Massachusetts takes its donuts seriously, and not just the kind you grab at a drive-through. Across the state you will find small bakeries where people happily stand in line for warm apple fritters, hand-cut classics, and flavors you cannot get anywhere else.
Some are late-night island stops, others are old-school shops that have been feeding neighbors for decades. Here are seven local favorites worth the wait.
1. Kane’s Donuts-Lincoln Avenue, Saugus, MA
More than 40 kinds of donuts fill the cases here, and the variety is the whole draw. Think creme brulee, red velvet, and classic Boston cream, plus gluten-free options for anyone who thought they had to skip the fun.
The Lincoln Avenue location in Saugus keeps things simple with counter service, coffee, and a casual, comfortable setup. There is decent seating, outdoor seating, and easy parking, which is not always a given at a busy bakery on the North Shore…