Pettit’s Pastry has always been my family’s go-to for donuts in Omaha. However, I haven’t tried every donut shop in Omaha (#lifegoals), so I can’t say Pettit’s has the best donuts in Omaha. But, I’ve done something far better for my waistline: Polled Facebook. I asked about 10,000 Oh My! Omaha followers* to share their favorites and we have a pretty clear consensus of favorites, plus a ton of highly recommended runners-up.
UPDATE: This post was published in 2018 but updated in March 2023 with changes.
Omaha’s Favorite Donuts
I asked readers what their favorite donut shop in Omaha and wouldn’t you know, I love the place too! Olsen Bake Shop ran away with the votes, beating out the next contender by more than double the votes. It’s family-run and a bit old school, and if you’re dying for a kolach, you can find it here.
More than a year after writing this post, I’ve tried Olsen donuts a few times. and it has successfully moved to No. 1 on my list. You’ll find this gem off-the-beaten path a few blocks south of the Old Market at 1708 S. 10th St.
Pettit’s Pastry is the next favorite. The family-owned business has been open since 1954. It also happens to be pretty conveniently located near the route of a lot of parades, making it a great go-to stop before or after parades like the Septemberfest Parade. Find Pettit’s in downtown Omaha at 502 N. 16th St. or in West Omaha at 311 N. 114th St.
All the donuts in Omaha
Here’s a full list of everyone’s recommendations for best donuts:
Hurts Donuts, 1726 N. 120th St.
Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, 813 N. 40th St.
The Uptown Bakery, 2229 Thurston Circle, Bellevue, Neb.
Sunrize Donuts, 17676 Welch Plaza, Suite 7
Hello Sugar, a roaming food truck
Jones Bros. Cupcakes, 2121 S. 67th St. and inside Westroads Mall. Looking for cronuts? Jones Bros. apparently makes them.
Best Donuts Not At Donut Shops
OK, so I’ve said Pettit’s a million times now. Let me share a few other gems worth seeking out:
- The freshly-made apple cider donuts at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is just about my favorite thing of fall. You can find six packs of the donuts in local grocery stores but they can’t compare to tasting one while it’s still warm at the orchard. Ditmars is at 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Learn more about the orchard here.
- A surprise donut favorite is Harold’s Koffee House. I’d first heard about this Florence restaurant from a reader who suggested it be included in the best places to get breakfast in Omaha list. She specifically mentioned the donut. So I had to go and try it myself.
The homemade donut was so good, I can’t remember what else I had ordered. Head to North Omaha for this diner at 8327 N. 30th St.
Got a favorite to add? Leave a comment about it!
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Molly
Saturday 16th of April 2022
Okay, am I crazy, or is number 2 missing?? For me, the article jumped from number 1 to number 3.
Kim
Sunday 17th of April 2022
Oops. No. 2 had closed and I should've just taken the numbers out when I updated it. I fixed it.
Beth Ginsburg
Thursday 7th of May 2020
LaMars s Doughnuts are to me, the best in town. They are made fresh everyday and wonderful!!!
Kim
Friday 8th of May 2020
Absolutely! Among franchises, they are one of the best.
Jeffory
Saturday 15th of February 2020
I travel all over. When I arrive somewhere, the first thing I do is research where to find donuts. Even before lodging! Well, not really. Anyway, my favorite donut of all time is the plain cake, chocolate frosted with peanut. So, this is the guage for me. Who has this donut. When I saw it in the Olsen Bake Shop photo, . Y e s .
Kim, I have 5 different coffee makers, and I know how to do it!
Kori
Friday 19th of July 2019
Ooh - you missed LaMars Donuts! Best cake donuts in town. On Sundays they have red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Really good!
Kim
Friday 19th of July 2019
It wasn't forgotten! I had it at the end with the honorable mention franchises in Omaha. I do have to say, the idea of a red velvet donut sounds divine.
Erin
Thursday 1st of February 2018
Thank you for this article Kim! I heart the donut!
Kim
Thursday 1st of February 2018
You're very welcome!