12 Wisconsin Donut Shops That Keep Tradition (And Sweet Tooths) Alive
Wisconsin is a paradise for donut lovers, where generations-old family recipes still meet the fryer before most people hit snooze.
In tiny hometown bakeries and beloved city shops, bakers turn out everything from airy raised rings to perfectly crunchy old-fashioneds, with a few inventive seasonal surprises sprinkled in.
Lines often start forming at sunrise, but the payoff – a warm, sugary bite steeped in tradition – is worth every early-morning yawn.
These 12 donut stops prove that Wisconsin knows how to keep its baking heritage alive while still delighting modern taste buds.
1. Greenbush Bakery: Madison’s Kosher Donut Kingdom
Morning light streams through Greenbush Bakery’s windows, illuminating display cases packed with pillowy donuts that Madison residents have cherished since 1996. Their certified kosher creations draw loyal customers to both locations.
The Sour Cream Old Fashioned reigns supreme here – crispy-edged, tender-centered, and perfectly tangy. Students from nearby UW-Madison often fuel study sessions with these legendary treats.
2. Cranky Al’s: Wauwatosa’s Morning Ritual
Hidden in East Tosa’s charming neighborhood, Cranky Al’s contradicts its grumpy name with the warmest welcome in town. Regulars stream in before sunrise, greeted by the intoxicating scent of yeast-raised donuts emerging from the kitchen.
Hefty apple fritters steal the spotlight – irregular-shaped masterpieces with chunks of real fruit and a glaze that crackles between your teeth. Pair yours with their house-brewed coffee for the full experience locals swear by.
3. Manderfield’s Home Bakery: Fox Valley’s Sweet Legacy
The Manderfield family has been perfecting their craft since 1934, and the moment you walk through their doors, that heritage envelops you like a warm hug. Their slogan “Taste the Tradition” isn’t just marketing – it’s a promise delivered daily across their Fox Cities locations.
I remember my grandmother bringing home their white bakery boxes tied with a string every Sunday after church. Opening that box revealed old-fashioneds with that signature crackly exterior that no chain could ever replicate.
4. Simple Simon Bakery: Appleton’s Half-Century Haven
Tucked along Wisconsin Avenue, Simple Simon has been feeding Fox Valley sweet tooths for over five decades. Their bakers arrive when most of us are still dreaming, crafting donuts the old way – by hand, with care, and without shortcuts.
Their rotating Donut of the Month showcases Wisconsin creativity, with the “Brandy Old Fashioned” paying homage to the state’s signature cocktail. Swing by early – locals know the best selection disappears before noon.
5. Grebe’s Bakery: Milwaukee’s Cruller Headquarters
Milwaukee natives get misty-eyed talking about Grebe’s crullers. Since 1937, this West Allis institution has defined the distinctive Milwaukee-style cruller – lighter than cake donuts but heartier than their French cousins.
The original cruller, with its distinctive star shape and honey-sweet glaze, pairs perfectly with morning coffee. My uncle claims he’s maintained the same Saturday routine for 40 years: Milwaukee Journal, black coffee, and two Grebe’s crullers.
6. National Bakery & Deli: A Century of Sweet Perfection
When a bakery has survived 100 years, they’ve clearly mastered something special. National Bakery’s three locations showcase old-world techniques that modern shortcuts simply can’t replicate.
Their glazed rings achieve that impossible balance – substantial without heaviness, sweet without being cloying.
Come February, their paczki celebration transforms into a full-blown holiday, with lines forming before dawn as Milwaukeeans stock up on these Polish treats.
7. Linda’s Bakery: West Salem’s Sweet Spot
Country roads lead to Linda’s Bakery, where the La Crosse area’s donut lovers congregate each morning. This family operation maintains that small-town feel where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are welcomed like old friends.
Their cake donuts achieve that elusive perfect texture – crisp exterior giving way to tender crumb. The maple long johns disappear quickly, their rich maple frosting made the old-fashioned way without artificial shortcuts.
8. Oliver’s Bakery: Kenosha’s Morning Tradition
Roosevelt Road wouldn’t be the same without Oliver’s, a neighborhood fixture where Kenosha residents start their days. The bakery maintains a refreshing simplicity in an era of over-the-top creations.
Their crullers rank among Wisconsin’s finest – twisted, fried perfection with a delicate glaze. I’ve watched families grow up coming here, parents who once visited as children now bringing their own kids for Saturday morning treats, creating generational memories frosted with sugar.
9. Neat-O’s Bake Shoppe: Baraboo’s Award-Winning Delights
Circus World Museum might draw tourists to Baraboo, but locals know the real attraction is Neat-O’s morning donut selection. This award-winning bakery blends small-town charm with big-city quality.
Their yeast-raised donuts achieve that ethereal lightness that makes you forget you’re eating fried dough. Seasonal offerings rotate with Wisconsin’s harvest – apple cider donuts in fall, fresh berry-topped varieties in summer – keeping the selection fresh year-round.
10. Bakery on State: Manitowoc’s Women-Owned Wonder
Lake Michigan mornings feel incomplete without a stop at this women-owned gem in downtown Manitowoc. The bakery’s historic building houses time-honored recipes that haven’t changed in generations.
Their apple fritters achieve legendary status among locals – substantial enough for breakfast yet irresistible enough for dessert.
Weekend mornings bring the community together as neighbors catch up over coffee and fresh donuts, creating that small-town atmosphere that defines Wisconsin at its best.
11. Hill Top Bakery: Kaukauna’s Century-Old Sweet Spot
For over 100 years, Hill Top has been Kaukauna’s morning destination, occupying the same spot where horse-drawn deliveries once departed. Their recipes remain gloriously unchanged, passed through generations of bakers committed to quality.
Uniquely Wisconsin treats like peanut squares and coconut sticks share space with classic raised donuts. Their afternoon donut happy hour (buy-one-get-one) has saved many a Fox Cities office meeting from falling flat.
12. Honeydip Donuts: Milwaukee’s No-Frills Favorite
Milwaukee’s south side reveals this unpretentious donut counter where substance trumps style. Honeydip skips fancy decor and social media campaigns, focusing entirely on perfecting their craft.
Their glazed donuts achieve that perfect sheen – crackling slightly when bitten, revealing cloud-like interiors. Regulars swear by their jelly-filled varieties, generously stuffed with real fruit preserves rather than artificial fillings.
The no-nonsense approach reminds us that sometimes tradition needs no improvement.