The Donut Diary: Deep Diving Our Local Donut Legends
Three of the Best Donut Shops in Clay
This has been the most difficult review to write. It was so hard to determine which donut was greater than another. I think I gained 5 pounds for the experiment. It didn’t help that I was testing these around my birthday, on top of the other goodies I celebrated with.
So we are looking at three of my favorite Donut Shops in Middleburg and Orange Park. Love Donuts and Smoothies, Daily Donuts and Parlor Doughnuts.
Love Donuts and Smoothie is located in the heart of Middleburg. Their menu includes (besides donuts): Breakfast sandwiches, Breakfast Burritos, Kolaches, Smoothies, and Coffee. Their doughy delights are tender and lightly sweet. Fried to a golden perfection. They are better than their commercial competitor, Dunkin. For the review, I only tried the glazed, but I have had several of their other flavors on occasion. I should have had 2 because I ate it so quickly, I didn’t get to enjoy it and describe it better. The day I went in, they had specialty flavors with a KitKat on top, Oreos, and Fruity Pebbles. Apple fritters and jelly-filled are always top-notch. You really can’t go wrong with any choice.
They are open daily from 4 am - 2 pm. 2475 Blanding Blvd, Middleburg, FL 32068 No Website available, but they do have a Facebook page: Love Donuts and Smoothie Middleburg
Daily Donuts is located near Moosehaven on 17 in Orange Park. Their menu includes (besides donuts): Breakfast Sandwiches, Kolaches, Boba tea and Coffee. I arrived in the later morning after the early rush so there was not a big variety on some of the specialty donuts. Daily’s glazed gems are so pillowy that when I cut it in half, it squished like memory foam. It melted in my mouth like cotton candy. You really should eat 2 to equal 1 donut! The color of Daily’s donuts are much paler in comparison to their rival in Krispy Kreme. I can see now why they don’t top the donuts with heavy frostings and candy decorations because they would fall apart. Which is still a great complaint because they are perfect the way they make them!
They are open M - F | 4:30 am - 1 pm and Sat & Sun | 6 am - 1 pm. They are on a schedule, and if they sell out, then they close early! 1513 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 No website available, but they do have a Facebook page: Daily Donuts
Parlor Doughnuts. Ahhhh. The sugar for my soul. This is my absolute favorite place. Technically, they have Cronuts (Croissant+Donut). They have so many topping choices. You want to make sure you check out the menu ahead of time. Don’t worry if you don’t see it in the case; they will make it fresh for you! I admit I did NOT try the Plain Jane here. I honestly don’t even know if it has glaze. When you see these succulent bakery confections, you will not want a plain donut. I ordered the Caramel Bliss, and yes, it was bliss. These are very big. Even I don’t eat a whole one in one sitting. I am super excited about the new Savory Doughnut menu that has launched, including flavors like Chicken Bacon Ranch and Hawaiian BBQ Chicken! They begin serving these daily at 11 am.
Parlor offers Vegan, keto, and gluten-friendly doughnuts. $3.95 each. $47.40 for a dozen. Does your dog need a treat? Pawlor Donuts are $2.95 each. Also included on the menu are Refreshers, Coffees, Teas, Energizers, and Breakfast.
They are open M - F | 6:30 am - 5 pm and Sat & Sun | 7 am - 4 pm Check out the menu at https://www.parlordoughnuts.com/ 1524 County Road 220 #4, Fleming Island, Florida 32003
I hope you have enjoyed this treat of a review as much as I have. Perhaps it will spark some interest in trying a new place or even a new flavor if you have already been to one of these wonderful establishments! They all have happy, helpful staff, which is more than I can say for Dunkin or Krispy Kreme. I think because they are truly excited to help you enjoy their creations!
Stay tuned for more tasty reviews in our midst. As always, check out what other Clay Residents are eating around town at What Clay REALLY Eats!