There’s not a day of week that doesn’t jibe with a box of doughnuts.
Weekdays are made better with a couple dozen in the workplace kitchen. Saturday mornings are more memorable with some chocolate glazed, or a bag of doughnut holes. And where would Sunday worship be without a welcoming tower of boxes, each holding finger lickin’ goodness? Friendly, fun and even soothing, a doughnut breakfast makes everything OK.
From Krispy Kreme to Shipley’s to District Donuts and to numerous mom-and-pops, doughnut loyalties run deep in Baton Rouge. There’s no question, however, that the most widespread local brand is Mary Lee, which first opened in 1969 at 9833 Florida Blvd. near Sharp Road. That location is still in operation, along with another 20 in the region. That long history has no doubt helped make Mary Lee a frequent winner of the Best of 225 Award for “Best Doughnut.”
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Straightforward in their simplicity, the shops open at 5 a.m., inviting early birds with the distinct aroma of warm, sweet fried dough.
Glazed is the workhorse of the Mary Lee menu, but its fans crave other options too, including chocolate, sprinkled and cream-filled. Puffy and light, the doughnuts here have a distinct high rise, delivering sink-your-teeth satisfaction. Doughnuts fo’ sho’nuts. maryleedonuts.com
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Others to try
Thee Heavenly Donut
Big, bold and blinged, locally owned Thee Heavenly Donut’s pastries are sinfully delicious. This time of year, sample fried king cakes made in the fashion of its signature doughnuts. theeheavenlydonut.com
Sambath Donuts & Thai Food
Start your morning off with fresh, hot doughnuts made daily, and return in the afternoon for a taste of the Pacific Rim. Find it on Facebook
This article was originally published in the February 2022 issue of 225 magazine.