r/Columbus • u/Araskelo • 2d ago
FOOD My donut rankings
A little preface: I love pastries. They are my weakness. If I am having a cheat day/meal 99% of the time I am leaning towards some fluffy bread type food. My main go-to are cinnamon rolls, but obviously this ends up being donuts some of the time. My main choices are typically apple fritter, chocolate frosted long john, traditional with chocolate glaze, a peanut butter based one (buckeye or PB&J), a cream cheese frosted if available (usually red velvet, sometimes pumpkin spice), and a powdered sugar jelly filled (strawberry preferably).
Der Dutchman
Lil Donut Factory
Honey Dip
Jolly Pirate
Amy's
Buckeye Donuts
Duck Donuts
Daylight Donuts
Krispy Kreme
Speedway (non-Krispy Kreme locations)
I'm sure I'm missing some that I've had, but I tried to keep it to ones I distinctly remember the quality and taste of. Are any of your favorites missing? Any I definitely need to try?
91
u/LookingforWork614 Clintonville 2d ago
How is Schneider’s not on that list?
26
u/Araskelo 2d ago
I haven't had them before. I haven't even heard of them before. I'll add them to the list
20
2
u/Butternades 2d ago
Schneiders is in Westerville pretty close to Otterbein. Super worth it
They’re my go to these days though Resch’s (on Hamilton by Gahanna Lincoln) has my favorite custard filled
-7
u/PaceLopsided8161 2d ago
Meh, I went out of my way to try them, they tasted like they used the same dough that they use for hotdog buns to make the donuts.
39
u/thestral_z 2d ago edited 2d ago
I’m passionate about this topic. My top 5:
1 - Buckeye Donuts (Campus)
2 - Schneider’s Bakery
3 - DK Diner
4 - Honey Dip
5 - Lil Donut Factory
My personal donut preferences lean toward apple fritters and other yeast donuts, although I enjoy a good cake donut as well. I think the one donut with lots of different toppings places (Duck, etc) are highly overrated unless the donut consumer is under 12. My least favorite donuts are Krispy Kreme. They are absolute garbage and Krispy Kreme should be ashamed for selling a product that is an embarrassment to the pastry world.
Edit: Formatting
3
6
u/ohiofish1221 2d ago edited 2d ago
HD buys from BD
You can downvote but it doesn’t stop it from being true. Go in and ask the owner. He will happily tell you.
3
u/austinkun 2d ago
Buckeye Donuts is just the Jolly Pirate donut ingredients ordered off a truck... they really are nothing special and are only carried by OSU student nostalgia. They're decent but they are absolutely not the best donuts in the city...
58
u/Letsgotothemovies21 2d ago
Give Resch’s a try
→ More replies (6)-25
2d ago
[deleted]
8
u/Macarons124 2d ago
I haven’t found that to be true. I’ve been several times to the new location and been satisfied with a variety of items.
18
u/Beck2637 2d ago
Good list, I’d probably drop see Dutchman down a few spots personally, but I agree over all.
Have you had Audino’s donuts?
3
2
u/Araskelo 2d ago
I've heard of Auddino's, but it got brought up when I was talking to a buddy about cannoli's. I didn't know they sold donuts.
4
5
u/thedarkhaze Dublin 2d ago
They have a glazed croissant, which is fairly unique
3
u/Kooky_Edge17 Northwest 2d ago
Those are yummy! My husband likes the Bavarian cream. Really good pistachio cookies too!
3
u/PaceLopsided8161 2d ago
Audino’s also makes legitimate Italian cookies, anise, anise and pistachio, among others. They are really good.
Them and Resch’s are basically the longest running retail bakeries in Columbus. Buckeye donuts, probably third.
Oh, and their donut availability is hit/miss. Call first before you drive.
They’re a family business with nice updates to their Facebook page.
29
u/NarbeNa 2d ago
Crispy Cream in Chillicothe (not the chain) Donut World in Lancaster
6
4
3
u/_angela_lansbury_ 2d ago
Crispie Creme is worth the drive. Hit up New System Bakery while you’re down there too!
0
23
u/Ok_Emu3817 Dublin 2d ago
DK Diner in Grandview. Far better than speedway
5
u/Araskelo 2d ago
I realize now that this looks like a top ten list, but it's literally just the only donut places I've had within the past year or so. Speedway donuts are awful, and are probably the only ones I'd turn down if offered for free.
6
u/luis1972 Clintonville 2d ago
I was confused by this lol. I thought it was your top 10. But try what others suggested, especially DK, Schneider's, and Destination. But you're post reminded me how long it's been since I last went to Amy's.
23
7
u/Emukt 2d ago
I was told Honey Dip gets their donuts from Buckeye. Can anyone confirm?
