Bright Spot Donuts

Absolutely delicious bakery. Had bacon, egg and cheese everything bagel… one of the tastiest I’ve had in a long while. Applewood smoked bacon so it gives a lovely sweet, salty, meaty taste. Good fresh not too chewy bagel. Also had a sourwood honey donut which was heaven. Super fluffy not too sweet. yeasty but not too yeasty. Chill vibe here. Prices are a little high but the food is great. There’s a nice stretch of grass for pets or kids to play. They have simple lawn sports for kids if you want them and water bowls for pets. Would definitely come again.

5 stars across the board, great donut and coffee shop tucked away in what looks like a great neighborhood. I found this location on google maps as I was staying downtown for the evening. Personally loved the Boston Cream and purchased (3) dozen for my customers, which they all made sure to rant and rave about how good the donuts were. I scooped up an iced vanilla latte, whole milk, with an extra double shot. The flavors were spot on. The cashier/POC was the icing on the cake, friendly, knowledgeable, and polite. I appreciate everything today (08.28.2025), thank you

We love Brightspot! So much so, we just had our son’s 4th birthday there because he is obsessed with donuts (and trains) and the train tracks are right there! Emily and the team was great to work with! the children loved the donuts and adults loved the coffee and bagels!

My husband and I love this place! The drinks are so fun - particularly the matcha specials. There was an earl grey, now a strawberry one - all delicious. The donuts are great, same with the bagel sandwiches from Benchwarmers. All in all - the baristas are kind, great service, and most of all what you need in your local coffee spot is friendly and consistent great drinks.

This is a great little donut shop off the beaten path in Raleigh. It can be tricky to find but there is ample parking and plenty of space to eat outside. Be sure to get here early in the day! Both yo get fresh donuts and to be sure they haven’t sold out.

Located in an up-and-coming neighborhood, Bright Spot has a variety of treats ranging from sweet tarts to savory breakfast pastries. We came specifically for the donuts and loved how light and airy they were. Most of all, I couldn’t get enough of the freshly-made raspberry glaze! I definitely recommend snagging one before they go, since it’s a seasonal item. Looking forward to coming back to try more from this cute shop. Extras: Good for small groups or solo diners, limited parking, takeout or dine in, quick service, counter ordering

Donuts were so fresh and absolutely delicious. Cute and ample outside seating and tasty lattes! Services was only letdown- cashier was very sweet but person who appeared to be manager or owner was very rude and unfriendly multiple times to myself and other. Hoping she was just having a bad day as I’d certainly frequent weekly if service was better.

Everything we got was incredible. Since it was our first time, we shared the original glazed, sugar and spice, Boston cream, and an order of croquettes. The donuts were all fluffy and soft. The pastry cream in the Boston cream was perfect (not some canned filling or boxed pudding masquerading as pastry cream) and the chocolate topping was delicious (also clearly real chocolate and not just chocolate-flavored glaze). The croquettes were flavorful, crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, exactly as they should be. Is this place pricier than other donut shops? Yes. But for me, the quality of the ingredients and made-in-house pastry cream makes it worth it. Will definitely return!

I am so very picky when it comes to doughnuts. I've tried several places but this on really appealed to me with how they looked when frying and the drippy glaze! I found them via instagram and decided to finally make the trip and let me say it was well worth the trip!! I'm kinda thankful they aren't really close to me because I'd have a hard time staying away! Picked up one of their sourwood honey latte glazed and it was absolute yeasty soft deliciousness coated in the right amount of sweet. I grabbed a regular coffee and it was perfect with my doughnut. These reminded me of my mom's homemade yeast doughnuts. While it was busy, service was fast. The store is on a corner and it's very well lit, the atmosphere is bright and clean, fits the name of the store perfectly. If I could give them 10 stars I would. So far, the best in my Raleigh experience!

good donuts! plenty of free parking. no inside seating, but about 7 tables outside to sit at. They only have a handful of donut flavors, maybe 6? I got the chocolate glaze ($2.50) and it was delicious. Light and fluffy.

