One Georgia donut shop opened its first location on National Doughnut Day in 2012. Honestly, I can’t think of a better birthday for a bakery.
That kind of commitment shows up all over the state. One spot builds its donuts on brioche dough.
Another lets you pick your filling and frosting, then makes the donut right there. A third sells mini donuts dipped one at a time at the counter.
I love that the glazed donut sits at the center of it all. It’s the simplest thing in the case, so there’s nowhere for a lazy baker to hide.
A great glaze shines on its own, and a great shop knows how to dress it up.
That’s why I went looking for the places treating that glossy ring with real respect. Some go classic, some go wild, and a few land happily in between.
1. Sublime Doughnuts
Maple, bacon, and cheddar on one donut sounds like a dare, yet it’s right there on the menu. Red velvet keeps it company, along with a pile of other bold ideas.
The shop opened in 2008 near the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta. Since then, it has built a reputation for flavors that wander far from the usual box.
Still, the plain glazed donut deserves your attention first. It’s light and fluffy, with a smooth, glossy coat of glaze.
Want a twist on the classic? Try the Honey Glazed Bowties or the Honey Glazed Cinnamon Swirl.
After that, the menu gets playful fast. The white chocolate Oreo and the strawberries and cream donut are two favorites worth knowing.
Fresh strawberries and cream filling make that second one taste like a summer dessert. The white chocolate peach fritter feels very Georgia, which is fitting.
You’ll also spot toffee-topped and dulce options in the case. Pair one with a coffee, since the shop serves it alongside the donuts.
Service runs at the counter, so it’s an easy quick stop. Grab a box for the office and watch how fast you become the favorite coworker.
Address: 535 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
2. Baker’s Pride Bakery
Any bakery that sells something called Poo Cupcakes clearly has a sense of humor. Don’t worry, the glazed doughnuts are the real reason to visit this Savannah stop.
Savannah has plenty of sweet spots. This one feels like a neighborhood standby.
The setting is old-school in the best way. Expect simple digs, a few tables, and display cases packed with classics.
Fluffy glazed rings sit at the heart of the lineup. They’re the kind of donut that reminds you why the original never goes out of style.
Feeling bolder? Unicorn donuts bring color to the case, and fritters are on hand too.
The menu stretches well past donuts. You’ll find a giant cheese danish, brownies, and a treat called the Chocolate Chewy.
Cake trimmings show up as well. That’s a sweet bonus for anyone who loves frosting.
Custom cakes are a big part of the business here. Birthday and wedding cakes both come out of this kitchen.
That makes it handy for planning a party and grabbing breakfast on the same trip. Just plan ahead, because the doors stay closed on Sundays.
Mornings tend to be the busiest stretch on weekdays and Saturdays. Arrive early and you’ll have the best pick of the glazed dozen.
Address: 840 E Derenne Ave, Savannah, GA 31405
3. Dulce Dough Donuts & Bakery
Antique Hoosier cabinets and colored milk glass mugs set the scene at this island bakery. It’s a retro look that makes breakfast feel like a visit to a stylish grandma.
The real star is the dough itself. Donuts here start with brioche, a rich, buttery bread dough.
Glazed and chocolate donuts come boxed together, so you don’t have to pick a side. That’s diplomacy at its tastiest.
Next, look for the vanilla sweet cream donut. Several donuts here come with whipped cream, and this one is a standout.
Maple bacon fans get their own option. It’s sweet and salty, which is basically breakfast in one bite.
The bakery also turns out cinnamon rolls, quiche, and buttermilk biscuits. Baking happens on site, so the case feels truly homemade.
Coffee is on the menu too. It pairs nicely with a cinnamon roll on a breezy island morning.
St. Simons Island makes a lovely backdrop for a morning treat. Grab a box before the beach and you’ll be a hero on the sand.
Timing matters, though. The doors open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday are days off.
Address: 1624 Frederica Rd Unit 1, St Simons Island, GA 31522
4. Dutch Monkey Doughnuts
A donut named after a monkey is already off to a fun start. The Dutch Monkey is the shop’s namesake treat, and it’s a smart first order.
This Cumming shop calls itself a gourmet donut spot, and the menu backs that up. Donuts are made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients and fresh fruit.
Lemon meringue is one of the standout flavors. It turns a classic pie into something you can eat with one hand.
The cinnamon twist is another favorite. Its swirls make it a fun pick for anyone who likes a classic with a little shape.
Families with food sensitivities get a nice perk. Gluten-free options are available, so more people at the table can join in.
