If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m a fan of donuts. I have a crazy sweet tooth, so I’ll take any excuse to eat cake for breakfast. Over the years, I’ve sampled donuts all over Lexington, and have decided to share my knowledge with you via a guide to the Lexington donut scene. A little disclaimer here – I tend to prefer cake donuts over the traditional yeast, so may be a little biased 😉
Donut Days
185 Southland Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503
A longstanding favorite in Lexington in Southland. Donut Days serves all your typical donuts – yeast, cake, creme-filled. I would say they have a very traditional taste – if you like a plain ole glazed donut, this is a great bet.
Best for: the apple fritter is my fav.
Doughdaddy’s
3325 Lexington Rd, Versailles, KY 40383
Okay, so maybe not technically in Lexington, but it’s close. A donut shop inside a gas station is certainly a novelty and if you’re headed out of town on the Bluegrass Parkway, to the airport, or Keeneland-bound, it’s super convenient! Doughdaddy’s has all sorts of cake, yeast and filled donuts. These are a more old-fashioned style of donut.
Best for: flavored cake donuts – blueberry is my fav! The sour cream is great too.
Frank’s Donuts
549 E Third St, Lexington, KY 40508
A newcomer to the Lexington donut scene, Frank’s has been a staple in Georgetown for years. They specialize in yeast donuts, but do creme-filled, eclairs and donut holes too. It’s a very standard puffy yeast donut.
Best for: Donut holes.
North Lime Coffee & Donuts
575 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508 or 3101 Clays Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
North Lime is known for crazy flavor combinations, like a fried chicken donut. There are two locations – downtown and Clays Mill. They offer cake and glazed donuts, but I prefer their glazed. Their glazed donuts are square, which creates these extra crispy corners. So yum. For those with dietary restrictions – North Lime does vegan and gluten free donuts occasionally!
Best for: crazy flavors and glazed.
Parlor Doughnuts
630 Euclid Ave Suite 150, Lexington, KY 40502
The newest to the Lexington doughnut scene, Parlor makes croissant style donuts. They are flaky and buttery and pretty dang good. I will say, they are not quite the same as the original cronut, not as many layers. It’s kind of more like a Spaldings glazed mixed with a croissant. They make all kinds of flavors with different icing, toppings, and fillings. I love the raspberry pistachio, s’mores and raspberry filled. They also make keto doughnuts (I haven’t tried yet). Plus a full coffee and tea menu including great lattes and several breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos.
Best for: croissant doughnuts.
Spalding’s Bakery
760 Winchester Rd, Lexington, KY 40505
Spalding’s is pretty old school. First of all, it’s cash only (I learned from experience.) The glazed donuts are super light, in a you can definitely tell they are deep-fried kind of way, almost like a much more delicious version of Krispy Kreme. Their creme-filled and chocolate-glazed are pretty tasty as well.
Best for: original glazed, yes please.
There you go! Hope you’re inspired to try some new donuts out. Did I miss your favorite local spot? Please let me know in the comments below – I’m always looking for a new place to try out.
Make sure to check out my other local guides:
Biscuits (or donuts) and blessings,
Leels
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Spaldings is my favorite!
The best glazed!!
These all look so good! I’m partial to the red velvet donuts at Doughdaddy’s and, well, anything on Magee’s menu! 🙂
Ooh I haven’t tried Red Velvet I’ll have to do that!
Magee’s is my absolute favorite for a traditional glazed (I’m a sucker for light and fluffy), and their long john though.. ?
Forreal the Long Johns!! Ugh now I may have to go get one in the morning!
I really love Spalding’s glazed and North Lime’s Maple Bacon Donuts!!!
Can’t beat Spalding’s glazed!