We Ranked Eight Maine Donut Shops From Tasty To Totally Irresistible

Two shops on this list make doughnuts with potatoes, while another serves unexpected flavors like blueberry pie and Fruity Pebbles. The creativity doesn’t end with the toppings, either.

I love that kind of stubborn creativity. Maine bakers clearly have opinions about fried dough, and they are not shy about them.

One spot runs on a fully vegan menu. Another keeps its doors open for barely more than three hours a morning.

That short window tells you something. When a bakery can sell out before most people finish their first coffee, the doughnuts must be doing some heavy lifting.

So I lined up eight shops and ranked them, starting with tasty and climbing toward the ones I can’t stop thinking about. The order sparked a few arguments in my head.

Which one would land at the top of your list?

1. Congdon’s Doughnuts

Opening at 6 AM most days, Congdon’s gives early birds a real head start. The family’s doughnut story stretches back to 1945, so that’s plenty of practice.

The Wells building itself dates to 1955. That makes this shop older than a lot of the cars rolling through its drive-through.

Honey dipped is the signature move here. You’ll also find chocolate twists, cinnamon, maple, blueberry, and apple fritters on the doughnut lineup.

Hungry for more than sugar? Congdon’s runs a full breakfast menu with counter/café-style service.

Think bagel sandwiches with bacon, egg, and cheese, or a biscuit with sausage, egg, and cheese. There’s also a breakfast burrito and a corned beef hash bowl.

Home fries round things out nicely. Pair them with a honey dipped doughnut and you’ve basically built the perfect Maine morning.

Short on time? The drive-through and walk-up window let you grab a box without parking yourself at a table.

Picnic tables are another option when the weather plays nice. A sunny morning plus a fresh doughnut is hard to beat.

Plan around the schedule, since the shop closes on Tuesdays. Weekend mornings tend to be the busiest stretch, while afternoons run calmer.

Doors close at 2 PM, so this is strictly a breakfast and lunch stop. Show up early for the best pick of the case.

Congdon’s earns its spot on this list with history and a sweet honey glaze. It’s a classic that knows exactly what it is.

Address: 1090 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090

2. The Holy Donut

Potatoes in a doughnut sound like a dare. The Holy Donut turned that dare into one of Portland’s best-known treats back in 2012.

The shop calls them Maine Potato Donuts. They’re made from scratch, with a focus on quality and local ingredients.

Flavors rotate, and the list can get creative fast. Picks have included Blueberry Glazed, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple, and Fresh Lemon.

Want something a bit unexpected? Sweet Potato Ginger Glazed is a vegan option, and Pomegranate has shown up too.

Gluten-free options are part of the deal. That’s great news if someone in your crew usually sits out doughnut runs.

Not sure where to start? Grabbing a half dozen of the shop favorites takes the guesswork out of it.

The Park Avenue shop opens at 6:30 AM daily. It closes at 2 PM, so this is a morning and lunchtime mission.

Timing matters, because locations can close early when they sell out. Arriving before noon gives you the widest selection.

Coffee is on hand to balance the sweetness. Free Wi-Fi also makes it easy to linger for a few minutes.

Parking is mostly on the street, with both free and paid spots nearby. A little patience goes a long way on busy mornings.

I love that a humble Maine potato gets star treatment here. It’s a local ingredient doing something delicious and a bit surprising.

Address: 194 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102

3. Frosty’s Donuts

Since 1965, Brunswick has had Frosty’s frying away on Maine Street. That’s nearly six decades of doughnuts on the same downtown strip.

The raised doughnuts are the headliners. They’re light and a little chewy, with a glaze that crackles when you bite in.

Cake doughnut fans get three bases to choose from. Pick vanilla, chocolate, or blueberry, then add cinnamon, sugar, or classic glaze.

Raised options go further with Boston cream and chocolate frosted. Jelly-filled versions bring a few different fruity fillings into the mix.

Apple fritters and cinnamon rolls also make the menu. So if rings feel too simple, you still have backup plans.

Coffee drinkers, take note. Frosty’s pours regular coffee plus nitrogen-infused coffee, along with cold brew tea.

Hours are limited, so mark your calendar. The shop opens Thursday through Sunday, from 6 AM to 2 PM.

Weekend mornings are the busiest time to swing by. Afternoons tend to be quieter, though selection may thin out by then.

Here’s a tip worth remembering: the good stuff can run out. Getting there early is the smart way to play it.

Indoor seating gives you a spot to enjoy your order right away. Free street parking nearby keeps the stop quick and easy.

A crackly glaze and a long Maine history make Frosty’s tough to rank below the top tier. It’s a true small-town favorite with serious staying power.

Address: 54 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011

4. Lovebirds Donuts

Vegan doughnuts that make people forget they’re vegan? Lovebirds in Kittery pulls off that trick with style.

This craft shop runs an entirely vegan menu. Flavors rotate, so the lineup you see one week may look different the next.

Strawberry shortcake doughnuts get a lot of love. Chocolate glazed, cinnamon sugar, and apple fritters also show up on the menu.

Then there’s the monkey muffin, a sweet treat that stands out from the usual rings. A glazed brioche version adds even more reason to visit.

Drinks get creative here too. Look for matcha lattes, mochas, iced coffee, and a cookie butter cold brew.

Seating is available if you want to stick around. Free Wi-Fi makes it a solid stop for a quick work break.