Holidays bring creative seasonal donuts too. Check back when the calendar flips to a new celebration.
Coffee gets real attention as well. A good cup alongside a fresh donut is a morning win.
Running late? A drive-through makes it easy to grab a box without leaving your car.
Prefer to linger? Seating and free Wi-Fi make it simple to stay a while.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays are closed, so plan accordingly.
Address: 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd Suite 502, Cumming, GA 30041
5. Cafe Racer
Donuts share the spotlight with biscuits and burritos here. None of them seem willing to play backup.
The fluffed and stuffed donut is the one to know. The name pretty much tells the story, and it’s a signature item on the menu.
Donuts are only part of the fun in Athens. The All-the-way biscuit is a big name on the menu, and the Mile High Burrito sounds like a challenge.
Got an adventurous appetite? The tater taco is another playful option.
The crowd leans toward college students, which makes sense in this town. It’s also good for groups and kids, so the whole crew can come along.
Ordering happens at the counter, with no table service. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up when the craving hits.
A drive-through helps on busy mornings. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday starting at 6 a.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the kitchen reopens in the evening too.
Pair your donut with coffee and you’ve got a full Georgia breakfast in one stop. A biscuit on the side wouldn’t hurt either.
Address: 2343 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30606
6. Belair Donuts
Crème brûlée on a donut is a fancy move for a shop that opens at 5 a.m. Then again, early birds deserve something special.
This Augusta shop bakes fresh pastries daily and keeps a regular glazed donut front and center. It’s the classic, and it’s a smart place to start.
From there, the case gets more creative. New flavors rotate through regularly, so a second visit may look different from the first.
Maple Bacon Long Johns are a big draw for sweet and salty fans. Apple fritters hold down the traditional side of the menu.
Cake donuts are another strength here. They come out moist and full of flavor, a nice change from yeast-raised rings.
Cinnamon rolls round out the pastry lineup. They’re light, which makes it easy to justify one more.
Hungry for something savory? Breakfast sandwiches are on the menu too.
Coffee also gets plenty of love. A cup and a glazed donut make a quick, satisfying morning.
Short on time? A drive-through keeps things moving, and service runs at the counter inside.
Military families should know about one perk. The shop offers a military discount.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays start at 6 a.m., so sleepyheads get an extra hour.
Address: 4045 Jimmie Dyess Pkwy #106, Augusta, GA 30909
7. Tommy’s Bakery & Café
Pick a filling, choose a frosting, and the kitchen makes your donut right then. That custom option is the headline at this Macon bakery and café.
It’s a fun way to build your dream donut without any baking skills. Indecisive folks might need a minute, and that’s fine.
The regular lineup has plenty to love too. Look for chocolate donuts, maple bacon donuts, and specialty donuts in the case.
Apple fritters and cinnamon rolls join the party. The menu also lists something called Iced One More Donuts, which sounds like a promise you’ll keep.
Unlike many donut shops, this spot is also a full breakfast café. Southern-style cooking fills a big part of the menu.
Cheese grits and biscuits and gravy are both there. So are hash rounds, French toast, and a dish called Tommy’s Skillet.
That mix makes it a great pick for a group. One person can go sweet while another goes savory.
The place is small and quaint, with a family feel. Dine-in and takeout are both options.
Plan around the schedule. Monday through Thursday, doors open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays stay open until 5 p.m. Sundays are a day of rest, so save your craving for Monday.
Address: 5580 Thomaston Rd Ste 10, Macon, GA 31220
8. Golden Donut
Hot glazed donuts are the signature here, which is a pretty great thing to be known for. Few smells beat that first whiff of fresh dough and sugar.
This Columbus shop keeps things classic. The focus is fresh, hot donuts made well, without a lot of fuss.
Glazed donuts come by the dozen, and so do chocolate glazed ones. That makes it easy to feed a crowd or a very hungry household.
Here’s a fun bonus. These donuts are known for staying soft and fresh tasting into the next day.
So yes, buying an extra dozen for tomorrow is a reasonable plan. At least, that’s what you can tell yourself.
The cinnamon twists are soft and fluffy. Glazed cake donuts are another tasty way to enjoy the house glaze.
Variety shows up in other boxes too. Mixed filled dozens and chocolate sprinkle dozens are on the menu.
The long hours stand out. The shop stays open until 8 p.m. every day, so a late donut craving is covered.
Mornings start at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 7 a.m. on Sunday.
A drive-through handles quick stops.
Want to sit down? Seating is available, and coffee is served too.
