Downstate Donuts

These are some amazing potato based donuts. There is a distinct textural difference from flour donuts. These are airy but has a slightly denser chew and crisper exterior. That crunch is fantastic!!! What i also like is that these unique flavor combinations are not super sweet and stays true to their namesake. Such as the viet coffee donut is coffee taste!! All these donuts were excellent!! I will need to try their savory breakfast sandwiches next time. Kudos to the friendly staff!! The place, though small (seats about 10) is pleasing to the eye and comfortable.

Stopped in at downstate donuts with my two boys and they absolutely loved it. The donuts were massive so 2 donuts for one grown-up and two six-year-olds. Easy to sit inside and have a doughnut and a cup of coffee while they enjoy it. decent parking out on the street. Would definitely come back if I was in the neighborhood.

It’s National Doughnut Day 2025, and I felt a deep responsibility to celebrate this especially important holiday. Downstate was the closest option with solid reviews, and I liked that they use potato and organic ingredients. I try to eat healthy, but only if healthy also happens to be the most delicious option. I showed up around 11 a.m. and quickly realized I was late to the doughnut party. They had already sold out of several flavors and, sadly, their National Doughnut Day promo which featured their signature doughnut. Boo. Always make extras on the most important food holiday of the year. I went with the Miso Honey Butter. The texture was fluffy and the glaze was sweet and delicious. I couldn’t really taste the miso, but I’m guessing that was intentional. Too much miso in a doughnut could get weird fast. The Blueberry Cake caught my eye because it was so pretty, which became my deciding factor. The blueberry flavor really came through and the nutty glaze added a nice layer of depth. They’ve got some very creative flavors, but I definitely recommend going early if you want the full selection. This was the most expensive doughnut I’ve eaten in Chicago, so if quality ingredients matter to you, this is a great choice. That said, this city is full of good doughnuts and there are others that might be cheaper and more instantly satisfying.

First ever potato donuts and they were amazing. These were the fluffiest and lightest donuts I’ve ever had. They also weren’t overly sweet which was nice. The vanilla sour cream was a regular potato base while the brown sugar waffle was a sweet potato base. The only downside was that the brown sugar wasn’t that noticeable. I can’t wait to try some of their other flavors especially anything chocolate, but at the end of the day you can’t really make donuts any better than these.

The goal of a review is to take a picture of the item before you eat...but THIS donut (Brown butter chai) was screaming my name! Oh it was so good! Way better than its commercial competitors! Downstate donuts came to my apartment building and I'm so glad they did! Most of us had never heard of them, but ALL of us was trying to see how can we purchase a dozen 🤭 immediately! This is definitely a must try and it's gluten free!

The coffee is really good and the place has a nice vibe, but just a heads up, if you’re planning to work here for a bit, it might not be the best spot. There were no outlets available to charge my laptop, and I don’t think there’s a public restroom either. It’s great for grabbing a drink and hanging out for a bit, just not ideal for getting work done.

Downstate Donuts is a must-visit for any donut lover seeking unique flavors. From the indulgent Chocolate Sea Salt to the crunchy Pistachio and Carrot Cake, each is a masterpiece. Despite my early flight schedule, I couldn't resist returning before the end of my trip to explore more flavors. The savory-sweet Miso Glaze and Japanese Pancake Donuts were my favorites, with the Kyoto-style cold brew coffee perfectly complementing the experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by – you won't be disappointed.

Best donuts in Uptown! These are so light but crispy and chewy and sooo delicious, they are hard to describe. They aren't cheap, but so worth it. The miso honey and lemon ricotta are my current favorites, they aren't too sweet or overwhelming with their flavors and the texture is really 10/10. The coffee is also good and the service is always so welcoming and wonderful. Love this shop!

Best Donuts in Chicago! I've already been to this place twice in the last two months. They offer an amazing selection of seasonal and classic donuts--standouts include the miso, Japanese pancake, Vietnamese coffee, and brown butter chai. My personal favorite is the miso donut, served fresh and hot--it's easily the best donut I've had. The staff were warm, helpful, and patient, especially as we showed up with a group of 15 friends from our run club. The shop is on Wilson Avenue, right next to Uptown Church. Just a heads-up: there's no exterior signage, which makes it a bit tricky to find.

