Glazed & Confused: Downtown Doughnut Roundup

by Morgan Cole

Since the first doughnut shops began popping up in major U.S. cities in the 1920s and 30s, the classic confections haveserved as one of America’s most-loved treats.Today, bakeries across the country are attractingmassive crowds with innovative new flavorprofiles, unexpected add-ons and unique hybrid creations. Whether you prefer ‘doughnuts’ or‘donuts,’ these fried circles of doughy-goodnessare the perfect treat for most any occasion.

Here is a roundup of bakeries serving-up someof the most buzzed-about doughnuts (andcronuts) in town.

Le Dough

Delivering orders and hosting pop-up sales throughout Pensacola have put this mobile bakery in high demand. Their made-from-scratch doughnuts and unique pastries feature a variety of fresh fruit fillings and glazes, and many are also vegan-friendly. The menu rotates frequently with new flavor options. You can find Le Dough parked at 1100 North 12th Avenue on Saturdays from 9 am–12 pm or catch them at one of their pop-up locations throughout Pensacola. Follow @LedoughPensacola on Facebook or @helloledough on Instagram to find out where the truck will be popping up next. Le Dough is currently closed, but will return to its regular location on November 7.

J’s Bakery & Cafe

J’s has been dishing up delicious pastries and doughnuts in Pensacola since 1946. Located on 12th Avenue in East Hill, this iconic bakery may be best known for its custom cookies and extravagantly-decorated cakes, but don’t overlook the doughnuts! The bakery menu features a regular assortment of traditional favorites like glazed, cake and iced with sprinkles, as well as other seasonalinspired favorites. J’s is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–6 pm and is located at 2014 North 12th Avenue. Check out the menu online at jsbakeryandcafe.com, or follow @jsbakeryandcafe on social media.

Parlor Doughnuts

This vintage Americana doughnut and coffee shop will open its third Gulf Coast location in the downtown area this fall. With established locations in Fort Walton Beach and Miramar Beach, the company is best known for its rich, layered doughnuts. Parlor will offer 20 flavors for you to sink your teeth into, including honey glazed, sandy beach, french toast, turtle, maple bacon, strawberry shortcake, carnival, bourbon caramel, raspberry pistachio, campfire and more! The menu will also feature a variety of artisanal breakfasts and specialty coffees along with vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly options. The Pensacola location will start as a mobile pop-up shop until its permanent location is established. Check out the menu at parlordoughnuts.com or follow @parlordoughnut on social media.

Grind & Glaze Doughnut Bar

This new craft doughnut shop has people lining up for their signature square-shaped cronuts, made from croissant dough, which typically sell out within the first 90 minutes of opening. Grind & Glaze opened its first pop-up location last month just outside of Southtowne in downtown Pensacola and people just can’t seem to get enough of their scrumptious hybrid doughnut creation. Each month, the menu rotates to feature six new handcrafted flavor options. Grind & Glaze is scheduled to open its first brick and mortar shop in Southtowne in Spring of 2022. For now, you can catch them at their pop-up location at 170 South Jefferson Street on Thursdays and Fridays starting at 8 am and at the Palafox Market on Saturdays. Follow @grindandglazefl on social media.