Ask any doughnut lover and they’ll tell you that a great doughnut shop consists of five things: fresh ingredients, a unique selection, affordability, a cozy environment, and strong drip coffee. And while the humble doughnut has evolved over the years from cake to yeast varieties and from crullers to cream-filled, it doesn’t look like they’ll be forgotten anytime soon.

Finding a favorite local doughnut shop that offers classic flavors or innovative creations can be like stumbling upon an old friend. The Phoenix metro area has many locations where you can grab a doughnut, but some shops lack in quality, affordability, and ambience. Here are five of the best neighborhood doughnut shops in the Phoenix metro area that you’ll want to visit for your sweet treat. 

Bosa Donuts - Camelback East Village

Photo courtesy of Bosa Donuts

Bosa Donuts in Camelback East Village offers a casual counter service as well as a drive-through window for those on the go. Although they don’t have a huge selection of unique flavors, they don’t “try to reinvent donut recipes or show off donut bravado with culinary skills, they just simply make the perfect donut.” Their freshness and delivery on classics, like their apple fritters, make up for it tenfold. They’ve also expanded to about a dozen locations across the metro, but don’t let that fool you, as they still retain their locally owned vibe. Rosa Doughnuts is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and their doughnuts cost around a dollar, so it won’t break the bank.

Rainbow Donuts - FQ Story

Photo courtesy of Rainbow Donuts

In the hip neighborhood of FQ Story, Rainbow Donuts offers a wide selection of these fried treats, but you have to get there pretty early to get your top pick. Luckily, they open at 4 a.m. The establishment is nothing fancy but they do offer a cozy environment with plenty of seating. This “old school” doughnut shop pleases the crowds with their famous bear claws, blueberry cake doughnuts, and their bacon doughnuts. Locals rave about this place, thanks to its reasonable prices and strong coffee that doesn’t require any sweetener.

The Local Donut - Trail West

Photo courtesy of  The Local Donut

Located near the Trail West neighborhood in Scottsdale, The Local Donut takes pride in their presentation as much as their doughnut flavors. They offer a wide selection of classics and specialties, and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 a.m to 2 p.m. Although the surroundings are a little understated for swanky Scottsdale, the shop is inviting nonetheless. Caramel goodness, vanilla bean custard, and creme brulée are just some of the shop’s top selections that make some people drive over from the suburbs just to get their sugar fix.

Arizona Donut Company - Tempe 

Photo courtesy of Arizona Donut Company

Located in Tempe within the neighborhood of Holdeman, Arizona Donut Company is open all day, everyday. Offering both classic and specialty selections without the high prices—you can purchase a half-dozen doughnuts for under $5.50—the shop is always brimming with patrons. Their toasted coconut or lemon-filled doughnuts as well as the chocolate-filled doughnut holes are truly a special treat. Their java is brewed fresh daily and they also offer a great selection of specialty coffees, boba teas, smoothies, and green teas. 

19th Donut Hole - Mesa

Photo courtesy of 19th Donut Hole

Near the community of  Mesa Villas, the 19th Donut Hole is known for its small-town feel and friendly service. The quaint shop, which has been a popular hang-out spot among early-bird retirees in the area for nearly 20 years, offers comfortable seating and doesn’t skimp on quality. Doughnut lovers will enjoy the shop’s old-fashioned buttermilk bars, pumpkin fans will appreciate the pumpkin doughnuts available every Wednesday year-round, and cronut aficionados will have plenty to choose from for this hard-to-find pastry. The prices are reasonable and the coffee is fresh.