Sweet choices at the six best doughnut shops around Boston

Boston Globe

4 days ago

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Doughboy Donuts & Deli
Photo by Adam DeTour for The Boston Globe; Food styling by Shiela Jarnes
This place isn't about being fancy or punny. This is where you go when it's midnight and you really, really need a doughnut (warning: It closes earlier on weekends). Doughnut-making is even geared toward night owls, starting at 5 p.m. every day. The cake doughnuts will fill you up and take some chewing. Don't miss the glazed ones though — light and airy and best consumed as a precursor to the dawn.
Address:
220 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston
Phone:
Find online:
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Kane's Donuts
This modern downtown Boston doughnut shop looks the antithesis of the original mom-and-pop Saugus spot that opened in 1955 (five years after the first Dunkin'). As beloved as ever, you'll have to choose among 30-plus varieties. Doughnuts are larger than average and old-fashioned types are among the best sellers: yeasty glazed honey rounds, moist Maine blueberry cakes, and chocolate-coated Boston cream-filled. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free versions are also sold. Note: Sometimes one Kane's doughnut per day is enough. Sometimes.
Address:
90 Oliver Street, Downtown
Phone:
Find online:
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Mass Hole Donuts
Dan Parcell
A cheeky riff on the unofficial Massachusetts state dessert, these cleverly composed doughnut holes are orb-only fever dreams with more ingredients than Market Basket, with varieties including crushed potato chips, candied lemons, churro chunks — why not? Here, no flavor is off-limits, and each one is aptly named for a local landmark (The Big Dig is adorned with a gummy worm, then rolled in Oreos crumbled to resemble pavement). Sweet but sassy: What could be more local than that?
Address:
1157 Broadway, Somerville
Phone:
Find online:
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Red Apple Farm at Boston Public Market
Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff
There's no shame in visiting this authentic and charming farm stand inside Boston Public Market solely to buy apple cider doughnuts. They're made fresh year-round on-site at the market from a secret mix combined with its pressed apple cider. Soft and with a distinctive apple flavor, they've been perfected over multiple generations. There are other doughnut flavors available but, sometimes, simplicity is best. Available in mini and full sizes.
Address:
100 Hanover Street, Downtown
Phone:
Find online:
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Union Square Donuts
Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe
Whichever location you visit, Union Square has the doughnut formula down pat: the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and doughiness. Beyond the basics, it also thrives on singular flavors that aren't just a menu gimmick. Ever had a Vietnamese coffee doughnut? What about espresso martini or maple bacon? They also sell cinnamon rolls and an assortment of teas and coffees.
Address:
20 Bow Street, Somerville
Phone:
Find online:
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