Wow, love at first bite. From the softness of the doughnut to the full flavor light enough to coat your tongue with flare. I felt like I was eating a mochi donut and well yeasty donut baby-- I had to take my time and enjoy every bite. Absolutely a must try for folks visiting Chicago!

I've been wanting to come here ever since I heard such good reviews from my friends, and it is definitely worth the trek up here. The donuts are baked in smaller batches and come out soft and hot and ready to eat. Insane flavors, every one was good. The OG vanilla was great but the miso honey butter stole the show

A neighborhood donut shop that also sells coffee and breakfast items. Everything is made with potatoes which is interesting. I tried the Whipped Vietnamese Coffee and Sweet Potato Maple. The Whipped Vietnamese Coffee was light and fluffy, with a bit of caramelization crunch. Its base was flavored with chocolate that comes through and it has a light coffee aftertaste. The Sweet Potato Maple was extremely soft and had a nice mouth feel. The sweet potato definitely comes through and the maple glaze was slightly crisp and not overly sweet. Definitely my favorite. The store has several tables and the staff was very welcoming. They also went around wiping down tables while I was there which was good to see. It is definitely pricey but they are specialty donuts made fresh.

Some of the best donuts I've had. The flavors are unique and all delicious, the staff is really nice, and there is quite a bit of seating.

If you haven't tried Down State Donuts yet, you're seriously missing out. These donuts are next-level -- perfectly fluffy, deliciously sweet, and made fresh with love. Each bite is pure happiness. Amazing costumer service and the ambiance is just what your expect at this quiant location. Treat yourself... you deserve it!

Cute shop with so many unique flavors and friendly staff. We got the lemon blueberry and pistachio donuts. They were so yummy with the perfect level of sweetness. The texture is a hybrid of a regular donut and a cake donut and they're very soft and moist. Will be back to try more!

Wait. I haven't reviewed Downstate Donuts? That's crazy! Because this is one of my favorite donut places, period! Get past the whole potato idea. You can't taste it, and it just helps the donuts maintain a moisture and softness. I've tried so many more and love following their Instagram so that I know which flavors are on deck each weekend (many rotate). I've been meaning to try japanese pancake. I also love fruity flavors- so I'm looking forward to more of those during the summer.

Who knew potato doughnuts were a thing because I sure as hell didn't. Flavors are a tad muted but they also don't taste fake or anything like your run of the mill or typical doughnut. Not overly sweet, nor are they cheap. It's about $5 per doughnut but they have a rewards system as an incentive. There were a couple of sandwich options that sounded intriguing but the equipment has been broken so be aware & there's an option for turkey bacon for the healthier option.

These might be the best donuts I've ever had in my life, and I am absolutely not being hyperbolic or exaggerating. I can't speak to the service or ambiance since these were dropped off by a friend, but I am absolutely blown away. Will be back to make sure this isn't some sort of fever-dream.

It's a super chill spot ..The donuts are so fresh and tasty. Super friendly staff and highly addictive!

First ever potato donuts and they were amazing. These were the fluffiest and lightest donuts I've ever had. They also weren't overly sweet which was nice. The vanilla sour cream was a regular potato base while the brown sugar waffle was a sweet potato base. The only downside was that the brown sugar wasn't that noticeable. I can't wait to try some of their other flavors especially anything chocolate, but at the end of the day you can't really make donuts any better than these.

If you want unique, high quality, impressive doughnuts, this is the place. With an array of fun spin on flavors you will be hit bringing dozen of these to next gathering!

Potato donuts?!?! A sweet friend dropped these off to us this morning and I couldn't wait to pen my review. These are the best donuts I've had in a long time. They are SOFT, fluffy, light, and so flavorful. We had six different flavors to try, and all seriously blew me away. My favorites were the miso honey butter and cinnamon crumble. I can't wait to pay them a visit myself to try more of the menu and check out the shop in person!

