Every first Friday of June is devoted to celebrating those sweet, fried, tasty pastries known as donuts, which means June 4th is National Donut Day! Since their existence, dating back to the 1800s, Donuts have vastly evolved past the classic and old-fashioned, glazed style. There are now many varieties ranging from custard-filled to cake batter and savory or sweet flavors. Donuts are made in different shapes and sizes (and some are even made into burgers). Here’s a list of popular donut spots in the River City where you can sink your teeth into theses flavor-filled treats.

Donut Shoppe
Ask any Jacksonville native to list their favorite places to get donuts, and Donut Shoppe will surely be in their top three. Established in 1962, this family-owned business hasn’t strayed away from its old-fashioned roots. They make all their donuts by hand every day, starting the process at 10 o’clock each night. Keeping it old school, they only accept cash payments (there is an on-site ATM), and once everything sells out, they are closed for the remainder of the day. Get there early because there’s usually a line when they open their doors at 5 a.m. Donut Shoppe: 1535 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL; @thedonutshoppe on Facebook

Good Dough
Add an elegant, artisan touch to your dessert palate when you visit Good Dough. This San Marco-based donut shop offers handmade donuts and “doughwiches,” a.k.a donut sandwiches with freshly brewed coffee from Vagabond Coffee Company. Their menu changes on a monthly basis depending on the season and popularity. Recently, they added the Nutella S’more and Key Lime Cheesecake Layered flavors as two new additions for the month of June. Unfortunately, these are only sold on the weekends. They do, however, offer vegan options on Fridays. Good Dough: 1636 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL; @good.dough

Springfield Nutrition
For those who desire all the flavor of a delicious donut without the calories or guilt, Springfield Nutrition is the right option for you. Located in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, this smoothie and juice bar is all about flavor while cutting more than half the calories. They recently introduced high protein donuts to their menu back in April. Each donut is only 85 calories and includes 11 grams of plant-based protein. Swing by after or before a gym session to pick up your protein donut and add one of their famous protein shakes to your order as well. Springfield Nutrition: 1501 N Main St Suite 1a, Jacksonville, FL; @springfieldnutritionjax

The Mini Bar
Stop by the place where you “can never have too mini” donuts. If you’re one who likes to step out the box and try whatever sounds interesting, then a trip to The Mini Bar is in your future. Their donuts are mini sized, comparable to a third of the size of a regular donut, which means you can try more flavors at once. They serve 19 signature flavors and are adding three flavors to be sold exclusively on 6.4. The Guava Cream and Cheese Caramel Macchiato donuts are returning fan favorites, and the Half Baked donut is the newest addition. Check out their Instagram page for an extensive list of specials and events for International Donut Day. The Mini Bar Jax Beach: 1300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, Fl. Drive-Thru: 1262 Beach Blvd.  // 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.; @minibardonuts

Shipley Do-Nuts
This Houston-based restaurant withstood the odds by opening a new location during a pandemic in October 2020. Shipley Do-Nuts became an instant hit because it brought big Texas southern flavor to the First Coast. Their plain glazed is a staple bestseller, but with over 60 different varieties of donuts, kolaches, and a vast assortment of rolls on the menu, there’s an option to satisfy every craving. When you stop by between 8 a.m. to noon, you can receive a free glazed do-nut with any purchase for International Donut Day. They also have a drive-thru, so you have the convenience of not even leaving your vehicle.  Shipley Do-Nuts: 12667 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL; @shipleyjacksonville

Enjoy this piece? Consider becoming a member for access to our premium digital content. Support local journalism and start your membership today.