Celebrate National Doughnut Day in South Philly!
National Doughnut Day, or, if you prefer, National Donut Day, is celebrated in the U.S. on the first Friday of June of each year (pssst…that’s TODAY!). The event evolved out of the Doughnut event created by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor their members who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
To honor this important culinary milestone we’ve compiled the following guide with some help from our friends at Zagat’s, Visit Philly, and an online review or two.
Photo by Frangelli’s Bakery
Please let us know places we missed (we’re sure there’s a few) and we’ll add them to the list. National chains were not covered in this piece.
The Donut ‘Work-out’?
For a “best of ” introduction to South Philly donuts, check out Zagat’s South Philly Donut Crawl. This trail promises “a morning immersed in sugary comfort,” with stops at Federal Donuts, Frangelli’s Bakery, Varallo Brothers Pasticceria, and Potito’s Bakery. Note that Grubhouse has unfortunately left South Philly since this piece was created.
Bella Vista / Italian Market
Golden Donut – 901 S. 9th St.; 215-592-8569
According to a Google review by “Eric K.,”
Excellent donuts. What more do you need to know?
East Passyunk
Varallo Brothers Pasticceria – 1639 S. 10th St.; 215-952-0367
According to Zagat:
If you even mention the word D-U-N-K-I-N to the family that runs this Morris Street bakeshop, you’ll be laughed out of the store. While Italian pastries are a specialty, donuts have been made here for more than three decades. Look for glazed and jelly yeast donuts as well as crullers.
Lower Moyamensing
Amigos Bakery – 2327 S 12th St.; 215-462-7320
Amigos opened in 2014, as reported here. Since then, we’ve enjoyed our share of their tasty treats. Their signature Tres Leches Cake is divine, as is their square cheesecake. BUT, it’s donut day, and their cream-filled donuts are our go-to fave!
Frangelli’s Bakery – 847 West Ritner Street; 215-271-7878
Opened in 1947, Frangelli’s doughnuts were billed as one of the “Dozen Best Donuts in America” by Huffington Post. These doughnuts are made fresh each day and filled as-you-order. Since Friday’s going to be hot, consider Frangelli’s ice cream doughnut which we wrote about here.
Passyunk Square
Amelie’s Bark Shop – 1544 E. Passyunk Ave. 267-758-6151
Our canine friends & family love donuts too! Amelie’s Bark Shop has dog-friendly treats in these flavors: cheesesteak, strawberry coconut, peanut crumble, and carob banana. Available while supplies last.
Pennsport
Federal Donuts – 1219 S. 2nd Street; 267.687.8258
According to VisitPhilly.com:
Early risers can choose from fancy donuts with changing flavors that have included the likes of lemon gingersnap, maple bacon and chocolate caramel banana.
The made-fresh-all-day hot-and-fresh donuts arrive straight from the fryer and are dusted with sugary strawberry lavender, cinnamon and more.
West of Broad
Potito’s Bakery – 1614 W. Ritner St.; 215-334-2996
According to Zagat:
Best-known for cannoli, this bakery just West of Broad also does donuts, and you can even get them with the signature ricotta filling. Also available filled with Bavarian cream, the donuts are made from croissant batter and deep-fried.
Whitman
Baker Brothers (formerly Hier’s) – 2300 S. 3rd St.; 215-468-8095
Sugar twist – so light & airy that it can be finished in a few happy bitesVanilla crueller – better than any other you’ve ever had
Powdered creme – so soft and fresh & not disgustingly overfilled like some other places
