The Top 5 Best Donut Shops in the Triangle
It seems like there's a national day of celebration for everything from National Unicorn Day (um, maybe) to National Toothache Day (no thank you). But today is an unofficial holiday that I can get behind - National Donut Day! And let me tell you, we are lucky to live in an area that is so abundant in delicious, sugary treats. So to celebrate this scrummy day, we've picked the Top 5 Best Donut Places in the Triangle.
It was hard to pick only five, but we tried our best.
1. Krispy Kreme
Come on, now. This is North Carolina - home of the Krispy Kreme donut - so you know it's going to be at the top of the list. If you're driving by one of these places when the "hot doughnuts now" sign is on, it's pretty hard not to stop. Who doesn't love a trip to Krispy Kreme, where you can watch the donuts being made right before your very eyes. Snag a paper hat for the kids, watch several dozen of these yeast-based, glazed donuts roll by, and then treat yourself to melt-in-your-mouth donut-y, goodness. Yes, "donut-y" is a word.
2. Monuts
Located in Durham, Monuts Donuts is a donut-lover's paradise. Starting out as a stand at the local farmer's market, Monuts has grown into one of the busiest bakeries in the Durham area. Their menu has grown, too, and now includes made from scratch bagels, biscuits, and of course donuts. Can you say no to a Dark Chocolate Sea Salt donut? I didn't think so.
3. Rise Biscuits and Donuts
With locations throughout the Trianlge, Rise is another great location if you're a fan of the yeast-based donut. This tasty donut shop offers old school donut flavors like glazed and choclate iced, but also mixes things up with outstanding donuts like the PB & Strawberry Jam filled one. And, if you're not in the mood for a donut (but really, is this ever true?), they also make the fluffiest, tastiest biscuits.
4. Duck Donuts
Starting out in Duck, NC, on the Outer Banks, this donut shop was a tradition for ardent beach-goers every summer. But recently, us lucky folks here in the Triangle can now enjoy a Duck Donut any time of the year. With two new locations in Cary and Raleigh, this beach-based donut shop has expanded to bring its warm, cakey treats to the Triangle. If you've never tried their Maple-Glazed, Bacon donut, you're missing out.
5. Baker's Dozen
I lived in Cary for over five years before I found this hidden gem. Located in a strip mall off of Buck Jones Rd. near Crossroads Shopping Center, Baker's Dozen only advertises itself with a modest sign reading "Donuts" across the door. But don't let the small sign fool you, this donut shop is loaded with over 20 different donut flavors. The cinnamon buns, bear claws, and apple fritters are also not to be missed.
So there you have it - the Triangle's Top 5 Best Donut Shops. We know some of you die-hard Dunkin Donut fans are not pleased, but they would have definitely made the Top 10. Promise. So let us know in the comments, did we leave out your favorite donut place?