Grand Rapids has a vibrant donut scene, with established local bakeries providing a fresh take on the classics and newcomers offering unique twists and innovative creations. We asked local residents to share their favorite area donut destinations on our social media pages, and the results are below. Loosen your belt loops because you’ll want to try them all!
Sandy's Donuts
Back to Top of ListSatisfy your sweet tooth at Sandy's Donuts.
Photo by Courtesy of Sandy's Donuts
With its wide assortment of tasty treats, Sandy's Donuts has something for everyone. Their selection of baked goods is unmatched, as they offer a variety of delectable seasonal treats like PB&J long johns, chocolate and strawberry cream cheese croissants, hot pretzels, brownie bites, blueberry and lemon poppy seed scones, frosted cookies, and of course donuts.
Sandy’s won first place in both People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice at the 2023 Donut and Beer Festival, topping 20+ other local donut purveyors – so it’s no surprise that this west side favorite got the most mentions in our poll.
Be sure to check Sandy's Facebook page, as they often announce deals like Happy Hour $1 donuts. Pair a Blueberry Pancake, Dirt Cup, or Caramel Coconut Delite donut with a coffee to start your morning or afternoon off right!
Farmhaus Farms
Back to Top of ListCan't choose just one flavor? Enjoy a donut flight at Farmhaus Farms!
Photo by Rachel Greiner for Experience GR
Visiting a family farm for fresh-baked donuts and fresh-pressed apple cider is a cherished fall tradition in Grand Rapids. Fall at Farmhaus Farms is a magical time, with a huge variety of just-picked and u-pick apples, cherries, pumpkins and peaches in addition to their own cider and delicious donuts, apple cakes, mini pies and other baked goods.
Few of us can restrict our donut craving to a single season, of course – so Farmhaus keeps its farm market and bakery open all year long to keep us happy. They’re always coming up with new flavors to celebrate different seasons and holidays – carrot cake donuts at Easter, mint chocolate chip donuts for St. Patrick’s Day and candy cane donuts for Christmas, for example – and they offer donut flights so you can sample a bunch of different flavors at once.
To the delight of those with gluten sensitivity Farmhaus also offers gluten-friendly donuts and other sweets. Located 15 minutes southwest of downtown GR, Farmhaus Farms supplies apples to Farmhaus Cider Co. for its award-winning hard ciders. The Farmhaus Cider taproom is 15 minutes west of the Farms.
Marge's Donut Den
Back to Top of ListTasty treats at Marge's Donut Den.
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Marge’s Donut Den has been a steadfast fixture in the local donut scene since 1975 and the store’s success could be attributed to its motto, “Quality comes first.” Locals love the fritters of different flavors, like apple and blueberry, and Facebook user Katie D. says she got “everyone hooked on (Marge’s) apple fritters with chocolate icing on top.” The long johns packed with creamy custard were also singled out for praise.
Everything here is made fresh, from dough and batter to fillings and icing. Marge’s also offers custom donut designs for birthdays and other special occasions in addition to custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and cupcakes.
Located on 28th Street in Wyoming, Marge’s is open 365 days a year so you can always satisfy your donut fix.
Sprinkles Donut Shop
Back to Top of ListSprinkles Donut Shop has six locations in the West Michigan area.
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
Patrons of Sprinkles Donut Shop love their apple fritters and cronuts, but those only scratch the glazed surface of this eatery’s vast menu of tasty treats.
Sprinkles offers 16 types of yeast donuts, including glazed cinnamon twist, cherry chocolate, bird’s nest (in vanilla or chocolate), and Bismarck (blueberry, lemon, or raspberry filling), as well as 11 different cake donuts, from peanut butter iced to chocolate cake glazed.
In addition to serving great donuts, Sprinkles strives to support the local business culture by sourcing the majority of its ingredients and even manufactured items locally. Sprinkles also helps protect the planet by using eco-friendly products, like coffee cups and sleeves.
Sprinkles has locations in Rockford, Ada, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Allendale, and Caledonia, so don’t wait to head to the nearest one!
Cindy's Donuts & Ice Cream
Back to Top of ListDonuts or ice cream? You don't have to choose at Cindy's!
