With an impressive 4.77 rating across all user-driven platforms online (108 total votes and…read morecounting), you would imagine Fresh Donuts would live up to the hype. On paper - actually on an Excel spreadsheet I created - those scores rank them as the third best donuts in Middle Tennessee! Having now eaten at the entire top 25 donut spots, I can provide my impartial review. I found this tiny, unassuming shop in a strip mall with no sign. Unlabeled with a lackluster, no-frills interior, you'll find the secret store adjacent to a Fantastic Sam's southwest of downtown Columbia. In the first few bites, I realized that the donuts at Fresh Donuts were shockingly mediocre for such lofty ratings. But you must consider that a Columbia 4.77 isn't a Nashville 4.77. In a smaller town with fewer bakery options, ratings are always going to be skewed higher. That's true throughout the country. To pull off a 4.77 in Nashville is nearly impossible unless you have a really special product that distinguishes itself among some serious competition! So you must temper your expectations in a town of fewer than 50,000. The maple frosted donut here, my favorite donut flavor, wasn't bad. But it struck me as average and unremarkable. The cinnamon twist wasn't as light and airy as some of the exemplary versions you'll find in Nashville, and the cinnamon was nearly undetectable. While the donuts were fresh even in the late afternoon with a dwindling supply, which is impressive and lives up to the name Fresh Donuts, I wouldn't make this a destination for Nashvillians who are thinking of driving an hour down to Columbia. If you happen to be in Columbia, yes, this is a good stop for donuts. But don't make a road trip out of it just to sample what are allegedly the third-best donuts in the region. They simply aren't what the ratings imply, and I made the trip so you wouldn't have to.

Vefy friendly and great donuts. I think someone was malicious marking it as closed. Good price…read moreand stays busy

The box of doughnuts I purchased... Top row: chocolate,…read moreglazed, old-fashioned, old-fashioned, maple, glazed, old-fashioned. Bottom row: blueberry, chocolate, glazed vanilla cream, glazed doughnut. Apple fritters not pictured. Never knew this place existed till I read reviews on Yelp. People saying they came from all over to try the pastries. Had to join the crowd and try them myself. Some, I was eager to get, weren't available when I went. They said they didn't make as many, when schools were in session. I'll have it go back in the summer, when sales increase. Anyway, the ones I chose today were delicious. My favorite was the Maple Old-fashioned (yum yum!) Hope they have that every time I go because I will want it again and again.

I've been trying to make it to this place for years!! While the daily closing time is listed as…read more3:00 p.m., the store actually closes when they sell out of donuts. And as popular as this spot is, they sell out well before 3:00 every single day! So on several occasions over the past five years, I've driven an hour down to Lewisburg at 1:00 or 2:00, only to find a closed store at the end of a fruitless trip. Finally, I made the pilgrimage to the Lewisburg Donut Shop on a weekday morning and found it open! Hallelujah! And indeed, the donuts did not disappoint. The apple fritter is among the best I've had, almost as good as Fox's in Green Hills. But that maple with a soft, yeasty, melt-in-your-mouth dough is astounding! I can understand the lofty ratings now!

The donuts are so yummy and it is the perfect treat. I like how I can eat it with a mini fork and…read morenot get all dirty. I liked how it was in a trailer. The vibe inside was trendy. Service was friendly and quick

The little silver Airstream reflects the sun on a Saturday morning, a gleaming beacon beckoning…read morecustomers to their mobile bakery at the Franklin Farmers Market. If that doesn't attract your attention, the smell of fresh donuts wafting across the booths will. Founded in 2010, these are the classic, old-fashioned cake donuts of yesteryear, hence the name. You'll probably never find out how good most of their flavors are. The three Saturdays we've arrived within two hours of their opening, Ellie's only had the cinnamon sugar variety remaining. It is what it is. But even that style, the most basic of donuts, is exemplary. You'll notice the quality. Ellie's may not make my top five donuts in Middle Tennessee (unless I can get my hands on that elusive maple), but they're tasty, nonetheless. Warning: It's a cash-only food truck, so come prepared.

Great coffee spot that's a little out of the way. The people were awesome even if it was a busy…read moremorning - super friendly. I'd definitely go back!

We stopped in for a quick bite and coffee and it did not disappoint!! My hubby is on keto and they…read morehad a great house salad option with REAL chicken (you know the kind they actually baked and didn't get precooked). DELISH!!

