Who doesn’t love fried dough? Today, doughnuts are one of America’s most iconic treats and whether you’re looking for creme-filled or plain, fruit-flavored or chocolate, hot or cold, the doughnut of your dreams is usually not too far away.
North Carolina solidified its place in doughnut history when Krispy Kreme opened its doors in Winston-Salem in 1937. But now the state is being recognized for its local doughnut haunts that reflect the cultures of their surroundings.
Here’s a list of some of the best doughnut shops in the state:
Britt’s Donut Shop
Carolina Beach
Located just a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean, Britt’s Donut Shop has been a staple the Carolina Beach Boardwalk since opening in 1939. Now, doughnut-lovers come from all over the country to sample one – or four – of these nationally acclaimed treats.
But don’t look for sprinkles or cream-filled pastries at this counter. Britt’s keeps it simple serving only hot glazed doughnuts to its adoring fans.
“Britt’s doughnuts are so tasty because they are a one of a kind doughnut that just melts in your mouth,” Laura Crecco, a Wilmington native and longtime Britt’s fan. “They are definitely the best doughnuts I have ever had.”
Must try: Glazed doughnut $.80
Granny’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts
Aberdeen
Show up early to Granny’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts because these popular pastries sell out fast. Granny’s specializes in serving fresh, delicious doughnuts in tried and true flavors.
Kirsten Ballard, a Granny’s customer, said that in addition to doughnuts, the charm of Granny’s draws the customers.
“It’s a really cute, down-home place,” she said. “Even though a Dunkin’ Donuts opened nearby, Granny’s is still the place to go because everyone likes to stick to with the community business.”
Must try: Cream Cheese doughnut $1.00
Monuts
Durham
Previously available by bike or pre-order, Monuts doughnuts are now found in a cozy storefront in downtown Durham. Monuts offers both yeast and cake doughnuts, with sophisticated flavors like Banana Cardamom, Peach Bourbon and Double Chocolate Stout.
For Durham resident and Monuts patron Serena Reavis, these interesting flavors set Monuts apart from the competition.
“I like the creativity of the doughnuts here,” said “I love doughnuts, I love fried dough, and how often do you get fried doughnuts that are unique?”
Must try: Chocolate Chai doughnut $2.00
Rise
Durham
Another new kid on the block, Rise opened its doors near Southpoint Mall in November 2012. Rise specializes in doughnuts and biscuits and offers vegan and gluten-free options.
“The doughnuts are very good,” said Jen Sherwin, a Durham resident who eats at Rise about once a month. “I’m originally from Oregon where Voodoo Doughnut is and I think that’s where they got some of their inspiration, so that’s pretty cool to me.”
Must try: Banana Pudding doughnut $1.95
Donut King
Huntersville
Since opening last December, Donut King has made quite a splash in the Charlotte area doughnut market. Doughnuts are made fresh every night and there’s a wide variety of candy and cake themed doughnuts.
Size is also a factor at Donut King.
“We try to make our donuts double the size of Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme,” said owner Emily Sarnevitz, “One doughnut will fill you up.”
Must try: Maple Heaven Bacon doughnut $1.49
Dixie Donuts
Wilkesboro
The enthusiasm Dixie Donuts owner Lee Lassiter has for doughnuts is obvious. Dixie Donuts shakes things up by selling bags of doughnut holes and customized boxes full of doughnut letters. Not only does this restaurant have classic flavors, but their rotating selection keeps the customers coming through the door.
Serving locals or the folks in town for MerleFest, Dixie Donuts is happy to share their passion for doughnuts with customers.
“Love. Love sets Dixie Donuts apart,” Lassiter said.
Must try: Sausage doughnut $2.50
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