Who doesn’t love donuts? In a crazy world, they’re a universal thing we can all bond over. Here are five places you have to try around Milwaukee:
Cranky’s
6901 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 258-5282
crankyals.com
Is it Cranky’s or Cranky Al’s? The world may never know. But what we do know is that the donuts and pizza here are a local favorite, and the place is definitely family-friendly.
Donut Squad
2264 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Grebe’s Milwaukee Bakery
5132 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219
This old-school family-owned bakery has been around since 1937. You’ll find crullers, long johns, apple fritters, and more.
Holey Moley Cafe
316 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 308-1616
hospitalitydemocracy.com/holey-moley/
Opened in 2014, Holey Moley is Milwaukee’s only craft doughnut shop. The doughnuts are made from scratch with whole, quality ingredients and offer a range of styles including cake, yeast raised, filled, fritters, and doughnut holes, as well as a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan options. Their doughnuts are made fresh daily and are available from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while supplies last. They also feature local brews from Hawthorne Coffee Roasters.
The Drive-Thru
1801 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 287-9900
thedrive-thru.com
Their mini-donuts are made fresh to order, shaken with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or a combination of both.
Happy Dough Lucky
(414) 687-5365
happydoughlucky.com
This mobile mini-donut bar (yes, that actually exists!) makes balls of dough into perfectly shaped mini-donuts right before your hungry eyes. Check out their festival and farmer’s market schedule on their website.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
