Hey y’all, let’s talk about one of our greatest loves: fried dough coated in sugar. We’re talking about the good stuff – beignets, churros, funnel cakes, and the true ruler of all fried doughs, the donut.
There’s just something special about sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy donut covered in the perfect glaze. Pair that with a steaming cup of joe, and you’ve hit the jackpot for ultimate comfort food.
Now, if you’re craving that feel-good comfort, stick around because we’ve rounded up the best donut spots in San Antonio.
Just a heads up, though – we’re skipping the big names on this list. No Shipleys, no Dunkin’, no Krispy Kreme. Hey, we’re not hating on them. They do serve up some darn good donuts.
Krispy Kreme, especially, is a marvel. We’re fans, big time. That “HOT NOW” sign? Instant mouth-watering reflex, right? But here’s the thing – we’re all about exploring what San Antonio brings to the table, ya know? Sometimes you gotta step out of that chain vibe and discover what’s unique to our city.
Top places to get doughnuts in San Antonio:
- The Art of Donut
- M&M Donut
- Duck Donuts
- Grand Donuts
- Krispy Kreme
San Antonio’s 10 Best Donut Shops
1. The Art of Donut
The Art of Donut has totally nailed the fancy donut scene (yep, it’s a thing!) by turning regular donuts into pure art. They’ve got an enormous range of flavors – basic, changing, and seasonal – it’s a feast for your taste buds. When we swung by, they had over 25 shocking cool artisan donut choices. Our top picks? The sweet pig with maple icing and caramelized bacon, the blackberry lime, and the chipmunk with Nutella icing and crushed Ferrero Rocher chocolate.
But hey, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Two things to note: first, these donuts lean towards the denser side. If you’re into those light, “eat 6 and want more” kinds, this might not be your jam. Second, let’s talk moolah – these artsy donuts come with a price. Each one’s around $3-$4, and a mixed dozen? Brace yourself, it’s $32. Pricey, but for handcrafted, insanely tasty, one-of-a-kind goodies, it’s worth it.
Quick tip: Want to guarantee your favorites? Order online 24-48 hours ahead for pickup. No more heartbreak seeing your dream donut out of stock!
2. Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts is another big player in San Antonio’s donut game. They landed here in 2018, setting up shop in 2 spots around the Alamo city. They’ve got a whopping 30+ options for custom-made donuts, so there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. What’s cool is, when you order, you get to watch as they hand-coat, top, or drizzle your donuts with all sorts of toppings.
Our top picks? Oreo cookie, chocolate-covered strawberry, pumpkin roll, chocolate caramel crunch, and the blueberry pancake that tasted exactly like the real deal – it was like eating actual blueberry pancakes!
3. The Original Donut Shop
You might’ve heard us rave about the Original Donut Shop, where they whip up some of the tastiest breakfast tacos in San Antonio (we’re talking toasted bean and cheese with bacon – pure bliss). But here’s the scoop: their donuts are just as amazing. Classic glazed or old-fashioned, they’re downright perfect. And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, their cream-filled treats, long johns, or apple fritters might just be the best in town.
Parking’s a bit tight on Fredericksburg Rd. in front of the Original Donut Shop, but don’t fret – there’s plenty of space behind the joint. If you’re rolling through the drive-thru, heads up: it tends to get pretty busy, but you can skip the wait by ordering ahead and grabbing your goodies inside. Smooth sailing!
4. Snowflake Donuts
Snowflake Donuts screams “neighborhood gem” – it’s quick, budget-friendly, downright delicious, and oh-so-friendly. Their classic donut lineup and kolaches are top-notch and make a perfect match with a freshly brewed cup of joe.
You’ll find Snowflake Donuts cozying up in one spot in SA and a few more nearby in Boerne, Pipe Creek, and Fair Oaks Ranch.
Here’s a sweet bonus: If you’re into themed treats, Snowflake Donuts crafts some seriously fun decorated donuts for holidays or birthdays. Head to their website for a peek at their festive Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day donuts – they’re a delight!
5. M&M Donut
Hey, Converse folks, listen up! If you’re around, make a beeline to M&M Donut. This place, a veteran in the SA area, snagged the second-best spot for donuts by the San Antonio Express-News, and let me tell you, it’s well-deserved. Everything – and I mean everything – here is pure deliciousness.
