DONUT worry, we have the best doughnut shops in Chicago!

Hello there, it’s Michelle with my first blog post as a Rockit Ranch intern. As I’m sure you (and your stomach) know, donuts are all the rage lately. I have taken up the incredibly hard task of going out to find the best donut shops, and donuts, to pass on that knowledge to you. The best shops aren’t only the ones that are constantly trying crazy combinations of flavor. The ones that serve the classics are reputable in their own way.

1. Firecakes (68 W. Hubbard St., Chicago)

Four words: Donut Ice Cream Sandwich. If that doesn’t peak your interest and have you running to Firecakes, I don’t know what will. This delicious, daring creation is all the rage for summer. The glazed donuts at Firecakes are delectable by themselves, so adding the homemade natural vanilla or espresso ice cream takes it to a whole new level. You can’t go wrong with the classic Vanilla Iced donuts, either. If you’re looking for something a little different, they also have flavors like Maple Glazed Pineapple & Bacon, Coconut Cream, and many more. Head on over to the River North donut shop and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

2. The Doughnut Vault (401 N Franklin St., Chicago)

Let me start off by saying that you may have heard of the Doughnut Vault and the hype that surrounds it and think it can’t possibly be as good as everyone says it is. Well, I’m here to tell you that the hype is true and it is even better than you have heard. Every day there is a new special and, to be honest, you can never go wrong with choosing the daily special as your go-to donut. The shop is the about the size of a closet and hidden on a street where you wouldn’t expect there to be anything, let alone an amazing donut shop. They’re open from early morning to whenever their donuts sell out, so get there early to have your pick.

Doughnut Vault also has an added bonus of having a truck that changes location throughout the city every morning, mostly setting up shop in the Loop. The truck works the same way where it closes up once it’s out of donuts, so make sure to stop and grab one whenever you spot it!

3. Stan’s Donuts (1560 N. Damen Ave., Chicago)

Stan’s Donuts in Wicker Park is a winner. They have the typical donuts that you would expect, but they kick it up a notch with their pockets. The pockets have a flakey, delicious outside and a unique filling. The fillings range from Nutella, Biscoff, peanut butter, and each one of those combined with banana. Also, as an added bonus they serve gelato. I mean, how do you deny yourself the opportunity to grab a donut and some gelato in the same shop? Easy, you don’t. Get there and get yourself a pocket as soon as possible, you won’t regret it.

4. Glazed & Infused (813 W. Fulton Market, 30 E. Hubbard, 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., 201 E. Delaware Place, 939 West Armitage Ave., 222 North LaSalle, Chicago)

If you’re looking for a shop with a wide variety of flavors, Glazed & Infused is your place. They have all of the classics, as well as new daring flavors that you wouldn’t expect to be on a donut. Their Chocolate⁴, Vanilla Bean Glazed, and Red Velvet are simple and delicious. They also spice things up a bit with their different variations like Cajeta Fried Ice Cream, Terrys Lemon Toffee, and Praline, White Chocolate and Honey. Whether you go for one of their classic flavors or their ever-changing creative flavors, you are sure to find a donut that you’ll love.

If you have any recommendations of other donut shops, comment below. I would LOVE to try them out. Talk to you soon!