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
“Incredibly underrated” is how one local described Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream . But given that it came in fourth in our list of mentions, it seems the word is definitely out about the delectable treats at this Kentwood café on the corner of 28th Street and East Paris Avenue.
As you enter Cindy’s, you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic staff stationed behind an expansive glass showcase of freshly baked sweets. Cindy’s offers both “regular” and “big” donuts – and your eye is likely to go immediately to the massive apple fritters and bear claws on display.
Cindy’s cake donuts are baked to that perfect balance of crunchy and chewy. They’ll delight your palate whether you’re craving cherry, orange, apple cider, or classic chocolate with sprinkles.
There’s also an ample selection of raised donuts, including twisted, buttermilk, and fillings like lemon and raspberry.
At Cindy’s, you can also wash your donut down with coffee from Ferris Coffee & Nut, or even a scoop of Hudsonville ice cream.
Phoenix Rising Bakery
Back to Top of ListFamily-owned Phoenix Rising Bakery offers a wide variety of donuts baked fresh daily. It’s located in Cutlerville, about 15 minutes south of downtown GR, and local donut aficionados say it’s well worth the drive.
Facebook users are lavish with their praise: “Classic donuts done perfectly” is the judgment of Julie D. “Literally the absolute best!!!!” writes Brandi M. The smiling folks behind the counter are also singled out for kudos, with Josephine C. lauding the “wonderful customer service.”
Phoenix offers fresh coffee to go with your donuts, including a refreshing Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
Van’s Pastry Shoppe
Back to Top of ListVan's Pastry in Grand Rapids has an amazing selection of donuts, cookies, and more.
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
A sweet staple in Grand Rapids since 1942, Van’s Pastry Shoppe has been a tradition among local families for generations. The donuts here aren’t fancy, but gosh, are they good.
Van’s has been operating out of the same building since opening its doors 80 years ago and is currently a fourth-generation family-run business. It continues to be one of the best deals around to enjoy donuts. Their plain cake donut sells for just 75 cents, and you can get that and a cup of coffee for $1.25. There are 20+ selections ranging in price from $1-$2, and three specialty donuts – almond bear claw, pecan roll and turtle cinnamon – that go for $2.25 each.
In addition to the friendly staff, you'll notice that the decor features a vast cookie jar collection, as well as pictures on the walls spotlighting shop regulars. Van’s is located in Uptown, less than one mile from downtown GR, so it’s an easy jaunt from the city center.
Bro's Doughs
Back to Top of ListAfter ordering from Bro's Doughs, watch them freshly cook the dough and load on toppings.
Photo by Courtesy of Bro's Doughs
The first Bro’s Doughs opened in Knapp’s Crossing in early 2020. A second location is opening in 2023 at 465 Fuller Ave NE, close to the Fuller exit off the I-196 expressway. Obviously, the region’s donut lovers have embraced this relative newcomer.
The first half of the shop’s name comes from owner Brodie Hock’s nickname, the second part is inspired by his daughter, who couldn’t quite say “doughnut” when she was young, so she stopped at “dough.”
“A better way to doughnut” is Bro’s tagline, and their way is to make all their donuts to order. “You can watch them cook the dough and put the toppings on right there when you order,” enthuses John E.D. “Always hot and fresh.”
Bro’s refers to its donuts as “minis” but they’re packed with flavor. Locals appreciate the smaller size because they can try a few flavors in one sitting.
Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery
Back to Top of ListServing up homemade baked goods since 1952, Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery relies on family recipes passed from generation to generation. Every donut – and cookie, cake roll, muffin, pie and loaf of bread – is made from scratch at their Grandville location.
“No wimpy donuts at this place” writes Jerry F. of the old-fashioned yeast-filled donuts at Steenstra’s. “The best Boston crème donut (is) out of this world … and I’m originally from Massachusetts!” raves Steph F. (So she would know.) “Get a cherry delight,” urges Rebecca D.
Steenstra’s serves as a legacy of the historic Dutch influence in West Michigan. Once you’ve had your fill of donuts (if such a thing is possible), you might want to try their banket – a Classic Dutch pastry filled with almond paste.
Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
Back to Top of ListMake sure to grab a delicious apple cider donut when you visit Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery!