My favorite food group is donuts so I was beyond excited to try this place. The fact they are made out of potatoes was very intriguing. They did not disappoint! We tried the sour cream doughnut, the maple doughnut, and the chocolate on chocolate doughnut. Maple was by far my favorite! They were all very sweet and moist. The staff was beyond friendly and made us feel so comfortable. We sat in their cute little dining space as a family and enjoyed our Sunday morning donuts. We will definitely be back!

Possibly the best donuts I've had in the city. The shop is cute, service was delightful and friendly, and the coffee was also delicious! Go immediately! Also tried all the flavors and the lemon ricotta was my personal favorite.

Bought a couple donuts at the Evanston farmers market last weekend. Interesting and unique flavors like pistachio, Vietnamese coffee, and apple cider. Texture is light without being crumbly. Cons: the glaze doesn't hold up for the day - it starts to melt by the end of the day (no, I didn't leave the donuts in a hot place). And I would have appreciated some kind of heads up that paying by credit card would result in a 15% service fee! 15 percent! That's more than the tax. 2 donuts ended up costing almost $10. So were they tasty? Yes, but certainly not $10 worth of tastiness.

Top 3 best donuts I've ever had. Miso Honey Butter was excellent. Staff was great too.

The donuts here are SO GOOD. They always have such fun, delicious and creative flavors. My favorite was between the Vietnamese coffee donut and this cookie butter donut. They also do an amazing iced Vietnamese coffee too. The staff was really nice and friendly as well and I can't believe it took me so long to visit this donut shop! Everyone needs to go!!!

I had these for the first time last summer at their little street cart and could NOT stop thinking about them (blueberry goat cheese 100/10), so I tracked them down today to try again They're so fluffy and moist. Love their unique flavors and how often they rotate. Plus the person helping me at the counter was super kind, love downstate donuts

First of all, don't use the map that's showing here if it's still taking you to a place near United Center. That's based upon the incorrect ZIP code that's listed, but hopefully they'll apply the correction I submitted soon. This place is located in Uptown, and it's a great addition to the area. I saw this place in its nascent stages and then saw a story about them in Block Club Chicago and was intrigued! I think it's going well for them based upon my visit because I was there around 10:40 on Sunday and they had only about 15 donuts total left if two different flavors. I got one of each; one called miso honey butter and Italian wedding cake. I liked the Italian wedding cake the best in part because it wasn't as sweet. I don't know what I was expecting of potato donuts but these were sweet (but the Italian, in particular, was not too sweet). They are apparently either mare of mashed potato and/or potato starch instead of flour. They were not as dense as "regular" donuts I've had before which was really a surprise. They were quite pleasant. I asked about the miso honey butter to find out how miso-y it was, and she said really just the seeds in it (and it was true, there wasn't any bean paste flavoring, which is what miso is). When I asked if they rotate flavors, she said that the current flavors will switch with various seasons, but they try to use locally sourced items and they will change several times during the year. Parking is lucky-if-you-find-it along Wilson (I got lucky). However it's downstairs from the Wilson stop on the CTA. I look forward to visiting it again and hopefully trying another flavor or two.

I was excited to try all the unique flavors (brown butter chai, lemon mascarpone, whipped Viet coffee) but was disappointed as you can't taste any of them! If I did a blind taste test they would all taste the same. Like other reviewers have stated, they're also noticeably greasier than you would expect a donut to be. The store itself is very nice and service is friendly.

Adding to my previous review. Downstate Donuts is about a block away from a donut shop whose name rhymes with Man's Donuts. I have now had donuts from both places and Downstate Donuts' are 100% better (and the "other guys'" donuts are pretty good). If you have a choice, get your donuts from Downstate Donuts. Still need to go back on a day when Downstate Donuts has GF donuts. I know they'll be good, the question is will they be very good or superlatively good?

Miso donut was outstanding! Best donuts I've had in my life. If you never have had a potato donut this is the place to get it. Hands down recommend best place in the city for donuts!!!

Amazingly pleasant place. Unrelentingly delightful. The garden sandwich was outstanding. Lemon ricotta donut was super moist and light, very flavorful and balanced. Great coffee.

