Maine takes its donuts seriously, and locals will argue about them like family.
Across the state, small shops fire up early, glaze still warm, fryers already humming before sunrise. These are not grab-and-go sweets.
They are morning rituals, weekend rewards, and excuses to take the long way home.
Some spots lean old-school, with classic rings and sturdy crullers that hold up to a strong cup of coffee. Others push bolder flavors that spark lines out the door and social feeds full of powdered proof.
Each one earns loyalty the hard way, batch by batch.
Then there is the shop everyone mentions. The name drops casually at first, then with conviction.
You hear it at gas stations, in line at the ferry, from someone who insists you go before leaving town.
If you want to understand Maine beyond the postcards, start with its donut counters. The stories are sweet, the opinions loud, and the payoff worth every crumb.
The Holy Donut — Portland, ME
You hear whispers about potato donuts, then you try one and everything clicks. The Holy Donut turns local Maine potatoes into plush, tender rings that stay moist without being heavy.
Flavors rotate, but maple, dark chocolate sea salt, and seasonal blueberry taste like Maine in donut form.
Lines form early, so plan ahead and embrace the wait. Staff move quickly and keep the vibe upbeat, even when choices sell out before lunch.
If you love contrast, pair a salted chocolate cake donut with a bright cold brew.
Texture is where these shine. The crumb feels velvety, with a subtle earthiness that enhances vanilla and spice instead of distracting.
Glazes lean clean, not cloying, which lets the potato base sing.
Grab a mixed dozen for the car ride along the waterfront. You will want napkins for that sugary glaze, and maybe a second coffee for the road.
When friends ask for Maine recs, this is the one that makes you sound like a local insider.
Tony’s Donut Shop — Portland, ME
Old-school in the best way, Tony’s feels like stepping into Portland donut history. You get hand-cut crullers with feathery layers, honey-dipped rings that glisten, and jelly donuts packed generously.
The coffee is straightforward and strong, just how a neighborhood shop should pour it.
Come early for peak selection and that warm, fresh-off-the-rack moment. Regulars swap stories while the staff keeps trays circulating from the back.
You will want to snag a cinnamon sugar and a glazed at minimum.
There is no gimmick here, just technique and time. The dough rises right, the fry is clean, and the glazes set to a delicate sheen.
Everything tastes like it was made by people who know your name.
Prices are fair, boxes are sturdy, and the vibe is pure Maine hospitality. If you are road-tripping, this is the place to fuel up with a classic dozen.
One bite of that cruller and you will understand why the locals never stopped coming.
Frosty’s Donuts — Brunswick, ME
Frosty’s is the kind of donut shop that makes a morning feel like a holiday. The cases brim with colorful sprinkles, maple-glazed rings, and old-fashioned twists that are bigger than you expect.
You can smell the fryers from down the block, a welcome sign on cool coastal mornings.
Regulars swear by the maple cream and the classic raised glazed. The texture lands between pillowy and substantial, so a single donut holds you over without feeling heavy.
Coffee is simple and hot, the way it should be alongside a warm ring.
Service is quick, even when the line stretches to the door. The team keeps things moving while offering helpful tips on daily specials.
Kids go for rainbow sprinkles, but adults quietly hoard the apple fritters.
Take your box to a nearby bench and watch Brunswick wake up. You will catch a whiff of vanilla and yeast every time you lift the lid.
If you like tradition with a touch of whimsy, Frosty’s delivers reliably every visit.
Eighty 8 Donuts — Portland, ME
If you prefer hot and bite-sized, Eighty 8 is your sweet spot. Mini donuts tumble straight from the fryer into cinnamon sugar, then get drizzled with sauces like maple or chocolate.
You can watch the whole process, which makes the first bite even better.
Because they are small, you can sample a few flavors without overdoing it. A box travels well for a waterfront walk or a park picnic.
The staff keeps a playful menu, and seasonal toppings appear often.
These are best eaten warm, when the exterior is crisp and the center stays soft. The sugar hits first, then the buttery dough rounds it out.
Coffee and hot chocolate here are simple companions that do not steal the show.
Expect a lively crowd, especially on weekends. Grab extra napkins, because cinnamon dust goes everywhere in the happiest way.
If you are touring downtown Portland, this makes a perfect snackable stop between breweries and boutiques.
The Donut Grove — Orono, ME
Near the University of Maine, The Donut Grove feels like a morning hug. The menu mixes campus-friendly favorites like chocolate frosted with rotating seasonal rings and fritters.
You get that fresh-made aroma the second you open the door.
Students grab boxes for study groups, and locals stop in for coffee and conversation. The staff offers spot-on suggestions for first timers, usually steering you toward warm cinnamon sugar or maple.
Expect a steady flow of customers, especially on game days.
