12 Virginia Donut Spots That Make Breakfast The Best Meal Of The Day
Virginia takes breakfast seriously – and donuts might just be the crown jewel. In Richmond, Virginia Beach, and everywhere in between, bakeries are frying up golden rings of happiness that make getting out of bed a whole lot easier.
Some keep it simple with that perfect, shiny glaze, while others push the limits with wild flavor mashups you won’t forget.
These 12 beloved spots around the Old Dominion are guaranteed to turn an ordinary morning into a sweet little celebration.
1. Country Style Donuts: Richmond’s Morning Legend
Morning regulars line up before dawn at this Williamsburg Road institution. The no-frills shop has perfected their craft over decades, turning out pillowy glazed twists and apple fritters that locals swear by.
The magic happens early – they open at 5am but often close when sold out, sometimes before noon. Their old-school approach means everything’s made fresh daily with recipes unchanged since opening day.
2. Sugar Shack: Creative Flavors in the Capital City
Richmond’s homegrown donut empire started as a single shop and quickly captured hearts with inventive combinations. The maple bacon donut remains their signature – a perfect sweet-savory balance topped with crispy bacon pieces.
Beyond donuts, their coffee program stands out with locally roasted beans and seasonal drinks. When fruit seasons peak, their fritters showcase Virginia’s harvest in the most delicious way possible.
3. Paul’s Bakery: Fredericksburg’s Family Tradition
Walking into Paul’s feels like stepping back in time. This third-generation bakery has been Fredericksburg’s go-to morning spot for decades, with glass cases displaying perfect rows of donuts made the old-fashioned way.
I still remember my first chocolate iced cream-filled from Paul’s as a kid – that rich filling spilling out with each bite.
Their cinnamon cake donuts pair perfectly with coffee, creating a combo that’s fueled local mornings for generations.
4. Carol Lee Donut Shop: Blacksburg’s Hokies Headquarters
Virginia Tech students have been starting their days at Carol Lee since the 1960s. The shop’s honey-dipped glazed donuts develop a signature crackly exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Open daily from early morning, Carol Lee serves as both a study spot and hangover cure for generations of college students.
Their chocolate cake donut has fueled countless all-nighters and become part of Blacksburg’s culinary identity.
5. Pure Eats: Lexington’s Farm-to-Table Donut Destination
Small-town charm meets culinary creativity at this Lexington favorite. Their hand-cut donuts use local ingredients whenever possible, creating treats that connect you to Virginia’s agricultural roots.
The cinnamon sugar ring remains their bestseller, with just the right spice-to-sweetness ratio. Unlike most donut shops, Pure Eats stays open through dinner, making their weekend special flavors accessible even for late risers like myself who rarely make it out before noon.
6. Emily’s Donuts & Café: Williamsburg’s Community Gathering Spot
Colonial Williamsburg tourists might flock to historic attractions, but locals head to Emily’s for breakfast. Their Boston cream donut achieves the perfect custard-to-chocolate ratio that bigger chains can’t match.
The blueberry cake variety bursts with fruit flavor rather than artificial essence. Family-owned and community-focused, Emily’s opens early but maintains a relaxed vibe where regulars chat over coffee while newcomers discover what proper donuts should taste like.
7. Sbrocco’s Donuts & Espresso: Charlottesville’s Artisanal Approach
Nestled in Charlottesville’s food scene, Sbrocco’s represents donut evolution. Their old-fashioned cake donuts feature a distinctive cracked exterior that absorbs glaze perfectly while maintaining structural integrity for dunking.
The cruller might be their masterpiece – light, airy, and ridged to maximize surface area for that sweet glaze. My Saturday morning ritual involves grabbing a box to share while browsing the nearby farmers market, though the sharing part rarely goes as planned.
8. Strite’s Donuts: Harrisonburg’s Hot and Fresh Phenomenon
Shenandoah Valley residents recognize the Strite’s trucks that once served as their only outposts. Now with a permanent shop, they maintain their commitment to serving donuts hot and fresh throughout the morning.
Nothing compares to biting into a warm glazed ring with that melt-in-your-mouth texture. For special occasions, their giant “party” donut (available by pre-order) turns breakfast into a celebration, feeding a crowd with one magnificent creation.
9. Duck Donuts: Virginia Beach’s Customization Station
Born on the Outer Banks but beloved in Virginia Beach, Duck Donuts revolutionized the scene with their made-to-order approach. Starting with a warm vanilla cake base, each donut gets customized while you watch.
The maple bacon creation combines sweet maple glaze with savory bacon crumbles for a perfect beach breakfast.
For fruit lovers, the cinnamon sugar with raspberry drizzle offers brightness that pairs wonderfully with morning coffee before hitting the oceanfront.
10. Sugar Plum Bakery: Virginia Beach’s Mission-Driven Sweetness
Beyond delicious donuts, Sugar Plum serves a greater purpose by providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their Texas Glazed has achieved legendary status – a donut so massive it practically requires a fork and knife.
The “Zebra” raised donut features alternating vanilla and chocolate icing stripes that look as good as they taste. Located on Laskin Road, this bakery combines community spirit with serious baking skills that keep locals coming back.
11. The Donut Dugout: Norfolk’s Friendly Neighborhood Shop
Granby Street’s sweetest spot operates with a simple philosophy: make great donuts fresh daily and treat customers like family. Their apple fritter achieves the perfect balance – crispy exterior, tender apple-studded interior, and glaze that crackles with each bite.
The chocolate iced ring might seem basic, but their version demonstrates why classics become classics. Open from 6am until sellout (which happens often), this family-owned gem represents Norfolk’s unpretentious food scene at its finest.
12. Texas Donuts: Manassas’ Oversized Delights
Everything’s bigger at this Northern Virginia favorite, where the signature Texas-sized glazed donut measures nearly triple standard size. Beyond sheer volume, the quality stands out – airy texture with just enough chew and perfect glaze coverage.
Their savory kolaches introduce many Virginians to this Czech-Texan pastry filled with sausage and cheese. I once brought a dozen to an office meeting and watched colleagues’ eyes widen at these massive treats that somehow disappeared within minutes despite their intimidating size.