Best Donuts in Columbia SC: Our Top Picks for Delicious Treats

In the heart of South Carolina, Columbia is not just the state’s capital but also a haven for donut enthusiasts. From bakeries offering classic favorites to innovative establishments creating the next big thing in breakfast sandwiches, the city’s culinary landscape is rich in variety and taste. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering around Soda City Market, Atlanta Street, or even the Cross Hill Market area, wondering where to satiate that craving for a red velvet donut or perhaps a unique flavor you’ve never tried before, this guide is for you. With diverse donut spots ranging from mobile food trucks like The Donut Guy to renowned establishments like Duck Donuts, we’re here to provide a comprehensive take on the best donut joints in town.

Foodies, rejoice! Columbia is a haven for gastronomic adventurers! Check out my guide to the best restaurants in Columbia for a comprehensive guide to everything this city has to offer!

Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or someone just passing through, our list of top-notch donut destinations in Columbia, SC, will cater to every palette. We’ve considered everything, from the delightful ambiance of these spots to the vast variety of donut flavors they serve. And for those seeking something beyond the traditional, our guide even delves into places like Nothing Bundt Cakes for a twist on the classic donut shape. Dive in as we roll through Columbia’s sweetest offerings, ensuring your next donut adventure is nothing short of delightful.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia, SC has a thriving donut scene with plenty of options to choose from.
• Freshness and quality are important factors to consider when selecting a donut shop.
• Consider coffee offerings, store experience, and price and value when choosing a donut shop.

Best Donuts In Columbia

Related article: The Best Brunch In Columbia

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts is a popular chain that offers made-to-order donuts. Customers can choose from a variety of coatings, toppings, and drizzles to create their own custom donut. The shop also has a selection of pre-made donuts with flavors like maple bacon, blueberry pancake, and s’mores. 

If you’re in the mood for something savory, try the breakfast sandwich on a donut.

Not only do they offer mouth-watering donuts made to order, but they also have a variety of coffee and espresso drinks to choose from. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drip coffee or a specialty latte, Duck Donuts has you covered. Plus, their cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to start your morning.

Another unique feature of this store is that they have a duck toy for kids to play with while they wait for their donuts. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference for families with young children.

Duck Donuts is a popular choice for its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The store is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors. 

They are open from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, making it a great option for breakfast or an after-dinner treat. 

The bright, cheerful decor is sure to put a smile on your face as you enjoy your freshly made donuts.

The Donut Guy

The Donut Guy is a food truck that serves up fresh, handmade donuts. The menu changes frequently, but some of the popular flavors include apple fritter, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate glazed. 

With prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per donut, this food truck offers a great price for their delicious treats. 

They also offer a six-pack of assorted donuts for just $10, which is perfect for sharing with friends or family. Additionally, they offer a loyalty program where you can earn a free donut after purchasing 10.

Their artisan mini donuts are a hit with kids and adults alike, and they also offer funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and elephant ears.

One of the unique features of this food truck is that they serve their donuts in coffee mugs, which adds a fun and quirky touch to your donut experience. Plus, you get to keep the mug as a souvenir!

While they don’t have a full coffee menu, they do offer fresh brewed coffee to pair with their delectable donuts. 

The truck can often be found at local events and markets, so be sure to follow them on social media to find out where they’ll be next.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is a classic donut chain that has been around for over 80 years. The shop offers a variety of glazed and filled donuts, as well as coffee and other beverages. 

If you’re in the mood for something sweet but not too heavy, try the original glazed donut.

Krispy Kreme has a unique “doughnut theater” approacah to making donuts. At this location, you can watch as the donuts are made and glazed right in front of you. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy your donuts.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is another classic chain that offers a variety of donuts, as well as coffee, sandwiches, and other snacks. Some of the popular donut flavors include Boston cream, jelly, and glazed. 

If you’re in the mood for something different, try the seasonal flavors like pumpkin or peppermint.

With the Dunkin’ app, you can order and pay for your donuts ahead of time, so they’re ready and waiting for you when you arrive. It’s a convenient feature that can save you time and hassle.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

While not strictly a donut shop, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a selection of bite-sized bundt cakes that are similar in size and shape to donuts. 

The cakes come in a variety of flavors, including red velvet, lemon, and chocolate chocolate chip. They also offer larger bundt cakes for special occasions.

When it comes to donuts in Columbia, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you prefer classic glazed donuts or something more creative, there’s a shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth. So next time you’re craving something sweet, head to one of these local shops and try a donut or two.

Chickenbutt Donuts

If you’re in the Chapin area, be sure to check out Chickenbutt Donuts. This family-owned shop offers a variety of unique donut flavors, as well as coffee and espresso drinks. 

Their donuts start at just $1.50 each, making them an affordable option for a quick snack. They also offer a dozen donuts for $18, which is a great deal if you’re feeding a crowd.

Plus, their friendly service and cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating make it a great spot to start your day. 

Sweet Cream Company

What goes better with donuts than ice cream? If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Sweet Cream Company offers a unique twist on traditional donuts. 

Their prices range from $3 to $4 per donut, but they offer a wide variety of flavors and toppings that make them worth the extra cost. They also offer ice cream and frozen yogurt, which is a great option if you’re looking for a sweet treat to cool you down on a hot day.

Soda City’s Sweet Cream Co. has a rotating selection of flavors that are perfect for pairing with your favorite donuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their red velvet ice cream – it’s a local favorite.

Not only are they one of my favorite places to get donuts, but they are one of my all-around favorite dessert places in Columbia!

Freshness and Quality

When it comes to donuts, freshness and quality are key factors in determining the best donut shops in Columbia, SC. A good donut should be fresh, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you prefer cake or yeast donuts, warm and fluffy or crispy and crunchy, the best donut shops in Columbia have you covered.

One way to ensure freshness is to make the donuts in small batches throughout the day. This allows for a steady stream of fresh donuts to be available for customers.

The Donut Guy, for example, makes their donuts fresh every day, ensuring that each one is warm and delicious. Duck Donuts also prides itself on making their donuts fresh to order, allowing customers to customize their donuts with a variety of toppings.

When it comes to cake donuts, texture is key. A good cake donut should be moist and tender, with a slightly crispy exterior. 

The Donut Guy’s cake donuts are a standout, with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Duck Donuts also offers delicious cake donuts, made fresh to order and customizable with a variety of toppings.

If you prefer warm and fluffy donuts, yeast donuts are the way to go. The Donut Guy’s yeast donuts are a customer favorite, with a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. Duck Donuts also offers delicious yeast donuts, made fresh to order and served warm.

The best donut shops in Columbia, SC prioritize freshness and quality in their donuts. Whether you prefer cake or yeast, warm or crispy, there is a donut shop in Columbia that will satisfy your cravings.

Conclusion

From Jelly donuts at the corner bakery to birthday cake specials at superior establishments, Columbia’s diverse offerings stand as a testament to its love for these sugary delights. Whether you’re looking for the comfort of a classic glaze or the thrill of an innovative concoction, there’s a spot in Columbia ready to serve. With so many choices at your fingertips, it’s clear that Columbia isn’t just a city for politics and history—it’s also a haven for every donut lover. The next time you find yourself in the city, let your sweet tooth lead the way!

Frequently Asked Questions