Stopped into Downstate Donuts while visiting Chicago. Very thick potato donuts. So so good and filling. I had the cinnamon crumble and it was not overly sweet. I also had the classic glazed donut and enjoyed it. I will say the service was way above average. The worker was so kind and had a very positive attitude and greeted us as soon as we walked in the door. She was very helpful because it was our first time visiting. Note-- these flavors may not be available when you visit because they are always changing what they have due to the seasons and ingredients available. There are 4 tables and chairs for dine in seating. They have black coffee available but not a full coffee menu. Overall a great experience. I will for sure visit again and highly recommend for quality donuts. Fair pricing for a quality donut!

I honestly try to stay away from bakery and sweets and donuts stuff like that in general. And tbh never enjoyed donuts in my life until I tried some of this place donuts. Our apartment managing office does grab and go lil events here and there in the building and we had this donut place came in so I had some. It was so so good! Prob first time I enjoyed donuts. Def check their other flavors when I am in the area.

How I have yet to write a review for this place beats me, because I've been here like 10 times already. Simply put, these are the best donuts I've ever had. No competition, no arguments, once I ate a donut from here it just eclipsed every other donut I've ever had. I was a bit wary of the "made with potatoes" moniker, because in my opinion, donuts and potatoes should not be a venn diagram, however these take the best of donuts and the best of potatoes and combine. The outer shell is slightly crispy, giving you a mild crunch, but like the best french fries, the inside is soft, fluffy, and glorious. Even disregarding all the flavor (which you should not), the texture alone is incredible. Then you get to the flavor- which is rich and delicious without being overpowering. I've tried most of the flavors and my favorites are the original sour cream (you can literally see the specks of vanilla bean in this....amazing) and the sea salt chocolate. There's an elusive banana donut that I've seen once (it was sold out) but I really want to try that one. The only downside to downstate is that the donuts are greasy if they sit around too long- they will leak grease through the box, so make sure you don't make the mistake I did of having them sit on your lap for a train ride. I ended up with grease spots on my jeans but I smelled like donuts all day so I'm not sure that it's truly a minus. If you haven't been yet, get there fast, and get there early. You want the best selection and they might still be warm!

Downstate Donuts recently moved into their first brick & mortar location in Uptown which is extremely exciting as a fellow neighbor. I popped in here on a Thursday around lunch after grabbing some lunch at a nearby restaurant. I didn't get the guy's name who helped me out at the front by he was superrrr nice and informative about their donuts, how they're a bit healthier than typical donuts (potato based), and their excitement of now being in the neighborhood. They had some samplings to try which I really enjoyed and it led me to get two different donuts which were both delicious! It seems like they are in their soft opening stages I think and they basically stay open until they run out as of now. Glad to see this business pop up and I'll definitely be back to try some other donut flavors!

I don't think I've ever loved a donut as much as I love the donuts at Downstate Donuts. These are potato donuts and come in a variety of flavors. They always taste fresh and delicious. Crumbly... wonderful...I should stop myself. Everyone in the shop is terribly friendly. The operation is small and the shop's simplicity can only be described as chill. No frills here. When your product is so wonderful you don't need them! Downstate: thank you for opening up, especially on where you did on Wilson - you helped revitalize the uptown business district.

What a treat! Sweet potato donuts were epic and the flavors so good. Couple that with the friendliest service and delicious coffee

Extremely yummy donuts! Come at a premium price, which, at the end of the day, they should. Donuts should be a 1x/week treat. It is a walk in, walk out kinda place. Not a hangout spot.

Great service and surprising variety of offerings. Fresh tamales, what?!? We'll be back

I have not been to their shop, I purchased a bag of donut tots at their local farmers market stand. They are underwhelming, to say the least. I shared them with friends, and they agreed with my assessment. These are heavy in texture and soggy, not airy and light. Other reviews mentioned donuts are crispy outside - the ones I got were not crispy. The flavor of vanilla with sour cream glaze taste just sugary. And when you add the price ($11+tax for 12 tots, pretty much $1/ea) - these just don't worth it.

BEST Doughnuts I've ever had! Very dense and delicious donut while being very moist and decadent unlike any donut I've eaten. They make the most unique flavors and everyone is a delight to eat.

Every donut is so moist and full of flavor. They have really creative and delicious flavor combinations as well. I am so glad this place came to Uptown. Maybe too glad though, because it's always hard to choose just one!

