Hole Doughnuts — Restaurant in Asheville

Hole Doughnuts, located in Asheville, North Carolina, has garnered significant acclaim for its commitment to crafting fresh, made-to-order doughnuts. Established in 2014, this artisanal doughnut shop has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking a unique and high-quality doughnut experience.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

Situated at 168 Haywood Road, Hole Doughnuts exudes a charming and rustic ambiance. The shop features a vintage baby blue truck parked outside, serving as both a mascot and a seating area for patrons. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with an open kitchen that allows customers to observe the doughnut-making process firsthand. This transparency not only showcases the craftsmanship involved but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Doughnut Offerings

Hole Doughnuts is renowned for its minimalist menu, typically featuring three standard doughnut options and one seasonal flavor that changes weekly. Each doughnut is hand-rolled and fried to order, ensuring optimal freshness. The use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients is evident in every bite. Stone-ground flour, cage-free eggs, whole butter, and non-GMO rice bran oil contribute to the exceptional texture and flavor of the doughnuts.

The doughnuts are characterized by a crispy exterior and a fluffy, airy interior. Notable flavors include the Vanilla Glazed Doughnut, which highlights the importance of simplicity and freshness, and the Molasses Bourbon Doughnut, offering a rich and nuanced taste. The seasonal selections, such as Lemon Verbena or Honeysuckle, provide innovative twists that reflect the flavors of the time.

Beverage Pairings

Complementing the doughnuts is a selection of beverages sourced from local purveyors. Coffee is supplied by PennyCup Coffee Co., a nearby roaster known for its quality brews. The menu also includes nitro cold brew, various teas, organic milk (both plain and chocolate), and orange juice. During colder months, hot cocoa is available, made with organic, grass-fed milk, enhancing the comfort factor of the visit.

Customer Experience

Patrons frequently praise the friendly and attentive service at Hole Doughnuts. The staff's dedication to their craft and their customers contributes significantly to the shop's welcoming environment. The opportunity to watch doughnuts being made to order adds an interactive element that many find appealing. Reviews often highlight the balance of flavors and textures in the doughnuts, noting that they are not overly sweet, which allows the quality of the ingredients to shine.

Recognition and Accolades

Hole Doughnuts has received national attention for its exceptional offerings. Food & Wine recognized it as one of the best doughnut shops in the South, noting its ambitious approach and dedication to quality.

Conclusion

In summary, Hole Doughnuts stands out as a premier destination for doughnut enthusiasts in Asheville. Its unwavering commitment to freshness, quality ingredients, and customer satisfaction creates a memorable experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. Whether you're a traditionalist seeking a classic vanilla glazed doughnut or an adventurer eager to try a unique seasonal flavor, Hole Doughnuts offers a delightful indulgence that is well worth the visit.

For a visual tour and further insights into Hole Doughnuts, you might find the following video...

What a delicious and memorable experience. From the heavenly smells when we turned on to Haywood Rd, the long line outside, no parking, and the actual no frills yet rustic aesthetic we knew it was going to be good. Although there was a line the staff are super fast and it was a super quick wait.

Everyone on the crew seemed to be sincerely enjoying their work and the vibe was wonderful. The lady who rug up the order was super sincere and a hype woman for sure.

They had 4 options for flavors… we got them all.

Each one was a taste bud journey like Anton Ego flash back searching for something in the memory to compare the amazing flavor to but at least my memory kept coming up blank. I have never had a doughnut as good as the ones at Hole.

The simplicity of the way they have branded, created the physical space, and the straight forward approach to each order being made fresh right in front of you is amazing.

Do they look perfect no. But I personally feel that’s what makes each unique donut perfect. They weren’t put through a mold to be a certain size or have a perfect consistency of glaze. They were made for taste and appearance became secondary. Which makes them Snowflakes of donuts. Each uniquely beautiful but the consistent was the slightly crunchy exterior with a soft and warm interior that wasn’t doughy, starchy, or think breading but a genius middle ground.

Thank you so much to the Hole Doughnuts staff and the founders for creating such a memorable time for the tastes buds but...

I found this place while planning our road trip route for our honeymoon last night. Initially, I was wary of the few pics i saw of this place at first, yet after arriving and walking in my concerns were immediately alleviated by several factors. First, the employees were warm, delightful, very welcoming, and quick to attend. Second, The overall interior design provided me with a rustic impression, as the interior is simple. The kitchen is only separated from customer tables by a long bar. The rest of the warm interior Gives the impression of being in a log cabin. Third, the Transparency of their Baking process allows you to visualize first had an appreciate the hard work and effort they put in from start to finish and then serving. Fourth, they have a simple menu. While one could attribute this as a negative quality, I am willing to make an exception, as the four flavor option are absolutely amazing. I typically reserve my selection to the classic glazed donuts, yet they made me a believer with the two flavors of cinnamon and vanilla that we ordered. This was a pleasant stop, and I hope To come by here again in our future journeys...