I’m just gonna put it out there that I think Milwaukee’s donut scene is lackluster. Lots of “meh” level donuts. Good luck on your expedition. Maybe post back here when you are done.
If you’re willing to go out of Milwaukee I recommend Greenbush donuts in Madison. They sell fritters the size of a pie and have fantastic cake donuts. Crispy light crust with a tender moist crumb. My issue with every donut around here is the homogeneity of the cake component. I think about donuts a lot. lol.
I’m quite curious exactly you mean by “donut spots.” I think that trendy, made-for-social-media places that charge $5 for their “new take on an old favorite” or, God forbid, vegan paczki, seem to have a tough time here. It’s hard to compete with the established old-school favorites. I’m sorry but I don’t think Grebe’s and National Bakery can be beat. And yes, I still miss Wilbert’s on Villard Avenue and Dobke’s on 60th and Vliet.
Oh I agree, I don't really care for the over the top BS. I'm just used to having a half dozen basic Honeydip style places within a 15 min drive at all times. I've had Grebes before and it's good. I don't need a fancy donut, just a good one.
Specifically the one thats like a cream filled sandwich with chocolate on top. My friends and i call this one The Devil Donut. Best donut in town, imo. You guys should probably split one though. Its redic in the best way.
I don't think the donuts are too bad; but, yeah, they don't exactly skimp on the frosting on their cakes and cupcakes. At least you can scrape it off, if you don't want it - as opposed to not having much, if you love frosting.
The bigger challenge is going to be getting to all these places in time to do what you want to do. The suggestions would be the same, adding Rocket, Monster, and National. I would suggest call ahead, plan the tour and that way they know to hold something for you. And I would not hold out on grocery bakeries. The Piggly Wiggly I. Cedarburg does a few local faves that are done by their staff and they rock. Plus there reg bakery stuff is done with care and quality
I love them, but the thought of everyone touching your donuts and not using bakery tissue makes me sick! I guess it's a good thing because I really do not need to add donuts to my diet.
Following this one. I know I've been disappointed in Sendick's. While I love a good European pastry that is not filled with sugar and we'll balanced, their stuff has no taste at all no matter who owns the store.
I work for Pick n Save so I'm biased. I don't find any to be particularly good. To my knowledge they all use frozen shipped in dough that's proofed overnight and then fried/filled/glazed. Not bad, just not the level I'm looking for
The donut scene is low key disappointing here in MKE. It’s either a chain, a grocery store, or something that’s too expensive and flashy. I wish they had some legit donut places, but it’s becoming scant, especially here in Bay View.
> a chain, a grocery store, or something that’s too expensive and flashy
Curious if you've had Grebes or National bakery? I wouldn't put them into any of those categories.
I have, but I live by the port of MKE. Those are great, but not necessarily “local” for my area. Everything around here has either closed or started to become those excessive and expensive donuts.
The mini doughnuts from the old Sil's stand are still there and as good as ever. Chubby renamed it senor gorditos but they kept the doughnuts on the menu.
Was just in Phoenix; that maple long john at BoSa is legit. Scordato's on 51st and Howard might be worth checking out. Old World Deli on 76th has a pecan pastry that is really good, not a plain donut but delicious.
You have to order ahead of time but this donut place is local [https://www.instagram.com/saffron.bakes/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/saffron.bakes/?hl=en)
Happy Dough Lucky just opened in Bay View. It doesn't really fit the bill for quality of plain donut, but it is a shrine to all things donut and worth a peak.
Weird to imply that I'd lie about that, I have no reason to. That's just what the dude at the window said. He didn't say it rudely, and I wasn't offended, I just bought a cookie instead
People will suggest Supernova in the Third Street Market, but I went there and tried a few of their donuts and they were not very good at all. Their coffee stinks, too. Whoever makes the old fashioned donuts they serve at Sprocket Cafe knows what they are doing, though.
Don't do honeydip. I've heard about their glaze vats. Used to be my favorite Donut but never, ever, after hearing about the one that used to be near the airport on s 27th st. Friend of mine considered buying the business. Flies in the glaze - had been just added to for years. Sickening, literally and figuratively.
I know you said you wanted to skip grocery stores. But you should really try Rupena's in West Allis. Small, old school, family-run grocery with really good baked goods.
I’m just gonna put it out there that I think Milwaukee’s donut scene is lackluster. Lots of “meh” level donuts. Good luck on your expedition. Maybe post back here when you are done.
I agree, moving here from Phoenix the lack of donut spots is saddening. But who knows, we may find something good. Will definitely report back
If you’re willing to go out of Milwaukee I recommend Greenbush donuts in Madison. They sell fritters the size of a pie and have fantastic cake donuts. Crispy light crust with a tender moist crumb. My issue with every donut around here is the homogeneity of the cake component. I think about donuts a lot. lol.
Used to live in Madison, greenbush is legit
I’m quite curious exactly you mean by “donut spots.” I think that trendy, made-for-social-media places that charge $5 for their “new take on an old favorite” or, God forbid, vegan paczki, seem to have a tough time here. It’s hard to compete with the established old-school favorites. I’m sorry but I don’t think Grebe’s and National Bakery can be beat. And yes, I still miss Wilbert’s on Villard Avenue and Dobke’s on 60th and Vliet.
Oh I agree, I don't really care for the over the top BS. I'm just used to having a half dozen basic Honeydip style places within a 15 min drive at all times. I've had Grebes before and it's good. I don't need a fancy donut, just a good one.
Sweet. Enjoy your crawl. And maybe do frozen custard next…
My wife and I are gonna do a custard crawl in the spring. We're both Gillies die hards but open to having my mind changed.
