Friday, June 3 marks National Donut Day. And lucky for us, the Mile High City has quite a few offerings that cater to any sweet tooth. While large chains like Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme will be offering up free pastries all day, today is also the perfect excuse to try something new.
Whether you prefer classic glazed donuts or creative flavors, we’ve got you covered with the best places to celebrate National Donut Day in Denver.
Best Brioche Donuts
Who: Habit Doughnut Dispensary
Where: 1553 Platte St, Denver
The Lowdown: For those who have never experienced the wonders of brioche, we implore you to stop whatever you’re doing, and hit up this Platte Street hotspot this second. Why? Take one bite of the resplendently rich, satisfyingly springy dough and you’ll understand. Thanks to creative toppings and bodega vibes (condoms, lighters, and Jack Daniels, anyone?), Habit is a truly unique player in the Denver donut game.
Best Presentation
Who: Sugarmill
Where: 2461 Larimer St, Denver
The Lowdown: Leave it to Troy Guard of TAG Restaurant Group (TAG, TAG Burger Bar, Los Chingones, Guard & Grace) to take donuts to a whole new level. Oh, and did someone say donuts and ice cream? Featuring a fresh broiche donut, ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauces, and candied nuts, this donut sundae is as sexy as it is satisfying.
Best Donut Bites
Who: Jelly Cafe
Where: 600 E 13th Ave, Denver, 1700 E Evans Ave, Denver
The Lowdown: In the mood to mix and match? In addition to boasting a killer breakfast menu, the trendy, diner-inspired hotspot with locations in both Cap Hill and DU serves up eight variations of donut holes. From maple bacon to Thai peanut, there’s a flavor to please any palate. And because you can order in several increments, they’re perfect for sharing. Or not.
Best Not-a-Donut
Who: Lucile’s Creole Cafe
Where: Multiple Locations
The Lowdown: These aren’t your conventional round donuts with a hole, but the New Orleans specialty beignets are everything you could want from a fried pastry. Coming from the French word for “fritters,” the sweet treats are simply dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Beignets are the simple solution to satisfying your sweet tooth after a dose of down-home creole cooking.
Best Creative
Who: Voodoo Doughnuts
Where: 1520 E Colfax Ave, Denver
The Lowdown: If a classic glazed donut isn’t quite enough for you, look no further than Voodoo Doughnuts. The East Colfax hotspot for the frosted and creatively topped pastries made its way to Denver from Portland just over two years ago. You’ll find everything from M&Ms to bacon on Voodoo’s donuts with risqué names and fun flavors. But hey, if you just want a regular donut, they have those too.
Best Chain Experience
Who: Fractured Prune
Where: 4090 E Mississippi Ave, Denver
The Lowdown: While the Fractured Prune may not be a household name (yet), we think it’s one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. Born in Ocean City, Maryland in 1976, this doughnut chain keeps it real with a total customizable experience. Start with a hot doughnut, choose from 19 glazes—including mocha, marshmallow, and mixed berry—and top it off with anything from bacon to sea salt.
Best Old School
Who: LaMar’s
Where: Multiple Locations
The Lowdown: While every cuisine is getting a new and creative twist on it, LaMar’s keeps things (mostly) classic. There are a few specialties on the menu, but we think it’s best if you go with the original style of a cake donut dusted with powdered sugar. LaMar’s has been turning out donuts since 1960, so they’re definitely doing something right with the delectable fried treats.
Bonus: Print out their Golden Ticket for a free donut today.