Doughnut Vault — Restaurant in Chicago

The Donut Vault: A Sweet Architectural Marvel

Nestled in the heart of the city, The Donut Vault stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and culinary delight. This gem was discovered on a donut tour, a journey that unveils the sweetest spots in town, and it's easy to see why The Donut Vault is a highlight.

The building's history whispers through its walls, telling tales of times when it served a very different purpose. Now, it houses a treasure trove of confectionery wonders, but once, it was a place where financial transactions echoed under its high ceilings. The transformation from a bank to a donut shop is nothing short of genius, maintaining the integrity of the original structure while infusing it with a new, vibrant purpose.

The design of The Donut Vault space is a masterclass in branding and utilization of space. It's small, yes, but every inch is dripping with character and charm. The old bank teller window, a relic of the past, now serves as a walk-up window to sweet indulgence. It's a cool feature that pays homage to the building's history while serving the practical needs of the business.

The branding of The Donut Vault is on point, with a nod to the nostalgic and a wink to the whimsical. It's a brand that tells a story, one of heritage and innovation, of sweetness found in the most unexpected places.

For those who have yet to experience The Donut Vault, it's more than just a place to grab a donut; it's a slice of history, a piece of architectural wonder, and a bite of pure joy. It's a spectacle not just for the taste buds but for the eyes as well, a place where every detail is a conversation starter.

So, if you find yourself on a donut tour, or simply wandering the streets in search of something special, The Donut Vault awaits, ready to enchant you with its sugary spells and doughy delights. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for spaces that tell a story. The Donut Vault is not just a shop; it's an experience, a journey through time and taste, and a celebration of the sweet symphony of design...

Phenomenal donuts worth the indulgence.

From the moment my friend in Chicago recommended this place, my expectations were high. I'd heard legends of their donuts selling out faster than you can say "glaze," so I was mentally prepared for potential disappointment when we decided to visit on a rainy Sunday morning. To our delight, not only were all their flavors available, but we were also warmly welcomed by the owner who insisted we sample their local cold brew coffee—on the house.

The interior of the café oozes vintage charm, the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through the air, luring us in from the first step inside. Each donut option was excellent, from the Vanilla Birthday Cake to the Cookies & Oreo Classic. But what truly stood out were their Buttermilk Classic donuts and the Apple Fritter.

The Classic Buttermilk donuts were a revelation. Their texture was extraordinarily soft, almost cushion-like, melting in our mouths upon first bite. Unlike many other donuts that tend to be dense or dry, these were incredibly moist, making every bite a delight.

Then came the Apple Fritter. The texture was unlike any apple fritter I've had before—airy yet chewy. It struck the perfect balance of sweetness, avoiding the common pitfall of being a sugar bomb.

As for the complimentary cold brew, it was a thoughtful touch that shouldn't go unmentioned. Light and refreshing, it was the ideal accompaniment to the richness of the donuts, cleansing the palate between each sugary bite.

All in all, Donut Vault managed to exceed even my loftiest expectations. This is the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars, and you can be sure I'll be back to savor more of their offerings the next time I find...

I went yesterday and arrived at 9:26AM, four minutes before they officially opened, and by then there were people sitting in their cars waiting for the tiny shop to open. Once it opened, people rushed out of their cars to make the line. I was fourth and there had to have been 6 others behind me. This is all happened at the moment of their opening the shop, which I found slightly ridiculous, because they’re just doughnuts after all. Anyway, I’ve made doughnuts myself (and know what goes inside of them!) and have tried most of the hyped up places throughout Chicago, so my review is informed based on these two things. This place is definitely above average. I tried the chocolate yeast, vanilla yeast, and the buttermilk old fashion. I’m not fan of the yeast doughnuts here. They are really large, approximately 2.2 inches in height and at least 4.5 inches in width. The width didn’t bother me so much as the height, which was larger than I can open my mouth. A bit excessive I guess. I also found them to be really chewy—not sure if this is a consequence of their immensity but it could be! I go to Nuevo León for yeast doughnuts. As for Doughnut Vault’s buttermilk old fashioned doughnuts, I think they are the best I’ve tried so far out of Stan’s Donuts, Do-rite, Firecakes, and Scafuri. They really have perfected the ratio of the wet ingredients and dry ingredients, with moist and thick exterior, and a fresh, cakey and fluffy interior. They’re impressive and truly delightful. I highly recommend getting buttermilk old fashioned doughnuts here, if I suppose you have nothing else better to do at 9:30AM and love doughnuts, or if you think the wait in line is worth it (I’d...