World's Best Donuts

Truly excellent donuts! Donut kabob is super cute, and Skizzle stole the show, especially when warm, it's a must-try! Maple long John and chocolate Bismarck were fantastic, too, can't go wrong. Good value and fast, friendly service.

This is a must stop in Grand Marais when going up along Lake Superior. And yes, at least as far as a chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles goes, they are the best in the world. Nice people and quality food well worth a stop

This is a must when visiting Grand Marais. They really are the best donuts. The yeast dough is perfectly light and airy, the texture melts in your mouth. The glazes and icings aren't too sweet and just perfectly flavored. My favorite is the maple long john or the chocolate knot but really, you can't go wrong with any of their delicious baked goods.

Love love love this place and the donuts. Kids love it too. Great location to grab some donuts and go explore. Marked one down for atmosphere because the perk prior to covid was the sitting area inside which is now closed and used for storage. Continue to go back every year. Also, don't forget your donut number 😉

Driving through the area and had to stop here to see if it was true. There was a bit of a line just outside the door but went really quickly. They have a couple gals in there taking orders one after the other. The staff is somewhat friendly. I told her I was going to get a bunch and after naming the 4th one she clicked her tongue and sighed like I was putting her out. I just went on with my order. They were good and if I was in the area again I may stop but wouldn't make special trip. I like the Maple bacon however I do wish it was filled with a custard or something to make it extra special. Coconut cake donut was good and the huge Skizzle elephant ear type treat.

We came here on a summer weekend and the line wasn’t too bad. You basically walk in one door and out the other and it moved along pretty quickly. My 8 year old daughter and I each had a donut on a stick and it was pretty tasty. There was a good selection and everything looked fresh and delicious. Prices are a bit high even for a resort type town but overall I would recommend getting a donut here and enjoying it at the lake as we did!

You'd think a donut is just a donut, but this place might actually have the best donuts I've ever had. The dough is fried and crispy on the bottom, which gives the donut a great texture and flavor. Their other baked goods are also great. 10/10 would recommend the pullapart. Line was long but moved fast.

So this place was highly recommended to me for trying out. You can tell this is a hot spot and a local favorite because there is a constant line into this place. The whole time we were touring this area I was amazed and how many people came here every day. Their service was rushed and the woman that helped us was trying to get through each person as fast as possible. There was no interaction other than a sigh when we asked specific questions about the donuts. Do I think they have the world’s best? No. But what I will say is being a fan of the Bavarian was a hit or miss among the group of us that went, 6. Some of us liked it and others didn’t. Same with their chocolate brand they use for their chocolate on their donut tops. Some of us liked it and others didn’t. We bought multiple types of donuts just to try them and I think you will want to do the same thing. Maybe the Bavarian and chocolate spreads will be different for you? They have a great atmosphere and a constant line, expect a long wait for your donuts.

Great classic donut stop- been operating 56 years! A must stop if you're in town! We got the raised glazed, chocolate, and lemon stuffed. All delicious! 4 donuts for about $10. Take a walk along artists point with your donuts!

Yas! Stopped today to try this place out! The smell was out the door and so was the line! We were able to pick out a few favorite. The maple bacon was incredible. And my son loved the donut kabob. Will be back!

World's best is generous but the cake donut is good. Always a line maybe because it's a donut, maybe because it's the only place open. Coffee is terrible, worse than instant, head to Java Moose for the coffee and grab a donut here if wanting a sweet treat. 3.5 star donut- 2 star coffee- 3 stars all around

Cute little shop with delicious and fresh donuts! It's now our family tradition to stop here each time we're in the area. The tiny shop also has merchandise (shirts and mugs). Service was efficient and there's a separate window for online order pick up.

A local favorite in Grand Marais, be sure to stop here for a sweet treat before heading out for a day of exploring! The glazed donut is phenomenal. I was a fan of the original (great to dip in my morning coffee) and husband loved the crunch of the Maple Bacon Long John. The Skizzles are as large as my large head, and are nice to nibble on in the car or on a hike!

We came here on a summer weekend and the line wasn't too bad. You basically walk in one door and out the other and it moved along pretty quickly. My 8 year old daughter and I each had a donut on a stick and it was pretty tasty. There was a good selection and everything looked fresh and delicious. Prices are a bit high even for a resort type town but overall I would recommend getting a donut here and enjoying it at the lake as we did!

There is just something about this place! The line was pretty long, but I waited maybe 10-15 minutes total to order my donuts. The service was quick and I liked that the choices were simple! Definitely recommend the Bavarian cream donut and eating it over on the walk over to the Lighthouse!