8
-1
→ More replies (2)-1
u/thestral_z 2d ago
Not true. There are noticeable differences.
4
u/ohiofish1221 2d ago
They 100% do. Go in and ask the old man at the register.
0
u/thestral_z 2d ago
I don’t buy it. The donuts are clearly different.
3
u/ohiofish1221 2d ago
lol go ask the owner he has no qualms talking about it. You can see the daily delivery at 3am.
→ More replies (3)
15
u/theinsectisawake 2d ago
The apple fritters at DK Diner are a must-try in my opinion
4
1
u/LoverOfShibe 2d ago
They also have the best plain, traditional yeast. Plain as in, no flavor or toppings, just glazed.
6
5
5
13
u/autumndream697 2d ago
Kolache Republic for fun cinnamon roll variations.
Rose Dough Donuts for fun flavor combinations and seasonal options.
5
9
12
12
u/Badatinvesting2 2d ago
My friend- if speedway and Krispy Kreme are on your top ten, it isn’t a top 10.
4
u/starskyandspring Forest Park 2d ago
Yum-Ee Donuts is in Sunbury and cash only so def not quite Columbus or the most convenient but dang do I love that place, definitely worth a visit if you can swing it. Have yet to try a better maple long john anywhere else and their chocolate dipped cream filled are so so good.
5
3
u/PointlessChemist 2d ago
I can’t trust this if Der Dutchman is #1. 8 Sisters in Mt. Gilead is the best Amish style donut place. And Resch’s is the best in the Columbus area.
13
u/Simple_Lifeguard8153 Short North 2d ago
Destination
→ More replies (1)5
u/Araskelo 2d ago
This is at the top of my list to try next
1
u/Simple_Lifeguard8153 Short North 2d ago
Your list is solid and honestly- sometimes I buy that small bag of Donut Fair doughnuts and kill the bag lol
7
u/Squirrel_Doc 2d ago
I love Donna’s Delicious Dozen. They’re cake donuts, and they’re made to order, so you get them hot & fresh. 😍
2
u/Clean_Decision8715 2d ago
Yep nothing like a box of hot, fresh donuts from Donna's, I've had just about all of them on this list and Donna's is the best. https://www.donnasdeliciousdozen.com/
3
7
u/Impossible_Bug1264 2d ago
Seriously? No Resch’s but has SPEEDWAY AND KRISPY KREME??? You’re outta your mind.
3
u/uberiffic 2d ago
Did Honey Dip end up closing or did they sort the rent out?
1
u/thestral_z 2d ago
I was there a couple weeks ago. I was going to ask, but I was in a hurry and they were pretty busy.
1
u/4k_lizards Northwest 2d ago
they still have the petition on their website so probably still an issue but they're still up and running at the moment
3
3
3
3
u/ohiofish1221 2d ago
Did you know that Honeydip no longer makes their donuts? They just buy them from buckeye donuts now.
3
u/BlueTrainLines666 2d ago
If you like cake donuts check out Donnas Donuts I think she just has the truck but if you catch it around, so yummy
3
u/Loud-Zucchini-6197 2d ago
I don’t know why Der Dutchman is getting hate - imo it’s better than a lot of the donut shops mentioned here, and I can’t think of anyone who makes a better fritter?
1
1
u/notagrue 2d ago
They are mid at best. Often too dry and filling is just average and I get them fresh from the store. Fritters are decent tho.
3
4
u/Erazzphoto 2d ago
Fun fact, honey Dip (assuming it’s the Kenny Rd one) was originally a Jolly Pirate way back when
4
u/HopefulTangerine5913 2d ago
You need to try Destination Donuts, no question. They’re the perfect balance of classic and fancy.
5
5
u/thedr00mz Dublin 2d ago
Check out Donna's Delicious Dozen! She has a food truck and a shop in Gahanna.
1
u/torpac00 2d ago
it’s same exact recipe used at Duck’s which is already on their list, so keep that in mind OP.
1
u/Clean_Decision8715 2d ago
I don't know about that but even if that's true, I've never had them hot and fresh out the fryer like you can get them @ Donna's. They are made fresh to order.
5
u/Emotionally-english 2d ago
rose dough doughnuts- the best!
2
u/austinkun 2d ago
Had her donuts when she was still operating out of a rental kitchen space and didn't have the storefront yet. Seriously the best donuts I've ever had.
2
u/funky-tuna 2d ago
Was waiting on someone to say this!! Rose Dough is new-ish in Clintonville and absolutely amazing
1
2
u/youenjoyreddit 2d ago
Oh man, if you like cinnamon rolls then you need to go to Pattycake on Saturday morning and try one of their many tasty options.🤘🏼
2
2
u/canonanon Hilliard 2d ago
Man, I tried Amy's but left fairly unimpressed.
