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5 Must-Try Donut Shops in Nashville for Your Next Weekend Treat

donut-shops-in-nashville
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Flavor and Freshness: We prioritized bakeries that fry and bake their pastries fresh daily for optimal taste. Stale dough is a massive disappointment, so we looked for shops known for their soft textures.

Menu Variety: A great bakery needs to cater to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. We checked for vegan options alongside classic sugar glazes to ensure everyone gets a treat.

Value for Money: Paying premium prices makes sense only when the pastry size and ingredient quality justify the cost. We evaluated portion sizes against the price tag to ensure you get a fair deal.

Atmosphere and Convenience: Sometimes you need a quick grab-and-go option, while other days call for a cozy corner at a cafe. We noted shop locations and seating areas to help you plan your visit perfectly.

Nashville might be famous for hot chicken, but our sweet tooth scene is equally spectacular. People wanting a quick breakfast bite or a decadent late-night snack will love exploring these local bakeries. 

Well, tracking down the best donut shop Nashville offers is always a fun and delicious adventure. 

I’ve actually done the legwork and found both trendy downtown cafes and cozy neighborhood cafes serving a diverse range of these sweet treats. So, for my reviews below, I featured my favorite local spots to grab a perfectly glazed pastry.

Read on to know your next spot for these deliciously fried treats to satisfy your craving!

How much does a donut cost in Nashville?

In Nashville, donuts typically cost around $3 to 7$ per piece. By the dozen, standard donuts usually cost $15 – $25 while specialty ones are priced at $30 – $50.

ItemEstimated Price
Standard or Mini Donut$3 – $5 each
Specialty Layered Donut$5 – $7 each
Standard Dozen Box$15 – $25
Specialty Dozen Box$30 – $50

1. Parlor Doughnuts

parlor-doughnuts

Website: https://www.parlordoughnuts.com/

Address: 500 Rep. John Lewis Way S

Contact: (629) 285-5440

Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 7:00AM – 3:00PM

Beginning your day with a multi-layered, “cronut”-inspired treat is a fantastic choice. 

Though they’re known for these crisp, buttery delights, Parlor Doughnuts also offers an extensive selection for gluten-free and vegan lifestyles. Those looking for mindful eating options will value the attention given to their diverse dough recipes.

For a complete morning meal, you can complement your dessert with a crisp, cold-pressed juice. 

However, be aware that their signature pastries are in high demand and often sell out well before the afternoon, so late arrivals may find fewer varieties available.

On the bright side, they’re conveniently located in the West End, making this place an ideal hub for local professionals and university students.

Pros

  • Unique flaky layered cronuts
  • Dedicated vegan options
  • Gluten-friendly menu available
  • High-quality craft coffee

Cons

  • Sells out early in the day

Customer Review

Crumbly But Still Delicious

We were impressed by the layered donuts, which my husband ordered. It tastes like a croissant-donut hybrid, if you can imagine 🙂 My husband got the french toast layered donut which was to perfection, and I opted for the vegan strawberry shortcake which was very crumbly but still delicious. The seating area connected to the donut shop is fun and very Nashville-esque. Decent coffee, not as hot as I prefer but good otherwise.

Not Your Typical Donuts

These are not your typical donuts. They are kind of a layered donuts and they have pretty unique flavors.  We tried 4 different flavors and they were all really good.  I think my favorite was the bourbon caramel. The service was also very friendly.  The lady helping us game each of my kids one of their mini donuts which they very much enjoyed. If you are a donut lover like myself you should try this place out!

2. Five Daughters Bakery 12th South

five-daughters-bakery-12th-south

Website: https://fivedaughtersbakery.com/

Address: 1110 Caruthers Ave

Contact: 615-490-6554

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 10pm

Sinking your teeth into Five Daughters’ Bakery’s famous 100-layer donut perfectly blends croissant techniques with a traditional fried dough base. Just a heads up that these specialty creations are massive and extremely sweet.

If you’re craving some variation, though, the bakers constantly rotate creative seasonal flavors alongside their classic staples. 

Plus, late-night sugar cravings are easily satisfied here, since they’re open until 10 PM. I was actually frustrated that finding evening treats is tough, often making me wish we had more late-night cake shops in Nashville

Well, I actually stopped by their 12th South location before a dinner date with friends, and their Paleo Chocolate Chip Sea Salt perfectly satisfied my sweet tooth that night.

Bonus points for the walkable neighborhood vibe that made eating my treat outside absolutely perfect. 

Pros

  • Signature 100-layer pastries
  • Melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Rotating seasonal menu
  • Open late into the evening

Cons

  • Overly sweet for some tastes
  • Large portion sizes

Customer Review

Buying More To Take

When my partner and I went here, I was not expecting too much but it seemed like a basic donut shop. But I was quickly prove wrong. I got the King Kong donut (not pictured because I devoured it before taking any photos). Before leaving, we ended up buying more to take with us on the road.

