Arizona - September, 2017

La Mar’s Donuts

Web Site: http://www.lamars.com/
Address: 2340 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023
Rating: 

We generally steer away from donut chains (therein lies our aversion to Dunkin Donuts which do have some delicious flavors), but on a recent trip to Phoenix, we visited La Mar’s (founded in Kansas City and now boasting 25 stores in 5 states).  La Mar’s tagline is “simply a better donut” and they are onto something.  Their donuts are delicious and their business model makes sense.  We visited a clean, spacious store on the south side of Phoenix—with dozens of flavors.  We were fortunate to be accompanied by two additional taste testers (Wayne’s parents Dusty and Toni Rhodes).  So, this was a bonus enabling us to engage in broader sampling.  Toni completely approved of the chocolate filled Bismarck.  Dusty adored the chocolate donut.  Their old-fashioneds met all the criteria for delicious old-fashioneds—dark chocolate glaze, crunchy on the outside.  And their pumpkin spice (albeit early in the season) was delicious.  I can’t fault La Mar’s for their success—worth a visit!

Rainbow Donuts

Web Site: http://rainbowdonutsphx.com/
Address: 3831 East Thunderbird Road, Phoenix, AZ
Rating: 

Rainbow Donuts operate in many locations around the Phoenix area.  This is a traditional, donuts only, classic donut shop that felt like it had been lifted out of the 1950s.  The donuts were delicious—with a wide variety including old-fashioneds—but not particularly distinguishable.  If you must have a donut and want to steer clear of the larger chains, Rainbow Donuts might be the right destination for you.

BoSa Donuts

Web Site: http://bosadonutsaz.com/
Address: 16 locations in and around Phoenix
Rating: 

BoSa Donuts are located throughout the Phoenix area and beyond.  This is a traditional donuts spot (the location we visited had drive-through)—with other menu items beyond donuts.  The location we visited was not particularly clean which definitely detracted from the donuts’ appeal.  They had a wide variety of donuts but given the extent of other donut  offerings in the Phoenix area, this is not a spot I would return to.

 

New York City - September, 2017

Doughnuttery at Chelsea Market

Web Site: http://www.doughnuttery.com/
Address: 425 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011
Rating:  

This small shop within Chelsea Market has picked up on the “tiny made-to-order” doughnut fad—what makes them different is that (in their words) their “bite-sized donuts (are) rolled in a variety of uniquely flavored sugars.” The description is accurate—indeed, for some flavors the taste is truly "out there" and not altogether pleasant.  I sampled Paris Time (lavender, pistachio, vanilla), Cacoa Boy (cacao nibs, chocolate cookies, mesquite), Spicy Rooster (sriracha, maple, lime) and House of Cardamom (cardamom and orange zest) and only really enjoyed Paris Time.  You can choose a glaze if you like.  I have found that this genre of doughnuts is simply not my favorite.  They’re endearing, but a tad too precious for my taste and taste buds.

The Donut Pub

Web Site: http://www.donutpub.com/

Address: 203 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

Rating:  

I love that The Donut Pub is open 24/7. This is a mom and pop, modest shop that also sells sandwiches (with counter service)—not usually my favorite.  But, I found a great selection and delicious traditional flavors.  Their reviews are out of this world, positive, and with good reason.  Go for the convenience, stay for the delicious assortment and flavor.  I couldn’t help myself and actually bought four donuts from which I sampled over the next two days.  I was quite saddened that I couldn’t finish them before I left town.  Yum, yum, yum!