I Drove Through Small-Town Washington To Try 10 Donut Shops (And Found 3 That Made It Worth Every Stop)
I spent a full weekend zigzagging across small-town Washington, hunting down the best local donut shops I could find. My mission was simple: taste ten different spots and see which ones truly delivered on flavor, freshness, and that hard-to-define magic that makes a donut shop unforgettable. After hundreds of miles and more sugar than any reasonable person should consume, I discovered that three shops rose far above the rest.
1. Sluys Poulsbo Bakery – Poulsbo (The Winners)
Walking into Sluys feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen if she happened to run a legendary Scandinavian bakery. The pastry case stretches on forever, packed with everything from classic glazed rings to delicate Danish treats that practically beg you to try them.
This place has been a Poulsbo staple for decades, and the locals treat it like sacred ground. What sets Sluys apart is the combination of old-school baking techniques and genuine variety. You can grab a perfectly tender old-fashioned donut alongside traditional Poulsbo bread or a flaky almond pastry.
Every bite tastes like it was made with care, not mass-produced in some factory. Honestly, this bakery alone justifies a trip to Poulsbo.
2. Popular Donuts – Walla Walla (The Winners)
Popular Donuts lives up to its name in the best possible way. There are no fancy decorations or Instagram-worthy neon signs here, just reliably excellent donuts that locals order by name.
The maple bacon bar has a cult following, and the apple fritters are so good they often sell out before noon.
What makes this shop special is its commitment to doing the basics perfectly. The cake donuts have crispy edges and tender centers, while the raised donuts are light and airy without being greasy.
You can taste the difference between a donut made fresh that morning and one that sat under heat lamps for hours. This is the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and visitors become converts after one bite.
3. Robot Donut Co. – Port Angeles (The Winners)
Robot Donut Co. brings a burst of creativity to the small-town donut scene without sacrificing quality for flash. These donuts are big, bold, and covered in glazes that look like edible works of art. Seasonal flavors rotate regularly, so there is always something new to try alongside the reliable favorites.
The shop has mastered the balance between novelty and substance. Sure, the donuts are gorgeous and photo-ready, but they also taste incredible with fluffy dough and perfectly balanced sweetness.
I grabbed a strawberry-glazed creation that tasted like summer in donut form. The texture was spot-on, the flavor was bright, and I immediately understood why this shop has become a Port Angeles destination.
4. Space City Donuts – Poulsbo
Space City Donuts brings a taste of Texas to Kitsap County with handmade donuts that have quickly won over the locals. The shop rotates flavors regularly and offers weekend specials that keep customers coming back to see what is new. Each donut is made by hand, and you can tell the difference in every bite.
The Texas influence shows up in the size and boldness of the flavors. These are not dainty pastries but substantial, satisfying treats that fuel your morning adventures. The dough is tender without being too sweet.
What impressed me most was the consistency. Even with rotating flavors, the quality never wavers, and the staff clearly takes pride in what they make.
5. Darren’s Donuts – Mount Vernon
Darren’s Donuts has been serving Mount Vernon for years, and the early-morning lines tell you everything you need to know about its reputation. This is a bakery-style shop that focuses on fresh classics like old-fashioned donuts, crullers, and cream-filled treats.
The old-fashioned donuts here have that perfect crackly exterior that gives way to a tender, slightly dense interior. Crullers are light and crispy, and the filled donuts are generously stuffed without being messy. Everything tastes like it came straight out of the oven, because it probably did.
I showed up at opening time and watched the cases fill with fresh batches. The smell alone was worth the early wake-up call, and the taste delivered on every promise.
6. Twister Donuts – Olympia
Twister Donuts makes grabbing fresh pastries ridiculously convenient with its drive-thru setup. The menu is expansive, featuring everything from novelty fritters to seasonal specials that change throughout the year.
The fritters here are massive and packed with fruit or filling, while the bars come in every flavor combination you can imagine. Freshness is clearly a priority, and you can taste the difference between these donuts and the ones sitting in grocery store cases. The family-run atmosphere adds a personal touch that bigger chains cannot match.
I rolled through on a road trip and left with a box full of variety. Every single donut stayed fresh and delicious for the rest of the drive.
7. Zack’s Old-Fashioned Donuts – Port Townsend
Zack’s operates as a weekend pop-up, which means you have to plan your visit carefully or risk missing out entirely. These old-fashioned donuts sell out fast because locals know they are something special. The texture is spot-on, with that signature crackly crust and tender interior that defines a great old-fashioned donut.
The presentation is beautifully old-school, reminding you of how donuts used to be made before shortcuts and shortcuts became the norm. There are no wild flavors or Instagram gimmicks here, just honest craftsmanship and quality ingredients.
The limited availability only adds to the appeal, making each donut feel like a small victory. I managed to snag a few before they sold out and understood immediately why people set alarms for this pop-up.
8. ABC Donuts – Ellensburg
ABC Donuts serves as the neighborhood favorite in this college town, offering classic raised and cake donuts that fuel students and locals alike. The shop is small and unpretentious, focusing on doing a few things really well rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
The raised donuts are light and airy, while the cake varieties have that perfect crumb that holds up to dunking in coffee. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the quality is consistent.
It is exactly the kind of place every college town needs, providing comfort food that tastes like home. I visited on a weekday morning and watched the steady stream of customers grab their usual orders.
9. Donuts, Cakes & More – Sequim
Donuts, Cakes & More opened recently and quickly became Sequim’s go-to morning stop. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the care in every bite. The shop has a friendly, welcoming vibe that makes you want to become a regular even if you are just passing through town.
The donut selection covers all the classics plus a few creative twists that show the bakers are not afraid to experiment. Freshness is clearly a priority, and the pastries sell out regularly because word has spread fast. The community has embraced this bakery, and it shows in the steady stream of customers throughout the morning.
I tried a glazed twist and a filled donut, both of which tasted like they were made minutes before I walked in.
10. Bavarian Bakery – Leavenworth
Bavarian Bakery fits perfectly into Leavenworth’s alpine-themed charm while delivering genuine German baking techniques. The shop offers donut-style treats alongside traditional pastries, giving visitors a chance to enjoy something sweet after exploring the town. The quality is high, and the variety makes it easy to find something for everyone in your group.
German baking methods bring a different texture and flavor profile to the donuts here. They are slightly denser than typical American donuts but incredibly satisfying, with a richness that comes from quality ingredients and skilled technique.
The bakery atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a natural stop during any Leavenworth visit. I grabbed a pastry and a donut-style treat, both of which paired perfectly with the mountain town setting.