Their glazed donuts? Light and airy. And those cake donuts? Textbook perfection. You’ve gotta try their standout cinnamon glazed donut – it’s got this perfect balance of cinnamon sugar running right through the middle. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
6. Instant Donuts
At Instant Donuts in the far northeast side of San Antonio, it’s all about three things: donuts, kolaches, and croissants – the holy trinity of yumminess. People adore this spot for its super attentive service and, let me tell you, their glazed and cake donuts? Absolute winners.
They switch up their icings and flavors daily, keeping things fresh. But here’s the tip: their filled donuts steal the show. We went nuts (seriously, loved it!) for this fluffy, glazed donut, sliced like a bagel and loaded with cream and strawberries. Total yummers!
7. Grand Donuts
Right by Bulverde Rd, you’ll find Grand Donuts, a classic “mom and pop” joint loved by locals for its fantastic donuts. What’s awesome? The prices won’t break the bank, making it the perfect spot for your morning coffee and donut fix.
They’ve got a solid lineup of donuts, but let me suggest something special: go for their old-fashioned maple cake donuts. Shaped like gears and tasting absolutely heavenly – you won’t regret it!
8. Chacha Bedoy Donuts and Bakery
Chacha Bedoy is a hidden treasure of a donut shop, tucked away off Babcock Rd. It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled because this spot is something special. Picture this: delightful donuts, pocket-friendly prices, and the friendliest folks around.
Need I say more? During our visit, we indulged in their apple fritters, chocolate raspberry-filled glazed donut, and a cinnamon apple and cajeta cream donut – and let me tell you, they were all breathtaking. And guess what? Each one was just a dollar – talk about a steal!
Bonus alert: While their donuts are a must-try, don’t sleep on their pan dulces, pastries, and a wide variety of scratch-made macarons. Trust me, it’s worth exploring their full spread!
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9. Plantyful Sweets – GF/Vegan!
Plantyful Sweets is an adorable spot for gluten-free and vegan treats, all made with superfood ingredients. They’ve got a small but delightful lineup – think donuts, muffins, cookies, cakes, and hot drinks (and don’t forget to ask about their allergy-friendly and nut-free options). Sure, the selection isn’t huge, but in this specialized market, every option counts. We tasted their apple sage, cranberry orange, and chocolate donuts (chocolate stole the show!) and sipped on their unique maca horchata hot drink with oat milk, Peruvian maca, cacao powder, and agave.
Just a heads up: Plantyful leans on the pricier side. Their donuts go for around $4 each, and the hot drinks are about $5.50. It’s a treat, but it comes with a tag!
10. ST Donuts
ST Donuts, a family-owned joint, might be the freshest face in the donut game, but let me tell you, they’ve already won hearts with their warm service and freshly made treats. They’ve got a mix of classic and unique flavors on offer, plus they whip up kolaches and breakfast sandwiches too.
You’ve gotta try their mini-kolaches – they’re the perfect savory pairing to go with your sweet donut order. Sweet and savory, donuts and kolaches, a match made in breakfast heaven!
Bonus – Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnut, known for its unconventional doughnuts and quirky style, has just landed in SA, marking its first-ever location here. Over the last two decades, Voodoo’s offbeat doughnuts, themes, and cool merch made it a hit, growing from a single shop in Portland to a famous chain.
Doors opened on December 20, offering folks round-the-clock access to more than 50 wild and tasty Voodoo Doughnut flavors.
FAQs
What is the most popular donut shop in Texas?
The most popular donut shop in Texas is often considered to be Shipley Do-Nuts. With numerous locations across the state, Shipley Do-Nuts has gained a loyal following for its freshly made and delicious donuts, kolaches, and other breakfast treats.
What is the #1 donut shop in America?
Determining the absolute #1 donut shop in America is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences. However, some of the widely acclaimed and popular donut chains across the country include Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and Voodoo Doughnut. The choice ultimately depends on individual taste and regional preferences.
What is the donut capital of Texas?
The city often regarded as the donut capital of Texas is Round Rock. Home to several renowned donut shops, including the famous Round Rock Donuts, this city has gained a reputation for offering a wide variety of high-quality and tasty donuts.
What is America’s best donut?
Determining the best donut in America is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. However, some donuts have gained widespread acclaim. For instance, the classic glazed donut from Krispy Kreme is often regarded as an iconic and delicious choice. Ultimately, the title of “America’s best donut” is open to interpretation and can vary among different regions and personal tastes.
I’m Matthew Porter, the creative mind behind “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been having a blast discovering all the cool things this city has to offer. At San Antonio Vista, we’re all about turning your trip into a vibrant, eye-catching adventure. Let’s make your time in San Antonio unforgettable—join me in the excitement at San Antonio Vista!