Donuts were good and aplenty on a Sunday afternoon. Went to Daylight Donuts first but they ran out…read morefor the day, so ended up at Donut Palace. There were seriously a lot of donuts. They were on average $3.50-$4.00 each. Extremely expensive. I've come from LA where family owned donut shops were in every corner, so I'm always in search of these small shops in TN. I've been never a fan of dunkin. Glazing was a bit much but didn't mind it too much. I've paid a lot for desserts before but never this much for donuts. I have to say that at this price, you would expect gourmet donuts. HOWEVER - I would actually very much prefer this over those gourmet ones nonetheless. Something about the Asian donuts just tastes much better :)

Absolutely disgusting. Shop was filthy, don't know how they have not been shut down by health…read moredepartment. Way over priced and the donuts were nasty. Spent $25.00 took one bite and stopped at next garbage can and threw them away. It was that bad. Place smelled like raccoon grease. I now have to go home and change my clothes because I smell just from stepping in for two minutes

Legacy Coffee Company is a great local option for coffee if you are in the Columbia, Tennessee area…read moreand craving coffee. The place has a pleasant ambiance and the service is friendly. If you are in the area, give them a try.

Really cute little coffee shop with a drive-thru! Service was great; the GM was friendly and kind…read more The coffee is solid. Overall a really good experience.

Five Daughters is a cute spot for a pretty good donut…read more This location is takeout only, but the center area of The Factory has some tables and chairs. The shop is cutesy with pink walls and a little social media worthy photo op on one of the walls. Lines are hit or miss. I either walk by and nobody is there or it's a long line. I can't say service at this location has ever been noteworthy. It's more just moving people through the line. They offer mini and regular sized donuts. I love, love, love that they offer mini donuts. I've never been a big fan of their donuts, but the winter donuts may have changed my mind. My favorites have been Sugar Cookie and Gingerbread Latte. I enjoyed the buttery, flaky layers. I also grabbed an iced sugar cookie and that was delicious. For drinks they offer coffees and a case with sparkling waters, juice, and canned coffee. Five Daughters is worth a try if you find yourself near a location.

This bakery is unique beyond imagination. These are not your typical donuts. Somehow, they are…read moremade with 100 thin layers of dough, which gives them a light and fluffy texture and airiness. What's inside of them is even better, if you're blessed enough to try one of the icing-filled wonderful treats! Sweetened with coconut sugar, and infused with different flavors inside and out, some only on the outside, you will never forget your first taste of a Five Daughters donut. Visit their website to read about your endless choices of mouth-watering donut descriptions, and place your order at one of their many locations, one of which is bound to be close to you. And you can thank me later

Last time I reviewed this little shop was in 2018. Fortunately, I have visited here numerous times…read morein those intervening years. Decided to buy a box of 100 to give to the staff of another local restaurant that is a favorite of mine. Yesterday..,Conveniently ordered online. (A day ahead.) Chose a time for pick up. Today...Received a text that they were ready! Quick convenient, delicious, and greatly appreciated by all who got to share these sweet gems. Kudos and shout out to the prompt, courteous, and generous manager.

The cutest concept, I love the staff - they are so friendly! I came by to try their donuts - their…read moreclassic cinnamon sugar is divine (also the mini forks are just so fun)!!! They have hot coffee and canned La Colombe Iced Lattes in various flavors that pair perfectly, as well as, milk and orange juice. Truly a gem of a visit, you can take it to go or sit at their picnic table if the weather is nice.

Went today with my son after school. First time to Rise Up. The owner / operator Catrina helped…read moreus and we very personable and friendly. I enjoyed the atmosphere in the store and Catrina was especially nice to my son. We got the banana, strawberry shakes and they were fantastic. Pricing was VERY reasonable. I'll be back with my wife and other kids. Great place!

I walked into Rise Up and immediately felt at home. The employees were so patient with me and…read moreoffered thoughtful suggestions while picking drinks for myself and my toddler. They even finished the order with a sweet phrase on the cup! It was a guilt free delicious treat. I will be going back again and again.

Stopped on my way home from the market-- yum!! It's just drip coffee but it's good and also…read moregrabbed two of their have dozen boxes of their fresh mini donuts and YUM!!!

Best doughnuts ever! They are soft and fluffy! The perfect one bite! They offer several flavors,…read morealong with a limited beverage selection out of an Airstream. They also have a little seating area to done in!