Great service, beautiful shop, kind of dry donuts though? They were very traditional and I'm sure they were made with good ingredients, it just isn't what we're used to. We tried the maple crueller, the regular glazed, one I can't remember, and then the chocolate sprinkle donut. Again, the bread part of the donut was just flaky and dry. Not melt in your mouth kind of sweet.

Delicious donut spot in Raleigh! They have a handful of donut flavors we got the cruller and strawberry frosted donut. They both were delicious! The only complaint I had was that the strawberry frosting came off on the paper when they put the donut in the bag. There is outdoor tables to enjoy your donuts and right by a cute neighborhood and rail road tracks! The salted honey lavender latte was on special today and IT WAS DELICIOUS! Might be my favorite latte I've had in Raleigh!

Absolutely obsessed with the croissant breakfast sandwich. Donuts are also surprisingly really fluffy. Quick service and cute little outdoor tables - Bright Spot is perfect for a quick bite.

Bright Spot is a doughnut shop run by the Boulted Bread people, so I figured it was going to be good. I prefer cake doughnuts over yeast as a rule, but this spot makes a strong case for them. I tried: + Cranberry curd (seasonal special) + Apple cider glazed + Sugar and spice + OG glaze The cranberry curd and sugar and spice were my favorites. Loved the cranberry filling in particular. Overall would recommend! 4.5 stars.

These just may be the best donuts in Raleigh! They have dialed in the dough, they are sweet but not overly so, and the options are just right. Coffee and service were on par with the donuts. Loved the outdoor seating options and neighborhood feel. Great staff too (almost overlooked that because of the donuts and coffee). Can't wait to bring family here.

Original glazed and sugar and spice donuts were 11/10... maybe the best versions of both of those donuts that I've ever had. The filled donuts (at $4 a piece) were not good. I got the blackberry jelly filled and the Boston cream. Both donuts had very little filling. Like I broke apart both in search of the filling. Blackberry jelly was a bit too thick and tart and the donut itself was soaked in oil. I could only take two bites-- far too oily. My fingers were covered in oil too. Boston cream filling was delightful but the donut needed a lot more filling than it had and the chocolate icing top got all over the paper they wrapped it in. If your top isn't going to set before you package it up, you can't wrap it in paper. This donut was also far too oily. Again, their basic yeast donuts ARE TO DIE FOR. Stay away from the filled.

I got donuts for my coworkers and immediately became a hero haha every loves them and they were all asking where I got them! This is a great spot if you want some good quality donuts, I would highly recommend and I am a bit of a donut snob.

Renewed my love for yeast donuts! Light, airy donuts that aren't soaking in oil. I got a Sugar + Spice (pictured), Sourwood Honey and a black coffee. All of it was delicious. I actually liked the sourwood more than expected, it's basically a glazed donut with a hint of citrus! The coffee was also good (love black & white coffee)! The staff was pleasant, and there's plenty of outdoor seating (inside is a bit smaller). This will now be a staple to bring Raleigh visitors to!

Some of the best donuts in RTP I've had so far. The Boston cream donut one might top the best of this kind, I've ever had. It has a fried, light airy texture on the outside and the ganache is rich and has a depth of chocolate flavor without being overly cloying, unlike most Boston creams. The donut nearly falls apart, for better or worse, because of it's wonderfully bouncy and cloud-like feeling. The custard inside is eggy and almost chantilly tasting, in a wonderful way. This particular donut of theirs also highlights what I think is the strength of Bright Spot Donuts so far as I've observed, which is the light, pillowy brioche style of donut. I also tried the OG glazed (vanilla buttermilk glaze) and sugar + spice (yeasted donut with a coriander-inflected dusting of sugar). The buttermilk is quite good as well - it's an upgrade on your classic glazed donut, and what was notable is how the vanilla notes really come through and a smoothness in flavor possibly from the buttermilk. I liked the sugar + spice too. The coriander is subtle and well-balanced, although the dough is not as flavorful or standout as the Boston cream. In fact, some of the "airness" of the donut was so intense that there were large air pockets that made the donut collapse as I bit into it. Because of that, eating it was less satisfying, and it wasn't helped by the high price and small size. Overall, my favorite was their Boston cream filled donut. I think the extra fermented, airy style is amazing and I'm glad to have a place like Bright Spot in the area. But this method did not work with the smaller size of the other two yeasted donut rings I had. My recommendation would be to increase the size and height of these donuts, so they do not fall flat as you eat them.

