Unearth The Voyage
Ohio might be famous for buckeyes and roller coasters, but the real treasure hiding in plain sight? Donuts. From Cleveland’s vintage shops to Columbus campus legends and Cincinnati’s family-run favorites, the Buckeye State serves up some seriously delicious fried dough. Whether you’re craving a classic glazed ring at 3 a.m. or a wild candy-covered creation, this donut road trip has you covered from north to south.
1. Bill’s Donut Shop — Centerville (Dayton area)
Open every single hour of every single day since 1960, Bill’s never sleeps—and neither do donut lovers in the Dayton area. This place runs on pure dedication, frying up yeast rings, cream-filled beauties, and golden fritters no matter what time you roll in.
Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time. The smell of fresh dough hangs in the air, and the classic glazed donuts practically glow under the counter lights.
If you appreciate tradition and simplicity done right, Bill’s is your must-visit pilgrimage. Grab a dozen for the road—you won’t regret it, especially at 2 a.m.
2. Buckeye Donuts — Columbus (Ohio State campus)
Right on the Ohio State campus sits a legend that never closes its doors. Buckeye Donuts lives by the motto “Always open, closed never,” making it the ultimate spot for late-night study fuel or post-game celebrations.
Their signature buckeye donut—chocolate meets peanut butter in perfect harmony—is basically required eating if you’re within a five-mile radius. College students swear by it, but honestly, anyone with a sweet tooth will fall hard.
Swing by any time, day or night. The energy is always buzzing, the coffee’s hot, and the donuts are worth every single calorie.
3. Holtman’s Donuts — Cincinnati & West Chester
Since 1960, Holtman’s has been a family affair, mixing, rolling, and frying every donut completely from scratch. No shortcuts, no mass production—just honest-to-goodness craftsmanship that you can taste in every bite.
They’re so popular that they actually sell out on busy weekends. Seriously, if you sleep in, you might miss the magic—so set your alarm and get there early.
With multiple locations around Cincinnati and West Chester, Holtman’s makes it easy to grab a box. Just check their site before heading out to confirm hours and availability.
4. Jack Frost Donuts — Cleveland (Old Brooklyn)
Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood has been home to Jack Frost since 1937, and this place hasn’t lost an ounce of charm. A giant display case greets you at the door, packed with rotating flavors that change often enough to keep regulars coming back.
Nostalgia runs deep here, but don’t mistake it for boring. Jack Frost also goes big with over-the-top custom creations that are equal parts fun and Instagram-worthy.
Whether you want something classic or something wild, this Cleveland icon delivers. It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to be an Ohioan.
5. Donna’s Delicious Dozen — Columbus (Gahanna/New Albany area)
Forget picking from a pre-made batch—Donna’s lets you build your own donut masterpiece. Choose your cake donut base, then go wild with icings, drizzles, and all the toppings your heart desires.
Their seasonal boxes are a hit, especially the Buckeye Box that Ohio State fans go absolutely crazy for. It’s playful, customizable, and perfect for parties or just treating yourself on a Tuesday.
Located in the Gahanna and New Albany areas, Donna’s brings a fresh twist to the Columbus donut scene. Sweet-tooths and creative eaters, this one’s calling your name.
6. Brewnuts — Cleveland (Gordon Square)
Only in Cleveland would someone dream up a donut shop inspired by craft beer—and somehow make it work beautifully. Brewnuts serves small-batch donuts with flavors that nod to local brews, all in a fun donut-bar setting.
It’s quirky, it’s Cleveland through and through, and it’s the kind of place where the vibe matters just as much as the food. Check their calendar before you visit, because hours and special events can vary.
Gordon Square’s artsy energy fits Brewnuts perfectly. Grab a seat, try something unexpected, and enjoy the mash-up magic.
7. Schneider’s Bakery — Westerville (Columbus area)
Westerville’s uptown district wouldn’t be complete without Schneider’s Bakery, a local institution serving fresh donuts alongside breads, cookies, and cakes. It’s the kind of bakery that feels like a warm hug from your grandma.
Need to fuel an early-morning office meeting? Schneider’s has you covered with online ordering, making it super convenient to grab a dozen without the wait.
Their donuts are simple, reliable, and always made with care. No gimmicks, no fuss—just quality baked goods that keep the community coming back week after week.
8. Amy’s Donuts — Columbus
Step into Amy’s Donuts and you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store—because that’s basically what it is, but with donuts. Big, bold, and bursting with color, these yeast and cake donuts are piled high with toppings.
The Columbus location makes ordering easy with online options and delivery info right on their site. Perfect for when you need a donut fix but don’t want to leave the couch.
Amy’s doesn’t do boring. Every donut is a celebration, and every bite is a sugar rush worth having. Bring your appetite and your sense of fun.
9. Resch’s Bakery — Columbus (Livingston Ave.)
A hundred years in business? Resch’s Bakery has earned every bit of that legacy. Locals swear by their classic donuts and just about every other baked good that comes out of their ovens.
Their donut page on the website walks you through all the different styles they offer, which is super helpful if you like to plan ahead. Spoiler alert: everything is good.
Located on Livingston Avenue, Resch’s is proof that some things never go out of style. When a bakery lasts this long, you know they’re doing something right.
10. White House Fruit Farm — Canfield (Youngstown area)
White House Fruit Farm became legendary for one thing: blueberry donuts. These aren’t your average grocery-store pastries—they’re made fresh on-site with real fruit, and people drive from all over just to get them.
The farm market rotates specials throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try. Check their “Our Donuts” page before you visit to see what’s frying that week.
It’s destination-worthy for a reason. Grab a box, explore the farm, and enjoy the kind of donut experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.
