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Duck Donuts
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for Duck Donuts
Review Highlights
"My favorites- strawberry and cinnamon sugar."
(in 8 reviews)
"No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without a trip to..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Donuts made to order, old fashioned style."
(in 4 reviews)
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Jacob C.
Charlotte, NC
10/2/2011
Last month I was on vacation in Duck and read about Duck Donuts. Never having tried a homemade donut I went in not knowing what to get. So I was a bit surprised when all they had was cake donuts, but you can add toppings. Leaving with a plain, cinnamon/sugar and one with chocolate syrup topped with coconut flakes. I bit into the plain donut and nearly melted into my car seat. It was so warm, moist, flavorful without being overally sweet. The cinnamon and sugar donut was equally as good. By this time i was full, I told my mom she could have the last one but to save me a bite. I noticed it still sitting in the container untouched hours later, so I ate it.
I look forward to trying homemade cake donuts in Charlotte, but it will be hard to top Duck Donuts! -
Review from Lisa M.
9/25/2011
The best doughnuts I've ever had. Going back to Dunkin Donuts after this is like picking up a street hooker after spending the night with a high class call girl. Just can't be done.
The genus in the plan is that they only make one type of of cake doughnut and then cover it in different glazes and toppings, made to order. You create your own heaven and get it nice and warm.
My personal favorites was the strawberry and maple glazes and then topped with rainbow jimmies. I'm about 1% lying when I say I would take a 6 hour car trip from Pennsylvania just for one. -
Review from Corey B.
8/22/2011
YUM!
I have been eager to try Duck Donuts for a while and was very happy when I finally could. They were everything I'd been hoping for and more. Sure, there aren't a ton of options but that's kind of the point. The donuts were fresh, the service was quick and everyone was friendly. This store was very well staffed and it didn't suffer the issues that the Kitty Hawk store did later in my trip. Our donuts were fresh out of the fryer and still hot an hour later.
The parking lot is SMALL and fills up quickly so know this if you are really hoping for one during peak hours.
Go here for: a good donut, take kiddos to
Don't go here for: dinner, they close up early! -
Review from Chad E.
8/9/2011
What does a duck have to do with a donut? Not a thing. The chain in question just happened to start in tiny Duck, a town in the Outer Banks, and it makes for a cute mascot. Beyond that, it means nothing.
As to the place - I have had better. Many, many times. Now if you are a fan of donuts (or doughnuts, if that is your fancy), then you may be familiar with a number of preparation techniques in this area of the country, notably the hot variety that come off of the assembly line from Krispy Kreme. Those light and melty pieces of heaven will put these to shame. I do like the maple - something that most options in these parts do not generally offer.
Heck, even the similar beast that you can find at most any fair or festival can do so as well. But if you are familiar only with Dunkin Donuts or some other chain who makes theirs and sits them in a case, where you get to partake only after they are several hours old? These are much better. Just do not expect much from the place itself - they have a tiny donut-making machine and a case where you can get a drink, and that is about it! -
Review from MEREDITH C.
Bensenville, IL
8/18/2011
I came down the stairs of our beautiful rented house to find out that my boyfriend's sister had ventured out to Duck Donuts. I cannot speak to the price or storefront as I did not see either. However, I can speak to the taste: AH-MAZING!
I'm not a huge donut eater, but there's something absolutely amazing about a warm, yummy, sweet thing that melts in your mouth. The chocolate sprinkle one is the most amazing.
Enjoy! -
Review from Scott F.
7/11/2011
Holy awesome donut!
If you're going in the summer on vacation to OBX you better get these donuts at least one morning. Made right as you order, they will never be stale when you order and they will always be hot, soft and the toppings will be added immediately after the donuts are made. We went at 8am on a Tuesday and only had a small wait. 4 dozen donuts lasted 15 adults less than an hour to polish off. I recommend the chocolate dipped donuts. Sooooo great! -
Review from Mickey L.
Jenkintown, PA
8/22/2011
Cool seeing the donuts made right in front of you. Not cool when you realize the sweet treat you're about to eat is essentially fried bread. I mean, other places you can PRETEND that doughnuts aren't THAT bad for you.
At duck donuts, they make the good ole fashioned hole in the middle variety. No fillings. You pick the toppings (e.g. Glaze, cinnamon sugar, chocolate). And they are amazing little circles of beachy goodness.
Staffed by competent, friendly kids when we went.
Two snaps up and a circle. -
Review from Adam T.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/30/2011
I read all of the 4 and 5 star reviews and figured that I had to try this place. We are at the end of our 1 week vacation on the OBX so I got up this morning to head over and pick up 2 dozen donuts for everyone at the house.
The location is small, which is fine, and the staff is very friendly. However, I don't think that the donuts actually warrant a 4 or 5 star rating. They are cake donuts and yes, they are made fresh in front of you, but that is about it. The glaze and toppings are nothing special. I ordered a wide variety of the glazes and we really only found 1 or two that were better than average.
Finally, the price... $12 for a dozen is high when compared to normal standards, but my guess is that they are capitalizing on the captive market of the Outer Banks and all of the tourists.
I am glad I tried it, but this is definitely not a 'must have' when visiting OBX. -
Review from Andrew V.
6/3/2011
I wish there were more stars to give this place but sadly five is the limit. And as I begin to type this my mouth is already watering.
I had visited the Outer Banks last year for a destination wedding. It was my first time in the region so I had no clue what to expect. I quickly realized this was no Myrtle Beach. Usually in the earlier part of the afternoon I would cruise down the one and only highway to look around and see what was up in this town. Myself, I am a shopper so I'll go pretty much anywhere that I can spend money. Anyway I kept seeing signs for Duck Donuts. Obviously I knew what they sold, I'm not a moron but I wondered why they needed so many.
One morning on my way back through town I stopped for gas and noticed one right by me so I figured what the hell I'm hungry to lets go. After that it's almost a blur. What I mean is I feel like when I walked into the door I truly saw heaven. The smell of warm donuts being made right in front of my eyes. This was no Dunkin' Donuts with their mysteriously appearing donuts. At Duck Donuts they cake donuts are made right in front of your eyes. You know how long they've been sitting out because you watch them pull the donut from the conveyer.
On the board is their flavor listing which including maple, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. I'm sure there were a few more but that is all I needed to see. I purchased a set of three and what is great is they dip them fresh, right in front of you so again you know it's not old. I've never tasted anything better in my life since. I ate all three in my car in one sitting like a true fatty. I went back every morning that I was at the beach and I wish like crazy I had a reason other than donuts to go to the Outer Banks. I'm not sure they're worth a 10 hour drive but if you're in the area you'd be stupid not to go. And if you do go, please pick me up a dozen. Thanks. -
Review from Mark D.
Washington, DC
8/24/2011
I was a little disappointed in the selection of toppings and donuts after seeing advertisements that said "made to order". They had roughly eight different glazes including chocolate, powder, and lemon as well as 10 dry toppings like sprinkles and peanuts. Even with the limited toppings the donuts were very good. They were the cake type with a nice crisp outside. If your out for donuts I would defiantly try this place.
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Review from Mj E.
Needham, MA
9/16/2011
FRESH, HOT donuts!
The donuts are cake donuts. Admittedly, I've had tastier donuts, but the key here is you get them right off the line. You aren't going to get fresher donuts anywhere. Toppings are simple and classic. Cinnamon sugar and powdered as especially good.
Store front shop with just a counter to order and to watch your donuts being made. Take them home or outside on a bench to eat.
Staff is warm and pleasant and very patient with indecisive ordering. (They have forms you can use as well) -
Review from Kirsten I.
Durham, NC
9/20/2011
Thank heaven for duck donuts I get so tired of greasy donuts. These are perfect.
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Review from Michael R.
Midlothian, VA
8/26/2011
Melt in your mouth heavenly goodness. A place you MUST visit for morning decadence. These donuts almost need a warning label for addiction.
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Review from Dan B.
7/26/2010 2 photos
In my continuing search for a decent morning cup of joe in the town of Duck, I made a beeline to Duck Donuts after asking a local passer-by for advice. Score!...One cup of organic, dark roast coffee to go. It was just what I wanted, apart from it being a bit thin.
Of course I couldn't leave without a donut too! I asked for one cinnamon-sugar donut. "Just one?" the proprietress asked in amazement. (I guess they are used to people buying in bulk.)
"Please", I responded.
They pulled a warm, fresh donut from the machine output tray, glazed it, and sprinkled it with cinnamon sugar while I watched. Nice! Too bad they put it in a clamshell, styrofoam container when I wasn't looking...WTF? Ever heard of a napkin? A paper bag, perhaps?
The warm donut was chewy, unique and excellent.
A few hours later I walked by and saw the line was out the door and flowing down the front steps. Yikes! Guess I was lucky to get there so early.
Starting point at 3 stars:
+1 for good coffee
+1 for great donuts
-1 for unnecessary styrofoam (waste, waste, waste)
P.S. Though the address is correct, the Yelp map shows it about 2 miles north of the actual location; I don't know why.Listed in: Duck and the Northern Outer…
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Review from Kim S.
I confess I was skeptical. I don't really care for 'cake style' donuts. These however are more like funnel cakes. Soft and warm inside with a few crispy edge bits here and there.
My husband and i ordered a half dozen and walked around the corner to enjoy the nice sound view while we feasted. We devoured them in about 6 minutes. It would have taken less if we weren't worried about the dangers of powdered sugar inhalation.
We promptly added this destination to our 'must do" while in OBX list.Listed in: OBX
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Review from Alicia V.
Lehi, UT
8/3/2010
This place is a must when we are visiting the OBX. Best donuts I've ever eaten! You know they are fresh because the fry and dip them to order right in front of you. Cake donuts smothered in delicious coatings. Yum! I wish I had some right now. My favorites- strawberry and cinnamon sugar. You won't be disappointed!
FYI: expect a line but don't worry- it moves quickly. :) -
Review from Jon K.
7/13/2010
Lil and MB brought home a dozen.
Hot and freshly made.
Glazed.
Perfection. -
Review from Adri T.
9/16/2010 2 photos
Deliciously ooey gooey cakey donuty goodness. Best part about this entire venture is getting your freshly dipped donuts and eating them while overlooking the sound. Nothing could be finer than freshly fried and dipped donuts on the water's edge! Yummay!
Highly recommend the cinnamon sugar, glazed, and maple glazed. Our crew found the strawberry to be a bit on the "mild" side, but nevertheless delicious.
Grab up a dozen and head to the deck to enjoy these tasty treats over the water!
(One point was removed for the "deer in the headlights" stare we got each time we entered this facility. No, we do not have reindeer horns and did not come in with machine guns, so I am not sure why we got no "hello" - no "let me tell you how this works", no "hurry up and order" - we just got blank stares until we figured out how to order, one person mashed in the keys on the register and the other person dunked the donuts into their flavor baths. A bit bizzarro, but totally worth the glares to get our paws on the grub.) -
Review from Karli S.
West Hollywood, CA
8/17/2010
If it's all relative, it's probably a 5-star place in Duck, NC but in comparison to other donut places I've been, it's def not the best I've ever had.
Watching them make the donuts is cool, they are super fresh and warm, and probably above average, but if there was a Dunkin Donuts nearby, I would have gone there instead.
Maybe worth the long line once to try, but it's not worh the time or the calories for me to go back a second time. -
Review from Caitlin H.
Alexandria, VA
9/21/2010
A must-do when in the OBX.
The peeps behind the counter are surly and impatient (and that's in the off-season), but I've been in their touristville working shoes and I'm willing to overlook it for one of my sweet, sweet maple-glazed lovers.
Last year I made the mistake of scoffing at my companions who ordered the maple. (I don't really like maple.) I learned my lesson right quick. With the maple frosting these are like deep fried pancakes. Just trust me, and do it. Or three.
Best eaten hot, overlooking the water at the end of the walkway. Be sure to enjoy the little extra-crispy fried crunchy bits soaked in sugary sauce. Oh yeah, baby, that's the spot. -
Review from Allison L.
Owings Mills, MD
7/20/2010
When I initially read about this place, it sounded like it was going to be the Outer Banks version of Fractured Prune donuts, which I don't really care for. Luckily, I was wrong!
They have options such as choosing your own glazes and toppings, but there aren't nearly as many, and they don't have any of the particularly bizarre stuff. More importantly, the donuts taste AMAZING, whether they are plain or covered in something. The cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar donuts (which totally do taste like funnel cakes, which is probably why I liked them so much) were my absolute favorite.
Service was also good... the employees were both nice and quick. I was probably only in there for about 5-10 minutes and that was with a line and ordering a dozen donuts (I think it was around $12 for a dozen).
Parking is tight at this location, but definitely worth going to (and I would suggest going multiple times). -
Review from Danielle D.
Encinitas, CA
12/3/2010
Amazing.
Best donuts EVER.
How can you go wrong with a freshly cooked donut and your choice of toppings? The chocolate taste like the home made chocolate sauce my grandpa used to make... the cinnamon and sugar reminds me a bit of a churro (but better). We were in Duck for 6 days and went 3 times!
If you are in Duck - you must go there.
It's so good ... you don't want to miss it! -
Review from Steve R.
Washington, DC
7/20/2010
No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without a trip to Duck Donuts. These are the softest, tastiest donuts you will ever find. We got our donuts fresh and hot... they had a few extra that were already made and did not have toppings on them yet.. but we requested a fresh batch and they were right on it.
My favorite topping combo was the chocolate with peanuts... but all were delicious. I couldn't help but be a glutton. Best donut you will ever buy. -
Review from John R.
Bloomington, IL
7/1/2011
Wow! Great donuts. Maple and plain are awesome.
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Review from Sandra W.
Sutter Creek, CA
6/23/2011
What more can we say? There were at least 5 kids working, and the gentleman at the register was friendly and helpful. We ordered and waited outside, expecting to wait. However, within about 3 minutes, a nice young lady came out with a warm box of donuts. Yum! What a delicious way to start the day!
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Review from Ben B.
Columbus, OH
8/31/2010
Donuts are warm and tasty. They're somewhere between an airy Krispy Kreme and a cake donut and iced on the spot.
The coffee is pretty good too.
A must for anyone visiting the area. -
Review from bubba g.
Atlanta, GA
6/29/2010
Note: There is a long, long line most of the time, but you CAN call ahead to order. Although waiting in line and listening to people complain about the line in chorus is pretty fun, too. And you can watch their kids run amok. There are few places where what someone is really made of shine though, and the donut line is one of them.
Donuts made to order, old fashioned style. Magic. They have a spongy, funnel cake taste and texture, but it's oh-so-much fun, and a good reason to have a break out excursion if you're staying in a family hut with the out-laws. Flavors: plain, vanilla, chocolate, glazed, maple, strawberry. All good, all lovely, all terrible for you in the most decadent way. -
Review from Rachel F.
Vienna, VA
6/4/2011
Good donuts, if your donut is fresh and if they get your order right. Over the course of a week, my extended family placed 10 separate orders at the shop, filling out their little order forms as requested. In all 10 cases there was mistake in the donuts we got (i.e. ordered vanilla frosting with chocolate sprinkles, got vanilla with no sprinkles or vanilla with rainbow sprinkles). That is a 0% success rate. The type of sprinkles or glaze is not a huge deal but why is it so hard for them to get it right? When we would politely point out the errors they acted annoyed and often made rude comments. There is no need for that. The donuts, when warm and fresh, are remarkable but they have a long way to go in operations.
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Review from Kimberly P.
Del Mar, CA
12/3/2007
D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
M_M_M_M_M_M_MMMMMMMMMM!
I wish I could have one every day!
They have a unique style in this lil shoppe. They make plain donuts and then let you pick a flavor and freshly dip your warm donut into warm icing accompanied by sprinkles, nuts, whathaveyou, or as I choose, a la nada. All I needed was their strawberry icing dripping off the soft donut and I was happy. My sister got chocolate with sprinkles, it was heavenly as well. -
Review from Lindsey P.
Chantilly, VA
7/8/2009
So glad to have found this wonderful place. We've been there twice already this week, and probably will go back again. This is probably the best donut I have ever had. I rated 4 stars because my husband ordered a strawberry with sprinkles, and they forgot to put on the sprinkles.
Each donut was $1.15, or you could get a half dozen for $6 something.
LOVE IT! -
Review from Kate D.
Braintree, MA
5/28/2010
My first 5 star review!
LOVE these donuts! They are small and hot and hand dipped in toppings as you order them. Yum yum yum!
Nice friendly staff too! -
Review from Ryan M.
Baltimore, MD
8/8/2010
Amazing donuts and always freshly made in front of you. While the line can be a but long, it's well worth the wait and you'll see why! Be sure to use the coupon in the Sunny Day Guide if you're getting more than a dozen. I'd recommend certain flavors but let's be honest, all donuts that come out piping hot are amazing.
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Review from Bailey G.
Outer Banks, NC
3/15/2011
Prepare yourself for an addiction because these are the best donuts around...hands down. Homemade daily, you can't beat 'em. They're awesome.
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Review from Gerry P.
Cary, NC
8/9/2010
Can't figure out what all the fuss is about. I love donuts, but there's just not much to be excited about here. They're warm, but that's about all. Only cake donuts with various toppings. Definitely wouldn't go out of my way to eat them or stand in the long lines. I'd rather warm Krispy Kreme any day.
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Review from Chunky R.
Columbus, OH
9/17/2010
I was eagerly anticipating my first visit to Duck Donuts and this place did not disappoint. The donuts are freshly made, so it's a soft warm cake with a hint of crust. Mine was smothered in maple glaze. It's a brilliant concept and it works. It's not just about the donut, it's the entire donut making experience that is worth savoring, especially when you're on vacation and enjoying the daily magic of the beach. Service in the early afternoon was very quick and efficient. I only wish they had late night hours, too.
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Review from Steve W.
State College, PA
7/9/2010
Glorious.
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Review from Borracho G.
Chicago, IL
One of those must things you need to do when your in the OBX. These things are crazy good and everyone visiting knows it. With that said you will wait in line if you're not there as soon as they open and believe me it gets tight inside the store because this place is as tiny like a studio apartment. One thing to warn you about these donuts is that you probably won't eat just one and you will feel the guilt and the expansion of your waistline as you eat these sugar bombs. Eventually you just have say, "WTF I'm on vacation" but be sure to take that bike ride or run on the beach because I bet you will be in line the next morning. Cool thing about this place is that the donuts are made to order and you get to see how each gets dunked into the many flavored icings and sprinkles just seconds after you place it. The coffee is not that great but not bad either and I do recommend getting one because it goes great with a fresh donut right off the line. Damn this place, why do they taste so addictive.
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Review from Darin B.
Durham, NC
8/11/2010
Holy cow....amazing.
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Review from Bryan L.
Malden, MA
8/25/2008
We stopped in looking for coffee and left with some delicious, warm donuts (oh yeah, and some great coffee too). Our third time in OBX and the first since Duck Donuts arrived. We will be sure to come back each time we visit the area. Mmmmmm, glazed donuts... Great topping choices - wish I had more time to try them all...