We were excited to come back here after visiting in 1998 on our honeymoon. Man, have things changed. The donuts we had were supposedly filled, but there was barely anything inside. We were RUSHED through by a rude woman who was old enough to know better. It wasn't packed because of the fisherman's festival and all of the options we had. I am sure we have no desire to ever return. There's a bakery just down the street. We will definitely fo there next visit.

Love the selection, atmosphere, and service! Now are the donuts the WORLD'S best... debatable.... but are they the best between Canada and Duluth......100%!!!!! So why not stop!? Love to support local! Love a landmark! And love donuts!!!

World's Best, and living up to its name! This is a Grand Marais staple and everyone knows it - so expect major lines in the morning. If you want to beat the line, go for a little sweet treat after lunch before they close at 3pm. They even have a gluten-free muffin option when we visited! Of course, I had to try a bite of the legendary glazed cake donut and...wow. They are so dang good. You can't go wrong here - awesome cake donut classics, the cutest little stand, and the ambiance of eating your donut and walking out to Artist's Point is just *chef's kiss* A must-stop while in Grand Marais!

Now this place is awesome. I didn't actually go inside or eat here, but am excited for the worlds BEST. Are you kidding me, it HAS to be 5 stars if it is the best. So give it up because this is awesome 5 stars to the best and every other donut isn't as good. The smells were nice. I liked them.

Adorable little donut shop! Go as early as possible!! Once all the donuts are sold, the shop closes and that's that! We got there around noon and the donuts were about halfway gone but we bought a tubby twist, caramel pull apart, and a skizzle. My husband isn't a huge donut fan but he DEVOURED the skizzle & I have to admit it was super delicious! I had my tubby twist in just a few bites and equally yummy! The caramel pull apart was a bit of a disappointment though, it was very dry and tasted stale.

Worlds Best?! Not sure about all that jazz. I'd definitely go with Dang Good Donuts! The Hubs is a huge sweet eater. I have the theory, it better be worth getting fat on or it's not worth eating. We stopped 2 of the 3 mornings for a bag full for him to eat in between hikes (his version of a protein bar). I'll even admit, they go down awful smoothly with a cup of coffee. Cake donuts are my usual pick and the chocolate covered cake donuts could've became a quick obsession. Cute corner shop. Prepare for a longer wait. This place has become legend and for good reason.

On a trip up north we knew World's Best Donuts was on the list of stops. We visited in a Saturday morning before heading out for the day and although there was a bit of a line, it was totally manageable and moved fast. There is both a walk up window to order as well as a small counter inside. We opted to head inside, so we could get a good eye on the donuts as this was our first visit. They also had a variety of souvenirs and media stories posted around the inside. The variety of donut seems to potentially change, but they were frequently bringing more donuts out as the trays were empty. So the risk of something in truly running out was low if you go early enough but seems much more likely during high tourist season and later morning hours. So go early! The hardest part of the visit was actually deciding which donuts to try. The workers shared with some other customers that they were known for their cake donuts but we opted for some others. We tried a filled Bismarck, a twist and a skizzle. Oh my goodness the skizzle was so good. Kind of like an elephant ear crispy but not as crisp and more doughy. It was covered in sugar, so was a bit messy, but worth the mess and not some thing that was easily finished by one person. Both other donuts were equally delicious and super fresh. Our only regret was not visiting a second time during our visit!

Did you even visit grand marais if you didn't go to Worlds Best Donut?! A staple of any up north visit - we love a good donut with a side of friendly and cheerful employees. If they aren't already sold out - maple bacon filled long John always takes the cake for me. Otherwise the plain raises glazed donuts are truly the best for something basic/ maybe a mid hike snack :)

The name speaks for itself! The line was long but so worth the wait! Everyone working was so friendly! You can tell it's a family owned business which makes me love it even more. The cake donuts were so amazing. I could eat 10 and not get sick. The sweetness is perfectly balanced and not too heavy! I can't wait until I can eat these donuts again. They beat the world famous voodoo donuts hands down in my opinion!

We always stop here in our way out of the BWCA, the the donuts and coffee are especially good. Usually busy, indoor seating was closed the last couple of times I was there. The donut never disappoints.

Yes they are!! My favorite place to stop while in town. I love the banana filled chocolate top or a good ole glazed twist! This lil shop is banging out dozens for eager travelers. It's a must stop when in Grand Marais,MN. If the sign shows OPEN you should stop and support this donut shop. A warm fresh donut is a real treat anytime of the day! Enjoy! I Did!!

One of the first family stops we make in Grand Marais is Worlds Best Donuts! They always have a great selection! My favorite is pictured. The kids love a good chocolate sprinkle donut! Right by the water where you can sit and watch the waves with a Java Moose coffee & Worlds Best Donut !

