I Wandered Through Small-Town Illinois To Sample 6 Donut Shops (And Found 3 That Made It All Worthwhile)

My sweet tooth and I took a road trip across small-town Illinois with one mission: finding the best donuts in the state.

Armed with napkins and an empty stomach, I visited six local donut shops that promised sugary perfection.

Some were absolute winners, while others left me wishing I’d just grabbed a bagel instead.

1. Do-Rite Donuts (Chicago)

Walking into this Chicago gem felt like entering donut heaven, where every flavor combination seemed more creative than the last. The buttermilk old-fashioned practically melted on my tongue, with just the right amount of crispy edges and tender center. Their seasonal flavors rotate constantly, so you’ll always discover something new and exciting.

I tried the lemon pistachio on my visit, and honestly, I still dream about it months later. The staff was super friendly and didn’t judge me for ordering four donuts before noon. The shop itself has a modern, clean vibe that makes you want to Instagram everything.

Sure, there’s usually a line out the door on weekends, but trust me when I say it moves quickly and the wait is absolutely worth it.

2. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee (Chicago)

Stan’s has been serving Chicago since the 1960s, and you can taste decades of perfection in every bite. Their pocket donuts are legendary—basically little pillows of fried dough stuffed with custard, jam, or Nutella that’ll make you forget every other donut you’ve ever eaten. I went for the classic Boston cream, which came with so much filling that it oozed out with each bite.

The variety here is mind-blowing, with over 20 flavors available daily. From maple bacon long johns to peanut butter pockets, they’ve got something for everyone. The coffee pairs perfectly with their treats, though honestly, the donuts shine so bright they don’t need any backup.

My only complaint? I couldn’t fit more in my stomach to try them all.

3. Old Fashioned Donuts (South Side, Chicago)

This no-frills South Side institution has been cranking out donuts since 1972, and they haven’t changed their winning formula one bit. Everything is made fresh throughout the day, so you might catch them pulling a hot batch right out of the fryer. The apple fritter here is the size of my head and costs less than a fancy coffee drink.

What makes this place special isn’t fancy flavors or Instagram-worthy decorations—it’s pure, honest-to-goodness donut craftsmanship. Their glazed donuts have that perfect ratio of crispy exterior to fluffy interior that most shops can’t nail. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it easy to grab a dozen without breaking the bank.

Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.

4. Holey Moley Daylight Donuts (Mattoon, IL)

Mattoon might not be on everyone’s Illinois bucket list, but this quirky shop makes it worth the detour. The owners have a sense of humor about their craft, with donut puns plastered all over the walls and chalkboard specials that’ll make you groan and giggle simultaneously. Their cake donuts are dense and satisfying, with flavors that lean traditional but never boring.

I grabbed a chocolate cake donut and a cinnamon sugar twist, both of which tasted homemade in the best possible way. The texture was spot-on—not too greasy, not too dry, just right. Unfortunately, the selection was pretty limited compared to the Chicago spots, and nothing really wowed me enough to plan a return trip.

Nice place, decent donuts, but probably not worth a special journey.

5. Beacon Doughnuts (Chicago)

Beacon Doughnuts serves up mini donuts that come in flights, kind of like a donut tasting menu that sounds way cooler than it actually is. The concept is fun—you get to try multiple flavors without committing to a full-sized donut—but the execution fell flat for me. The donuts themselves were dense and oddly chewy, lacking that light, airy quality I crave.

I ordered a flight with four different flavors, including their signature bacon maple and a vanilla bean option. While the toppings looked pretty, the actual donut underneath was forgettable and almost tough. The maple glaze tasted artificial, and the bacon was more like sad, chewy bits than crispy goodness.

The place has a hip, modern vibe that attracts crowds, but style can’t make up for mediocre taste in my book.

6. Gurnee Donuts (Gurnee, IL)

Located near Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Donuts seems to bank on convenience rather than quality. The donuts looked promising in the case—big, fluffy, and generously glazed—but one bite revealed they were stale and flavorless. My glazed donut tasted like it had been sitting out since yesterday, with a texture closer to cardboard than pastry.

The staff seemed disinterested, and the shop itself felt tired and outdated. I also tried a jelly-filled donut hoping for redemption, but the filling was weirdly gelatinous and tasted nothing like actual fruit. For a shop in a tourist-heavy area, you’d think they’d put more effort into freshness and flavor.

Save your appetite and your money—there are way better options even just a short drive away in Chicago.

7. Country Donuts — Elgin, IL

Nestled in Elgin, Country Donuts is where nostalgia meets flavor. Their old-fashioned donut, lightly dusted with cinnamon, melts in your mouth. Each bite takes you back to childhood mornings.

The shop’s quaint interior, adorned with vintage decor, offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying your treat with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Locals often gather here, sharing stories and laughter, making it a true community hub. The welcoming staff adds to the charm, greeting you with smiles as warm as their donuts. A visit here feels like coming home.

8. Spunky Dunkers — Palatine, IL

Spunky Dunkers is as cheerful as its name suggests. Nestled in Palatine, this local gem offers a whimsical array of donuts. Each creation is a colorful masterpiece, from vibrant glazes to inventive toppings. The atmosphere is equally inviting, with friendly staff ready to share a story or a recommendation.

Their famous apple fritters are a must-try, offering a delightful mix of crispy and soft textures. The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee complements every bite, making it a perfect morning stop. Visiting Spunky Dunkers is like stepping into a warm hug — comforting and familiar.

Did you know? Spunky Dunkers has been a beloved part of the community for over 30 years, with generations enjoying its delightful treats. It’s a testament to the shop’s enduring charm and quality.

9. Weber’s Bakery — Chicago, IL (Garfield Ridge)

Nestled in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge, Weber’s Bakery is a treasure trove for donut enthusiasts. Established in 1930, this bakery exudes vintage charm and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Their donuts are a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, with each bite offering a taste of history. Especially noteworthy are their custard-filled delights, which have become a staple for locals.

From the friendly staff to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods, Weber’s Bakery provides a nostalgic experience that captures the heart and palate of everyone who visits.