Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts in Chicago
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A variety from Beacon Doughnuts in Lincoln Park. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
This week's Food Fight is all about Chicago's best pillowy, fluffy, glazed, gooey and fresh-fried treats.
Why it matters: Life's too short for mediocre donuts.
State of play: At Axios Chicago, we are ready to go all in on our irresistible favorites and update the list we put together in 2022.
Carrie's pick: I'll admit it, proximity to a Stan's Donuts makes it a pretty regular stop for me — and I'm a big fan of their coffee.
- For a bear claw? Roeser's in Humboldt Park.
But this round I'm throwing some love to my vegan fam with Lincoln Park's Beacon Doughnuts, in an alley off Armitage.
- I don't know how they do it, but you don't miss the dairy. Doughnuts are cakey and crumbly and there's nothing artificial about the fruit flavors.
- My fave is the seasonal lemon crumble, followed by birthday cake. ($3.99)
Justin's pick: In 2022, my choice was Old Fashioned Donuts in Roseland. And I've been known to scarf down a few old fashioneds at Do-Rite Donuts as well.
For today, I'll stick with the theme and throw some love to the legendary River North spot: Doughnut Vault.
- While my colleagues' choices boast all kinds of doughnut varietals, Doughnut Vault doesn't mess around. The menu is limited to old fashioneds, a few glazed and cake options, and daily specials. I got the Raspberry Crumble Old Fashioned ($3.95).
- This place still draws a line (partly because the storefront is tiny), so it's best to get there early. They open at 7:30am and go until they sell out.
Monica's pick: Those two can keep their sweet donuts because I prefer mine savory from Parlor Doughnuts in Rolling Meadows ($29.95 for six).
- Here they make what are called "layered" donuts that get fried to order and resemble a buttery croissant.
- The savory varieties include margherita, OG pepperoni, chicken bacon ranch, pig & fig, Hawaiian BBQ chicken and buffalo chicken, with my fave being the creamy buffalo and zippy pepperoni.