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Downstate Donuts
Master Critic Review
Downstate Donuts
8.4
A compact Uptown donut counter built around potato-dough texture—soft, lightly cakey, and sturdy enough for bolder glazes without getting greasy. The smartest move is to pick one classic plus one rotating seasonal flavor, then let the dough itself do the work instead of over-ordering a whole box.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese coffee donut, Sweet potato maple donut, Vanilla sour cream donut
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Potato-based dough that lands between yeast and cake in texture.
Who should go: Donut hunters who like rotating flavors
When to visit: Morning hours before popular flavors sell out
What to order: Vietnamese coffee, sweet potato maple, vanilla sour cream
Insider tip: Buy one classic and one seasonal—skip the full sampler box.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only; generally manageable in the morning but tighter on weekends. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual — everyday wear is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low — quick counter atmosphere with minimal ambient noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a morning-to-midday donut counter.
Weekday lunch: Short line or no wait; brief waits possible during peak late-morning hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all donuts are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — occasional vegan flavors rotate, availability varies by day.
Gluten-free options: No — no gluten-free donuts or separate preparation area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual, low-pressure meet-up. It works best as a quick coffee-and-donut stop rather than a long sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no reservation system and very limited seating; plan to order at the counter and take donuts to go if it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the flavors, but space is tight, so it’s better for short visits rather than lingering.
Best For
Better for: Potato-dough texture and rotating seasonal glazes that feel more substantial and less greasy than standard yeast donuts.
Skip if: You want a wide seating area, gluten-free options, or a full café experience with extended hangout space.