The cinnamon crumble donut and the peanut butter and chocolate donut were delicious. Definitely worth coming to the shop

Wow!! Callabaut Chocolate Cake! I had to catch the Lawrence bus from the Wilson L and used the few minutes I had to scope out the new Chicago location of Downstate Donuts, the new doughnut house which uses potatoes. I asked the owner/manager if they're cake- or yeast-raised doughnuts and they're a style between tbe two. Well, they're just super-delicious -- that's all!

Service was really good. The location was very cute and clean and busy on a Saturday morning. I visited 2/10/24 around 10a. I like the concept of the potato doughnut, but my guess is either the oil temp needed to be a little hotter, or the fry time needed to be a touch longer, to combat the moisture content of the dough. Maybe it was just an off morning, but all 6 doughnuts were decidedly greasy and a little soggy. When I cut cross-sections, there was a consistent visible outer ring where the oil had seeped into the dough. I also feel like the glazes and toppings needed a pinch of salt, as all the flavorings sound exciting, such as vanilla sour cream, cookie butter or chocolate peanut butter, but all tasted a little flatter than I was expecting. I'd come back and give it another chance, and try my friend's favorite next time - the cinnamon crumble doughnut.

These might be the best doughnuts in the city. The potato in them makes them fluffy and delicious. They have unique flavors that will wow you. There was no line so I was helped right away. They have tables so you could sit and do work if you wanted. For sure will be going back!!

Simply delicious. I have been a donut aficionado for some time and my long lost loves have become a thing of the past in quality. Love to find a shop that still focuses on every donut hitting. I have had 8 different donuts here over the last 2 weeks and every one has hit quite hard. Stand outs were for sure the sweet potato maple and the Whipped Viet Coffee but I would eat whatever they put out TBH. Keep killin it yall. Erik

Potato dough like a fluffy cloud of sweetness. Wish they were open more days during the week. Although, maybe that wouldn't be so great for my waistline.

Actually really like these!! You can barely tell they are potatoes. I've tried three flavors now. The first was at donut fest and it was delicious! I believe their original vanilla. The other day I got them from the trolley bike and they were soft and flavorful. I tried the lavender fig and maple sweet potato. I loved the MSP one but the lavender was a bit strong for my preference on the other. Both great texture and good sized. I look forward to trying more flavors! My only negative note is that they didn't keep as well - aka the next day donuts weren't as tasty BUT I still completely recommend!

Good doughnuts but pretty wild there's no bathroom for customers! Spent 20 bucks on doughnuts and no toilet....

I just wanted to check out a new donut spot, and Downstate came up! The seating area looks super cute, and all of the donut flavors looked delicious. I got the Lemon Pistachio Donut, which was delicious. I cannot wait to go back and try more flavors :)

My new favorite donut place in Chicago! I got a half dozen and sampled a number of different flavors and they were all incredibly delicious. These donuts are moist and tender, full of yummy flavor without being overly sweet. I really liked the vanilla sour cream; I'm a sucker for a fairly simple yet perfectly-executed donut. That said, the other flavors were exceptional too. They were super friendly in the shop too! I was told that the potato helps them stay good even longer than regular donuts, so I didn't feel in a rush to finish them all. Which is good because they're worth savoring. I'll definitely be back for more.

Mmmm! Sooo good!! It's the texture for me hahah. The donuts are delicious and I always get the Vietnamese coffee which hits every time!! I appreciate the simplicity of everything like the cafe and coffee options yet all the creativity for the donuts!! The people here are super kind too and it's a very peaceful cafe. I've been here 3 times and I have had a wonderful experience each time.

Best donut EVER! I had the glazed sweet potato. Was so delicious. Only problem- this place needs to be open more hours!

Potato donuts! Ever heard of them? Me neither. Downstate donuts does an amazing job making these unique type of donuts. They're definitely moist, crispy and satisfying at the same time. You should totally try it. The vibe is quiet and chill in the shop. With cute decorations and plants. Nice sunny interior as well. Service was fast, kind, informative. We were even able to taste the coffee before deciding if we wanted to buy it.