Parlor Doughnuts — Restaurant in Destin

Review for Parlor Donuts: A Sweet Sanctuary for My Grandson and Me

I don’t often write reviews, but some places go beyond just serving food—they serve comfort, memories, and moments that mean the world to people like me. Parlor Donuts is one of those rare places. What might seem like just a trendy donut shop to most has become something deeply meaningful to my family—especially to my grandson.

My grandson is both deaf and gay. That may seem like an unusual detail to share in a donut review, but bear with me, because it’s important. The world hasn’t always been kind to him. Navigating life as a deaf young man is already full of obstacles—limited communication access, social isolation, constant need for others to understand and adapt. Add to that the challenges of coming out and being true to yourself, and you begin to see how courage is baked into every step he takes.

Amid all of that, Parlor Donuts has been an unexpected haven.

From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with genuine kindness—not performative or hurried, but warm. My grandson communicates using American Sign Language, and while no one there was fluent, they tried. They gestured, smiled, pointed at the menu, and did their best to make him feel welcome. In a world where he’s so often overlooked or misunderstood, those small efforts meant everything.

And then came the donuts.

Now, I’ve eaten plenty of donuts in my life—some good, some mediocre, some just sugar-coated bread. But these? These are in a league of their own. They’re flaky, buttery, soft in the middle, crisp on the edges—almost like a cross between a croissant and a classic donut. Creative flavors line the case like edible art: Maple Bacon, Churro, French Toast, Campfire, Raspberry Pistachio—you name it, they have something that surprises and delights.

My grandson, who sometimes struggles with depression and has a hard time expressing joy, lights up at Parlor Donuts. He points excitedly at the glass case, sometimes signs his preferences, sometimes just lets his face say it all. And when he takes that first bite? It’s like the world disappears for a moment. All the noise and stress and pain quiet down, and it’s just him and that perfect donut. I’ve seen him smile more here than in most other places.

It’s become our tradition—every Sunday morning. Just him and me. We sit near the window, sip coffee or hot chocolate, share donuts (though he always wants his own box), and let the morning unfold gently. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a ritual of joy, a small act of rebellion against all that’s hard...

I don’t usually do reviews but I was a little peeved this morning with the establishment. Food is delicious no doubt. But the service leaves much to be desired. I had waited in line for a while already which I e come to expect, because it is a popular place from what I’ve seen the past 3 times I’ve gone there while on vacation. I saw 4 employees in the front of the house while I was there. I don’t know how many were in the back. One looked like they were back and forth with food orders. Another managing the doughnuts counter. And another making drinks and running the register. There was another on the register when I walked in but had disappeared into the back I assume. After finally getting to the doughnut counter and getting my order filled. I waited for quite some time before my order was cashed out at the register. There was no a “I’ll be with you in a moment sir”. Or “Sorry for the wait. It’s been pretty busy this morning”. Actually no acknowledgment at all. They could have gotten one of the other employees to hop on the register and help out. I even saw a few people leave and heard them say it was because it was taking forever to get the line moving with me being cashed out and orders being filled and also waiting to be cashed out. I’m leaving this review so they hopefully can see and try and do better with their service. I DO want this business to succeed because my family and I enjoy their layered doughnuts. And we want to continue to be able to go there when we vacation. But if the service isn’t well it doesn’t matter how great the food is it’s gonna hurt...

Updated review: June 2025

The minis are where it's at! Gon head get you a mini variety box. The coconut filled wow. The raspberry wasn't too sweet. The cinnamon sugar tasted amazing with their maple dipping sauce 5/5. A lot less dough which makes it less dense and you can appreciate the crunch on the corners. Reasonably priced when u think of eating a few with some coffee.

May 2025 Tried the honey donut. I have mixed feelings about it. It's so dense and definitely not a buttery deliciousness. The doughnut by itself is kinda flavorless.

This feels like a dinner roll and someone fried it. Like fair food. You like it cause you're around a carnival but you'd never pick it up at your local bakery. I didnt think to read how they make their doughnuts but maybe i should have A decent dinner roll but doughnut NO.

But without some kind of glaze or frosting, I'm not sure how edible it is. This is probably Better as a sandwich lol see mixed feelings. Or maybe some softened butter to spread on it. This works for Thanksgiving sandwich

I did like that the honey version wasn't very sweet. There was a small drizzle of raspberry on my donut and that taste was my favorite of the whole thing.

Definitely try the mini donut before committing to a $4 purchase. I actually wonder if it would taste better because it's smaller...