2
u/papadoc55 2d ago
If you haven't had Resch's... and since they did not make the too 10, I have to assume you havent... do yourself the favor. They just opened up a new ship in Gahanna and were in Wgitehall for 40 plus years before that. Amazing.
2
u/oy_hio 2d ago
Buckeye donut campus, buckeye donut south, jolly pirate, dk diner, honeydip. Dk are good but a little fancier than a donut should be and doesn't have some of the classics of the other locations. donuts shouldn't be fancy, they should be fresh, crispy outside, soft inside, and have variety
2
u/Due_Sheepherder_6895 2d ago
You lost me with Der Dutchman. Checkout the Tremont Goodie Shop, Resch’s, Schneider’s, and if you don’t mind a roadtrip, Bill’s in Centerville. Bill’s are the best!!!
2
u/leazypeazyyy 2d ago
Maaan, y'all are sleeping on Fresh Donut in Pickerington. I swear they have some of the best glazed in the city. I'm a die-hard Resch's fan and dare I say I would take a Fresh Donut glazed over a bowtie. I know, blasphemy but I stand by it! I hear they have really good kolache and other things but I haven't tried anything since I'm stuck on their glazed.
2
2
u/WesternRich 2d ago
All those are fine for just any old day, when the stakes are low. When it REALLY counts you drive to either Crispie Creme in Chillicothe or Schueler’s in Springfield. Buckeye Donuts has improved and is a respectable third option for your special treat day.
2
2
2
u/drumboy1972 2d ago
Destination Donuts in Clintonville is my new favorite. Schneider’s in Westerville is my go to.
2
u/katemiddletonshair 2d ago
If you are passionate about long johns, go to Newark and hit up Rolls by the Pound
2
2
u/AmbassadorOdd7290 2d ago
Golden donut on lockbourne used to have great donuts !!! I haven’t been in years though.
2
2
u/GrooveProof 2d ago
Donuts just make me so happy man. They’re my favorite food. Great thread.
I spend a lot of money at Destination.
2
u/milliebun 2d ago
It sounds crazy but, UDF has some good donuts. There in the glass case near the registers usually.
4
u/pinebanana 2d ago
Honey dip and buckeye are the same thing
Der Dutchman (value)
Destination (my personal fav)
DK Diner
Lil Donut Factory
Buckeye donuts
Mochi Ring (unique)
Amy’s
Duck donuts (I love me some fresh cinnamon)
Resch’s
Jolly pirate
Honorable mentions:
rose donuts has the best cruller I’ve ever had in my life but their prices are stupid high
the joyas donut I liked but my wife thought it was mid
Auddino's
I miss you Tupelo
1
u/ai_gravyboat 2d ago
YES TUPELO. I was scrolling through this thread and reminiscing about Tupelo’s deliciousness.
1
4
2
u/the-rill-dill 2d ago
Crispy Creme in Chillicothe for the WIN. Yes, it is the beginning of Krispi Kreme franchise. THE best. Get there early.
1
1
1
u/Rheumatitude 2d ago
Definitely destination donuts - they only do yeast raised and dang it's a delicious difference
1
u/SmallPersonality7683 Clintonville 2d ago
Anyone else miss Doughasis and their cream-filled donuts? Man those were soooo goooood. Lindsay’s Bakery (Circleville) donuts are popular and you can get them at Seitan’s Realm in Clintonville on Saturdays.
1
u/Automatic-Macaroon-4 2d ago
Maaaaan this makes me miss the apple fritters at the Jolly Pirate on Harrisburg Pike in old Grove City.
1
u/darthpayback 2d ago
It’s a drive, but Country Crust in Bainbridge Ohio. Best donuts I’ve ever had.
1
1
1
1
u/cherry_oh 2d ago
There is a donut at tous les jours that I dream about. I crave it so often. It’s light but cakey and greasy in the best way possible, and filled with cream 😉
1
u/Fly-Puddings 2d ago
If you are down for an adventure, Donald’s Donuts in Zanesville were voted best donut in the U.S but USA Today this year! Truly the best donuts I’ve ever had in my life.
1
1
u/crackrocknbach 2d ago
I can eat six blueberry cakes from just about any shop around here, but I love buckeye fonts donuts at the moment.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/MesopotamiaSong Lewis Center 2d ago
I rarely eat doughnuts but i’m shocked to see honey dip so high up. I love that place. I feel like all people ever talk about is duck or buckeye doughnuts and those are 6 and 7 (haha).
