Parlor Doughnuts — Restaurant in San Antonio

I'm so happy that a place like Parlor DOUGHnuts is nearby.

Located off the I10 highway in the Boardwalk Shopping Center, this cute, NOLA/French-inspired doughnut bistro is not only good for people in the area but also great for folks traveling through our fair city.

When we walked in and Victoria warmly greeted us. I had to stop and take in the beauty and aesthetic of the place before I could even get to the doughnuts. Whomever designed this place had a vision that was beautifully executed. There was a shocking amount of seating for a place that appears so cozy from the outside. Off to the right of the entrance is a merch shop with tees, mugs, and even coffee served in-house.

There's a generous amount of flavors of doughnuts to choose from once you get beyond the beauty of the shop. Their doughnuts are mostly sans holes but filled with gooey treats. The choice is almost overwhelming, but I chose to go with tried and true with a healthy balance of exploration. Maple Bacon, Bourbon Caramel, and Raspberry Pistachio were the flavors I selected in our box of a dozen. The other flavors we selected were Chocolate Chocolate, Dreamsicle Lemon Bar, Turtle, Smores, and Coconut Cream Filled. Oh! I also got a patch for my jean jacket. We paid $42 for a dozen. There is a local doughnut that is more expensive, but that's because the proceeds go to a local charitable organization. They also give a military discount. We took our doughnuts to go, but again, plenty of room to eat there. They also serve sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks.

Victoria was so engaging, polite, and helpful throughout our visit. Another employee cleared and cleaned a table as soon as other patrons vacated it. The employees are really doing the work to retain customers. Victoria couldn't answer whether the doughnuts were made with a brioche dough. It's important to be able to give customers info on what makes your doughnuts so special, so that may be something to improve upon.

I actually walked out saying "God, I hope these doughnuts are amazing because I really love this place." The doughnuts were good. To me, they were comparable to Duck Donuts in creativity. The dough's texture, which I think is brioche, was slightly tough, but I can imagine how much nicer they'd feel freshly made. The coconut cream filled lacked salt, and the whipped topping did nothing for the doughnut. I would either decrease the amount or do away with it in favor of coconut glaze. The turtle was gooey and flavorful and the lemon dreamsicle was exceptionally tart. My biggest gripe (and the reason for the imperfect score) is the consistency in the doughnut's size. We had two of the same doughnuts side-by-side, and it's easy to see that we're not getting the same product. There needs to be a system in place to ensure your customers are getting the same product if they're paying the same price. More than one of my doughnuts should've been cheaper than their counterparts.

I wholly recommend Parlor Doughnuts. If they respond to constructive criticism, they'll be the best doughnut shop...

Prepare yourselves, donut aficionados, because Parlor Donuts isn't just serving donuts – they're delivering a transcendental experience! I've had my share of pastries, but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the absolute genius of their unique, layered donuts. This isn't your grandma's yeasted ring (bless her heart, but move over!), this is a masterclass in texture and flavor that will redefine your donut expectations forever. From the moment you walk in, the aroma alone is intoxicating, a symphony of sweet and fried perfection that promises something special. But it's when you take that first bite of their signature layered creation that the magic truly unfolds. Each donut is a masterpiece of delicate, flaky layers, almost croissant-like in its ethereal lightness, yet still possessing that satisfying chew you crave in a donut. It's a revelation – a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, pillowy interior, all working in perfect harmony. And let's talk flavors! While every single donut I've sampled has been phenomenal, the Chocolate and Peanut Butter varieties deserve their own spotlight. The Chocolate donut is a deep, rich cocoa dream, not overly sweet but intensely satisfying, with those incredible layers amplifying the chocolatey goodness in every bite. It’s sophisticated, decadent, and utterly addictive. But then there's the Peanut Butter donut. Oh. My. Goodness. This one is a game-changer. The creamy, nutty essence of the peanut butter is perfectly balanced, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. It's not just a topping; it's infused into the very soul of the donut, making for an unforgettable experience. The textural contrast between the flaky layers and the smooth peanut butter is pure bliss. Parlor Donuts has truly elevated the humble donut to an art form. Their unique layered approach is innovative, delicious, and frankly, revolutionary. If you haven't experienced the magic, run, don't walk, to your nearest Parlor Donuts. Your taste buds will thank you profusely. This isn't just a donut shop; it's a destination, and I'm already counting down the minutes until...

Parlor Doughnuts - TikTok Hype Didn't Quite Deliver, But the Coffee Shines My recent weekend visit to Parlor Doughnuts was largely inspired by a viral TikTok video that touted it as a must-visit spot. While the reviewer made it seem like the best place to visit, I have to be honest and say I didn't get the same impression. We picked up some coffee and donuts, hoping for that "best place" experience. I tried the caramel bourbon donut, which was decent, and also sampled my husband's strawberry shortcake donut. Honestly, I wasn't crazy excited about either of them; they were just okay. However, the real standout, and what salvaged the visit, was their vanilla bean coffee. That was truly excellent – perfectly balanced, flavorful, and not at all overwhelmingly sweet. In summary, while Doughnut Parlor might be a hit with some online, for me, it didn't quite live up to the TikTok hype for its donuts. But if you're in San Antonio and looking for a really good cup of coffee, especially with a delicious vanilla bean kick, it's definitely worth checking out...