New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
DOUGHNUTS
203-263-2516, dottiesdiner.com
Dottie’s, a long-standing destination in Connecticut for wholesome diner fare, has been recognized by local and national media for its classic doughnuts: cinnamon sugar, chocolate and vanilla glazed and jelly filled. The Daily Meal says Dottie’s are “some of the best doughnuts you’ll find anywhere.”
Grounds Donut House
35 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury 475-329-5336, groundsdonuthouse.com Inspired by trendy coffee and doughnut shops like Voodoo Doughnut on the West Coast, Nick Terrana and friend Tim Medina partnered up with Stanziato’s Mauro Tropeano and opened Grounds in October, next to Tropeano’s pizzeria. Regular daily flavors include glazed, jelly, strawberry and chocolate frosted, and fruity pebbles. New flavors hit the menu every Saturday, like the most recent, orange creamsicle, peanut butter Nutella, and “turtle dream” with chocolate frosting, pecans and caramel drizzle.
Whitney Donut & Sandwich Shop
2574 Whitney Ave., Hamden
203-248-9095, whitneydonut.com Whitney is “more than just a donut shop,” with breakfast and lunch sandwiches and soups and salads, but its fresh doughnuts are a draw, with frosted, sugared, jelly filled, buttermilk, crullers, buttermilk, and chocolate honey dip among the regular flavors.
Coffee An’
343 Main St., Westport 203-227-3808, coffeean.business.site The beloved “old school coffee and donut shop” turns out daily classics; glazed, cinnamon, powdered, coconut and marble twists, chocolate frosted, cinnamon twirls.
Also in Westport: Grammie’s Donuts & Biscuits, which opened in mid-February for takeout and delivery. Doughnuts are of both cake and yeast varieties, with classics and creative flavors including birthday cake, lemon meringue and coconut cream. Cronuts, a flaky hybrid doughnut/croissant, are available in classic vanilla and more exotic caramel and passion fruit options. (grammiesgfc.com)
Lakeside Diner
1050 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-322-2252
The doughnuts are simple — plain or sugar — but they’re a hallmark menu item at this vintage Stamford diner, which overlooks a picturesque lake. Flanders Donut Bagel & Bake Shop 327 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-6320, facebook.com/Flandersbakeshop
A finalist for Connecticut Magazine’s Best Doughnut in 2020, the shoreline shop offers yeast raised, filled and old fashioned cake varieties in dozens of flavors. All the classics are accounted for (glazed, powdered, crullers, Boston creme) along with gourmet options like Oreo, maple bacon and Reese’s peanut butter.
Uncle Leo’s Not Just Coffee and Donuts
19 Main St., Redding, and 17 Danbury Road, Wilton
475-277-4313, uncleleosnotjustcoffee.com
Uncle Leo’s hand-cut old fashioned doughnuts are available in two dozen or more flavors each day, topped with colorful sprinkles, decadent glaze, cereal, candy and cookies. Owner Leo Spinelli has been sharing the love during COVID-19, teaming up with his cousins at Liz Sue Bagels and BagelMan to deliver doughnuts, bagels and other baked goods to the community.
Citizen Chicken & Donuts
625 New Park Ave., West Hartford 860-996-8500, citizenchicken.com At the new Citizen, by the owners of Hartford Baking Co., the cake, yeast and brioche doughnuts (in both classic and “fancy” flavors) have a savory companion: fried chicken. The morning menu of doughnuts, egg sandwiches and coffee gives way to fried chicken dinners, chicken (and crispy cauliflower) sandwiches and hearty sides for lunch and dinner.