On the far South Side of Chicago, there is a small counter where people happily wait in line before most of the city has finished its first coffee. The man making the donuts has been at it for decades, and he still works right in the front window where everyone can watch.
People have crossed the country, and even flown in from New York, just to taste what comes out of his fryer. Keep reading to find out where this place is, what to order, and how to plan a trip that ends with a warm box in your hands.
A Roseland Address Worth the Drive
The shop goes by a name that says it all: Old Fashioned Donuts. You will find it at 11248 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628, in the United States.
That puts it in Roseland, a long-standing neighborhood on the far South Side of the city. Many people know it as a neighborhood staple that has fed families here for generations.
The building is small and plain. There is no fancy signage or trendy branding to pull you in.
Instead, the reputation does the work. The shop holds a 4.7-star average from more than 2,300 people on Google, which is a big number for a little counter on a busy avenue.
Fans make long trips to get here. Some drive 25 minutes or more, while others come from Minnesota, Florida-bound families, and even New York City.
One donut lover from NYC took the train from the airport after reading a Reddit thread about the best donuts in Chicago. After trying several popular downtown shops, this South Side counter came out on top.
So what keeps people coming back to a no-frills storefront so far from downtown? The answer starts with the person behind the glass.
The Legend in the Window
Some bakeries hide the work in a back room. Here, the main event happens right up front.
The owner, known to many as Mr. B, makes the donuts in the window where customers can watch. He has been called a legend, and it is easy to see why.
He was described as 85 years old a couple of years ago, and he was still working hard that day, just like every other day. More recent accounts say he is still there, pulling fresh batches as the line waits.
Watching him work is part of the fun. Several people mention seeing the owner make their donuts, which then came out hot and fresh.
The shop is said to have been making donuts in the same spot for about 57 years. That kind of staying power is rare for any business, let alone a small family counter.
It is also a Black-owned and operated business. Many locals and visitors from out of town come specifically to support it.
A short wait while he finishes a batch is common. Most people agree that five minutes is a fair trade for a donut that just left the fryer.
Of course, a legend needs a signature item, and this shop has a famous one.
The Fritter Everyone Talks About
Ask around about this shop and one word comes up more than any other: fritter. The apple fritter is mentioned more than 70 times in Google feedback, far more than anything else on the menu.
It is known for being big. Many call it the best apple fritter they have ever had.
There is also a version with nuts, sometimes called the pecan apple fritter. Longtime regulars name it as their all-time favorite and describe it as large and quite sweet.
Timing matters with this one. Catching a tray right as it finishes is considered a lucky break.
One fan admitted to pulling the car over to eat one because waiting until home was not an option. Consider that a friendly warning about eating while driving.
Some regulars like to pair it with a glass of cold milk. Others go for one of the shop’s milkshakes.
Here is a tip: buy more than one. A common regret is leaving with just a single fritter.
Fritters do sometimes run out, and on busy days the wait for a fresh batch can stretch long. Arriving earlier gives you the best odds.
The fritter may be the headliner, but the supporting cast deserves its own spotlight.
Glazed Rings and a Deep Donut Lineup
Second place in the popularity contest goes to the classic glazed donut. It is mentioned about 40 times, and plenty of people order a half dozen of nothing else.
The yeast-raised glazed ring is described as soft and light. One fan called it the best donut of their entire life.
The menu goes well beyond the basics, though. First-timers sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by the variety.
Favorites include the caramel cake donut, the banana nut donut, and the orange glazed donut. The glazed croissant also earns a few loyal fans.
Chocolate lovers have options too. The chocolate ring is popular, and the chocolate Texas donut gets praise for using real chocolate.
Donut holes are another easy pick for anyone who wants to sample a little of everything.
A heads-up for the indecisive: the donuts are not always labeled. You may need to ask what each one is, and staff have been known to patiently help customers choose.
The donuts are made by hand rather than by machine, which regulars point to as the reason they stay so fresh. Some fans even ship boxes to relatives in other states.
Still, this counter is not only about donuts, and the rest of the menu holds a few surprises.
More Than a Donut Counter
Here is a fun fact that catches many first-timers off guard. This donut shop also serves a full lineup of grill food.
The menu includes cheeseburgers, pizza puffs, and Polish sausages. There is chili too, and at least one happy customer called it excellent.
Milkshakes are another popular add-on. Regulars recommend them as a partner for just about any donut on the shelf.
On Saturdays, the shop also serves breakfast. That makes the weekend a good time to turn a quick donut run into a full meal.
Longtime customers say the food is just as consistent as the pastries. Plenty of people plan to try a burger on their next visit after seeing them come off the grill.
Having both sweet and savory options makes the shop handy for groups. One person can grab a fritter while another orders lunch.
This mix of donuts and diner-style food fits the old-school spirit of the place. It feels like a true neighborhood stop rather than a single-item specialty bakery.
All of this happens inside a space with plenty of character, though not everyone loves the decor.
No Frills, Plenty of Heart
Nobody comes here for the interior design. The shop is often called a hole in the wall, and regulars mean that as a compliment.
The space is simple, old school, and free of extras. For many people, that is exactly the charm.
Honesty matters, so here is the other side. The lighting is dim, and several people wish the owner would update it and refresh the interior.
Some have even hoped that supporters would help the owner find grant funding for upgrades. That shows how much the community cares about keeping the shop going.
The neighborhood setting comes up as well. Visitors from outside the area say the shop feels safe and welcoming.
Service gets mixed comments. Many describe friendly, patient staff and a fast-moving line, while a few have found the counter staff short on a busy morning.
Products sometimes sell out, especially later in the day. That is part of the trade-off at a place that makes everything by hand in small batches.
One customer told another in line that she finally understood the fuss. The reply summed things up well: it is a good fuss.
Knowing what to expect inside is useful, but timing your visit matters even more.
Timing, Lines, and Budget Tips
Early birds are rewarded here. The shop opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Sunday is a day off, so plan around it. Showing up then means a closed door and a sad drive home.
Lines are common, especially on weekends. The good news is that they tend to move quickly.
Doors do not always open right on the dot, so a short wait at opening time is possible. Bringing a little patience is a smart move.
Arriving earlier gives you the widest selection. Popular items like fritters can run out, and the shop is sometimes out of a few things by later hours.
Prices are friendly. Expect to spend somewhere between $1 and $20, depending on how big your box gets.
Many people say the prices are not bad at all, even for a full dozen. A single donut is an easy, low-cost treat.
For updates, the shop keeps a Facebook page under the name Old Fashioned Donuts Inc. It is worth a quick check before a long trip.
Getting here is the final piece, and the shop draws people from surprisingly far away.
A South Side Detour That Pays Off
Plenty of shops claim to be the best in town. Few have people taking trains from the airport just to prove it.
This little Roseland counter has been praised as one of the top donut shops in Chicago. It has also been celebrated on Yelp as the best donut shop in Illinois.
Those who grew up elsewhere sometimes say it reminds them of their favorite childhood donut shop. That kind of connection is hard to fake.
The shop suits a wide range of people. Locals grab breakfast before work, families load up on dozens, and donut fans from other states make it the final stop on a pastry crawl.
It may not suit anyone looking for a polished cafe with seating and bright lights. This is a grab-and-go kind of place with a focus on the food.
For the best experience, arrive early on a weekday or Saturday. Order a fritter, a few glazed rings, and something new you have never tried.
Then take a moment to watch the man in the window. After decades at the fryer, he is still turning out batches for a line that keeps coming back.
Some neighborhood treasures fade away. This one keeps its doors open and the donuts coming, one fresh batch at a time.
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