The Best Donut Shops in Illinois for visitors & locals

Illinois has really nailed the art of the donut. The abundance of fantastic donut shops throughout the state can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, donuts are a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. They’re delicious, affordable, and easy to grab on the go, making them a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or even a sweet snack.

Secondly, the entrepreneurial spirit in Illinois has led to a thriving small business culture, with many aspiring bakers opening their own donut shops to share their love of this beloved pastry with the community. Lastly, the friendly competition between donut shops in Illinois has pushed bakers to constantly innovate and improve their recipes, leading to a plethora of mouth-watering flavors and unique creations. Here are the best donut joints in Illinois:

  • Spunky Dunkers Donuts in Palatine is an independent shop offering a wide range of unique, colorful scratch-made donuts & coffee. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps and is open 24 hours a day. Customers praise its creative and delicious donuts, as well as its friendly staff.
  • Home Cut Donuts, Inc. in Joliet is a classic donut shop that has been serving the community for many years. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps and is also open 24 hours a day. Customers love its fresh, made-to-order donuts and its wide variety of flavors.
  • Country Donuts in Crystal Lake is a family-owned shop that has been selling donuts since 1976. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps and is open 24 hours a day. Customers appreciate its traditional donuts, as well as its friendly atmosphere.
  • Country Donuts in Elgin is another great option for classic donuts. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps and is also open 24 hours a day. Customers love its fresh donuts and its convenient location.
  • CJ’s Coffee House in Zion is a coffee shop that also serves donuts. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and from 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends. Customers love its cozy atmosphere and its delicious donuts.
  • Gurnee Donuts in Gurnee is a popular spot for donuts and coffee. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends. Customers love its fresh donuts and its wide variety of flavors.
  • DB3 Donuts in Evanston is a small-batch donut shop that is known for its unique and creative flavors. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays. Customers love its innovative donuts and its friendly staff.
  • Downstate Donuts in Chicago is another great option for unique and creative donuts. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends. Customers love its delicious donuts and its fun and funky atmosphere.
  • Joe Donut iin Glenview is a classic donut shop that has been serving the community for many years. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM on weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Customers love its fresh donuts and its affordable prices.