If you're a doughnut aficionado on the hunt for some of the country's finest fried dough, look no further than Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. USA Today's readers have named the little bakery one of the top five in its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards — a sweet spot for the state of Massachusetts. The competition was fierce, with over 25,000 donut shops across America vying for the title.
The shop began its life in the 1940s and has been offering hot donuts from its back door since 1971, garnering a dedicated following for its apple fritters and raspberry jelly donuts, as detailed by Boston.com. Reacting to the honor, Back Door Donuts celebrated on social media: "WOW🙌 We seriously have no words for how incredible our community is. You continue to show up for us again and again, and now we’ve officially scored 5️⃣th place on @10best’s list of best donut shops in the country!🍩 With over 25,000 donut shops nationwide, being in the top 5 is unreal," according to a statement they posted.
But it's not just the locals who swear by it. New York Times best-selling author E. Lockhart, who spends summers on the Vineyard, has touted Back Door Donuts as one of her favorite haunts — indicative of the shop's wider appeal. And now, thanks to a pop-up in Boston, even those located off the island can indulge in these acclaimed treats.
Visiting Back Door Donuts might require a ferry ride if you're not already on Martha's Vineyard, but fans would argue it's well worth the trip. The shop's prime location at 5 Post Office Sq. in Oak Bluffs ensures a picturesque journey for those in search of the perfect confectionery delight. And for those in Boston, the bakery brings its doughnut magic to 1 Lansdowne St. through a pop-up at Loretta's Last Call, as reported by Telegram.com.
While Back Door Donuts secured the fifth spot, USA Today’s top 10 list featured an assortment of notable bakeries across America. With Donald's Donuts in Zanesville, Ohio claiming the foremost position, the selection emphasized regional favorites, offering a unique charm and personal touch that broadens America's doughnut horizon well beyond the familiar chains.
