Happy National Doughnut Day, everyone! Let's all throw caution and weeks of hot yoga to the wind and indulge in America's favorite fried doughy treat! Doughnuts are near and dear to a lot of people's hearts, but Brooklynites seem to hold them in especially high esteem. It seems like just about every bakery in the borough has its own take on the treat, ranging from haute to down home. In honor of today's deep-fried holiday, here's our guide to our favorite Brooklyn doughnuts.(P.S. Participating Krispy Kreme locations are giving away doughnuts today for free, no purchase necessary. Run, don't walk! More info here.)
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, Greenpoint727 Manhattan Ave; (718) 389-3676
This little time capsule of a '50s coffee shop can be found on a bustling strip of Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint between Norman and Meserole Avenues. We highly recommend sitting and ordering at the counter, where there's always a group of elderly men and women whiling away their afternoons with crossword puzzles and visiting over coffee. Peter Pan also makes a damn good doughnut. Dense and actually kinda filling, we love them all but recommend the toasted coconut ones in particular.
Dough, Bed-Stuy/Clinton Hill305 Franklin Ave.; (347) 533-754
These doughnuts are huge. And fluffy. And deliciously fatty without being greasy. They also come in an array of unusual flavors like Blood Orange and Poppy Seed (which is our personal favorite). And for the summer, Dough has a stand in Smorgasburg, so North Williamsburg residents can get on this magic.
Dun-Well Doughnuts, Bushwick222 Montrose Ave.; (347) 294-0871
To all you vegan junk-food addicts out there, here's your source: Dun-Well Doughnuts has over 50 flavors (including fun stuff like Rosewater and Mexican Chocolate) and has options for people with every food allergy under the sun. The doughnuts are light and airy, and pack a lot of flavor.
Pies 'n' Thighs, South Williamsburg166 S.4th St.; 347-529-6090
This picture doesn't do justice to the general uber-crowdidness and uber-hipsteriness of Pies 'n' Thighs, a favorite spot for most of Williamsburg. Their doughnuts, much like their food, are good ol' fashioned Southern-style and made from scratch. Cakey and moist with the fat they're cooked in, they're delicious but not for the faint of heart. We recommend the chocolate cake doughnut -- that is, if you can handle it.
7th Avenue Donut Shop, Park Slope324 7th Ave.; (718) 768-3410
The biggest draw of the 7th Avenue Donut Shop is that it's open 24/7 and is always stocked. The homemade doughnuts are light and soft, and maybe if you're lucky you can get 'em while they're still warm! A must-know for Slopers with the munchies.
Dunkin' Donuts, EverywhereDunkin's doughnuts may not be the fanciest, but there's no homemade, local or organic schtick to be found and their coffee has a cult following. (Just ask Whit Stillman!) DD is also giving away free doughnuts today, but you need to buy a drink. Info here.