I'd been wanting to try bright spot for some time now but never got around to going and then one morning I made it a priority to venture over and try their donuts. It's located in the five point area in what I'd consider a more residential area. When I arrived I was a bit confused on where I could park but opted to grab a spot right in front of the location. I went early, like right at opening because I didn't want to miss getting a donut as they do sell out. They had a nice assortment of donuts some filled as well as tarts. It was a pretty quaint and intimate place. Modern but not really any seating. I opted for a glazed donut and it was so delicious and warm. It was soft but had just enough chew and was light and just the perfect amount of sweetness. There was a bit of seating outside but i felt like this was more of a grab your treats to go kind of location. Overall, they offer some delicious donuts and I can see why they sell out!

I ordered these donuts and brought them home. I couldn't have been more pleased. I'm not normally a yeast donut fan, preferring the cake type. These, however, may have made me a yeast donut fan. They were so pillowy soft, but the exterior also added a little bit of a crispiness them. The donuts were just absolutely perfectly prepared. I really enjoyed the various toppings and fillings of the donuts as well. For the moment, I think this may be my go to donut spot when people are looking for a recommendation. Try it out! ASAP!

This place is so delicious!! Now while the donuts are tasty, for me the galettes are where it's at. Those things are like little flavorful masterpieces. The galette madam is my favorite, but their seasonal heirloom tomato galette is spot on as well (more for lunch than breakfast). The croquettes are also super tasty. I love how unique their breakfast offerings are! On to the donuts. My only thing is the way they pack them. I got a filled donut and one of their honey ones and by the time I got home the honey one waa flatter than a pancake. It was completely smashed by the filled donut. I still ate it, and it still tasted good. My son loves the chocolate frosted donuts, those things are a hot mess though. So much chocolate! I appreciate that they leave wipes out at the water station so you can wipe your children down. Oh and don't sleep on the iced mocha! They use the same chocolate glaze that they use on their donuts. It's super delicious! Parking is easy on the street or in their lot. They have a few tables that you can grab. And bonus, if you have a child obsessed with trains, you can scope out the trains on the tracks while you are there!

Bright Spot Donuts is now, open! Brought to you by the folks from Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee and Benchwarmers, they are putting out some artisanal-type donuts, all hand-made! Choose from 5 different types along with some coffees, Bright Spot will be adding savory galettes in the near future. These donuts are quite good and have some chew versus light and airy Krispy Kremes. Bright Spot is currently in soft open mode with limited hours in this quirky Five Points neighborhood. Worth the trip if you're in the area...

A very soft and gentle doughnut. Some honey kisses and blackberry love. Light soft pillowy dough makes these little guys unique. A different and simply elegant take on the classic old school orbs of deep fried happiness. You cannot compare to Idle Hour / Tepuy. IH/T got that Elton John, Prince, Harry Styles thing goin' on. And here it's more of an Anderson Paak, Brittany Howard, Mac Miller taste affair. A little swag and a lot of that slow roll familiar comfort rolled into one. If a donut was music I'm down for the repeat and the encore anytime.

We love Bright Spot donuts! Best glazed donuts in the Triangle. We also love the cold oatmeal! Coffee is great too. Nice, friendly staff.