Address: 625 Manchester Expy STE 100, Columbus, GA 31904
9. Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee
Opening a donut shop on National Doughnut Day takes serious confidence. This brand did exactly that with its first Decatur shop on June 1, 2012.
The Inman Park location in Atlanta followed in 2017. It keeps the same scratch-made approach that started the whole thing.
Doughs, glazes, and fillings are all made from scratch. Ingredients include organic flour, local dairy, fresh fruit, and natural flavor extracts.
For glaze fans, the Chocolate Glazed yeast-raised donut is a must. The Salted Caramel Cake donut wears a house-made salted caramel glaze.
Vegan treats are part of the lineup too. That’s great news if someone in your group skips dairy or eggs.
Big appetites have options. The Big Ol’ Cinnamon Bun Doughnut and the Cinnamon Apple Fritter are both on the menu.
Celebrating something? A Big Ol’ Donut Cake turns dessert into a party.
The Strawberry Slider is another fun pick. Bagels are available if you want a break from sugar.
Coffee is in the name, so you know it matters. Seating makes it easy to stay a few minutes.
Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekends open at 8 a.m. and close at 3 p.m., and Mondays are off.
Address: 745 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
10. Nasso Donuts
Kolaches in coastal Georgia might surprise you, but this shop makes them fresh. They sit right beside a wide spread of donuts.
Richmond Hill is lucky to have this family-owned spot. The shop is known for being clean, friendly, and quick at the counter.
The donuts lean fluffy and soft. They’re also not overly sweet, which makes it easy to justify a second one.
That balance is great news for glaze lovers. You get the shine without the sweetness taking over.
Filled donuts are filled fresh. Sprinkled donuts add a little color to the box.
Apple fritters and cinnamon rolls cover the classic bakery side. Croissants are on the menu too.
Now, about those kolaches. Freshly baked ones share space with breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs in a blanket.
That savory lineup is handy for anyone who wants breakfast before dessert. Or alongside dessert, no judgment here.
Coffee is available, so you can grab a full morning setup. Service is takeout only, with no delivery.
Saturday mornings are the busiest time. Afternoons tend to be quieter, though the shop closes at 1 p.m.
Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekends start at 6 a.m., and Mondays are closed.
Address: 3741 US-17 #200, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
11. Da Vinci’s Donuts
Small donuts can make big decisions a lot easier. Since these are mini-sized, trying three or four flavors feels perfectly reasonable.
The shop opened in Alpharetta in 2014, inspired by a family tradition of making donuts. That homemade spirit still shows in how they’re made.
Each cake-style donut gets hand-dipped and finished right at the counter. More than 20 flavors and toppings are available to mix and match.
The texture is a big part of the charm. They’re light and tender, with a slightly crunchy outside.
Glaze fans have plenty to explore. The Lemon donut gets a zesty lemon glaze, while caramel and chocolate glazes offer richer choices.
Want something bolder? Maple bacon is one of the shop’s unique varieties.
Kids might want the Donut Decorating Kit. It’s a fun way to turn breakfast into an art project at home.
Speaking of art, look for the chalkboard wall inside. It fits the shop’s playful, creative style.
Coffee is served too, so you can sip while choosing toppings. Service happens at the counter.
Downtown Alpharetta makes a nice spot for a stroll afterward. A small box travels easily.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours end at 1 p.m., and Mondays are closed.
Address: 131 S Main St # F, Alpharetta, GA 30009
12. Ray’s Donut Shop
Free donut holes appear on the menu here, and that’s a friendly way to start a morning. A little bonus never hurts when you’re deciding what to order.
This family-owned Marietta shop keeps things simple and clean. The donuts are fresh, and the variety is impressive for a neighborhood stop.
Glazed treats here are known for melting in your mouth. That light, airy quality is what a great classic donut should deliver.
Fritter fans have two good paths. Pick the apple fritter or try a blueberry fritter for a fruity spin.
Bear claws and strawberry cake donuts bring even more variety. Maple bacon is on hand for the sweet and salty crowd.
Need something savory before the sugar? Breakfast sandwiches include an egg and cheese croissant.
Coffee completes the picture. A cup and a classic glazed is a hard combo to beat.
Short on time? The drive-through is a big help, and waits are usually short.
Weekends are the busiest stretch, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. Monday mornings tend to be quieter.
Hours shift a bit through the week. Monday runs from 5 a.m. to noon, while Tuesday through Saturday stretches to 3 p.m.
Sundays open at 6 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. It’s a sweet way to wrap up this Georgia donut road trip.
Address: 4805 Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
