Everyone loves a good donut. These tasty fried dough confections are the quintessential American pastry.
Whether you're into a simple glazed donut or want a treat that's a little more eclectic, check out some of the best donut shops across the U.S. to indulge your sweet tooth.
Locations: Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois
Firecakes has been a donut lover's favorite in the Windy City and Oak Park since 2013.
Their small-batch donuts are made from quality ingredients and, of course, from scratch.
Firecakes is known for taking traditional donut recipes and adding a new twist to create unique flavors. Their best-sellers are the pistachio donut and the can't-miss ice cream and donut sandwich.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Andy Rodriguez and Amanda Pizarro launched their business out of a food truck in 2015, and before long, their delicious donuts drew lines around the block.
Often called the best in Alabama, Heavenly Donut Co's confections are said to be fluffy, large and well-topped.
Their best sellers are bismarks, which are filled with your choice of custard, white cream, raspberry or Nutella (available only on Fridays).
Locations: Colorado Springs, Colorado; Tucson, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; and Albuquerque, New Mexico
According to the reviews on Tripadvisor, Amy's is one of the few chains that always delivers a perfect donut experience.
Fans tout the deliciousness of glazed bacon donuts and sausage rolls above all else, but the strawberry shortcake donuts and apple fritters are also highly regarded.
So is the iced coffee.
Locations: Portland, Eugene and Milwaukie, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; Austin and Houston, Texas; Hollywood, California; and Orlando, Florida
This 20-year-old donut chain was started by two friends in Portland who were hellbent on "world doughnut domination."
Known for a variety of unusual flavor combos, including the "Ring of Fire" (chocolate cake, cinnamon sugar and cayenne pepper, topped with a dried red chili pepper), the "Viscous Hibiscus" (hibiscus-flavored frosting and black sprinkles) and the "Oh Captain, My Captain" (vanilla frosting and Captain Crunch), among others, Voodoo Doughnut is more of an experience than a simple donut shop.
They even perform weddings!