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Queen City loves its doughnuts like it loves its tea. From classic glazed treats to gourmet options, this city knows how to serve doughnut lovers. There are hundreds of doughnut joints located on every corner, and it will take almost a month to explore them all. But if you are here just for a week, you can look for some of the best spots in the city that satisfy cravings like nothing else.
Among all the must-try places, there are seven top locations that you just can't afford to miss after reading the reviews and hearing about them from locals. From beloved spots like Duck Donuts, which serve a delicious blend of sweet and savoury flavours, to gourmet classics like Sugar Doughnuts on Elm Lane, these top spots make sure you get the best treats in the city.
So, if you are looking for doughnuts in Charlotte, visit these top spots and make sure to try the “must-try” items on the menu.
1) Duck Donuts
Image Credit: Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts delights Charlotte residents with customisable, fresh-made doughnuts. A cherished spot since 2007, here you can choose from classic favourites like blueberry pancakes or signature maple bacon with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury notes. But it’s not just about the doughnuts—sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream round out the menu, making sure everyone gets something. This place has a cosy and welcoming vibe, which adds to the experience.
Location: 1710 Kenilworth Ave., #220, Charlotte, NC 28203
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 6:30 am–3 pm; Thu-Fri: 6:30 am–7 pm; Sat: 7 am–7 pm; Sun: 7 am–3 pm
Must Try: Customisable fresh-made Doughnuts, Blueberry Pancakes, Signature Maple Bacon, Sandwiches, Coffee, and Ice Cream.
Price for 2: $10, approx.
2) Suárez Bakery
Image Credit: Suárez Bakery
Suárez Bakery is one of the oldest-standing bakeries in Charlotte and has been going strong since the early 1990s. This beloved Cuban bakery crafts delightful doughnuts, pastries, and desserts alongside custom cakes and authentic Cuban bread available Saturdays. Try the show-stopping Texas Doughnut Cake with three massive Texas Doughnuts layered with vanilla cream. Also indulge in Key Lime Pie doughnuts, sugar cookies and apple fritters. You also get vegan and gluten-free options here.
Location: 4245 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209.
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am–5 pm; Sun: 10 am–4 pm
Must Try: Doughnuts, pastries, desserts, custom cakes, Cuban bread, sugar cookies, Texas Doughnut Cake, Apple Fritter, Classic Glazed, Donut Holes, and Key Lime Pie Doughnut.
Price for 2: $20, approx.
3) Reigning Doughnuts
Image Credit: Reigning Doughnuts
Reigning Doughnuts in NoDa is a go-to spot for classic and creative treats. Serving the freshest doughnuts with honey, glaze, and more for breakfast or lunch, Reigning Doughnuts is the perfect place to have a cosy brunch treat. Named aptly by owners Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, it's part of their lineup ruling NoDa's main strip.
They offer a rotating selection of cake doughnuts, including daily specials and signature sprinkles, alongside Counter Culture organic coffee from their cosy 11-by-8-foot space. Whether it's classics like chocolate or something funky like Apple Pie Piña Colada, you get a treat for your taste buds every time you visit.
Location: 3120 N. Davidson St., STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28205
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 8 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 8 am–4 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun: 8 am–4 pm, 5–9 pm
Must Try: Classic cake doughnuts with toppings like honey, glaze, and cinnamon; Apple Pie Piña Colada; S’mores; Maple Bacon; Lemon Poppy; Peanut Butter Banana Doughnuts; hot and iced coffee.
Price for 2: $10, approx.
4) MJ Donuts
Image Credit: Kevin Roy at MJ Donuts via Google Maps
MJ Donuts is located in Pineville, which is a part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. This joint is celebrated for its classic and signature doughnut flavours. From the rich Double Chocolate Cake to the irresistible Cinnamon Crumb, there's a treat for every palate. With the old-school interior, charming decor, and fragrant air filled with fresh doughnut aromas, you get to try favourites like buttermilk with sprinkles and apple fritters. Don't miss out on the specials like blueberry cake doughnuts and complimentary doughnut holes.
Location: Food Lion at 325 South Polk Street
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 6am-noon (until sold out); Sat-Sun: 7am - noon (until sold out)
Must Try: Double Chocolate Cake, Cinnamon Crumb, Buttermilk with Sprinkles, Apple Fritters, Blueberry Cake Doughnuts, Glazed Doughnuts, Donut Hole.
Price for 2: $10, approx.
5) Sugar Donuts
Image Credit: Sugar Donuts
Sugar Donuts in Charlotte is your go-to destination for convenient, delicious treats, offering vegan and gluten-free options alongside specialty coffees. With friendly service and efficient online ordering, it's easy to pick up your favourites and go. Renowned for their award-winning, handmade gourmet doughnuts, Sugar Donuts prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients for maximum flavour. Indulge in their decadent pastries, savoury breakfast sandwiches, handcrafted pastries, handmade gelato, and a variety of beverages, all made from scratch with love.
Location: 11914 Elm Ln. #120, Charlotte, NC 28277
Open Hours: Tue-Fri: 7:30 am–7:30 pm; Sat: 8 am–7:30 pm; Sun: 8 am–4 pm; Mon: Closed
Must Try: handmade gourmet doughnuts, vegan and gluten-free options, speciality coffees, desserts, savoury breakfast sandwiches, handcrafted pastries, handmade gelato, and beverages.
Price for 2: $10, approx.
6) Pepperbox Doughnuts
Image Credit: Pepperbox Doughnuts
Pepperbox Doughnuts in Charlotte's NoDa neighbourhood is a delightful haven for vegan-friendly treats, specialising in handmade yeast-raised doughnuts bursting with flavour. Set to open their first brick-and-mortar store in the Design Centre, they've already won hearts with their chef-driven creations. Using locally sourced ingredients, they craft indulgent flavours like s’mores and cookie butter chocolate swirls. Pair your doughnut with locally roasted coffee or fine tea for the perfect treat. With options for takeout, Pepperbox Doughnuts promises a sweet experience for all.
Location: 101 W. Worthington Ave., #150, Charlotte, NC 28203
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 7 am–7 pm; Fri-Sun: 7 am–9 pm
Must Try: Handmade yeast-raised vegan doughnuts and seasonal vegan options; Coffees, and Fine Teas
Price for 2: $10, approx.
7) Your Mom's Donuts
Image Credit: Your Mom's Donuts
Your Mom's Donuts, a beloved bakery in Southern California, crafts farm-to-table delights using the freshest ingredients and inventive flavours. Whether it's the classic salted caramel or the indulgent milk and dark chocolate ganache, their square-shaped treats are sure to delight. Operating from Kerbside pickup locations in Matthews, Park Road Shopping Centre, and Monroe, Your Mom's Donuts offers big-sized delights free from preservatives and artificial colours. With a commitment to quality and flavour, it's a must-visit destination for doughnut enthusiasts in Charlotte.
Location: 4205 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209.
Open Hours: Wed-Sun: 8 am–2 pm; Mon-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Square-shaped doughnuts in flavours like salted caramel, milk and dark chocolate ganache, and lemon honey.
Price for 2: $10, approx.
When visiting Charlotte, head to these doughnut places to get a comfy bite loaded with flavours. From classics to handmade, there’s a lot to try and satisfy the sweet temptations.
