A Small Jacksonville Donut Shop Has Been Baking The City’s Best Donuts Since 1962

For more than six decades, this unassuming spot on University Boulevard has been Jacksonville’s go-to for homemade donuts.

This cash-only operation opens its doors at 5 a.m. sharp. And serious donut lovers know to arrive early before the day’s fresh batch disappears.

What sets The Donut Shoppe apart isn’t flashy marketing or trendy flavors. It’s their unwavering commitment to simple yet exceptional donuts made with the finest ingredients.

From their legendary “Uglies” (irregularly-shaped apple fritters that are anything but ugly in taste) to their fruit-packed cake donuts bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, every bite delivers the kind of quality that keeps families coming back generation after generation.

Donut Highlights

The Famous “Uglies”: Don’t let the name fool you here! These irregular apple fritters are absolute perfection.

Light, crispy, and packed with apple flavor, they’re so popular that regulars specifically seek them out.

The unique shape comes from their handmade nature, and each delectable bite is full of cinnamon-spiced apple goodness.

Fresh Fruit Cake Donuts: These aren’t your typical chain store donuts with artificial flavoring. The blueberry and strawberry cake donuts are loaded with real, fresh fruit that bursts in every bite.

Classic Glazed Perfection: Sometimes simple is best. And their plain glazed donuts prove this beautifully.

Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, they represent donut-making at its finest.

The yeast-raised varieties are particularly exceptional, with that tender texture that instantly melts in your mouth.

Bavarian Cream Filled: These cream-filled delights are impossibly light yet satisfying. The pastry shell practically dissolves on your tongue while the rich Bavarian cream filling provides a sweet contrast.

Specialty Items: Beyond individual donuts, they create custom donut cakes for special occasions. Picture massive, delicious creations that are big enough to feed a small crowd for just $20.

Atmosphere & Décor

Old-School Charm: The Donut Shoppe isn’t trying to be retro. It simply is!

All because it has truly maintained its original character for over 60 years.

Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Large windows let you watch the donut-making process in action, so you can see fresh donuts being crafted right before your eyes.

Efficient Layout: The straightforward setup means you can get in, make your selections, and be on your way in just a few minutes.

Clean and Welcoming: The shop maintains a consistently clean, bright environment that feels both professional and homey.

Other Considerations

Affordable Excellence: At around a dollar per donut, the pricing is remarkably reasonable considering how expensive things are these days.

Especially when compared to downtown shops that charge five times as much for inferior quality.

A dozen donuts costs about $12.50 (as of this writing) which is an incredible deal for handmade fresh donuts.

Cash-Only: Come prepared with cash, though they do have an on-site ATM if you forget. This old-school approach is part of their charm and helps keep prices low while maintaining that authentic neighborhood bakery feel.

Early Bird Gets the Donut: Opening at 5 AM sharp, The Donut Shoppe caters to early risers. But popularity means selections dwindle throughout the day.

The best variety is available in the morning hours, and some items sell out completely by afternoon.

Advance Ordering Available: You can call ahead to reserve specific items or quantities, which is especially helpful for larger orders or if you can’t make it during peak morning hours.

Orders can even be placed the day before for pickup.

Ample Parking: Free parking is never an issue here with spaces in front of the building and in a larger lot around back.

Multi-Generational Appeal: This is truly a family-friendly destination where grandparents introduce grandchildren to the same donuts they’ve been enjoying for decades.

The consistent quality across generations has created loyal customers who’ve been coming for 25+ years.

Recommended for Special Occasions: From wedding catering to birthday donut cakes, they handle special orders with the same care and quality as their daily offerings. The custom donut cakes are particularly popular for celebrations.

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The Donut Shoppe
📍 1535 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
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