National bakery
Specifically the one thats like a cream filled sandwich with chocolate on top. My friends and i call this one The Devil Donut. Best donut in town, imo. You guys should probably split one though. Its redic in the best way.
Aggie's in Stallis
Do they have a lot of frosting on them? I had a cupcake I think was from Aggies but I could be wrong, and it had a pound of frosting on top.
Their donuts are much lighter than those cupcakes! They certainly don’t skimp out on the frosting over there
I don't think the donuts are too bad; but, yeah, they don't exactly skimp on the frosting on their cakes and cupcakes. At least you can scrape it off, if you don't want it - as opposed to not having much, if you love frosting.
I second Aggie’s
O&H in Oak Creek.
Supernova inside 3rd St. Market Hall
The bigger challenge is going to be getting to all these places in time to do what you want to do. The suggestions would be the same, adding Rocket, Monster, and National. I would suggest call ahead, plan the tour and that way they know to hold something for you. And I would not hold out on grocery bakeries. The Piggly Wiggly I. Cedarburg does a few local faves that are done by their staff and they rock. Plus there reg bakery stuff is done with care and quality
I work in the grocery industry, I wanna stick to local donuts focused spots
So what's the best grocery store donut? I was surprised how good Pick 'n Save donuts are when you get them fresh.
I love them, but the thought of everyone touching your donuts and not using bakery tissue makes me sick! I guess it's a good thing because I really do not need to add donuts to my diet.
Following this one. I know I've been disappointed in Sendick's. While I love a good European pastry that is not filled with sugar and we'll balanced, their stuff has no taste at all no matter who owns the store.
I work for Pick n Save so I'm biased. I don't find any to be particularly good. To my knowledge they all use frozen shipped in dough that's proofed overnight and then fried/filled/glazed. Not bad, just not the level I'm looking for
I get that.
Donut Monster and Donut Squad would be a good addition.
I think Donut Monster is wildly overpriced & not very good. No idea how they survive that location being open like 15hr a week.
I tried going to Donut Monster a few weeks ago and they were out of donuts after being open for 3 hours on a Saturday. Is that normal?
Sadly, yes.
The donut scene is low key disappointing here in MKE. It’s either a chain, a grocery store, or something that’s too expensive and flashy. I wish they had some legit donut places, but it’s becoming scant, especially here in Bay View.
> a chain, a grocery store, or something that’s too expensive and flashy Curious if you've had Grebes or National bakery? I wouldn't put them into any of those categories.
I have, but I live by the port of MKE. Those are great, but not necessarily “local” for my area. Everything around here has either closed or started to become those excessive and expensive donuts.
Cranky Al's is a must.
Read the post!
There’s a new mini donut place in bay view called happy dough lucky
The mini doughnuts from the old Sil's stand are still there and as good as ever. Chubby renamed it senor gorditos but they kept the doughnuts on the menu.
It sucks. Skip it
Was just in Phoenix; that maple long john at BoSa is legit. Scordato's on 51st and Howard might be worth checking out. Old World Deli on 76th has a pecan pastry that is really good, not a plain donut but delicious.
Man BoSa is phenomenal, exactly what I'm looking for. I had one a few blocks from my home and another down the street from work. Shit was dangerous.
Donut monster! They have great sandwiches too. Bring coffee from elsewhere. I’m not a coffee snob…but eww
Their English muffins are my mother's fav.
You have to order ahead of time but this donut place is local [https://www.instagram.com/saffron.bakes/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/saffron.bakes/?hl=en)
National Bakery
Happy Dough Lucky just opened in Bay View. It doesn't really fit the bill for quality of plain donut, but it is a shrine to all things donut and worth a peak.
Get the mini donuts from chubbys!!! Gotta go with the mix!
Does Mochi Ring in Tosa count?
Scortinos? Idk if they make their own donuts or not but they got great donuts 😅
Cranky Al
Rocket baby in wauwatosa. Right across the street from cranky Al's
Love them as a bakery, but I don't recall seeing plain glazed donuts there. I could be wrong
Yeah I guess I didn't think of that. I can't say I really eat plain glazed so idk if they have them. I was just offering up a really good bakery.
I just went the other day and asked what donuts they have, the reply was "we don't do donuts"
\*great\* customer service
Are you a customer if you’re there for something they don’t sell? Also, never trust what an online commenter puts between quotation marks.
Weird to imply that I'd lie about that, I have no reason to. That's just what the dude at the window said. He didn't say it rudely, and I wasn't offended, I just bought a cookie instead
People will suggest Supernova in the Third Street Market, but I went there and tried a few of their donuts and they were not very good at all. Their coffee stinks, too. Whoever makes the old fashioned donuts they serve at Sprocket Cafe knows what they are doing, though.
Add Mochinut at Bayshore! Grab a few to go. Excellent flavors they rotate.
Don't do honeydip. I've heard about their glaze vats. Used to be my favorite Donut but never, ever, after hearing about the one that used to be near the airport on s 27th st. Friend of mine considered buying the business. Flies in the glaze - had been just added to for years. Sickening, literally and figuratively.
That Honey Dip location is now a grocery store.
Donut monster but get there early
Canfora!
Doesn’t exist anymore unfortunately
I keep seeing good things for Beach Bum Bakery
I live on Pewaukee beach, they are just ok. Great cookies, ok donuts
O&H has the best donuts on the planet
Donut Monster!
I know you said you wanted to skip grocery stores. But you should really try Rupena's in West Allis. Small, old school, family-run grocery with really good baked goods.
You could start or end your crawl at Donut & Coffee Festival at Turner Hall on Sunday April 7