I first stumbled into Long’s Bakery on a foggy Saturday morning years ago, and I still remember the way the smell of yeast and sugar wrapped around me like a warm blanket.
This place has been quietly serving up some of the best donuts in Indiana since way back when, and somehow it has stayed under the radar for folks who chase trendy shops with fancy Instagram walls.
Long’s doesn’t need gimmicks or flashy signs to prove its worth. It just opens its doors at 5:30 in the morning and starts cranking out glazed perfection that keeps people driving from towns all over the state.
If you have never been, you are missing out on a piece of Indiana history that tastes just as good today as it did decades ago.
The Legendary Glazed Yeast Donuts That Started It All
Walk into Long’s Bakery at 1453 N. Tremont St. and you will hear people ordering glazed yeast donuts by the dozen without even glancing at the menu.
These donuts are not the heavy, greasy kind; they are light and airy with just the right amount of sweetness that makes you reach for another before you finish the first.
The glaze melts on your tongue and the dough practically dissolves in your mouth. Some customers say they taste even better when they are still warm from the fryer, which is why showing up early to the Westside or East 10th Street shop gives you the freshest batch possible.
Long’s has been making these the same way for generations, and that consistency is what keeps folks coming back. You will find regulars who have been buying these donuts for over 60 years, and they will tell you nothing has changed.
This loyalty happens because Long’s nailed the recipe and never messed with it.
If you only try one thing at this Indianapolis landmark, make it the glazed yeast donuts. They are the heart and soul of the bakery.
The Nostalgic Cash-Only Policy That Feels Like a Time Machine
Long’s Bakery only takes cash, and while that might seem inconvenient in 2025, it is actually part of the charm. There is something refreshing about a place that refuses to change with every trend.
No card readers, no Apple Pay, no digital wallets. Just good old-fashioned cash transactions that keep things simple and fast.
Sure, you might scramble the first time you visit and realize you left your wallet at home. But once you get into the rhythm of stopping at the ATM on your way, it becomes part of the ritual.
The cash-only policy also keeps the line moving quickly because there are no payment processing delays or card readers timing out.
Some folks think it is a way to keep things off the books, but really it is just how Long’s has always done business. The staff is friendly and efficient, and they will remind you politely if you forget.
There is even an ATM nearby if you need one.
This policy adds to the old-school vibe that makes Long’s feel like a bakery your grandparents would have loved. It is a small inconvenience that pays off in authenticity and character.
Prices That Make You Wonder If You Traveled Back to 1995
A dozen donuts at Long’s will set you back just over $12, which is practically unheard of in today’s world where a single fancy donut can cost $5 at some trendy shops. Long’s keeps prices low because they focus on volume and quality, not inflated margins or Instagram hype.
You can walk out with a baker’s dozen, a few cookies, and some brownies without breaking a twenty-dollar bill. That kind of value is rare, especially when the quality matches or beats places charging double or triple the price.
It is one of those things that makes Long’s feel like a neighborhood secret even though it has been around forever.
The affordability means you can treat your coworkers to a box of donuts without worrying about your budget. It also means you can grab a variety box and try multiple flavors without feeling guilty.
People often mention the prices in reviews because they are genuinely shocked at how reasonable everything is.
Long’s proves that you do not need to charge premium prices to deliver premium taste. They have been doing it right for decades, and the community appreciates it every single day.
The Baby Gator and Other Unique Treats You Cannot Find Anywhere Else
Long’s is famous for donuts, but the baby gator is a hidden gem that deserves its own spotlight. This treat is like an apple fritter topped with chopped nuts and vanilla icing, and it is absolutely delicious.
The combination of textures and flavors makes it stand out from the usual lineup of glazed and filled donuts.
People who try the baby gator often say it becomes their new favorite. It has that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, and the apple filling adds a fruity note that keeps it from being too heavy.
The icing ties everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
Long’s also makes cream horns, peanut butter brownies, and a variety of cake donuts that are just as good as the yeast ones. The blueberry cake donuts get special mentions in reviews, and the peanut butter and jelly donut is a quirky favorite that surprises first-timers.
Each item is made with its own unique recipe, so you are not just getting variations on the same base.
Trying something beyond the classic glazed donuts opens up a whole new world at Long’s. The baby gator is a great place to start.
The No-Frills Atmosphere That Lets the Donuts Do the Talking
Long’s Bakery does not try to impress you with fancy decor or trendy lighting. The interior is simple and functional, and that is exactly the point.
You come here for donuts, not for a photoshoot backdrop. The focus is entirely on the baked goods, and everything else fades into the background.
The display cases are packed with donuts, pastries, and cakes, and the staff behind the counter moves quickly to keep the line flowing. There is no pretense, no attitude, and no pressure to order something complicated.
You point at what you want, they box it up, and you are on your way.
This no-nonsense approach is refreshing in a world where every coffee shop and bakery tries to be an experience. Long’s is an experience too, but it is the kind where the product speaks for itself.
The simplicity makes it feel genuine and unpretentious, like a place that has nothing to prove because it has been proving itself for decades.
Walking into Long’s feels like stepping into a simpler time when bakeries were just bakeries and the only thing that mattered was whether the donuts tasted good. Spoiler alert: they do.
Extended Hours That Save the Day When Cravings Hit Late
Most donut shops close by noon or early afternoon once they sell out, but Long’s stays open until 10 PM every single day. That is a huge advantage if you work odd hours or if you suddenly need donuts for an evening gathering.
You do not have to wake up at dawn to get fresh baked goods.
The extended hours also mean you can stop by after dinner if you want a sweet treat to end your day. Sure, the selection might be smaller later in the evening, but there are usually still plenty of options available.
The fact that Long’s is open so late sets it apart from almost every other bakery in the area.
People mention the hours in reviews because it is such a convenient perk. You can swing by after work, after a movie, or even after a late dinner at one of the nearby restaurants like Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant at 1031 E 54th St. The flexibility makes Long’s an easy choice no matter what your schedule looks like.
Having access to great donuts until 10 PM is a luxury most cities do not have. Long’s makes it happen every single day of the week.
The Community Legacy and Generations of Loyal Customers
Long’s Bakery has been a staple in Indianapolis for so long that multiple generations of families have grown up eating these donuts. Grandparents bring their grandkids, parents share stories about stopping here after school, and new residents quickly learn why this place matters to the community.
It is more than just a bakery. It is a piece of local history.
The staff is friendly and down to earth, and many of them have been working there for years. That kind of stability creates a welcoming environment where regulars feel like family.
You can tell the employees take pride in what they do, and that pride shows up in every batch of donuts.
People drive from all over the state just to pick up a dozen glazed donuts. Some even make special trips from hours away because nothing else satisfies the craving.
That level of dedication speaks volumes about the quality and the emotional connection people have with Long’s.
Long’s Bakery is not chasing trends or trying to be something it is not. It is a neighborhood institution that has earned its reputation one donut at a time, and that legacy continues to grow with every customer who walks through the door.
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