Forget lobster rolls and blueberry pie – Maine’s got a secret weapon in its culinary arsenal: donuts.
Prepare for a sugar-fueled adventure through the Pine Tree State’s most delectable bakeries.
1. The Holy Donut (Portland)
Nestled in a charming brick building with a white awning, The Holy Donut is Portland’s temple of fried dough.
Their claim to fame?
Potato donuts.
Yes, you heard that right – these circular delights are made with Maine potatoes, giving them a unique texture that’s somewhere between fluffy cloud and dense cake.
The storefront, with its green logo and welcoming vibe, practically begs you to step inside and embrace your inner carb-lover.
2. Congdon’s Doughnuts (Wells)
Since 1955, Congdon’s has been serving up nostalgia with a side of sugar.
This family-run joint looks like it was plucked straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, complete with red siding and outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.
On busy days, you might spot a line snaking out the door – trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Pro tip: arrive early to snag their famous honey-dipped donuts before they sell out.
3. Scratch Baking Co. (South Portland)
Scratch Baking Co. is the cool kid on the block, with its hip Willard Square location and artisanal approach to baking.
Their storefront, adorned with a striped awning and colorful planters, screams “Instagram me!”
But don’t let the trendy exterior fool you – these folks are serious about their craft.
While not exclusively a donut shop, their bagels (yes, bagels!) are so good they might make you question your donut loyalty. Almost.
4. Two Fat Cats Bakery (Portland)
With a name like Two Fat Cats, you know you’re in for a treat.
This brick-faced bakery in Portland is a testament to the power of butter and sugar.
While they’re famous for their pies, their donuts are the unsung heroes of the menu.
The minimalist storefront might not scream “food paradise,” but step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world where calories don’t count and happiness is measured in sprinkles.
5. Standard Baking Co. (Portland)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing standard about Standard Baking Co.
Tucked away in a brick building with a charming blue awning, this bakery is a carb-lover’s dream.
While they’re known for their artisanal breads, their morning buns (think: cinnamon roll’s sophisticated cousin) are worth setting an alarm for.
The rustic exterior, complete with flower boxes, sets the stage for the old-world charm waiting inside.
6. Frank’s Bake Shop (Bangor)
Frank’s Bake Shop in Bangor is like that reliable friend who always knows how to cheer you up – with sugar, of course.
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This no-frills bakery has been satisfying sweet tooths since 1945.
The simple storefront might not win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in flashy decor, it makes up for in flavor.
Their old-fashioned donuts are a time machine to simpler days when calories were just a twinkle in a nutritionist’s eye.
7. European Bakery & Tea Room (Falmouth)
Feeling fancy? European Bakery & Tea Room in Falmouth is your ticket to continental indulgence without the passport.
This quaint shop, with its pink exterior and cozy patio, looks like it was plucked from a Parisian street corner.
While not strictly a donut shop, their pastries are so good you’ll be saying “au revoir” to basic glazed rings in no time.
Pinkies up, folks!
8. Bam Bam Bakery (Portland)
Bam Bam Bakery in Portland is the superhero of the gluten-free world.
This unassuming shop, with its playful logo and welcoming vibe, proves that “gluten-free” and “delicious” can coexist in harmony.
Their donuts are so good, you’ll forget you’re eating something healthy(ish).
It’s like magic, but with less top hats and more sprinkles.
9. Hillman’s Bakery (Fairfield)
Hillman’s Bakery in Fairfield is the definition of a hidden gem.
This family-owned bakery has been quietly churning out deliciousness since 1957.
Their simple sign and unassuming exterior hide a world of sugary wonders inside.
Pro tip: their chocolate glazed donuts are worth the drive, even if you live in California. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but you get the idea.
10. Lil’s Cafe (Kittery)
Lil’s Cafe in Kittery is like that cool aunt who always has the best snacks.
With its sleek, modern exterior and hip vibe, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel cooler just by walking in.
While they’re famous for their crullers (a fancy word for “twisted donut of joy”), everything here is worth loosening your belt for.
It’s not just a cafe, it’s a lifestyle – a delicious, sugar-coated lifestyle.
11. Forage Market (Lewiston)
Forage Market in Lewiston is where the cool kids go to get their carb fix.
Housed in a historic building with a charming storefront, it’s part farmers market, part bakery, and 100% delicious.
While they’re known for their wood-fired bagels, their donuts are the unsung heroes of the menu.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to use words like “artisanal” and “small-batch” without irony.
12. Bread & Roses Bakery (Ogunquit)
Last but not least, Bread & Roses Bakery in Ogunquit is the grand finale of our sugar-fueled tour.
This charming white house with black shutters looks more like a cozy bed and breakfast than a bakery.
But don’t be fooled – inside lies a wonderland of baked goods that would make Mary Berry weep with joy.
Their donuts are the stuff of legend, perfect for enjoying on their patio as you watch the world go by.
There you have it, folks – a dozen reasons to throw your diet out the window and embrace the sweet life.
The table is set for adventure!
Let this map guide you to your next incredible dining destination.
Maine: come for the lobster, stay for the donuts.