People Drive From All Over Michigan To Taste These Retro Donut Shops
Last spring, I drove two hours for a long john that tasted exactly like Saturday mornings from my childhood, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Michigan’s donut shops aren’t chasing trends or latte art fame—they’re keeping the old ways alive, one perfectly fried ring at a time.
You’ll find no fancy menus or overpriced pastries here, just the comforting scent of sugar and dough, the hiss of fryers at dawn, and regulars who know the bakers by name. These classic spots prove that some sweetness doesn’t need reinvention—it just needs another bite.
1. Cops & Doughnuts — Clare (since 1896 building; police-owned revival)
Picture this: a beloved bakery on the brink of closing, saved by a group of local police officers who pooled their pensions to keep the fryers hot. That’s the origin story of Cops & Doughnuts, and honestly, it sounds like a feel-good movie waiting to happen. The building itself dates back to 1896, so you’re biting into history with every glazed twist.
Long johns here are legendary, thick with custard and topped with chocolate that doesn’t quit. Fritters come loaded with apples or blueberries, and the merch is as cheeky as you’d expect from cop-owned heaven.
Open daily from around 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., this Clare gem draws crowds from across the state, and the line out the door is basically a badge of honor.
2. Marge’s Donut Den — Wyoming/Grand Rapids (open 365 days)
Marge’s has been slinging butter-rich rings since 1975, and it hasn’t taken a single day off since. Not Christmas. Not New Year’s. Not even during blizzards that shut down half the state. That kind of dedication deserves respect—and probably a dozen glazed to go.
Walk in and you’ll find rows of cake donuts, old-fashioned sour cream rounds, and filled beauties that ooze with every bite. The community vibe is strong here; regulars know each other by name, and the staff treats everyone like family.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Sunday service from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can fuel up no matter the day of the week.
3. Sweetwater’s Donut Mill — Kalamazoo & Battle Creek (’80s neon energy)
Nothing says nostalgia quite like a giant neon sign promising hand-crafted donuts and a drive-thru that actually delivers on taste.
Sweetwater’s nails that ’80s roadside charm, complete with gooey centers and toppings that practically glow under the fluorescent lights. You can grab a box without leaving your car, which feels like a small miracle on rushed mornings.
Multiple locations mean you can hit up Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo or Capital Avenue in Battle Creek, whichever’s closer to your route. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., they’ve mastered the art of the oversized donut that’s equal parts dough and decadence. Bring napkins—you’ll need them.
4. Donutville U.S.A. — Dearborn (since 1966)
Some places earn the title of institution, and Donutville has been doing exactly that since 1966. Hand-cut donuts made New England style mean you’re getting thick, cakey rounds with a texture that holds up to serious dunking.
The family behind the counter has been perfecting recipes for nearly sixty years, and it shows in every crumb.
Located on Ford Road, the shop rocks a classic roadside sign that practically begs for a photo op. Hours stretch from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, which is a godsend for late-night cravings or early-bird missions. Grab a mixed dozen and watch them disappear faster than you’d think possible.
5. Avon Donuts — Pontiac (old-school counter, beloved crullers)
Crullers are an art form, and Avon Donuts treats them with the reverence they deserve. Crisp edges give way to tender centers, with just enough glaze to make your fingers sticky in the best possible way.
This metro-Detroit cult favorite has built its reputation one twisted donut at a time, and fans drive from all corners to snag a box before they sell out.
The counter setup feels wonderfully retro, with trays of yeast classics rotating through the morning. Typical hours run Monday through Saturday, roughly 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., so sleeping in means missing out. Get there early, grab a coffee, and settle in for a breakfast worth bragging about.
6. Hinkley Bakery — Jackson (family bakery dating to 1913)
A bakery that’s been around since 1913 knows a thing or two about donuts, and Hinkley’s proves it every single morning.
Lines snake out the door before sunrise, filled with locals who refuse to settle for anything less than hand-made perfection. After a brief closure, the shop reopened in late summer 2025, and the community practically threw a parade.
Operating Wednesday through Saturday from around 5:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., this Jackson icon doesn’t mess around with trends or gimmicks. Just honest-to-goodness donuts made the way your great-grandparents would recognize. Arrive early or risk facing empty trays and serious regret.
7. Dom Bakeries — Ypsilanti (classic boxes, late-day bakes)
College towns run on caffeine and carbs, and Dom Bakeries has been fueling Ypsilanti since way before today’s students were born.
Fritters here come loaded with fruit, bear claws stretch across your palm, and the throwback glazed rings taste exactly like Saturday mornings should. The classic white boxes tied with string make every purchase feel like a gift you’re giving yourself.
Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., plus Sundays until 5 p.m., Dom’s accommodates both early risers and afternoon cravers. Closed Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. Check their Facebook for seasonal specials that’ll tempt you off any healthy-eating wagon you’ve been riding.