Donuts hold a special place in Charleston, SC. The city’s donut scene is full of quirky shops and unexpected flavors, so whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s always a new spot to try—or a familiar favorite to revisit.
The best donuts in Charleston come from bakeries that put real care into their recipes and ingredients. Classic glazed? Sure. But you’ll also find all sorts of playful and seasonal creations. If you love donuts, Charleston’s got something that’ll probably hit the spot.
1) BKeDSHoP
BKeDSHoP is the kind of place where you can actually taste the difference—donuts here are made fresh each day, with a soft, chewy brioche dough that’s just a little richer than your average. The menu’s always shifting, with glazes and toppings that change depending on the season (or maybe just the baker’s mood).
They’re thoughtful about their options, too—vegan donuts are on the menu, and the coffee isn’t an afterthought. Espresso, cold brew, you name it, and it’s all from local roasters. If tea’s your thing, they’ve got that, too.
Planning a gathering? They cater, and people seem to really like the experience, whether it’s in-shop or at your event. It’s not just about the donuts—it’s about making your morning (or afternoon) a little brighter. You can check out their pleasant experience yourself.
Location: 99 Westedge St Suit 1950, Charleston, SC 29403
2) WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP
Weltons Tiny Bakeshop is tucked away on King Street, and it’s one of those places you stumble on and immediately want to tell your friends about. The vibe is simple and cozy, and everything feels homemade in the best way.
Zachary and Hannah, the owners, bring a lot of heart to their baking. Their background in wood-fired kitchens and their time in Mexico show up in bold flavors and their use of fresh produce. You’ll find a little bit of that global inspiration in the menu.
There’s a market feel here, too—local ingredients and hand-crafted everything. If you’re into artisanal treats, this is your spot. Locals love it, and honestly, it’s a pretty easy place to become a regular.
Location: 682 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
3) DonutMakes
DonutMakes in Summerville is honestly just a fun place to grab a donut. The selection is bigger than you’d expect, with both classic and offbeat flavors. People seem to rave about the coffee, too, so it’s a solid spot for breakfast or a late-morning pick-me-up.
The vibe is laid-back, and the staff makes you feel welcome. It’s not a huge shop, but they really focus on making sure every donut is good—and folks notice. You’ll find something new on the menu pretty often, so if you’re nearby, it’s worth popping in.
Location: 205 Grandview Dr unit h, Summerville, SC 29483
4) Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts is all about the made-to-order experience. You pick your toppings and glazes, and they whip it up right in front of you—so yes, your donut is always warm. It’s a little bit of a choose-your-own-adventure, and that’s half the fun.
There’s coffee, ice cream, and other sweet treats on the menu too. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere feels relaxed—kind of like you’re hanging out at a friend’s place. The menu rotates with the seasons, so you’re never bored.
Location: 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd STE 16B, Charleston, SC 29407
5) Mercantile & Mash
Mercantile & Mash isn’t just a bakery—it’s kind of a mashup (no pun intended) of coffee bar, butcher, wine shop, and market. But let’s focus on the donuts: the pastry section is a hidden gem, with fresh treats baked each day.
The place is inspired by travel but manages to keep the focus on Charleston’s flavors. Being inside the old Cigar Factory gives it some real character, too. They highlight local and regional products, so you’re getting a little taste of Charleston with every bite.
There’s a chef’s counter, a grab-and-go menu, and even a space for games. It’s casual, friendly, and honestly, just a good time whether you’re in for a quick snack or hanging out for a while.
Location: 701 E Bay St Suite 100-1, Charleston, SC 29403
6) The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery, right on King Street, has been a go-to since 2017 for those who want something a little cozier. The place just feels good—like you could sit with a coffee and a pastry and lose track of time.
Their menu’s got all the usual suspects: pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and toasts with housemade bread. Lunch brings in salads and sandwiches made from whatever’s in season. The bakery case is always stocked with sweet and savory things—cookies, bars, breads—that are all made in-house.
They really lean into southern-sourced ingredients—think local rye flour, honey, and whatever else they can get their hands on. The Harbinger is about community and comfort, and it’s a great spot to unwind, whether you’re alone or catching up with friends. Try their homemade treats, you won’t regret it.
Location: 1107 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
7) WildFlour Pastry
WildFlour Pastry is one of those bakeries where you walk in and instantly know you’ll find something good. Pastries, cakes, pies, and—of course—donuts, all with that unmistakable homemade touch.
They’ve got a brunch menu and recently started offering a savory option, which is kind of a nice change if you’re not always in the mood for sweet. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors who want something a little more special than your average donut. The space feels homey and relaxed—perfect for a casual treat.
If you’re planning ahead, they’re even open on Easter Sunday for a few hours in the morning, so you can grab something fresh for the holiday. Fresh flavors are kind of their thing.
Location: 1750 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
8) Annie’s Hot Donuts
Annie’s Hot Donuts in Mt Pleasant is where you go if you want your donut piping hot and just a little bit different. They do classics, sure, but also have some wild flavors you probably won’t see elsewhere. Everything’s made fresh, and you can pick your glaze and toppings.
The party room is a hit with families—kids can make their own donuts and play while the adults relax (and don’t have to worry about the mess). There’s a partnership with Charleston Coffee Roasters, so the coffee’s legit, too.
They really lean into local ingredients, which makes the whole thing feel a bit more personal. Whether you’re there for breakfast or a celebration, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to come back.
