The 10 best doughnuts in Boston

What it is: For 60+ years, the nationally-renowned Kane’s Donuts has pleased the masses with its dozens of doughy offerings each day. The Downtown Boston location in the Financial District keeps worker bees buzzing throughout the day with their tasty cake donuts, while Kane's two Saugus spots bring happiness to the North Shore.

Why we love it: In addition to traditional favorites like Honey Dip and Maple Bacon and monthly flavors, you can also find unique staples, such as Turtle (the candy, not the animal). More than a dozen gluten-free varieties are available.

Address:  Check website for locations.

Opening hours: Check website for hours.

What it is: Situated in Somerville's Teele Square, Mass Hole Donuts specializes in bite-sized donuts—and biting wit. The shop serves donut holes and only donut holes (their slogan is even "Donut ask us for the bigger ones"). They also do Donut Drops around Boston and outlying areas.

Why we love it: Each week, Mass Hole rotates its menu, offering a different half-dozen of its impressive 60+ flavors. As if the name didn't tip you off, this place also loves to flaunt its state pride, so its donut names include clever puns (like Storeo Drive, a chocolate cake hole with Oreo buttercream and miniature Oreo cookie garnish), local landmarks (i.e. Green Monster, a brioche hole with lime custard, green vanilla glaze and toasted coconut) and pop-culture callbacks (see: How D'Ya Like Them Apples, a brioche hole with apple cider glaze, cinnamon buttercream and caramel crunch pearls). And yes, they have hot dogs. Don’t ask why. Just enjoy.

Address: 1157 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144

Opening hours: Thurs.-Sun. 8am-1pm

What it is: Blackbird knows the difference between raised donuts (made with a brioche dough) and cake donuts (made with buttermilk and sour cream), and it's perfected the art of both.

Why we love it: Their donut menus change the first of each month. Keep an eye out for offbeat flavors, such as sesame sriracha, blackberry lavender and everything bagel (brioche doughnut filled with whipped cream cheese, topped with toasted garlic, onion, sesame and poppy seeds). This shop started in the South End but it now boasts seven additional locations throughout the Boston area: Beacon Hill, South End, Fenway, Cambridge, Brighton, Watertown and Newton. They also team up with Sandwich Sally’s at three of those locations.

Address: Various locations.

Opening hours: Check website for hours.

What it is: Located across the street from the Forest Hills T station, this hip JP spot serves gourmet coffee and pastries during brunch - even winning a few awards along the way for their donuts.

Why we love it: On any given morning during weekend brunch, guests can find about a half-dozen different kinds of donuts, whose flavors regularly rotate (the white chocolate-apricot is one of our favorites). Be sure to get there early, as these sweet treats usually sell out fast.

Address: 3712 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Opening hours: Donuts are served during Brunch Sat. and Sun. 10am-3pm

What it is: Originating from a brioche dough, the donuts at this award-winning company with locations in Boston, Brookline and Somerville boast a light and airy, almost pastry-like texture. All glazes, sugars, jams, and creams are created in-house using real, wholesome ingredients.

Why we love it: They have Take-and-Bakes for you to DIY sweet masterpieces like cinnamon rolls and cheesy garlic pinwheels.

Address: Various locations, including a brand new Seaport location.

Opening hours: Hours vary by location. Check here. 

What it is: This no-frills joint in South Boston has been a fixture for more than 40 years.

Why we love it: Craving a doughnut at 5am? Maybe 1am (probably after you've hit up one too many bars on West Broadway)? You’ll find a wide variety of fresh ones at any hour during the week: Maple Frosted, Honey Dip, Boston Cream, Fruity Pebble, crullers and more. There’s even a drive-thru.

Address: 220 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127

Opening hours: In store Mon.-Thurs. 5am-1am; Fri. 5am-10pm; Sat. 5am-4pm; 5am-2pm; Drive through Fri. 5am-1pm; Sat. and Sun. 5am-4pm

What it is: How can you tell this place is a relic? “Do-nut” is hyphenated in the sign, it’s cash only and it closes at 1pm.

Why we love it: What’s old timey is still delicious, which is why regional residents trek over to West Roxbury to grab a dozen from this tiny shop. Here, the hand-cut donuts are light and fluffy; coconut and honey dip are two of the musts, as well as a jelly stick that might take two people to consume. 

Address: 2056 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA 02132

Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 5:30am-2pm; Sat. and Sun. 6am-2pm

What it is: Originally hailing from Oak’s Bluff on Martha’s Vineyard, Back Door Donuts has made its way onto the mainland, taking up residency at Loretta’s Last Call. The late-night pop-up, doles out "Donuts After Dark" to the crowds on Lansdowne Street every night after 7pm. From the smell, to the atmosphere, and the infamous "Glazed & Confused" neon, it’s hard to miss.

Why we love it: While they're best known for their gigantic apple fritters, the folks at Back Door also offer all of the classics—chocolate frosted, cinnamon sugar, Boston cream and more.

Address: 1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

Opening hours: Daily 7pm-2am

What it is: Homemade Greek honey donuts, known as loukoumades, are basically a far superior take on the Dunkin’ munchkin—and they're the perfect way to satisfy a sugar hankering without going overboard.

Why we love it: Go to any of Gre.co's locations throughout Boston and you can take your pick from three loukoumades, including the Classic (honey, walnuts and cinnamon) and Yaya’s (hazelnut praline, Oreo cookies and powdered sugar).

Address: Various locations.

Opening hours: Check the website for hours.

What it is: With five locations throughout Boston and Cambridge, Saloniki is keeping much of the metro area satisfied with its Greek donute (aka loukoumades).

Why we love it: Brought to us by James Beard Award-winning chef Jody Adams, this local chain offers sweet and fluffy deep-fried donut bites that guests can customize. Topping options for these delicate pillows of dough include sour cherries, Nutella and baklava, carameli and pistachio, olive oil and sea salt, and hot honey.

Address: Various locations.

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm; Downtown Boston location is open Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm; Sat. 11am-6pm.