These donuts are like laying your head on a pillow after a long day. Light, approachable, and delicious.

I'm a donut fan, and the reason I'm giving these a 4 is cause of the Sourwood honey. That glaze was so good! It was well made. The OG glazed was good, but the glaze was crumbly, so it wasn't as pleasant but the taste was on point. The actual donut was fluffy and had a nice snap but it was a tad chewy. Wait as I typed that I remembered the Strawberry cream filled with a Sauternes wine glaze.... this was delicious! The cream wasn't too thick or sweet. The flavor was fresh well thought out.

The food was great and team behind the counter very friendly. Great place to sit outside and enjoy. I'll be back for certain.

Personally didn't love it but willing to try again! I heard so many great things about Bright Spot and it's in one of my favorite areas (and owned by people who have another really outstanding business) so I stopped in last fall for some quick bites. Staff wasn't super friendly but nice enough. I got 2 original donuts and the ham croquettes with hot honey. The donuts were lackluster in taste and pretty dry and the croquettes weren't for my taste at all. Hoping I just didn't visit on the right day or should've gotten the donuts warmed or maybe another flavor. I love having a local donut shop so I'm looking forward to going back!

Best donuts ever!! Finally had a chance to stop by and the donuts did not disappoint. I very much prefer yeast like donuts so these donuts were just what I was looking for. They are light, airy, and buttery. I opted for the popular Sugar and Spice and it was literally perfection!! Surprisingly it wasn't too messy as the cinnamon sugar mix was well portioned on the donut. There are also other menu items worth checking out as well. Parking is relatively easy however the lot is small. There's not any indoor seating however there's plenty of outdoor seating. I'm so looking forward to visiting again soon and trying other donuts flavors!

I'm going to do my best to keep it short... but no promises. Bright Spot Donuts, where do I even start!! I love this place. I love these people. This donut shop has the best donuts in Raleigh. Every flavor I've tried has been so tasty, but especially the banana pudding one. You can't go wrong with any of them, they're all so good. Go give them some business, tell your friends and family about them. They're all kind, awesome people and make the best freaking donuts!!!

We tried Bright Spot on a whim this morning. It's located in an industrial area adjacent to a neighborhood but there was plenty of nearby parking. There is no seating inside but plenty of seating on an adjacent deck and patio, some of which are covered tables. I had the apple filled donut and the sugar and spice donut. The sugar and spice was my favorite, the cardamom instead of cinnamon added such an interesting twist. The donuts themselves were light and airy and very yummy. I'd highly recommend this place for any sweet tooth urges!

3 words....Croissant. Egg. Sandwich. Very small shop but always clean, quick and always helping with a smile.

BLUF: Watch out Tepuys, Bright Spot has stolen our hearts! Lighter than air!! Chewy, perfect balance of salt and sweet. These are doughnuts where one can eat six or ten with little guilt. The glazed doughnuts are very reminiscent of those Chinese crullers (油條) one can find in dim sum places. You know the golden, fried, long "doughnuts"? Bright Spot's unfilled doughnut dough is that. A thin crisp layer then the oh so airy, chewy interior. Their seasonal filled (strawberry creme) is more of a brioche dough. Shorter in texture, indicating more fat (butter) in the dough. In spite of that, still light, not cloying, and easily eat four or more. We got four to start and immediately went back in to buy four more! That has to be a pretty good sign.

Um these donuts are SO good. Very light elephant ear taste that melts in your mouth. We ate them two days in a row, no shame. The coffee is good too. Traditional sizes for the drinks so don't order a macchiato expecting a tall coffee! Cute little place with a 4 table outdoor porch and a sunny seating area on the other side. Definitely a place to check out!!

