The Atlanta Donut Scene

Is it a smart idea to visit a city solely for donuts?

No.

Is it a GOOD idea?

1000%

If you are looking for the perfect ‘Donut-cation’, look no further than the great city of Atlanta. Between your donut breaks, be sure to explore the never-ending attractions of the Big Peach!

On a recent trip to Atlanta, I had a sudden craving for donuts. It came out of nowhere and, regardless of the number of donuts eaten, would NOT go away! I ended up with about seven donuts in the two days I was there.

Aside from a stomachache, I can proudly say I feel qualified to provide a review of the donuts I sampled in the city. The allure of these wonderful treats was unbeknownst to me, so hearing about the thriving scene after I left was very satisfying.

The sheer number of donut shops in the city is amazing! Every corner seems to have one specializing in a different type of craft donut. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but some are just much more superior. Here’s an account of my choices and personal recommendations I have for you.

Let me set the scene. I’m sitting in some random hotel’s parking lot watching an endless stream of jumbo jets skim the treetops before landing in Hartsfield Jackson. It’s about 10:30 and everything is closed. My friend calls and we chat for a bit before they share crack open a dozen donuts and start eating. Right as an AirFrance flight soars over my head, I decide I will find a donut in the city if it’s the last thing I do.

Sublime Donuts literally saved my life! This late-night donut shop is right next to Georgia Tech (535 10th St NW) and is open 24 hours a day. They have another location a bit outside town in Druid Hills (and surprisingly one in Bangkok).

Their selection was astounding, with so many flavors to try!

Hindsight has me choosing the Salt & Vinegar and Sweet Potato Cake, but they’ll be for the next trip!

I grabbed an A-Town cream, their staple, and a S’mores!

The A-Town Cream was a standard ‘base donut'(?) topped with chocolate icing and filled with “cream” flavored cream. The sweet buttercream filling was so sweet I was literally bouncing off the walls, but overall the donut was delicious!

The S’mores donut is a chocolate-iced donut with graham crackers topping it and a dollop of marshmallow cream in the center where the hole is.

The following morning, I made my way to the BeltLine, which was incredible!

Right next to the Krog Street Tunnel, Revolution Doughnuts is at the present Southern Terminus of the trail. This shop emphasizes hand-made, from the donuts to the glaze coating them.

The Samoa donut I got topped the list of my favorites in the city. This heavenly chocolate iced monster had coconut flakes on top and was swirled with a caramel drizzle, just like the iconic Girl-Scout cookie!

Revolution Donuts struck out with their options. Perfecting the idea of a CRAFT donut, I wanted to try everything! Someone should grab me a Birthday Cake, and I’d be curious to try the savory Everything Bagel Donut.

The final shop I visited while in the city was The Five Daughters Bakery. I stopped by the location inside Ponce City Market, but they have locations all around town.

Specializing in cronuts, these treats were TO. DIE. FOR!!! In between the flaky, buttery, crispy layers, the cronuts are lined with unique flavors similar to DA’s Bakery in NYC! I got the maple glaze, one of their staples.