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Donut Friend
Master Critic Review
Donut Friend
8.4
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
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Since 2013, Donut Friend’s Highland Park flagship has been drawing lines for over-the-top vegan donuts and, increasingly, its in-house ice cream. With sundaes like the Taking Back Sundae and affogato-style creations built on their Creamo ice cream, it doubles as both a bakery and a serious dessert stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taking Back Sundae donut ice cream sandwich, Vanilla Bean Creamo ice cream scoop, Off!ogatto espresso-over-ice-cream
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Cult-favorite vegan donut shop that backs up its reputation with house-made ice cream and donut sundaes.
Who should go: Vegans, donut lovers, and anyone building a dessert crawl on York.
When to visit: Mornings for donuts, evenings for sundaes and affogatos.
What to order: Taking Back Sundae, a scoop of Creamo, plus a seasonal donut.
Insider tip: Build your own sundae: start with a warm donut, add two scoops and go heavy on toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd can be tight during peak hours, but you can usually find a spot within a couple of blocks. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Super casual — come as you are. Athleisure, jeans, and weekend wander attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Light to moderate. It’s easy to chat, though it can get lively when the line reaches the door.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on donut/ice cream demand, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though there may be a short line for fresh donuts.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — everything is vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Extensive vegan options, including all donuts and most ice creams and toppings.
Gluten-free options: Limited — they occasionally offer gluten-free donuts, but availability varies and cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It’s playful, low-pressure, and the creative donut sundaes give you something fun to talk about. Great for strolling afterward around Highland Park.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating. Tables turn over fairly quickly, but options are limited during rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely. Kids love the donut toppings and bright displays. Seating is casual, and families frequent the shop on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Over-the-top vegan donuts, creative sundaes, and Instagram-ready desserts that outshine more traditional ice cream parlors.
Skip if: You want gluten-free certainty or prefer classic, understated ice cream without the dessert theatrics.