvernon Way
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 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.
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.
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.
King Donut
150 W. Grant Rd.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 St. Mary’s Mexican Food, El Antojo Poblano, and Barista del Barrio, Tanias 33, Marisco’s Chihuahua, Oasis Fruit Cones (raspados), and Pat’s Chili Dogs.
For more information, call (520) 908-3280.
Sweetscape Bakeshop at Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
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.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
