7 Tiny Donut Shops In Ohio Making Big Waves With Locals

You ever notice how a great donut can heal more than just a bad morning? I’m talking about those little shops, the ones wedged between a dry cleaner and a bait-and-tackle, where the coffee is strong, and the regulars don’t care if your hair’s in a messy bun.

Ohio’s tiny donut shops give you that, plus a reason to believe people still care about real butter and conversation. Let’s get honest: these places aren’t just about sugar and carbs. They’re small miracles with a doorbell. And you deserve to know which seven are worth the detour.

1. Holtman’s Donuts

If you haven’t stood in line at Holtman’s on a Saturday, do you even live in Ohio? The shop opened back in 1960, and walking in feels like borrowing your grandma’s kitchen for a morning. The smell of frying dough hits you first, followed by the sight of that maple bacon donut everyone acts embarrassed to order (but always gets).

It’s family-owned, which you feel in the way the staff greets you, never forced, always like an inside joke you wish you knew. There’s a confidence here, like they know once you try a warm apple fritter, you’ll keep coming back even if you swear you’re “cutting back.”

2. Donna’s Delicious Dozen

Yelp’s Elite Squad crowned Donna’s Delicious Dozen as Ohio’s best donut shop in 2024, and honestly, I see why. The entire vibe is like a slumber party where you get to pick your donut’s outfit, you choose the icing, toppings, and drizzle. No judgment if you go heavy on the Fruity Pebbles.

Fresh, hot, made-to-order: it’s the kind of place where “just one” isn’t a real option. Donna’s doesn’t judge your sweet tooth, and neither do I. If you turn up in sweats, you’re in good company, half the people are there for their sugar fix before noon.

3. Buckeye Donuts

Open 24/7, Buckeye Donuts is the place where time doesn’t matter and neither do calories. Located at the corner of 18th and High, it’s seen more late-night confessions than any campus therapist. The crowd is a mix: college kids, shift workers, and the occasional grandma who “couldn’t sleep.”

You’ll overhear everything, from breakups to life plans, over a powdered jelly or a chocolate glazed. There’s something comforting about a place that never locks its doors, no matter the weather. Don’t skip the gyro, either. Yes, really, a gyro at a donut shop. It’s an Ohio thing.

4. 8 Sisters Bakery & Cafe

8 Sisters Bakery & Cafe may sound like the start of a fairy tale, but it’s real, and so are the lines out the door. You drive through Mt Gilead, and the sign looks almost too quaint to be true. But step inside, and you’ll meet bakers who remember your name and ask about your dog.

The donuts here are hand-crafted, which sounds fancier than it feels. In reality, it just means someone’s up at 3 a.m. with flour on their face, making sure you get the softest, freshest bite possible. People travel from across Ohio for the honey buns alone.

5. Bill’s Donut Shop

People throw around the word “legend,” but Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville actually earned it. The place has landed in the top 50 donut shops in the U.S., and you can taste why. Walk in, and you’ll see glass cases lined with donuts that look like they belong in a Norman Rockwell painting.

It’s one of those rare places where toddlers, teens, and retirees hang out at the same tables. The staff always seem happy to see you, even if you’re only buying one cinnamon twist. The coffee? Not fancy, but reliably strong.

6. Peace, Love And Little Donuts Of Worthington

If you like your breakfast with a side of flower power, Peace, Love and Little Donuts will be your happy place. The Worthington location leans hard into 1960s vibes, think tie-dye, peace signs, and music that makes you want to dance by the counter. Mini donuts mean you can try four flavors and “call it research.”

Staff here serve up kindness as generously as the maple glaze. The menu reads like a candy store exploded. You’ll see kids and grown-ups debating the correct sprinkle-to-icing ratio and nobody ever gets it “wrong.”

7. Amy’s Donuts (Columbus)

Amy’s Donuts isn’t shy. The Columbus shop practically shouts in color: loud murals, wild donuts, and a menu that reads like your Saturday morning cartoon binge. If you’ve ever wanted a donut loaded with cereal, candy bars, or cookies, this is your moment.

It’s the place you take your friend who claims “they’ve seen it all.” The creativity isn’t just for show; every donut is made fresh, and you can taste the difference. Expect flavors you didn’t know you needed, like Peanut Butter Cup or Fruity Pebbles overload.