Your guide to classic donuts in Columbus

Note: This story is part of a four-part guide to different donut styles in Columbus.

Some say the first traditional donut was invented by a 16-year-old in 1847; others argue that it was actually the Dutch that perfected the delicious breakfast pastry nearly two centuries earlier. If you ask anyone in Columbus though, they’ll likely tell you that donuts were truly born when Resch’s Bakery opened its doors all the way back in 1912. 

There’s a reason why donuts have been a global favorite for centuries. Despite efforts to innovate them by adding candy, cereal, and even bacon on top, some things simply don’t need to be reinvented. The classics – glazed, jelly-filled, long johns – remain as cool and timeless as ever, and here are some local shops that know that, too.

Auddino’s Italian Bakery

1490 Clara St., Columbus
If you’re looking for donuts that look too perfect to be real, Auddino’s isn’t your spot. But if you crave authenticity–those slightly misshapen, lovingly hand-crafted donuts that taste like a hug from Nonna–then welcome home. Since 1967, the Auddino family has been serving up fresh batches of donuts, prepared fresh every morning. The donuts are glazed, iced, filled, and powdered with a generous helping of Italian tradition. After migrating to Columbus in 1966, the Audino’s opened this beloved Italian bakery – and ever since then, loyal fans flock to their store for fresh breads, pastries, and of course, their famous crescent shaped donuts. Make sure to get there extra early though – everyone else loves this place as much as we do.

Buckeye Donuts
1363 S High St, Columbus

What do Prince and Woody Hayes have in common? Aside from being legends, they’ve both indulged in classic donuts at none other than Buckeye Donuts. Established in 1969 by Greek immigrants George Barouxis, Jim Barouxis and George Sauter, their donuts have been an institution for decades. The shops boast over 30 classic donut varieties, ranging from blueberry jelly- filled to red velvet. Their signature Buckeye donut offers a true taste of Ohio, with rich chocolate frosting and a creamy peanut butter filling. 

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DK Diner
1715 W. 3rd Ave., Grandview Heights

It’s a diner! It’s a donut shop! It’s the best of both worlds! DK Diner, if you didn’t already know (I didn’t), stands for Donut Kitchen Diner. Long before they were dishing out killer pancakes and skillet breakfasts, they were all about the donuts. Thankfully, the tradition of focusing on the donuts is still alive and well. Their nine daily classic donut offerings are the perfect start to your morning, whether you’re pairing them with coffee or just sneaking one in before your omelet arrives at the table. 

Golden Donuts & Diner
1928 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but certainly you can judge a donut shop and diner by its exterior sign. Golden Donuts is proof that the older the storefront sign, the better the donuts. This spot is a throwback in all the best ways–from the brown leather stool seats at the counter, to the funky old music playing at all times. Their heavily glazed donuts retain moisture and never dry out – not that they stay on the shelves long enough to even do so. If you’re late to the party and the donuts are already gone, the biscuits & gravy are a solid consolation prize.

HoneyDip Donuts & Diner
4480 Kenny Rd., Columbus

Three words: Donut Bacon Burger. Exactly how it sounds. I’m not necessarily telling you to order it, but it is a unique way to test the versatility of HoneyDip’s original glazed donut. You could put cardboard on top of it and it would still be delicious. And while donut bacon burgers were certainly not as popular in the 1970s as they are now, the rest of HoneyDip’s menu has stood the test of time.

Jolly Pirate
Multiple Locations

You don’t often find shops like this anymore. This 24/7 donut shop has been serving up house-made, popular classics plus seasonal donuts since 1974 – if you couldn’t already tell by the brown & yellow 70s decor. Last time I was in another donut shop (I won’t say names), someone muttered aloud at the donut counter, “Man, this ain’t as good as Jolly Pirate.” And honestly, I understand what he meant. 

My Old World Bakery
962 Demorest Rd.

This mom & pop bakery brings a little bit of European charm to the Hilltop. Their from-scratch, Danish-style glazed donuts are buoyant, light, incredibly moist, and are firm, yet a little crisp on the exterior. Their menu is small, but each donut is crafted with care. And if you’re ever in need of a last-minute custom order, they’ve got you covered too.

The Original Goodie Shop
2116 Tremont Ctr., Upper Arlington 

When you bite into a white iced jelly filled donut from here, it’s easy to see why this bakery has been a neighborhood favorite since 1958. Specializing in the classics, this old-fashioned bakery puts its own spin on traditional recipes with a thicker, more decadent icing that elevates the experience. It’s the kind of place that becomes a holiday, and even weekend, tradition. 

Resch’s
4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus

Ask any Columbus local about donuts, and Resch’s will inevitably come up in the conversation. Since 1912, the Resch family has been baking with love and dedication, and each donut reflects their passion. Whether you prefer their yeast-raised classics or cake donuts, their variety of house-made glazes and fillings has made Resch’s a Columbus legend for over 100 years. When you see a coworker carrying in that unmistakable pink & white striped box with the red cursive writing, you know you’re about to have the best morning of your week. 

Schneider’s 
6 S. State St., Westerville

While the East Side has Resch’s, Westerville boasts their own equivalent – Schneider’s. The donuts we all love today first originated in 1954 in the back of a grocery store by brothers Carl and Floyd Shneider, and much of the current selection is exactly the same as what you’d find on their 1950s & 60s menu – moist cake donuts, sugar twists, and powdered sugar donuts, using the same recipes from decades ago. When something’s that good, there’s no need to change it.

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