Fresh and hot in the morning can't be beat! Maple Bacon long john's and the coconut topped cake donuts are my personal favorites. Try a skizzle!! Buy a selection and cut them up to sample them all.

Worlds best? Yup! When we planed our trip to Grand Marias this was our breakfast plan. Much to our disappointment, they closed on the 17th for the season, just a couple days before we got there. Well, we woke up, walked outside, saw a line, got super excited! Apparently they had just randomly opened up that day and boy were we happy. The raised glaze was okay, the chocolate one was amazing, but the cake donut....wow. Absolutely amazing. If you're in Grand Marias, give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

Plain glazed cake donut. Just do it. You can thank me later. I showed up at about 12:30 on a Saturday and they were sold out of a lot of the ones I really wanted to try (banana cream Bismarck anyone? Yes please!). I'll have to come back for that one. The plain, glazed cake donut, although not what I came for, was delightful!

Best donuts!! They even have a GF strawberry muffin that was fabulous (not celiac safe).

I really hate to say this, but these were some of the most mediocre donuts I've ever had. I would choose grocery store donuts over these any day, but I'd probably pick these over gas station ones. The shop is a popular destination. We stopped at around 11am on a Saturday in July and waited in line for about 20 minutes before we were able to order. They have a decently sized variety of donuts and weren't sold out of anything when we arrived. They're most well known for their cake donuts, so we tried the cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and chocolate-dipped cake donuts. Unfortunately, both my boyfriend and I found these cake donuts to be our least favorite because of their weird texture (1/5). We also ordered the banana cream bismark with chocolate frosting and the raised glazed donut, both of which tasted pretty okay (3.5/5). If I were traveling along the north shore again, craving a donut, and the line was short, I'd consider coming back here, but otherwise, I'd probably just grab one at a local grocery store.

With a title like "World's Best Donuts," one can't help but have a tremendous amount of expectations for this tiny donut shop in Grand Marais. After trying out a few different donuts here, I *partially* agree with their name. Why? Well, while most of the donuts I tried were good, but not the best, one particular donut - the cinnamon sugar cake donut - stood out above all the rest. In fact, I'd say it's the best cinnamon sugar cake donut I've ever had. If you order just one donut here, make it that one. The Skizzle was...underwhelming. Maybe it's because I prefer cake donuts to yeast donuts, but it tasted like a flat piece of bread with sugar on it. Yes, it's HUGE, but otherwise, there's really nothing about it that makes it special. I would pass on it if you are a cake donut person. The other donuts we tried (all cake) were pretty dang good...maybe not the world's best, but certainly worth ordering. Prices are *insanely cheap* (I've probably spent too much time at fancy upscale donut houses like VooDoo where the going rate is $5-$6 per donut, because the sub-$2 prices seem too good to be true!). Service is quick, and while there are often lines, they move fast.

I eat very few donuts for obvious reasons, like I think the rest of us. However, if you have decided you are going to have a doughnut, go to this place! If you allocated six donuts, a year, then by six here and go sit by the lake and relish, every Taste of this incredible light ( yes that's right) pastry. They are so wonderful.

I had the cake donut with coconut and it's the best cake donut I've ever had!! Coming from someone who used to work in a bakery, that says a lot. My boyfriend had the Bavarian long John and said it was just okay. Definitely recommend trying the cake variety if you swing by here.

I like donuts, especially with black coffee, so of course I would be game to try the world's best donuts. I decided to wait for 15 minutes to see if they were cracked up to what they have been from other reviewers. My consensus, a pretty good cake donut. Not too heavy, good texture, and they don't make you feel full or heavy after eating a couple. Lots of flavors to choose from including the classic cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or chocolate iced cake donut. They also were fresh and hot which totally cannot be beat when it comes to a donut. Are they the world's best? It depends on how many donuts you've eaten in your lifetime but I would say that they make a pretty good donut here in Grand Marais, at least one that satisfys my donut desires.

I gladly support any independent doughnut shop. However, the quality here does not justify the long wait time. The product is decent, but definitely not the world's best. Furthermore, the service was pretty brusque. Come on, a doughnut shop should be a happy place!

They really lived up to the name! Best cake donuts I've had! Slight crisp to the outer layer and the cake literally melts in your mouth. Also don't miss out on the turnovers. The flakey crust is excellent and definitely another pastry to add to your order! Definitely recommend grabbing these while in Grand Marais!

It's a great name, possibly the world's best. That said, the product is more like world's okay-est donuts. Don't get me wrong. They're definitely good. The staff are friendly and the price is right. They didn't, however, have anything that really made the stand out above others, aside from the location, which is pretty amazing. Rather standard flavors in both raised and cake. I was torn between 3 & 4 stars - I rounded up since the donuts really were fresh, well-priced & the marketing clever.