We ended up ordering four different donuts and the cinnamon sugar was the favorite. The chocolate dipped donut was not super sweet which I think would appeal to adults more. The donut was more chewy than a Krispy Kreme donut and I liked that it wasn't a "cake-y" texture like Dunkin. I personally enjoy donuts with more variety in their flavors (like Tepuy) but would recommend this place if you enjoy a classic donut. I wasn't a huge fan of the location. Google Maps took us through a bunch of small neighborhood roads and with cars parked on the side of the road, there really wasn't space for it to be a 2 way road.

Not sure we can call this a donut, as it only tasted of oil... I got the plain glazed and my husband got the chocolate glazed, both of which we ended up throwing away because they were so inedible. The service was lovely, coffee was great, "donuts" were one of the worst things I've ever tasted.

I always like to try local places, this Donut Place has is so good. I order the Boston Cream, Egg Nog and Sugar Donuts. The Boston Cream has plenty of cream inside and I love that they use a Dark Chocolate. Egg Nog was good, I could taste the Egg Nog. The Sugar Donuts was my favorite. This is going to be my spot every Friday Morning.

Here's the thing - they already have a small menu but you will want to get other items than the traditional glazed donut when you go...just get the glazed donut. They have perfected it and it is light, not too sweet - perfectly airy and chewy. I also got the jelly donut and sugar + spice one, which were good, but not nearly as good as the OG glaze. They make them to order so they are super fresh and there's a cute little outdoor area outlooking the train. There's no seats inside besides a bench / waiting area so it's definitely set up for a grab & go situation.

The best coffee and donuts. Friendly fast service lots of outdoor space and even sidewalk chalk for the kiddos. Didn't try any but the bagel sandwiches looked good too

Service was great, with friendly staff, and the location is ok. As someone else noted getting here is a pain with the narrow streets, but that's normal ITB. I liked the outdoor seating, and it was fun looking at the trains across the street. The donuts, however, were very whelming. The soft glaze on the Boston cream was nice and chocolatey, but the pastry cream inside was a bit bland. We also tried a glazed and a sourwood honey, and while they were better than the Boston cream I still didn't think they were great. The texture was good, but I prefer bakers dozen or donut daily.

Love the donuts here. Plus the kids have a great little area to play. We will def be back soon.

This spot is in a super legit location and has some fun vibes. Only down fall was the staff, they gave me the feeling I was being a burden by visiting their store and ordering. Also the coffee is super hot, which is a great thing.

These are the best donuts I've ever had. Not too sweet, delicious flavor and great selection. Everything else they make is also delicious. Love love love them!!

My daughters normally just lick the icing off a donut and throw the rest away. They had the chocolate donut with sprinkles and ate the WHOLE donut.

Just happen to stumble across this place and it's great. The people are very friendly and the music they play made me feel I was in a nightclub! I wished they had indoor seating,but overall it's a good place! The doughnuts are amazing!!

Doughnuts are generally sweet and simple, but the offerings at Bright Spot are elevated. They have a sourwood honey doughnut that is tangy and sophisticated. They also put orange blossom in their cinnamon sugar- it added so much depth without overpowering. We got here at 9 (on a Saturday) to a big line and they still had plenty of doughnuts. Be advised as they can sell out. While delicious, chocolate frosted with sprinkles is basically an affront to children wearing clean clothes, or at least their parents. Best bring wipes and a spare shirt. Don't miss this gem because of a fear for sticky fingers. The name checks out. Bright Spot delivered even on a cloudy day.

Wanted donuts and came here for the first time. I got the donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles and the sugar spice donut. So so amazing. Best donut I've ever had in my whole life. I like that the staff greeted me and was friendly and said if I didn't like the donut I could swap it. The environment is quiet and looks good. Highly recommend!!!

Bright Spot Donuts hit the SPOT! I'm a Boston Cream gal and Boston was worth finishing. Make a plan to visit soon!

Just visited Bright Spot Donuts - love their Apple Fritters! Great place to sit outside and enjoy an urban view, easy parking, friendly staff. We'll be going back!