Polar Donuts
1111 N. Meridian Ave.polardonuts.com
946-7448
The folks at Polar Donuts are so sure of their product that they are willing to let you sample one for free. They will even let you come trade in your sad, storebought dozen for a dozen of theirs. What do they do with the discarded dozen? Is there a wall of shame? They also have given some of their treats a humorous name update. The traditional bear claw is now the Strong Pimp Hand. Get one in your kung-fu grip and youll be set.
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Missys Donuts and Bakery
1122 N. Wentz St., Guthrie260-0603
Its not certain what the exact recipe is for the exquisite donuts created at Missys, but the confections are so delicious they are definitely worth the trip. The melt-in-your mouth glazed are worthy of any comparison to a certain national chain, and it offers an assortment of other sweet treats and breads. In addition to doing fabulous business at the crack of dawn, it also has a selection of soups and sandwiches come lunchtime.
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Daylight Donuts
8900 S. Western Ave.daylightdonuts.com
631-6202
This now-statewide brand got its start in Tulsa in 1954 when husband and wife Tommy and Lucille Day set out to create a new doughnut. Their light, doughy perfection was a success. The chain now has 900 stores, including locations in China and Romania. It has long been a state favorite for its perfect old-fashioned and its sausage rolls, which are a savory, easily portable treat that complements the sugary goodness.
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Republic Gastropub
5830 N. Classen Blvd.republicgastropub.com
286-4577
For those not familiar with what homemade doughnuts taste like, this is a brilliant introduction. The doughnuts at Republic are closer to what most would consider an old fashioned in most modern doughnut shops and are the perfect size. Each one is rolled in sugar with just a hint of cinnamon and spice and is accompanied by three dipping sauces chocolate, caramel and fruit. The sauces are worth the trip alone.
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Kitchen No. 324
324 N. Robinson Ave.kitchen324.com
763-5911
Kitchen No. 324 made waves with an interpretation of the famous Cronut made by the Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City which it called a Joenut after the pastry chef, Joe. The confection is a fried, laminated dough with a variety of fillings and flavors. If you are late to the game, its traditional cake donuts are a perfect balance of light and doughy. Or keep it simple and try classic flavors like blueberry and cinnamon-sugar.
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Gourmet Donut
518 N. Porter Ave., Norman310-3781
If you wonder how delicious the offerings at Gourmet Donut are, consider this: it has college students getting up early. Normanites know what the rest of us are just finding out: its worth the trip. There will be a wait, and you should have a fallback option. Choosing shouldnt be hard; everything is great. Try the special of the day. And you can never go wrong taking the Homer Simpson route and getting the classic frosted with sprinkles.
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Browns Bakery
1100 N. Walker Ave.facebook.com/browns-bakery
232-0363
This OKC landmark was Midtown before it was well, Midtown. Local before it was cool, this landmark has been serving up its perfect confections since 1946. Come for the doughnuts, especially the glazed cake ones, and stay for the wide variety of treats, including breads and sausage rolls, which are some of the best in town. Browns offers a wide selection of cakes and cookies and also fills orders for any occasion.