Texture ranges from airy raised donuts to tight-crumbed cake styles. Glazes taste clean and balanced, letting nutmeg and vanilla peek through without overpowering.
If you like a little crunch, ask for something just cooled from the rack.
Settle in with a medium roast and people-watch as Orono wakes up. You will probably leave with a few extra for later, because the box disappears faster than planned.
It is the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you wish you lived around the corner.
Congdon’s Doughnuts — Wells, ME
This is the one everyone talks about. Congdon’s has that electric morning buzz, a line that moves fast, and trays of raised rings so glossy they reflect the lights.
The maple cream and classic honey-dipped are pilgrimage-worthy.
You feel the history in every bite. The dough is cloud-light yet resilient, with clean fry flavor and a glaze that cracks softly.
Maple fans will lose it over the sticky, fragrant icing that makes napkins mandatory.
Arrive early, especially in summer, because favorites sell out quickly. Staff are pros, steering you toward fresh batches and sleeper hits like the jelly sticks.
Coffee is solid, but the donuts steal the show every time.
Take your box to the beach or a picnic table and let the crowd energy fade into pure enjoyment. You will understand why people plan routes around this stop.
If Maine has a donut capital, Congdon’s wears the crown without argument.
Frannie’s Mini Donuts — Sanford, ME
Frannie’s specializes in joy by the dozen, served mini and piping hot. You watch the rings puff, flip, and tumble into sugar while the whole shop smells like cinnamon.
They box up fast, perfect for sharing or snacking solo in the car.
Customization is the move. Try classic cinnamon sugar, powdered, or a drizzle of chocolate and caramel for a sweet crunch.
Because they are light, you can taste around without feeling stuffed.
Service is friendly and quick, even on busy afternoons. The team is happy to split flavors across boxes for variety.
Kids love watching the fryer, and adults quietly sneak an extra warm one before leaving.
Grab a coffee and head for a sunny bench, because these are best enjoyed immediately. The crisp edges soften as they cool, so do not wait too long.
If your road trip needs a fun stop, Frannie’s delivers quick happiness in small rings.
Enzo Benzo Specialty Donuts — Berwick, ME
Enzo Benzo leans Italian, and you taste it in the dough and fillings. Think bomboloni-style rounds with silky pastry cream, pistachio glaze, or bright lemon curd.
The textures are plush and refined, made for pairing with a proper espresso.
The case changes often, so ask what is freshest or limited. A pistachio or hazelnut option usually shines, balanced and nutty without being heavy.
Chocolate lovers should look for a gianduja-style filling when available.
Everything feels crafted, from the dough’s gentle chew to the careful sugar dusting. You will want to sit and savor rather than rush.
Staff are happy to guide you toward a balanced box of flavors.
Bring a friend and split a few so you can taste across creams and glazes. The lemon curd sings, especially with a cappuccino.
If you crave something different from standard American styles, this Berwick gem hits the sweet spot.
Aroma Joes — Unity, ME
Aroma Joes is coffee-first, but the donuts do their part. You get classic styles that travel well in the car, perfect for an early commute or campus run.
Flavors rotate, with dependable glazed and chocolate frosted leading the way.
Drive-thru service is quick, and staff stay upbeat no matter the line. Pair a donut with a signature Rush or iced latte if you like a caffeine kick.
The combo keeps mornings moving without sacrificing sweetness.
Expect consistency rather than experimentation. The rings hold up for an hour or two, which is ideal for busy days.
If you want something indulgent, ask about limited-time flavors or seasonal glazes.
It is a reliable stop when you need convenience with a side of sugar. You will appreciate the speed, the friendly hello, and the familiar taste.
For a Maine-born brand, it hits that everyday donut-and-coffee craving on schedule.
The Cookie Jar — Cape Elizabeth, ME
You roll into Cape Elizabeth before the lighthouse crowds and spot a steady line at The Cookie Jar. Locals swear by the honey dip and the old fashioned that crunches, then melts.
Seasonal blueberry glaze nods to nearby fields, and cinnamon sugar still dusts your fingertips long after the last bite.
It is the kind of place where the coffee is hot and the cash register bell feels like a welcome. Baking starts painfully early, so morning arrivals get the best texture.
Grab a dozen, then wander to Two Lights for ocean views. Simple, sturdy, and exactly right.
Lil’s Cafe — Kittery, ME
Kittery’s Lil’s has a cult following for crullers, and you understand as soon as one lands on your plate. Tall, ridged, impossibly airy, it is crisp outside and custard soft within.
The glaze is light, the finish clean, and you immediately consider ordering another.
Beyond crullers, there are classic rings and seasonal specials that lean citrus in winter and berry in summer. The coffee program is dialed, which matters when you are lingering over a second pastry.
Sit by the window, watch Route 1 move, and plan antique hopping after breakfast. Lil’s feels like a perfect first stop on a long coastal day.