Where to Go to Celebrate National Donut Day
Originally published on Milwaukee Magazine 6/2/23
Crullers, glazed, cream, long johns, cake, yeast, holes and more – there’s no wrong way to indulge in a do(ugh)nut. Today, June 2, is National Donut Day, and you can celebrate with a bite from one of the several Milwaukee bakeries specializing in the highly-revered pastry.
1. Donut Squad
2264 N. PROSPECT AVE.
The southeast corner of North and Prospect has been home to many iconic east side eateries over the years. Since 2017, it’s housed Donut Squad, a dedicated donut shop that has expanded the classic donut flavor profile. Their menu is stocked with nostalgic flavor profiles including Lucky Charms, M&Ms and even a Girl Scout caramel delight inspired donut. If you visit them on National Donut Day, make sure to tell them happy anniversary! They opened their doors on the holiday six years ago.
2. Honeydip Donuts
805 S. LAYTON BLVD.
Honeydip Donuts has served the Milwaukee community for decades. Their southside flagship is a no-frills must-stop when you’re in the area. They keep things very classic, offering glazed, chocolate donuts, sprinkle donuts and sugar donuts, alongside ice cream, breakfast options and coffee. The Honeydip team has served thousands of donuts since their opening in 1974, but their prices haven’t risen much over that time, donuts start at $1.39 and you can get a dozen for $15.99.
3. Cranky Al’s
6901 W. NORTH AVE.
Cranky Al’s is a staple of the community, serving Wauwatosa and the larger Milwaukee community since 2006. While Cranky Al’s is widely known for their delicious donuts, that include gluten and vegan-friendly options, they also serve up incredible pies– savory pies that is. Their breakfast pizzas are a popular choice for a salty accompaniment to a donut, but they also serve bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos and quiche options. But you better get there quickly, this is a breakfast-only establishment. The doors close at 11:30 a.m.
4. Chubby’s Donuts/The Drive Thru
1801 E. NORTH AVE.
Located on one of the East Side’s busiest intersections, Chubby’s (aka the Drive Thru) has offered hungry Milwaukeeans a late night eats option for several decades now. They are known for their mini donut, a smaller recreation of the classic sugar donut, with options of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar (or both!) to go alongside a coffee. Chubby’s also offers an entire diner-style menu including classics like sloppy joes, BLTs, polish sausages and more.
5. Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts
275 W. WISCONSIN AVE. SUITE 100
Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts is one of Milwaukee’s newer donut shops, located in the 3rd St. Market Hall, offering counter service and an outdoor pick up window for those who need a quick sweet treat. They offer a variety of donut types including potato, yeast raised, old-fashioned cake, fritters and donut bites. The team also serves up some fun coffee and latte options for the entire breakfast experience.
6. Happy Dough Lucky
6300 W. MEQUON RD., MEQUON
Happy Dough Lucky has been a beloved vendor in the Mequon Public Market since 2019, offering “fully loaded” mini donut creations including Sour Patch Special, Puppy Chow Pow Wow, Caramel Apple Crunch and a childhood favorite – Dirt Cup. Last month, the Happy Dough Lucky team announced that they are opening a shop in Bayview, at the former Hue Vietnamese Restaurant, serving their full menu of mini-donuts alongside a full coffee bar, and even pizza!
7. Grebe’s Bakery
5132 W. LINCOLN AVE., WEST ALLIS
Grebe’s is one of the city’s longest running bakeries, and has been operational since 1937. The now fourth-generation owned bakery is still as iconic as ever, offering Milwaukeeans lots of classic donut flavors at their flagship store in West Allis and at dozens of grocery stores, eateries and gas stations across the city.
8. Donut Monster
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Starting as a sweet treat pop up, Donut Monster has grown exponentially, and now has three locations in Milwaukee and surrounding towns. Their Third Ward location was home to the Holey Moley, another boutique donut shop that closed their doors in 2021. Aftebeing passed the baton, Donut Monster has become a morning staple in the neighborhood. Their expanded menu offers patrons both sweet and savory options plus coffee, juice or hot chocolate. Their homemade donuts come in some indulgent options including Japanese Caramel, Lemon Poppy, Strawberry Rhubarb and Cinnamon Roll.
9. Doughnuttery
2500 N. MAYFAIR RD. KIOSK 551, WAUWATOSA
Located inside Mayfair Mall, The Doughnuttery has five locations in New York, one location in Santiago, Chile and one right here in Milwaukee! Their menu is broken down by traditional options, fruit, nut and savory options and seasonal or “exotic” menu items. Grab a donut while you shop or stop by to pick up a dozen with some delicious dipping sauces.
