Best Donuts in Maine
Not all donuts are created equally, but we love them all the same. Most of the donut shops that we are going to go over aren’t necessarily “better than” another on the list because they have different styles of donuts. All of these shops are places you need to visit early in the day. Most sell out by noon time and the selection of specialty donuts goes down as their day wears on.
Holy Donut
Donut Type: Potato Donuts, Gluten Free, Vegan
Location: Portland, Scarborough and Arundel
The Holy Donut has become the Holy Grail of donut shops in Maine, they’ve been featured in some very large publications and they deserve it. There are several locations in Maine, including two in Portland, one in Arundel and another in Scarborough. If there was to be an award for flavor they would get it. Every time the season changes, they change their seasonal flavors and they get it right every time. If you are gluten free or vegan this is a good stop for you as well.
Frosty’s Donuts
Location: Brunswick
Donut Type: Cake and Raised
The original Frosty’s Donuts opened in 1965 in Brunswick, and has been there ever since. Pre-pandemic they had opened a few other locations that have since closed, and I am so sad about that. If you are looking for a perfect, homemade light and airy donut you need to try Frosty’s. Their blueberry cake donut is something you must try if you’re a blueberry lover. I may be slightly biased because I grew up going to Frosty’s, but they have the best donuts in my personal opinion.
Congdon’s
Donut Type: Raised, Classic and Fritters
Location: Wells
You will find traditional-style donuts, with traditional frosting at Congdon’s. I emphasize the traditional part because the over the top donut locations have taken off in recent years. This is the stop you want if you’re looking for a good old fashioned donut. Their fritters are amazing as well, if I were to promote one thing from them it would be that. Be aware of what time you plan to stop in, the line can get around the building.
Lovebirds
Donut Type: Traditional, Brioche, Cake, Fancy
Location: Kittery
If you’re looking for wild flavors this is your stop. Lovebirds changes their menu monthly to keep the cycle of flavors rolling. They are 100% vegan and have gluten free options as well. Just as an example of their wild flavors here is the “Tuxedo: Brioche ring with thick oat milk glaze and chocolate cookie crumbs.” It’s hard to pick just one here, you might want to get a box and sample a few.
Tony’s Donuts
Donut Type: Cake, Raised, PastriesLocation: Portland
Tony’s doesn’t just specialize in donuts, they have multiple types of pastries you can pick from. Their main feature is that they are a traditional donut shot, but also have super fun donuts around the holidays and have vegan options. Most places tend to go crazy with donuts but you will find the best of both worlds here.
Hifi Donuts
Donut Type: Cake, Cruller, Raised
Location: Portland
If you’re up for trying some really good, whacky flavors this spot is fantastic. Hifi has classics that will be good for the whole family, and fun flavors like Blueberry Fizz, Hibiscus Salted Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Hefeweizen and Bacon and Cheddar. Don’t let the names scare you away, they make their flavors perfect.
Ruckus
Donut Type: Raised, Specialty
Location: Rockland
If you find yourself visiting Midcoast Maine you must stop at Ruckus. Their array of flavors is perfect for everyone in your group. Check out their seasonal flavors if you can, they are amazing. Another thing to note if you plan on visiting Ruckus is that their hours are rather short, be sure to check what time they close before you go.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget-fall is a fantastic time to grab a donut in New England. There is an abundance of farms and apple orchards that sell fresh apple cider, molasses, cinnamon sugar and pumpkin donuts in the fall. Some of these orchards operate year round or are open on weekends in the summer. Be sure to look for local spots near the towns you’re traveling to.
There is no right or wrong spot for a donut in Maine, but the ones we just listed are some of our top picks. Happy donut days!