Good, But Different

On a food tour, my wife and I visited Five Daughters Bakery.  I tried the Mini Cinnamon Cream Cheese.  It was good, but different.  It tasted like a combination of a croissant and a donut.  Looking forward to trying it again on our next visit.

3. Donut Distillery

donut-distillery

Website: https://donutdistillery.com/eastnashville

Address: 311 Gallatin Ave

Contact: (615) 319-4535 | Email: [email protected] 

Hours: Sunday: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Thursday: 7:00am – 6:00pm, 

Friday-Saturday: 7:00am – 8:00pm

Combining bespoke miniature donuts with imaginative beverage flights provides a distinct experience for adults, and you can get these at Donut Distillery.

At this unconventional shop, guests can enjoy small-scale sweets paired with whiskey, mimosas, or craft beer. 

And by specializing exclusively in mini donuts, they enable patrons to explore a variety of flavor profiles during a single visit without feeling overindulged.

The venue is welcoming to families during daylight hours and also offers alcohol-free drink flights. 

On the downside, the small-scale portions may not satisfy everyone. If you’re looking for a substantial, classic full-sized donut, you may want to visit a different bakery for your early-day treat.

Pros

  • Highly customizable mini sizes
  • Unique alcohol drink flights
  • Fun adult-friendly menu
  • Family-friendly daytime vibe

Cons

  • No full-sized pastry options

Customer Review

Donuts and Liquor

Donuts and liquor. Who knew?!? Well, I guess Donut Distillery did. They serve a bunch of flavors of mini donuts, and have specific suggested liquor pairings for each flavor!

I’m guessing the whisky donuts go with Jack. But I didn’t have any. I did however have way to many donuts! You should get some too.

Must-Visit

Donut Distillery in East Nashville is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth! Their mini donuts are made to order and come in a variety of creative flavors. I tried the Reese’s Peanut Butter and Strawberry Lemonade, and both were absolutely delicious. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is fun and welcoming. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or hanging out with friends, Donut Distillery offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Highly recommend!

4. East Park Donuts & Coffee

east-park-donuts-coffee

Website: http://www.eastparkdonuts.com/

Address: 700 Main St.

Contact: 629-702-6939

Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:30 AM – 4 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 4 PM

Grabbing a creative square-shaped brioche pastry at East Park Donuts & Coffee brings a delightful twist to your morning routine. 

This family-owned neighborhood cafe is known for its unique shapes and an incredibly extensive dietary menu. For instance, they provide some of the most robust paleo and gluten-free accommodations in the city.

I actually grabbed a savory breakfast sandwich here before work, and it was the perfect fuel for my busy day. Sometimes a savory morning meal hits the spot before a heavy lunch at one of the great Asian restaurants in Nashville

One downside, however, is that the cozy physical shop often causes the ordering line to spill out onto the sidewalk during peak hours.

Pros

  • Creative square brioche dough
  • Excellent paleo and vegan options
  • Great savory breakfast menu
  • Made-from-scratch daily baking

Cons

  • Small indoor shop space

Customer Review

Excellent Quick Stop

Excellent quick stop for coffee and treats! The coffee and donuts are great, but the salted brown butter donut stole the show—it was easily the best. The jalapeño cheese biscuit sandwich was also a very satisfying savory bite. Highly recommend!

Worth the Hour Drive

The people who work here are so kind and helpful. This is the only place my daughter can have any sweet treat and they are always willing to answer questions about all of their ingredients to make sure that she doesn’t have an allergic reaction. It is definitely worth the hour drive that we make to get a donut!

5. Beignets & Brew

beignets-brew

Website: https://www.beignetsandbrew.com/

Address: 237 4th Ave North

Contact: 629-202-4116 | [email protected] 

Hours: Sunday -Thursday: 7AM-9PM, Friday – Saturday: 7AM-10PM

At Beignets & Brew, biting into a warm pastry covered in powdered sugar brings the classic taste of New Orleans right to downtown. 

Adding to the experience is pairing those fresh traditional beignets with specialty lattes and energy fizzies for a fantastic afternoon boost. You’ll absolutely love their decadent flavor twists featuring Nutella or cinnamon sugar!

If you’re exploring nearby attractions, you’ll find this location extremely convenient for a quick pit stop. A hot Biscoff Cookie Butter Latte provides plenty of energy to keep walking around the city arcades.

Just remember that their menu focuses exclusively on beignets, so you won’t find standard yeast options or fritters here.

Pros

  • Freshly puffed warm beignets
  • Decadent topping variations
  • Creative specialty coffee drinks
  • Convenient downtown location

Cons

  • No standard yeast pastries
  • Powdered sugar can get messy

Customer Review

Absolute Sweetheart

Incredible little beignet spot. Everything is made to order and piping hot. Super buttery and soft beignets with a nice little chew. Fantastic

Also the owner is an absolute sweetheart. She handed out some free samples when they came out too small to sell for folk in the store to try

Bites Were Perfect

We had a great time thanks to Gary!! We were so excited to get a taste of New Orleans while on our vacation in Nashville. The shop is so cute and the beignets were comparable to what you can find in Nola. The bites were perfect to share with a group.