Old Fashioned Donuts — Restaurant in Hyde Park Township

Time brings changes, I guess. One thing I could always count on when going through my old stomping grounds in the neighborhood of Roseland on the Southside of Chicago was the reliable go-to for deliciousness: Old Fashioned Doughnuts on 112th St.

I pulled up around 6 a.m., and although I couldn't put my finger on it, something felt different. Nevertheless, I went inside to get my fix. As I stood at the glass counter, where I once saw the drizzled goodness of glaze and the radiant beauty of chocolate dancing on top of the yeasty doughnuts, I was dismayed. I did not see the beauty of the glaze and chocolate that once caught my salivating eye. Not the beautiful glazed bowties that begged me to buy them. Not the case filled with works of pastry art, but rather a bunch of dry doughnuts, starved for glaze and chocolate, that lacked the attention they once had.

In fact, the whole presentation seemed to lack the touch of pride it once had. Still, I pressed on, hoping they still had that yeasty taste. Upon leaving, I handed a few bucks to the guys standing outside, got back in my car with the two dozen doughnuts I had purchased, along with the two Texas jumbo doughnuts, and drove off.

When I got to work, where I had once bragged about what I and many others considered "The best doughnuts on the Southside of Chicago," I opened my box and, with hope, took a bite of my doughnut.

I felt cheated. To put it bluntly, I was pissed. Not only had they changed the box that used to display their name proudly on the green and white box, giving that familiar stamp of approval, but they had clearly changed the recipe. It was no longer the pride and staple of the Southside of Chicago.

I called to inquire about the change. I asked if management had changed and what had happened. The person on the other end answered, “We have different cooks! What else do you want to know?”

To answer the question of what else I want to know: I wonder how much longer you think you’ll keep the doors open with these sorry excuses you call doughnuts. Whoever is responsible for this atrocity should be ashamed for taking this famous place, along with the hard work and sweat of the former owners (because clearly, they are no longer there), and ruining these doughnuts. Whoever is behind this disaster needs to be fired. The word is out on the streets: Old Fashioned Doughnuts are not “old-fashioned” anymore.

Please fix this quickly! Or are you just going to grab every cent from nostalgia and run?

I know times have changed, and people are spreading the narrative about inflation, but damn!

Left ( The SORRY doughnuts recently purchased) Right (The...

I don't like having to write a negative review but I must. I thought it may be a one time thing, but the blatant rudeness displayed by the individual (sorry, I can't say "lady" because she DEFINITELY did not act like one) is unacceptable. We used to pick up Old Fashioned for staff meetings and for weekly treats. I moved away for years, however, I remembered Old Fashioned & wanted to start picking these up for our office again. Due to dietary restrictions (some religious), I called & inquired about the type of oil the donuts are fried in. Initially, I allowed one of our teens to do it as a way of teaching phone etiquette and learning social skills. After calling and saying, "Good Afternoon. How are you?" the reply was a cold, short, "How can I help you?" The young man proceeded to inquire about the oil. She responded with a cold, condescending, "DONUT oil!" I then took the phone, asked, "How are you?" and proceeded to explain why we were asking, noting that I wanted to make weekly purchases but needed this information. She gave me the same dry response of "Donut oil." I am not familiar with what "donut oil" consists of and explained that I didn't. She gave a rude, "It's just donut oil" and hung up. I waited until the weekend passed and called Monday (today). The same la--I mean, individual answered. I asked for the owner. She asked, "What is this for?" I said, "We just need to get some information about your products." She then said, "Well you need to call back!" and hung up.

I don't care how good your products are, if your customer service is poor, it is not worth it. I refuse to pay to be mistreated! I will gladly support businesses who treat me like they actually want my business. I plan to let the owner know (if I can get past this rude person) about his rude staff person. UNPROFESSIONAL &...

Jason Kelsey gave Old Fashioned Donuts the BEST PUBLICITY POSSIBLE. I went last Saturday and the place was packed. I wish I could give this place a good review too.

I went there with my daughter yesterday to get donuts for her son’s 5 year old classroom celebration. We arrived at 6:30 am to make sure we would get fresh hot donuts. Well the fresh donuts were on the wall waiting I guess to be served to Jason because my 1 glazed donut from the cabinet was OLD.

The confectioners on the bottom showcase looked old. The owner wasn’t in the window making anything. Seems like the donuts on the shelf were brought in from the other location. We couldn’t have those cause they were fresh.

The establishment looks horrible. There is a man just outside begging at all times unless the lady comes out and curses at him, then he returns.

My daughter didn’t get the donuts for his class. Said she will just have the class have some of the WEBER Bakery Cake. What a difference. You come in at Weber and you can smell the freshly baked cakes, sweet rolls, donuts etc. There are about 6 to 7 people waiting on customers and it goes fast.

I wish Jason Kelsey would visit WEBER BAKERY because they DESERVE THE PUBLICITY.

I am ashamed of Old Fashioned Donuts. I respect the man who used to be in the window every day.

My hope is Jason Kelsey will help him franchise. I WILL NEVER GO TO OLD FASHIONED DONUTS AGAIN where it’s a privilege IF YOU GET SOMETHING FRESHLY COOKED. Bad business. Awful environment inside...