Photo by Courtesy of Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
Established in 1911, Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery is not only a go-to stop along the Kent Harvest Trail during the fall months, but also year-round because of a robust selection of breads, pies, pastries, and donuts. In fact, Robinette’s bakery launched in 1972 with donuts, which are still the most popular item on the menu.
While Robinette’s donuts are delicious any time of the year, mark your calendars to taste their special pumpkin spice donut from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. Or try a traditional donut with a glass of Robinette’s own fresh-made cider – they make a perfect pair.
Robinette’s is located on 4 Mile Road, just six minutes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Bostwick Bakery & Coffee Shop
Back to Top of ListTaking its name from beautiful Bostwick Lake in Rockford, Bostwick Bakery & Coffee Shop has been serving the community since 1954. (It’s situated across the street from the lake.) The regular donut selection here is not terribly large, but the donuts themselves certainly are. “They are HUGE!!!” confirms Michelle H.
Specialty donuts are often available, typically season- or holiday-themed. Bostwick also offers a selection of cookies and pastries to satisfy any sweet tooth, as well as breakfast sandwiches and lunch items.
A second Bostwick Bakery is located on Plainfield Avenue, about 12 minutes from downtown GR, just in case the 20-minute drive to Rockford is too long for your stomach to wait.
Rise Authentic Baking Co.
Back to Top of ListDespite being free of gluten, soy and dye, the vegan donuts at Rise Authentic Baking Co. are nothing short of delicious!
Photo by Courtesy of Rise Authentic Baking Co.
The treats at Rise Authentic Baking Co. are all gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, and dye-free. While they provide products for the allergy-conscious, Rise strives to make everything on the menu enjoyable for everyone.
You can find popular flavors like cinnamon sugar, vanilla lavender, cookies and cream, chocolate espresso, and orange cardamom on the menu, but the menu is always changing.
Rise’s seasonal treats are a must-try. Some of their unique flavors include strawberry lemonade, apple cider glazed, carrot cake, holiday nog, chocolate peppermint stick, and gingerbread.
Rise also offers plenty of delicious non-donut treats, including Yum Tarts, scones, cheesecake bars, cookies, and cakes with homemade buttercream frosting. Weekends bring a food menu of breakfast sandwiches, classic sandwiches, soups and more.
Rise operates a storefront at 1220 Fulton Street West in collaboration with Squibb Coffee Bar.
They also ship fresh daily to several area restaurants and grocery stores. The bakery also provides custom orders and large event dessert catering.
Post Family Farm
Back to Top of ListLocals flock to the area’s family farms in fall for fresh-baked sweets made with fresh-picked ingredients. Post Family Farm is known for its homemade, melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Donuts. Topped with either pumpkin icing or cinnamon sugar, they’re available from just after Labor Day through Thanksgiving. Pick up a jug of locally made Engelsma’s Apple Barn Cider at Post to go along with your donuts – it’s a match made in heaven!
Come for the pumpkin donuts, stay for the fall fun – Post Family Farm offers u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, bonfires, friendly farm animals, outdoor play areas and many more ways to enjoy an autumn afternoon.
The farm is also open for three weeks in May, during which guests can purchase homemade Classic Cake, Cherry and Sprinkle Donuts. Follow the farm’s Facebook page for additional Donut Mornings through the year, often around holidays.
Rak Thai
Back to Top of ListA Thai restaurant for donuts? That’s right, Rak Thai is your local source for Mochi Donuts – fried Asian-style rice cakes decorated like an American donut. The outside is crispy, the inside is chewy yet light, and they’re topped with a rotating selection of flavors … Strawberry Crunch, Cookies ‘n Cream, Birthday Cake and much, much more. They’re as beautiful as they are scrumptious!
Located in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, Rak Thai opens at 11am Mon-Friday and 10am Saturday & Sunday for a morning Mochi fix, and they’re open until the Market closes at 7pm Sunday-Thursday and 8pm Friday & Saturday.
Rak Thai also offers a full Bubble Tea bar with 20+ flavors and a delicious menu of Asian entrées, including Pad Thai and Fried Rice dishes.
Which donut shop will be first on your list?
Note: Menu items and prices may change without notice, you can check websites and social media pages – or call ahead – to confirm info before you go.
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