Location: 1247 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
9) BKeDSHoP
BKeDSHoP’s Mt Pleasant location keeps things consistent with daily-fresh donuts and a focus on that rich, chewy brioche dough. The flavors and glazes change up often, so there’s always something new to try.
Vegan options are available, and they take their coffee seriously—espresso drinks, drip, whatever you need to get your morning going. The staff is friendly, and people seem to appreciate the attention to detail.
Catering is available if you want to bring their donuts to your next event. All in all, it’s a solid choice for anyone searching for friendly service and quality pastries in Mt Pleasant.
Location: 3540 Park Ave Blvd Building 5 Unit 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
10) Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme’s one of those places you just know, whether you’re a donut fanatic or just craving something sweet with your coffee. They’ve got the classics (that glazed ring, you know the one) and a handful of specialty donuts that rotate in and out. You can grab a coffee or even a frozen drink if you’re feeling fancy—it’s a go-to pit stop for a sugar rush or a mid-morning break in Charleston.
Doors open early, 6:00 AM, which is pretty great if you’re an early riser or just hungry. Most days, they’re open until 10:00 PM, though Fridays and Saturdays stretch an hour longer. And hey, if you spot that famous “hotlight” on, it means the donuts are fresh out of the fryer—definitely the best time to swing by.
Inside, it’s bright and inviting, with that familiar chain vibe that somehow feels comforting. Krispy Kreme’s been at this since 1937, starting out in North Carolina, so you’re biting into a little history every time.
Location: 1491 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC
What Makes Charleston Donuts Unique
So, why do Charleston donuts hit different? It’s a mix of local Southern flavors and some fun, inventive baking tricks. There’s just something about the way they pull in regional ingredients and play around with the recipes—you end up with a donut that doesn’t taste like it could be from anywhere else.
Southern Flavors and Ingredients
You’ll notice Charleston bakers love using ingredients that feel right at home in the South. Sweet potato, for example, pops up in cake donuts, spiced up and cozy. Those flavors are pure nostalgia if you grew up around here, or just a pleasant surprise if you didn’t.
They’re not shy with the cinnamon or nutmeg either, and they’ll work in local produce whenever they can get it. The result? Donuts that are spiced just right, with a sweetness that’s never over the top.
Fresh, seasonal ingredients keep things lively and make every bite feel a little bit special—something you can’t always get with mass-produced sweets.
Innovative Baking Techniques
A lot of Charleston donut shops make their donuts as you order, so you’re getting them warm and pillowy-soft. There’s a real focus on toppings, too—sometimes the donut itself is simple, but the glazes and crunchy bits they pile on bring the wow factor.
Some places stick with classic frying, while others experiment with new methods to get that perfect texture. It’s not unusual to see shops offering all sorts of custom combos, so you can mix and match glazes, sprinkles, and fillings until you land on something that hits just right.
Tips for Enjoying Donuts in Charleston
If you’re chasing the perfect donut, timing matters. Go early for the best picks, and if you’re a coffee person, don’t be afraid to experiment with pairings. Sometimes the right cup can make a good donut taste even better.
Best Times to Visit Local Shops
Most of the top spots open right around sunrise, give or take. If you want the freshest batch and the widest selection, aim to get there soon after they open. Some places only make a certain number of their specialty flavors each day, so sleeping in might mean missing out.
Weekdays are generally less hectic than weekends. If you can, avoid the late morning rush or afternoons when the lines get wild and the shelves start to empty. Shops in high-traffic areas can sell out even faster—so yeah, it pays to know the schedule.
Pairing Donuts With Coffee
Coffee and donuts—it’s classic, but there’s still room to get creative. A yeast-raised glazed donut goes down easy with a black coffee or a mellow latte, letting the sweetness shine without overdoing it. If you’re into bolder donuts, like something filled or extra rich, try it with a shot of espresso to cut through the sugar.
Flavored coffees can be fun, too. Vanilla coffee with a spiced donut? Pretty great combo. And honestly, there’s just something about having your donut with a hot cup rather than iced—it brings out the flavors more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston has a surprising number of donut shops—some stick to the classics, others love to mix things up with new flavors or cater to special diets. There’s honestly something for everyone.
What is the top-rated donut shop in Charleston, SC?
BKeDSHoP usually gets a lot of love for its quality and variety. Duck Donuts is another favorite, especially if you like your donuts made fresh while you watch.
Where can I find unique donut flavors in Charleston?
DonutMakes and Mercantile & Mash are good bets if you’re on the hunt for something a little out of the ordinary.
Are there any locally-owned donut shops in Charleston?
Yep! WELTONS TINY BAKESHOP and BKeDSHoP are both local spots, and you can really taste the difference in their small-batch, handmade approach.
Is there a place that offers gluten-free or vegan donuts in Charleston?
You’ll find gluten-free and vegan options at places like Mercantile & Mash, though what’s available can change, so it’s worth checking ahead.
What bakery in Charleston has the best selection of freshly made donuts?
Duck Donuts is a go-to for donuts made right when you order. BKeDSHoP also keeps things fresh and offers a solid range every day.
Can I find a donut shop in downtown Charleston that’s open early?
You sure can—BKeDSHoP and Duck Donuts both have spots downtown, and they open up pretty early. If you’re craving fresh donuts with your morning coffee, they’re worth checking out.