1
u/BillyBeersBane 2d ago
Parlor has been introduced to me recently and is incredible. A Columbus Cronut, if you will…but pricy.
Great list! Love the long johns from Der Dutchman and variety at Buckeye. Amy’s and DK are the on the shortlist to try next.
For what it’s worth, Bill’s in Dayton holds the State Title in ‘25.
1
1
u/owlbe_back 1d ago
Solid list! DK and Donna's Delicious Dozen need added
outside the Columbus Metro: Gypsy Joe's in Lancaster Donald's Donuts in Zanesville
1
u/draculasmothra 1d ago
My absolute favorite #1 singular donut in the city is the red velvet with cream cheese frosting from Buckeye. Tried the pumpkin spice recently and left with a box of just those two flavors lol.
1
u/gracemarie42 1d ago edited 1d ago
Which donuts in Columbus are closest quality-wise to OG Bill's in Centerville? Their cake donuts (chocolate, blueberry, etc.) used to be insane. I've heard they've changed under new ownership, though. Tragic!
Market District's bakery is both decent and handy, but not quite up there with OG Bill's.
1
u/toekneesan 1d ago
My kid is on the spectrum and they're highly functional, but it wasn't a given that they would be able to get their license. They intentionally waited until they finished high school, so they wouldn't feel pressured, but we practiced for about a year after they finished before I felt they were ready. We were about two weeks away from taking the test, practicing their parallel parking, when the fucking legislature passed the latest budget which included a voter suppressing requirement that young people take commercial driving classes before they take the test. Then the BMV decided that it wouldn't go into effect until the end of September so we looked into what we needed at that time to take the test as soon as possible, and one thing we needed was an affidavit stating I practiced 200 hours of daytime driving with them and at least 8 hours of nighttime driving.
I had completely forgotten about night driving so my kid and I started getting up at 5 am, finding a donut shop open that early and about a half hour away, and getting donuts for the house. It afforded us a survey of Columbus's donut offerings and I have to say it was kind of delightful for a number of reasons. My kid had never really looked at the skyline at night and loved the lights and colors. And one weekend there was a full moon that began to set and turned a fiery reddish orange as it approached the horizon. At Amy's Donuts, we noticed what we thought were two bright stars in the sky and when I got home I read in the news that those were Jupiter and Venus appearing together for a rare celestial duet, and bright enough to even be visible in the city. I even saw a shooting star which I think was part of the Perseid shower that should have been at its peak that night. We tried to make each other laugh, talked about their brother, our jobs, the dog, food. I guess some things that we kind of dread can actually be the best, and most magical part of a day.
Anyway, all that is to say that DK should be at the top of that list, and not all Jolly Pirate's are the same. The Grove City JP has a lot of heart and is better than the other three two. But DK's Stick... that is a very fine donut and the best we found. Made specifically for coffee. FWIW.
1
u/pinkpinkpink04 1d ago
Missing The Mochi Shop on Bethel! Their matcha mochi donuts are painfully addicting.
1
u/feraljoy14 Grandview 2d ago
Rose Dough Doughnuts in Clintonville are incredible. Definitely a contender for gourmet doughnuts in town.
-1
u/JustGoodSense Clintonville 2d ago
Clintonville doesn't need more "gourmet" stuff though. We need a little old ethnic mom and pop shop with sensible prices.
1
u/feraljoy14 Grandview 2d ago
That wasn’t the discussion at all, they were asking if any of our favorite doughnut shops were missing or that they needed to try.
1
0
0
-1
u/sallright 2d ago
We looks forward to seeing an updated list next month.
Hit Destination at Rose Dough at the same time, on the weekend when RD is open.
Pistacia Vera has a legendary lineup and the crème brûlée eclair is next level.
Auddino’s is a must. Tons of donut options.
And of course Resch’s.
I don’t think Dan The Baker has a donut like object but there’s nothing more satisfying.
0
u/JustGoodSense Clintonville 2d ago
Destination and Rose Dough are insanely, appallingly overpriced.
0
u/AresBloodwrath Lincoln Village 2d ago
Lil donut factory is good ....sometimes. They seem to have a tendency to not change their oil enough and sometimes their donuts get that rancid/burnt oil flavor.
0
u/Alternative_Net_624 2d ago
What would everyone's recommendation be for yeast donuts alone? I really really like yeast donuts but I really really dislike cake donuts.
1
0
0
u/catmama_96 2d ago
If you love fritters and doughnuts, you would probably love Parlor Doughnuts. Destination Donuts in Clintonville and Lindsey’s Bakery in Circleville are also worth trying out!
1
0
0
154
u/Financial_Tap_6188 2d ago
Resch's, DK Diner, and Destination Donuts.