This is not like the coffee shop in the movie ELF! Truly they are the World's best donuts. Classic, local, seasonal shop! I am not someone who needs colors, sparkles and excessive adornments on my donut. A good old fashion or glazed are my favorites!! Important tip! Write your name next to a number on the sheets hanging up. Record or remember your number and when you come in the following year your donut is FREE!! Worlds BEST Donuts and beautiful views, hiking and shopping in the gem that is Grand Marais

Came here before hiking in grand Marais. There is a line and outdoor seating. Really good prices and they passed out free spizzle in line. Cinnamon sugar Cake - one of the best cake donuts I have ever had. Not dense and really moist. Skizzle - crispy and soft on the inside. Nice oil flavor Raised glaze - soft, not too sweet, standard Apple turnover - sweet and flakey crust, could have had a more buttery flavor Chocolate knot - drier than the raised Unfilled maple long john - strong maple flavor Chocolate banana cream bismark - artificial banana cream flavor Come here for the cake donuts. The best yeast one is the spizzle

Fantastic donuts. Visited in early afternoon and they were fresh and tasty as can be. A must visit in Grand Marais!

Are they the World's Best Donuts? Maybe. I've been coming here for 40 years and I think so. The location is definitely part of it. If I'm in Grand Marais, I stop here. Every time. I will say that their absolute best donut is the PLAIN cake donut. The texture is amazing. Wonderfully crispy outside, soft inside and it's not diabetes-inducing sweet. The glazed and even dusted cake donuts lose the crispy texture. Try the PLAIN cake donut. Trust me.

Concerned about this place selling out, my mom and I headed over at 7:30 AM only to find a long line. It moved quickly and it helps if you predetermine what donuts you want, so you're not standing there stupefied at the selection. Donuts are tasty and warm. Take yours to java moose on the beach and enjoy the morning.

If I could give them 6 stars I would. When you name your place "worlds best..." you've set yourself in some lofty company, but they totally deliver. The donuts are airy and fluffy in the inside, while the outside is soft and almost crispy. The Celebration Kabob was like a party in my mouth! The line can get a bit long depending on your time of day, but ordering online can be a lifesaver if you plan ahead.

This is one of the places we really look forward to when we are planning a trip to Grand Maria's! Delicious Fresh Donuts! Don't miss their traditional cake donuts. Get there early (but not before us). They close when they run out of donuts for the day. There isn't a lot of room to eat in, but their are so many beautiful spots around, that isn't a worry. Just take your donuts to go. Long term locally owned business, not to miss!

Someone told me that I can't miss World's Best Donuts when in Grand Marais. Definitely worth it. Cake donuts with a crispy outside. We got a variety and I liked the chocolate dipped the best. I plan to return when back in the area.

I mean, they're good, maybe even great donuts. I have to say that because my mom made the world's best donuts! Wouldn't drive to Grand Marais just for them but, if you're in town, you have to get some!

Tradition tradition tradition this place is going on its 5th generations. Donuts are something special. Just a little step back in history plus cute and quaint. Another fun tidbit is they have coffee cups with customer name tags on the all over the walls so you can use your own cup. Just plain cute and tasty

Decent raised donuts- the cake donuts were better than the glazed in my opinion. They had a cinnamon thing that was really not the best. We got there late in the day so not much choice was left. Would love to try some other options!!

The donut doesn't disappoint! I love the cinnamon and sugar donut. It's crispy outside and light/cakey inside. Love it!

Best plain donuts, my favorite!!! Awesome taste and not greasy at all!!!Our first stop before our hikes in Grand Marie!!

BEST DONUTS EVER!!! Chet's best is hands down my favorite donut ever! Worth the wait every single time!

The lost art of homemade doughnuts is alive and well. The baker even served me 5 minutes before they opened. I came back with warm, out-of-the-oven, french crullers and cinnamon sugar varieties. Good thing, cause the line was down the sidewalk every other time I walked by.

I ordered a strawberry Roly poly and it didn't taste the same as I remember years back. These were my favorite...they were big, fluffy, and melted in your mouth. This time, the texture was flat and the taste was mediocre. I don't know what changed, but it didn't taste the same.

The cake donuts are better than others. Be prepared for the long line. One line goes to the inside which you can pick whatever you want. One line goes to a window which order & pick up. Overall, it's sweet treat while in Grand Marais.

Best donuts great price if I know someone going to Grand Marais I will place a donut order. I live 55 miles from them so it's a long drive for donuts but they are worth it.