Spunky Dunkers Donuts — Restaurant in Palatine Township

I’ve been going to Spunky Dunkers for many years. Growing up in Palatine and still living here now, it’s been a go-to favorite for my family with great donuts, local charm, and consistently positive experiences. However, this morning’s visit left me feeling disappointed and concerned.

When I arrived to pick up donuts for my family, I witnessed an uncomfortable interaction between an employee and another customer. The customer had politely explained that she was given the wrong donut, she asked for a chocolate donut but received a chocolate iced one instead. Rather than resolving the issue kindly, the employee argued with her, insisting the chocolate iced donut was what she ordered. After some back-and-forth, the correct donut was given, but shockingly, the chocolate iced donut (which the customer had already touched) was placed back into the display case rather than discarded.

When it was my turn to order, I asked for a chocolate iced donut and saw the same one being handed to me. I politely requested a new donut, as I was uncomfortable with the lack of food safety. The employee responded by arguing with me, asking why I needed a new one. I explained that it was unsanitary to return a touched item to the shelf, let alone serve it to another customer. It wasn’t until what appeared to be a manager stepped in that the donut was properly thrown away and the issue was addressed.

Unfortunately, the experience didn’t end there. The same employee rang up my order, left my donut box on the counter without a word, and walked off into the back. I had to lean over and check that the box was mine before leaving.

This interaction felt rude, unprofessional, and far below the standard I’ve come to know and love from Spunky Dunkers. I understand that everyone can have an off day, but this went beyond that. The employee’s behavior both toward me and the other customer was unacceptable, and the sanitary practices were especially concerning.

I’m still a loyal customer, and I know this isn’t how Spunky Dunkers usually operates. I hope this feedback serves as a reminder that customer service and food safety are both essential to maintaining the excellent reputation this shop has built over the years. I truly hope this employee receives the retraining and support needed to better represent the amazing business...

Old school doughnut place with delicious doughnuts! I'm not a cake doughnut fan, so I mostly tried their raised ones. Their cream filled (Boston cream, Bavarian powdered and cinnamon sugar cream) are THE BOMB, sooo delicious! The jelly doughnut was really really good as well and definitely enough filling on both, the cream and the jelly doughnuts. The honey glazed was so airy and light, yet not overly sweet. Toasted coconut had the same airy texture with the added crunch of the coconut, weirdly, the coconut didn't have much taste, but the extra texture was fire. The German chocolate doughnut was very moist and definitely denser than the 'normal' doughnut base, it was good, but I prefer the regular ones for sure. Now one let down was the apple filled doughnut. The icing sugar mixed with cinnamon was too much for me and the filling was too sweet as well. But I bet if you really have a sweet tooth, that one is for you! I was contemplating between that and the apple fritter and should have gotten the fritter ... Next time! The pecan rolls looked delicious as well, though I was able to stay clear even though it was hard 🤣 I have one gripe with the service. I was there two different times, Saturday early evening and Tuesday later evening. Saturday the service was meh... The woman behind the counter was nice, but not helpful in figuring out what to get as a first timer. The lady on Tuesday was amazing though! I'll definitely be back, but am glad I'm living 25 minutes away, otherwise I'd be a regular, as in, regular multiple...

Update 2/2023 What’s not to love about Spunky’s Donuts! They have a great variety to choose from and offer so many flavors and fillings! They had a new donut in the counter called a puff. It’s a chocolate cake donut with buttercream filling! Can’t wait to try it at home!

They never skimp on quality ingredients and their consistency is always there. Donuts look, taste and are the right sizes all the time! The donuts are great for any occasions too. I need to try their cinnamon rolls next time. Spunky’s is spot on for donuts and one of the best in the area! Service is always fast and friendly. To top it all off at the time of this review, if you do a yelp checkin, you get $2 off a dozen! ————— Very good donuts here. They always have fresh supply and never really run out as they are 24 hour operation. Cake donuts are super moist and chocolate glaze on various donuts tastes like ganache’ (French dark chocolate glaze). Raised donuts are very good but were a little chewy (probably overworked the dough a bit that day on the bench/table). Generous amounts of filling in all the filled donuts and custard was very creamy. They may have had cream filled but I didn’t see them. I want to try their apple fritter next time too as it was huge! French cruller donut could be a little larger. No grease in the box. Price is very reasonable and quality is very good. Of all the donut places in the surrounding area Spunky is the best overall shop for product quality, price and availability! Plus they are open 24 hours so you...