Louisiana knows how to do food right, and that includes donuts! From crispy glazed classics to creative Cajun-inspired treats, the Pelican State’s donut scene is as rich and diverse as its culture. Local bakers across Louisiana are frying up batches of heavenly pastries that keep customers coming back for more. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s explore the most talked-about donut destinations that have locals and tourists alike standing in line for a taste of sugary perfection.
1. Southern Maid Donuts in Shreveport
The only product Elvis Presley ever endorsed commercially wasn’t a fancy car or cologne – it was Southern Maid Donuts! This Shreveport institution has been serving hot, fresh donuts since 1941, making it one of Louisiana’s oldest and most beloved donut destinations.
What’s their secret? Simplicity. The classic glazed donut comes out piping hot, with a crackling sugar shell giving way to cloud-like interiors. Locals swear nothing beats watching the glazing waterfall coat fresh donuts right before your eyes.
Family-owned for generations, Southern Maid maintains its original recipes and no-frills approach. The retro shop still uses their “Hot Donuts Now” neon sign to signal when fresh batches emerge from the fryer. For the full experience, pair a half-dozen hot glazed with their signature chocolate milk – pure Louisiana comfort in every bite.
2. Café Du Monde
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Café Du Monde is a legendary New Orleans café that’s been serving customers since 1862. It’s best known for its beignets – Louisiana’s official state doughnut – which are deep-fried squares of dough, served hot and generously covered in powdered sugar.
Open 24 hours a day, this open-air café is both a tourist destination and a local favorite, especially for those pairing beignets with chicory-blended café au lait. Despite long lines, service is fast, and seating is first-come, first-served.
The original location at 800 Decatur Street offers views of Jackson Square, making it a perfect stop during a French Quarter stroll. The simplicity of the menu – coffee, milk, juice, and beignets – keeps things classic. Cash only, so come prepared. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for the first time or the fiftieth, Café Du Monde remains a beloved stop for a sweet taste of local tradition.
3. Rickey Meche’s Donut King
A staple in Lafayette since 1974, Rickey Meche’s Donut King is a locally loved bakery that blends traditional American donuts with flavors from Cajun culture. Located at 402 Guilbeau Road, this spot is especially known for its oversized glazed donuts, sweet rolls, and boudin-filled kolaches – a regional favorite that blends savory sausage with pillowy dough.
Every morning, lines form early as locals grab fresh donuts before work or school. The donuts are light, fluffy, and generously coated, often selling out quickly during peak hours. Unlike national chains, Meche’s takes pride in its handmade approach and community atmosphere.
In true South Louisiana style, the shop also gets festive during Mardi Gras with king cake-inspired treats. While there’s limited seating, most customers opt for takeout. Whether you’re after something sweet or savory, Rickey Meche’s is a must-try when passing through Lafayette or exploring Acadiana’s vibrant food scene.
4. Mr. Ronnie’s Famous Hot Donuts
Open 24/7, Mr. Ronnie’s Famous Hot Donuts in Houma has earned a reputation for always-fresh, hot-out-the-fryer donuts that practically melt in your mouth. Located at 1171 West Tunnel Boulevard, this drive-thru donut shop specializes in classic glazed donuts, served piping hot around the clock.
What sets Mr. Ronnie’s apart is its commitment to freshness – donuts are made in small batches throughout the day and night, ensuring that customers can always get a warm bite. The shop’s simple menu includes favorites like chocolate-covered, jelly-filled, and cake donuts, but the glazed remains the standout.
Locals and road-trippers alike rave about the drive-thru convenience and consistent quality. Though it doesn’t have indoor seating, the friendly service and fresh donuts have made it a go-to for generations. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a late-night snack, Mr. Ronnie’s delivers a quintessential Louisiana donut experience – fast, hot, and always satisfying.
5. District Donuts Sliders Brew
District Donuts Sliders Brew brings an innovative twist to the New Orleans donut scene. Located at 2209 Magazine Street, this trendy spot is known for pushing boundaries with bold, ever-changing donut flavors made entirely from scratch.
Unlike traditional bakeries, District offers creative, Instagram-worthy treats like maple bacon, brown butter pistachio, or a Carnival-season king cake donut. Donuts are made fresh daily in small batches, ensuring high quality and rich flavor. The café also serves coffee brewed with local beans and gourmet sliders for a full meal experience.
The atmosphere is modern and vibrant, making it a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Though it’s not a traditional all-donut shop, the commitment to flavor, freshness, and creativity has made it one of the most buzzed-about breakfast spots in the city. If you’re looking for inventive takes on the classic donut, District Donuts Sliders Brew is a must-visit.
6. Buttermilk Drop Bakery
Buttermilk Drop Bakery, located at 1781 North Dorgenois Street in New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward, is home to one of the city’s most iconic and beloved pastries: the buttermilk drop. A rich, dense, cake-style donut hole glazed to perfection, the buttermilk drop is a uniquely Southern treat that locals have cherished for decades.
This no-frills bakery, started by Dwight Henry (a local baker turned actor), focuses on old-school flavor and community roots. While the namesake item is the main draw, the bakery also offers a variety of classic donuts, king cakes during Mardi Gras, and other pastries.
The atmosphere is casual, with quick service and a loyal customer base. It’s not unusual to see locals grabbing boxes of baked goods to share with family or coworkers. For an authentic taste of New Orleans that goes beyond the French Quarter, Buttermilk Drop Bakery is a hidden gem worth the detour.
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