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Donut Wheel
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Donut Wheel
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
24-hour donut counter turning out old-school raised, cake, and apple fritter classics at true bargain prices. Locals use it for early coffee runs and late-night cravings alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Glazed Old Fashioned, Ham & Cheese Croissant
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Round-the-clock donuts with decades of local nostalgia.
Who should go: Late-night or early-bird sweet tooths
When to visit: Very early mornings for freshest batches
What to order: Apple fritter; maple bar; old fashioned
Insider tip: Cash moves fastest; ask for still-warm trays behind the case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot behind the building and free street parking along First Street—easy access except during weekend events.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are, even in sweats or post-gym attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate; hum of conversation and fryer noise but easy to talk.
Weekend wait: None—it's counter service and 24 hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait, but morning coffee rush can cause brief lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most classic donuts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: No dedicated vegan options; recipes use milk and eggs.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free donuts or alternatives available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves old-school charm and donut nostalgia—it's more of a casual coffee stop than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first-come, first-served counter seating with small tables available 24/7.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—kids love picking donuts from the case, and the staff is used to family visits at all hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night donut cravings, early-morning coffee runs, and nostalgic comfort over trendy artisan styles.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet or gluten-free pastries—this spot keeps it classic and old-school.
Donut Wheel
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Old-school counter serving classic rings, bars, and fritters made fresh throughout the day. Locals lean on it for early mornings and late-night cravings right in the downtown core.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Maple Bar, Glazed Old Fashioned
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Since 1962, a downtown institution for fresh donuts any time.
Who should go: Early risers, night owls, donut traditionalists
When to visit: Early morning for freshest batches; late night for nostalgia
What to order: Apple fritter; maple bar; old fashioned
Insider tip: Ask if a new tray just dropped—turnover is constant at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plenty of free street parking along First Street and nearby municipal lots within a block.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from pajamas to post-gym attire.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate; mostly takeout traffic with occasional chatter from regulars at the counter.
Weekend wait: No dinner service—typically open early morning through late night with minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service keeps lines moving fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many classic donuts and pastries contain no meat.
Vegan options: Limited—traditional recipes use eggs and dairy.
Gluten-free options: No—most items are made with standard flour and there’s no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or late-night dessert runs than formal first dates; it’s charmingly nostalgic but very no-frills.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; grab a stool or take your box to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—families often stop by for morning treats. Counter seating and quick service make it easy with kids in tow.
Best For
Better for: Freshness and nostalgia—few spots can match the just-fried texture and old-school vibe.
Skip if: You’re seeking specialty coffee drinks, vegan pastries, or café seating—it’s focused purely on classic donuts done right.