The first Friday of June is declared National Donut Day, a “holiday” with roots dating back to World War I. This year, taking place on June 4, the day is devoted to the soft, sweet and sometimes sticky allure of the delicious donut. Home to a handful of donut destinations, Rochester is the perfect place to celebrate this scrumptious holiday. 

Use this guide to try one – or all – of the mouthwatering options available. You donut want to miss out!

 

RoCoCo Coffee Co.
Located inside the Mercantile on Main, Rochester’s first food hall and one of the largest in Upstate New York, RoCoCo serves gourmet coffee and pastries – including tasty cronuts - a cross between a croissant and a donut. This flakey, doughy, sugar dusted donut is sourced from another local small business, Amazing Grains, and the perfect way to start your day. Grab a treat and a seat inside the urban eatery, which was once Sibley’s Department Store, the largest department store between New York and Chicago when it opened in 1939.

Ridge Donut
This mom-and-pop eatery serves breakfast all day – as well as its delicious pastries: donuts (of course), breads, brownies, cookies and more. Ridge Donut has not only perfected traditional flavors, but they also like to put a twist on them. Try the Peanut Butter Jelly filled donut or their rotating lineup of flavorful rolls, like their Chocolate Raspberry Oreo Roll. Check in regularly to see what they have cooking for any upcoming holiday or celebration.

Visit on National Donut Day for the unveiling of an additional exclusive donut flavor to their lineup!  

Donuts Delite
Serving donuts from recipes dating back to 1958, Donuts Delite is known for the original Cannoli Donut filled with fresh cannoli cream and chocolate chips, their large “lobster-sized” apple fritters, and logo donuts – such as the famous Doc Donut with a picture of Dr. Fauci that became popular in 2020 and was even mentioned on Jimmy Kimmel! 

On National Donut Day, take home a free mini cannoli donut with any purchase, while supplies last. 

We also recommend a stop at 1872 Café during your donut-eating excursion. Not only can you purchase treats supplied by Donuts Delite, but this historic-themed café was also the location of the polling place where Susan B. Anthony illegally voted in the 1872 presidential election. Note the bronze ballot box outside, where she placed her famous vote.

Dukes Donuts
This donut shop is located in the Rochester Public Market on Saturdays. Although their menu is modest with just two options, it can be difficult to make up your mind! The Apple Cider Cinnamon Donut is created from scratch on site, covered in hard sugar and served warm. Step aside glazed donut, The Raised Donut is known as “fluffy & flaky” and “melt in your mouth good.” You can’t go wrong by ordering either option, made fresh in front of you! 

Golden Harvest Bakery & Café
At a new location on Jefferson Road (re-opening soon), this quaint country bakery is family-run using family recipes and American Sign Language-friendly. Their bakery case is filled with from-scratch baked goods and donuts made fresh every morning. Flavors range from Maple Bacon and Cannoli to Blueberry Apple Fritters and traditional Cinnamon Rolls. A separate vegan selection is available in a variety flavors, appealing to those with food allergies. 

Cider Donuts
Along with the changing colors of fall comes another tasty take on the fry cake: cider donuts. You can sink your teeth into this seasonal delicacy at the fall farms around the area, including: