The Donut Pub
203 West 14th Street
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY 10011 (212) 929-0126
- Nearest Transit:
14th St-7th Aves (1, 2, 3, F, V, L)
14th Street (PATH)
14th St-8th Ave (A, C, E, L)
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
29 Reviews for The Donut Pub
open 24-hours and serves the delectable old-fashioned and sprinkle donuts. i walked here from hotel gansevoort when i was desperate for some sweets.
thanks for fulfilling my trans-fatty needs, donut pub.
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Looking over the list of restaurants I choose to review, you would think that my diet consists almost exclusively of donuts and tacos.
I can assure you this is not the case.
In fact, most of the time you'll find that I'm eating whole grains, legumes, leafy green vegetables, skinless chicken breast and non-fat sour cream.
Yeah right.
Look: I'm not obsessed with donuts. I could quit anytime I want. So what if, when I wake up in the morning, my alarm clock looks like a chocolate glazed with an LED readout? Or, when I walk into my office, I see French Crullers hunched over their computers. Or when I go to my favorite pub, the bartender looks like a maple log in a black vest and white shirt...
Anyway, Donut Pub. Get the toasted coconut donut. You'll love it.
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Okay, seriously....nine bucks (a.k.a. a dozen donuts at $8.50 + change) to the person who can tell me what is the purpose of a WHOLE WHEAT donut. I mean, you're already by nature getting a donut -- namely DEEP FRIED DOUGH. What in the world could be worse for you???? Do people really delude themselves into thinking that the aforementioned donut is just that teensy tiny little bit better for them if said dough, prior to (1) its dunking into a vat of hot oil and (2) its dipping into a vat of liquid sugar, was at some point in its life whole wheat dough?
Other than the whole wheat donut, which I consider a 1990s/2000s health-nut-conscious anomaly in this cozy diner-like setting, the donuts here are old school and not anything like the out-there concoctions you'd encounter at Doughnut Plant. The staff is super friendly, and, oh, this place is (A) 24 HOURS and (B) a few blocks from where I live.
Oh, and before I forget -- after all my blustering about the whole wheat donut? Yeah, it was pretty damn tasty, too. (Hey, I was curious...)
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Dounuts are good. I like the plain glazed. I stoped in with my boyfriend the othernite and was not really taken back. Although the lady was nice behind the counter and gave my boyfriend a free donut because i called him a fat ass . Thought that was nice. I will go back if iam in the hood.
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Toll for Holland Tunnel: $6.00
Two Boston Cream donuts: $1.98
One chocolate sprinkle donut: .99
Cup of milk: $2.00
Cost of ticket for parking in a No Standing Zone between 11p - 7a: $115
Me banging my head against the dashboard: Priceless
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Great all I need was to find a good donut place near my house. I doubted they would be good cause from the street the place doesn't look appetizing. However, the glazed donut was good, would have been great warm - soft and tender. My favorite donut a chocolate creme filled is usually only available at Dunkin Donuts. It was sooo much better. The donut was fresh, the chocolate tasty. I also appreciated that it was smaller than Dunkins.
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This place doesn't seem to close no matter how late I walk by it, so it already earns a couple stars for being such a valuable resource to the 14th street community. The donuts are basically a slightly better execution of Dunkin Donuts style fare. Don't order any kind of sandwich, ie one with bacon, because its all refrigerated or frozen junk nuked in the microwave, and it takes longer than you would expect to get it.
Thanks for the recommendation, kids!
We stayed in an apartment just down the block from this carb depot while in town for Fashion Week. Hubby dug the apple fritter; I coudn't decide, so I went for a plain glazed.
It was way cool to see a Dunkin' Donuts a few doors down languishing while this shop was packed. Stick it to the Man ... even if I love the Man's chocolate cream-filled wares better.
I loved this place forever. But I had to take off a star because, after they remodeled, they switched from nice ceramic mugs to paper cups. Hey, a donut shop with a police car out front constantly can't be bad, am I right?
I'm a total doughnut snob. Having grown up in Michigan which somehow attracted a whole bunch of Dutch folk, you learn to distinguish the good doughnuts from the bad.
So Donut Pub: good. I heard everyone talking about this place, but every time I passed it, I was like, "Really? It's so gaudy and awful on the outside. They make good doughnuts?" And y'know what? They do.
Nice texture, actual flavor from risen dough, a firm bite, and sugary glazes and toppings that seem real and not completely chemical. Plus, the yeasty flavor of the dough isn't over-powered by the sugar; they're both working together. Something that Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme never get right with their chemically-enhanced trans-fat filled crap.
What more could you ask? I don't think $1 a donut is all that reasonable, but considering what the rest of the city has to offer doughnut-wise I'll gladly pay up when I've got a craving. Plus it sure beats those $3 - $4 Donut Plant doughnuts (which are good -- don't get me wrong -- they're just ridiculously priced).
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I would like to extend a special Thanks to Jen L. on her recommendation of Donut Pub. Here's my review...
The quintessential looking establishment known as Donut Pub will remind any customer to that of a 70's coffee shop modernized solely by the application of strategically placed lamps to better emphasis the array of donuts on display behind the counter.
Upon entering this fine establishment, the vast abundance of life saver shape inspired delectables are well displayed, similar to that of any Dunkin Donuts. I proceeded to order two of the numerous options that were at my disposal. The choices were the Blueberry Cake and the Jelly Filled.
Here's my review...
Blueberry Cake Donut: At first glance, the enticing and captivating presentation of this edible resembles that of a golden dalmatian. From a visual standpoint, the round dessert contained a golden brown incrustation that's neither too firm nor limp. The multitude of Blueberries, that's embedded within the donut during processing, gives this treat an appearance that's figured to give any keen eye a desire to order. Upon consumption, it was greatly disappointing to discover that the Blueberry, which was perfectly emphasized and displayed in the presentation, was dismal in taste. The absent Blueberry flavors from this donut gave the appeal that the item being consumed was actually that of a basic cake donut with artificial coloring, placed solely in this presentation for viewing aspects alone. Sadly, this donut had such high potential in it's presentation but the execution of taste was ultimately subdued.
Jelly Filled Donut: The Graped Jelly Encrusted Edible failed to deliver what it's sibling versions did in execution, taste, balance, and presentation. I'll start with the Grape Jelly filling. From the minimal amount of stuffing discovered within this bake, the Jelly provided only a mild sweetness and a texture that resembles a store bought Smucker's jar. The Jelly did not contain any natural fruits, nor did it provide any hidden tastes. When first consumed, the Jelly is sweetened just perfectly, but after 2 seconds, all flavor and texture of the jelly disintegrates to the point in which a person would think they were drinking Grape flavored Vitamin Water. The yeast donut base, which plays host to the Jelly Filling, was not impressive. The perfectly soft texture of the bake did provide a comforting chew but sadly, that's all the praise this confectionery can dictate. The dough itself contained very little taste. There was absolutely no hints of any additions that were added to the baking batter, thus leaving a consumer to believe that the yeast bake was not that of donut inspiration, but rather that of white bread.
I shall end this review on a simple note. The high praise given to this Donut manufacturing facility was done so with justification. Perhaps the batch consumed on my behalf was that of one not mirroring the potential of this highly acclaimed establishment. I will also entertain the possibility that the donuts I ordered were not that of their highly appraised counterparts and that there is a different selection in the multitude of variety that can appease the sense further. All in all, the simplicity in the application and the lack of attention to detail and taste did not live up to the praise of which was so allotted.
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"Time to make the donuts!" Or at least purchase a dozen powedered, edible treats at the Donut Pub. You'd lay in bed, glassy eyed and stiff after a night of accepting the alcoholic offerings of one, Mr. Wild and Crazy Turkey. I'd shake the bag in front of your face, tempting you with a glazed chocolate. Or perhaps, my sweet, a delicious bear claw. I was the happiest boy when you took the bait and snarled at me between bites of a pastry made by the sugar and dough gods. Usually, though, you'd muster enough strength to spring up and sock me in the groin. I didn't care much for that response. No donuts for YOU, my little witch. Sometimes, in your half-inebriated state, you'd reveal amazing, twisted fortunes to me. I remember this one best:
"Brutus, if you keep eating donuts like this, you will end up a tarred swan in the murky, unforgiving lake of old age and obesity."
It burned when you sassed me. But a good burn. Like a powdered wasabi cruller.
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My co-workers all hate me because I go to Donut Pub. Well, more like hate-love because the donuts here are just so good! Honestly, these are some of the best donuts that I have ever tasted and, because they are so good, I never feel guilty when I get a dozen or two. I just bring it to work and I can sleep comfortably knowing not a single donut will go to waste.
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Although it is a neighborhood fixture, the donuts here taste EXACTLY like Dunkin' Donuts. I'm so confident in my statement that I'm willing to put up good money for anyone who thinks they can tell the difference between the glazed or sugar donuts here and Dunkin' Donuts. Blind taste test- it'll be the easiest money I'll ever make.
That said, I like this place a lot. I walk by the display window filled with muffins, B&W cookies and cakes on my way to the gym and it really motivates me to go nuts at the gym so I can buy some goodies on the walk back.
Tonight, I bought an old-fashioned cake donut and a sugar donut (covered in green sugar in honr of St. Patty's Day) at 10 pm and they were definitely fresh. (Although my guess is the donut turnover rate (DTR) was particularly high tonight because of the Irish bar located next door).
I feel bloated.
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I love this place! It's open 24 hours, serves donuts, and it's cheap. Their donuts are light and delicious, and they have a wide variety to choose from. I've tried the muffins, too. They're pretty good, but let's just say there's a reason it's called the Donut Pub and not the Muffin Pub.
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Went late at night, one Saturday, with my old lady. She had a donut and I had a blueberry cake and coffee. Although it wasn't quite as out-of-the-oven fresh as I was hoping, and as some Yelpers have indicated, that it would have been, it was far from stale, and it was delicious: dense; flakey; sweet; made with real, or real-enough-to-fool-me blueberries. The coffee, while being nothing to write home about, was quite alright: even bodied with a comforting mouth feel and slightly on the robust side. It complimented the coffee well, in an unobtrusive sort of way.
For all that we ended up shelling out fewer than seven bucks. Not too bad; certainly comparable to competing chains.
The best part, though, was the old, Eastern European man who made charming conversation with us to the tune of jokes about and/or originating in the pub next door the whole twenty minutes we were there. Extra one star for you, ancient donut man!
My last breakfast will be here, if I can arrange it.
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havent actually tried the donuts-- i know-- blasphemy, but i'm not a donut person. the coffee, however, is great. & so is the old school dynamic. the boss dude gave me an articulate & amusing rundown of donut trends through the decades and how he's the only man to employ women over the night shift. Progressive! i particularly loved his assessment of "the gays" as a "dream clientele" - re: Chelsea location. it has a Cheers-y vibe that i love-- soda pop shop stools and the kind of lite FM station you'd never put on but want to sing along to every song it plays. it's the perfect spot for sobering up w/ some coffee & regrouping between bar hops. I'll definitely be back.
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i'm not one to bemoan the whole 'throw a rock in any direction and hit a starbucks' thing. new york hasn't yet become a giant suburb, and i'm grateful that there are so many other (and better) options. the greatest accomplishment of starbucks in ny is that every five blocks you know there is a public bathroom should you need one.
so why do i get annoyed when i see a relatively new dunkin donuts open a few stores down from the donut pub? i think it's in part because i've seen so much of old new york disappear that i would hate to see this fixture go.
my first encounter with the donut pub was when i was in my early teens. a friend and i had smoked too much pot and were feeling paranoid and wanted to get off the street. the first place we notice is the donut pub so we sat down and ordered donuts. we eat, and began to feel better. then who walks in and sits down on either side of us, but four policemen. i guess in our haste we had forgotten about the cops in donut shops thing. the man at the counter intuitively poured us a couple of coffees that we didn't order, and it helped. not long after the policemen got up to leave, and we ate more donuts. lots more.
it was that night that i had one of the better donuts i've ever had. it was a regular jelly donut but with a vanilla glaze on top. so good, and not because i was baked. for some reason they don't sell that particular donut anymore, but the others are still good. the black and white cookie is a huge standout, the best i've had anywhere.
i've met some interesting people here..a real rotating cast of characters. the people that work here are always friendly, and not in that fake overly caffeinated "i equate loud and empty banter with friendly!" starbucks way. it's genuine. i look forward to getting old and grey and visiting the donut pub. i think, given some decades, i could fit the 'weird old guy' bill well. i just hope it's there when i'm old.
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I'm obsessed with the Donut Pub (anyone else noticed it's in that Visa commercial as the "Donut Hub"?)! All their donuts and pastries are fresh-baked in the back, unlike Dunkin Donuts' stale nastiness. And everything is so cheap!
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OK, I take back my words that I would never have another donut unless it came from Doughnut Plant. I found a new place (and dangerously, it's closer to me) and I can't get over how good the donuts are!
I still love Doughnut Plant so much, but it's a trek for me to get there since it's in LES. Donut Pub is different. It is a tiny diner type place which also sells sandwiches, breakfast, etc.
But let's talk donuts... they are so good, so fluffy and makes you want to come back for more and more. The honey dipped glazed donut was perfect, light, fluffy, chewy and irresistable. The apple fritter is the best I have had. This one was the perfect crunch on the outside with the glaze, flavored with yummy apple filling and cinnamon and soft chewy dough on the inside.
I can't wait to try the many other flavors and types of pastries and donuts they have (blueberry cruller, marbled cruller, jelly filled donut, apple cinnamon donut, boston creme, etc).
This place is cheap too! And, it's in my hood. If my donut phase doesn't go away soon, I'll be working out extra to combat the donut pounds.
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greasy deliciousness. cakey goodness. mmm donut pub.
the best part of the donut pub is when you buy a dozen, they sprinkle a genorous helping of donut holes on top of your order. AND give you donut pub stickers. you will be the new favorite person at work.
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Best donuts I have ever had. They're so fluffy and so yummy. You must try everything. Best thing of all is they are opened 24hrs! So if you got the munchies or just want to pick up some awesomely delicious donuts for breakfast check out donut pub!
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Originally opened in 1964, the Pub has been a neighborhood gathering place for generations. 24 hours a day friendly counter help are more than happy to box a dozen doughnuts for takeout.
The doughnuts are soft, light and made fresh all day long.
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Just stopped into the Pub and I liked the donuts, but I found them to be a little small and kind of pricey. They weren't as dense as I usually like my donuts to be and the sugar frosting on the chocolate donuts doesn't really adhere to the donut, but they'll work a pinch.
ETA: There was much discussion in my house about the difference between the Donut Pub donut and those at Old Fashioned Donuts. We decided that of the variety we tried (chocolate glazed, chocolate, Boston-creme, and honey dip), they were all far sweeter than OFD, meaning that the non-frosting portion of the donut was full of sugar. We didn't especially like this, feeling that the bread/cake/whatever portion of the donut should not be too sweet in order to off set the sweetness of the frosting.
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Checked them out today. Tried the a piece of my friends Blueberry Donut and I had the Chocolate Coconut Donut... they were alright - but definitely not the best I've ever had.
The coffee was OK.
Granted not bad for $2.49.
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Oreo Muffins. That's all I have to say.
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They have black and white versions of everything, which is really funny! I wasn't going to buy anything, I was just bringing my sister in to grab something, but I could not resist the black and white boston creme donuts! I mean, could you?
Clean and warm.
I was looking for a spot to grab some coffee while I waited for a friend and out of the murky haze emerged my knight in shining armor: DONUT PUB! Yes! The coffee was decent, the donuts delicious. The waitress was friendly and the atmosphere was chill.
The donuts are light and fluffy, the frosting is chocolatey and sweet.
What could be better than a donut pub?
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