Omaha loves a good donut. I’m more of a traditionalist in that I like frosted cake donuts with much showy toppings. They taste the best (though I love looking at the over-the-top-almost-art creations). Depending on your preferences, you’ll find a donut shop on this list that meets it. And they’re all in West Omaha.
UPDATE: This post was published in 2022, and has been updated in April 2023 because, regrettably, several shops have closed. If you are looking for midtown donut or downtown donuts, you’ll want to see this more comprehensive Omaha donut shop post.
What is considered West Omaha?
Even if you are from Omaha, where exactly is West Omaha is up for debate. Depending on who you ask, West Omaha could have very different boundaries. Is West Omaha anything east of 72nd Street?? Should West Omaha include Elkhorn or La Vista??
Am I over-thinking things?? Yes.
For the most part, I’ll be a little loosey-goosey with the boundaries and say that shops on this list are west of about 90th Street (so that Pettit’s western location can make the list), and yes, Elkhorn is included.
West Omaha Donut Shops
Pettit's Pastry
Pettit’s Pastry is a well-known bakery name in these parts. The family-owned business opened their first shop in downtown Omaha in 1954. The West Omaha location is much newer, but that cake donut I love is the same.
Try: You can't go wrong witth a classic frosted cake donut or a simple glazed.
Pettit’s Pastry, 311 N. 114th St.
Sunrize Donuts
The Kinman family has been in the donut business for about 30 years. They run Sunrize Donuts in Omaha, and Rise & Shine. Truly homemade, even the glaze and chocolate are made in-shop.
Try: Old-fashioned donut
Sunrize Donuts, 17676 Welch Plaza, Suite 7
Hurts Donut
Hurts Donut isn’t an Omaha institution but it’s a popular Midwest powerhouse that was greeted with excitement when it opened in Omaha. The creations are outrageous at times, I mean, over-the-top monstrosities that will put you in a sugar coma. But that’s the charm.
Also they have swings indoors and a nice patio, so there’s that.
Try: For a big sugar rush and fun photo, get the Cookie Monster.
Hurts Donuts, 1726 N. 120th St.
Square Donut
As they say, it's your first square meal of the day, make the most of it. Serving both raised and cake donuts, plus all the typical fillings and fritters, Square Donut sets itself apart from the rest by its shape. Obviously.
Try: The maple bacon donut
Square Donut, 15825 W. Maple Road, suite 104
Karma Koffee
Karma Koffee is a coffee shop that sells food made by local shops, so this one's a little bit of a stretch, but bare with me. If you want super good coffee with locally-made donuts, or say, an apple fritter made by Sunrize Donuts, this is your place.
Try: The apple fritter
Karma Koffee, 587 N. 155th Plaza
Is your favorite bakery or donut shop missing?
I didn’t include national chains on this list, as there are many, many in Omaha and they’re super easy to find. However, if you have a local favorite that has flown under the radar, let me know!
