There are a lot of things I love about living in Central Ohio. But high on that list, right next to affordable housing and secretly delicious pizza, is the sheer number of elite donut shops we’ve got within driving distance. And by “driving distance,” I mean everything from right around the corner to “technically a day trip if you have a full tank of gas and a dream.”
Whether you’re a yeast purist, a cake donut diehard, or an apple fritter fanatic, here are my picks for the 10 best donut spots in Central Ohio. Each one has earned its spot through pure, unfiltered deliciousness… and maybe a little nostalgia.
1. Resch’s Bakery
4061 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43227
The day I discovered Resch’s was a pivotal one in my life. For years, I was chasing the high of my favorite hometown donut shop (shoutout to Donut Scene in Strongsville). Then I found Resch’s. Game over.
The way they glaze their yeast donut before adding the chocolate icing is nothing short of a masterclass. It’s always fresh, perfectly textured, and if you’re a chocolate ring guy like me, Resch’s is S tier. (That means “top of the line,” for the non-Gen Z folks.)
2. Buckeye Donuts
1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
It almost feels unfair to include Buckeye Donuts because they’re already a Columbus icon — but I can’t not. Their red velvet cake donut was my post-bar ritual back in my campus days, but their apple fritter is what keeps me coming back. You can taste the real apple chunks. Plus, they’re open 24/7. Because of course they are.
3. Crispie Creme Donut Shop
47 N Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Nope, not that Krispy Kreme. Crispie Creme in Chillicothe is the real MVP. It’s a bit of a drive, sure, but if I’m telling you it’s worth traveling for a glazed donut, just trust me. Their OG glazed is the donut equivalent of a great slice of cheese pizza, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a perfectly executed cover song… familiar but better in every way.
4. Amy’s Donuts
650 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Amy’s is like the neon-lit fever dream of donut shops — and I mean that as a compliment. Open 24/7, it’s been the late-night lifeline for many a post-Hollywood Casino spiral. (Yes, that was me. Blackjack is a cruel mistress.) Whether you’re craving classics or donuts stacked with toppings, Amy’s always hits the spot.
5. Yum-Ee Donuts
14 S Vernon St, Sunbury, OH 43074
If you live in Columbus, Yum-Ee might feel like a bit of a trek. But their glazed twists, apple fritters, and cinnamon rolls are 100% worth the detour. This is one of those places where you walk in thinking “I’ll just get a couple,” and leave with a full dozen, no regrets.
6. DK Diner
1715 W 3rd Ave, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
DK Diner’s cake donuts are massive. Like, “this could be a meal” massive. They somehow stay moist on the inside while keeping a crisp outer shell. I once ate seven in one sitting. Seven. And despite my cardiologist’s insistence, I am NOT ashamed. They’re that good.
7. HoneyDip Donuts & Diner
4480 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
HoneyDip doesn’t just serve amazing donuts — they use the same batter in their pancakes, and let me tell you: it’s life-changing. It’s sweet, rich, and layered with flavor in a way that makes you question whether you’ve been eating pancakes or donuts wrong your whole life. If Homer Simpson lived in Columbus, this would be his go-to.
8. Schneider’s Bakery
6 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
Schneider’s is a classic bakery that excels at the basics… and then throws in a cream horn that will absolutely ruin you for all other pastries. I’m not even kidding. Their devil’s food cake donut and double-glazed twists are also excellent, but it’s the cream horn that haunts my dreams in the best way.
9. Donut World
601 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Donut World is exactly what it sounds like: a world of donuts, and a very good one at that. Their maple Long John is one of my favorites in the entire state. Thankfully, I’ve had roommates from Lancaster who brought these back like edible gold. A true blessing.
10. Der Dutchman
445 Jefferson Ave, Plain City, OH 43064
720 State Rte 97 W, Bellville, OH 44813
Der Dutchman isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a lifestyle. My dad once suggested we meet here “for lunch” halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, and that’s when I learned the secret: the donuts are worth the drive. Think pillowy-soft, Amish-made goodness that will make you consider moving closer to Plain City.
Whether you’re a lifelong Columbus local or just visiting with a sweet tooth, this list should keep your mornings (or late nights) very well-fed. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a new donut addiction. I warned you.