Donut Friar in Gatlinburg Named as the Best Donuts in Tennessee
Your favorite donut shop has been given the title of “Best Donuts in Tennessee.” Multiple publications have agreed that the best donuts in Tennessee are hidden in the Donut Friar! Find out why they chose the Donut Friar in Gatlinburg as having the best donuts and why you’ll fall in love with this donut shop too.
Best Donuts in Tennessee
In the article, “The Best Donuts in Tennessee are Hiding in This Smoky Mountain Shop,” Southern Living talks about the Donut Friar in Gatlinburg and what makes this little shop so special. Not only is it the only original shop still in The Village Shops, it’s the second oldest continuously run family-owned food establishment in Sevier County! For over 50 years, the Donut Friar has been serving its delicious treats for both visitors and locals to enjoy. When you visit this donut shop, you’ll find “perfect powdered cake donuts, French crullers, Bavarian cream-filled wonders, cinnamon twists, chocolate glazed, coconut coated, and rainbow-sprinkle covered treats.” Not only do they have the best donuts in Tennessee, but the shop also offers cinnamon bread, eclairs, danishes, croissants, and even date bars. It’s no surprise why Southern Living named the Donut Friar as home to the best donuts!
The Southern Living article stated, “If you’re looking for the best donuts in the Smoky Mountains — if not the South — head over to Gatlinburg and fill up.”
About the Donut Friar
June 2019, the Donut Friar celebrated its 50-year anniversary. It was the first shop to ever open in The Village. Every morning at 5 a.m., the smell of freshly made donuts and coffee drift out the doors of this small shop. The shop has a wide variety of donuts that are made each morning. From traditional glazed donuts and crullers to coconut delight and chocolate chipper. If you’re not in the mood for donuts, try one of their famous cinnamon rolls or slices of cinnamon bread. The cinnamon bread tends to sell out early, so don’t miss out!
The shop also has a coffee bar with coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, and other espresso-based drinks. Each of the donuts range from $0.97 to $1.19, so you can enjoy an affordable treat with a cup of coffee for under $5!
You can find the Donut Friar in The Village Shops right behind the fountain! The Village is near traffic light #6 in downtown Gatlinburg behind the Pancake Pantry.
Other Sweet Shops at The Village
The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg isn’t the only shop you’ll find in The Village that will satisfy your sweet tooth! Here are a few other places you can visit for a treat:
The Village Cafe & Creamery: The Village Cafe & Creamery is an old-fashioned soda shop that has everything from delicious ice cream, to coffee, to slushies! When you’re craving something sweet, this is one of the best places to go. If you want both coffee and ice cream, try their affogato — ice cream with chocolate sauce topped with a shot of espresso.
Coffee & Company: Coffee & Company is Gatlinburg’s oldest roasting coffee shop! You can get everything from handcrafted cappuccinos to hot chocolates. Choose from a variety of delicious pastries to go alongside your drink!
Pop Culture: If you’re in the mood for a snack, head to Pop Culture! This shop specializes in handcrafted small batch gourmet popcorn. Their old fashioned caramel corn is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!
The Cheese Cupboard: While The Cheese Cupboard does specialize in imported and domestic cheese from Switzerland and Germany, they do have decadent chocolates imported as well! Enjoy a meal in The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant on the second floor, then get some chocolates to take home with you for dessert.
Now that you know where you can find the best donuts in Tennessee, we bet you can’t wait to visit the Donut Friar in Gatlinburg! Check out more places to eat in Gatlinburg, then plan your trip.