Hours run from 7 AM to 1 PM. The shop closes on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer for a relaxed visit.

Kittery sits right at the southern edge of Maine. That makes Lovebirds a sweet welcome for anyone crossing into the state.

Creative, inclusive, and seriously tasty, this shop earned its higher ranking. Your taste buds will barely notice what’s missing.

Address: 450 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904

5. The Only Doughnut

Bold name, right? The Only Doughnut in Belfast backs up that confidence with a lineup made daily from fresh ingredients.

Two styles anchor the menu. You’ll find artisan brioche doughnuts and potato-based doughnuts, plus gluten-free options.

Flavors swing from classic to quirky in the best way. Plain, maple, and chocolate buttermilk sit alongside carrot cake and key lime.

Feeling adventurous? Peanut butter and fluff brings serious childhood lunchbox energy, and a sourdough doughnut has appeared too.

There’s even one called the Homer. Fans of a certain cartoon dad probably already have a guess about that one.

Great coffee comes along for the ride. It pairs nicely with the sweeter picks on the menu.

This small, locally owned shop is a takeout spot. Grab your box and enjoy it on a drive along the Maine coast.

A free parking lot makes stopping in easy. That’s a nice perk when your only goal is doughnuts.

Hours run Wednesday through Saturday, from 7 AM to 2 PM. On Sundays, the shop closes at noon.

It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays. So check the day before you set your heart on carrot cake.

I love how this place treats doughnuts as a playground for flavor. It’s creative without losing sight of the classics.

The Only Doughnut sits high in our ranking for good reason. Belfast has itself a real treasure on Northport Avenue.

Address: 225 Northport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915

6. Ruckus Donuts

Blink and you’ll miss the window. Ruckus Donuts in Rockland is open for only about three and a half hours on most days.

Wednesday through Saturday, doors open at 7:30 AM and close at 11 AM. Sunday runs from 8 to 11 AM, and it’s closed Monday and Tuesday.

Why the rush? These are gourmet buttermilk brioche doughnuts, and they’re big, fluffy, and glazed with serious flair.

The flavors rotate based on what’s available. That means rhubarb or cider might appear when the season is right.

Then there’s the Homer. It’s huge, pink, and covered in sprinkles, and it’s a strong pick on a warm day.

Presentation matters here. Each doughnut looks like it’s ready for its close-up before you even take a bite.

Got a tree nut allergy? The staff has a reputation for helping customers navigate allergies with care.

Seating is available if you want a moment to enjoy your treat. Coffee is on hand to keep your morning moving.

Bringing your pup? Dogs are allowed inside, which makes this an easy stop on a Rockland stroll.

Main Street puts you right in the middle of town. There’s plenty to see and do nearby once your box is empty.

Ruckus lands near the top because it makes every morning feel like a mini event. Set an alarm and thank yourself later.

Address: 377 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841

7. Graffiti Donuts & Coffee

Doughnuts at 8 PM? Graffiti Donuts and Coffee in Bar Harbor keeps the case open well past the usual morning rush.

Hours run from 7 AM to 8 PM every day of the week. That makes it a rare after-dinner doughnut stop on the Maine coast.

The flavors are as playful as the name. Think Fruity Pebbles, Oreo, Samoa, blueberry crumble, and maple bacon.

A vanilla frosted doughnut with sprinkles has a fun funnel cake vibe. The blueberry pie doughnut is another reason to plan a return trip.

Coffee here gets the dessert treatment too. Flavors like S’mores and Snickers turn your cup into a sweet sidekick.

Blueberry coffee cake also sits on the menu. It’s a nice pick for anyone who wants a break from rings.

The shop is just one block from the waterfront on Main Street. You can grab a treat and wander toward the harbor in minutes.

Outdoor seating gives you a front-row view of downtown bustle. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside.

Parking can be a puzzle in Bar Harbor. Spots are usually hard to find, so walking from your lodging might save time.

Families, college students, and tourists all fit right in. The shop even hosts live performances.

Graffiti ranks high because it mixes fun, flavor, and location so well. A beach town couldn’t ask for a better sweet spot.

Address: 53 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

8. The Donut Grove

Weekends only, and only in the morning. The Donut Grove in Orono makes you work a little for your treat, and that’s part of the charm.

Doors open on Friday from 8 AM to noon. Saturday and Sunday run from 8 AM to 1 PM.

The rest of the week, it’s closed. So those few hours feel like a weekly celebration in this college town.

What’s in the case? Assorted glazed and frosted doughnuts, with both cake and yeast styles in the lineup.

The pomegranate cake doughnut is a standout. It’s slightly crisp on the outside with that soft, cakey inside.

On the raised side, the maple glazed nails the classic texture. It’s light, airy, and exactly what a raised doughnut should be.

Coffee is available to go with your box. Pair a cup with one cake and one raised for the full experience.

A free parking lot keeps your stop easy. That’s handy when you’re racing the clock before closing time.

This is mainly a takeout spot. Grab your order and enjoy it on a stroll around Orono.

So why does a weekend-only shop take the top spot? Because nailing both cake and raised styles this well is a rare talent.

Maine has plenty of great doughnuts, but limited hours and perfect texture make this one feel special. Clear your Saturday morning and go.

Address: 153 Park St Ste B, Orono, ME 04473