Good donuts are hard to find. This place exceeded all of my expectations and that isn't easy. I fancy myself a donut connoisseur. They are larger than the average donut and look like a delightfully fluffy pillow. They are airy but dense at the same time! They aren't over frosted or too sweet. Plain and simple, it's the perfect donut. Don't hesitate to stop by and give it a whirl. I didn't try the coffee but based on the selection I will definitely give the coffee a try on my next visit! read more

Overall good donuts/ service I have been here on a number of occasions and like the donuts. I think their yeast donuts are their best, and I like getting ones that can be filled. That being said, although the donut itself is very tasty, they do not put a lot of filling in and there ends up being too much dough. Service is decent and can be hit or miss- some employees are friendly and others are pretty stoic. They turn off their grill about 30 minutes before close so you're out of luck if you want something hot. Parking is free but can be limited on weekends read more

So... if you're looking for an apple fritter that is loaded with apples, has those delicious craggy/crispy bits AND is the size of your face-- you MUST go to Early Bird Donuts. The sausage egg and cheese biscuit was very tasty too. We'll definitely be back! You can order ahead via facebook messenger with your order and pick up time to make sure you what you want (before they run out). read more

Comparing against donut big shots like Monuts and Rise in the Durham area, Early Bird did not stack up. Their donuts tasted more similar to store bought (I.e. Harris Teeter or Target). We got 6 donuts - vanilla glaze, cake cinnamon sugar, dog house with vanilla cream, and old fashioned - and sampled a crueller. The crueller was by far the freshest tasting and had the most flavor. The donut was moist and had a slightly creamy flavor - definitely worthy of praise! Missing from Early Bird are no true unique flavors. The most unique feature was the ability to choose what cream you want injected into a few options of filled donuts. The ambiance was subpar and less cozy than expected. It felt more like a pop in, pop out kind of place, rather than sit down and enjoy eating donuts with friends. We would've preferred the donuts hot or at least warm to indicate freshness. read more

Early Bird Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I came in on a Sunday around 10am. They had very little selection of donuts, and the counter person was inattentive and did not want to be there. I guess they call it early bird because if you are not there at open, you will not get any of their "superb" donuts nor will you get any level of customer service. You are better off going to Dunkin. read more

I found this place by "happenstance". Going to experiment with trying sushi for the first time (strange, I know but stay with me) I saw a sign stating, "Early Bird Donuts Now Open". This piqued my interest because, who doesn't love doughnuts? Meh. Well, if you didn't you wouldn't be here trying to get an idea of what it's all about! Lol! I looked them up on the "Googler" and found their yelp and Facebook pages. All positive and the pictures of the tempting doughnuts didn't hurt either. I was traveling out of town that weekend so I made it a point to get breakfast for my honey and me. As well as, some sweet delights for myself. I arrive Saturday morning @ 6:02 am ready for anything. The owner (I presume) was unlocking the doors so the hungry patron (could come and devour some of everything I could without too much guilt. I ordered the bacon, egg and cheese croissant for myself and a sausage and egg biscuit for my lover. Lol. If you are from the area, it is known that RISE sets the bar pretty high for donut/breakfast restaurants. The one thing I haven't seen since being a longstanding patron is a: Croissant!!! They accepted the challenge and defeated it! Even though I went back later and tried it with the Sausage and loved it even more so!! I got a variety of donuts from your classic glaze to the ginormous Apple Fritter! Everything is fresh and it tastes that way! I've gone back several times since starting this review and have not been unhappy one time. If you want sinfully delicious sweets...make this a stop in your ver near future! It's worth the drive. read more

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First time here was when they had a cute Halloween make your own donut/story time for kids. The event was great and I hope they schedule more like it. Fortunately I tried some menu items while there and I can't wait I go back. The donuts are SO good! My favorite was the salted caramel yeast donut. It just melts in your mouth! Also had a bacon, egg, cheese croissant that was out of this world. If you're looking for simple, delicious donuts I would definitely try Early Bird. You won't be disappointed! read more

In general the donut scene in the triangle is lacking in my opinion (sorry, not a fan of Krispy Kreme and RISE is hit or miss for me). Is early bird the best? No. But it is certainly above average on the bell curve. This is a new location in the shops at Erwin mill. There's been a little turnover in this shopping center in the 2 years I've lived here (odd location near Duke/VA but not in the middle of anything) but I think it's got the chops to stick around for awhile. The atmosphere is bright and open. Big windows and common seating with games so it's a good place to hang out with friends for a snack or study (free wifi thanks!). It's also fun to be able to see some of the process with the big mixers on display, and one of the ovens is out front so we saw exactly when the croissants finished baking. The menu has yeast and cake donuts as well as biscuits and croissants. There is also a short order cook for eggs, sausage and bacon so there's biscuit/croissant sandwiches. We had a blueberry cake donut, a crumb yeasted donut and a biscuit. The biscuit was very good, salty and butter and had enough structure to hold a sandwich even though we got it plain. The crumb donut was very good. Solid flavor and texture, not over glazed or chewy. The cake donut was lackluster. It was small, cold and dense. If these were representative it seems like the yeast scene is much stronger than the cake scene here. I was happy with my donut, and happy with my study time. Would I drive here from chapel hill just for a donut craving? Probably not. I also have a gripe about donut places that close before 3pm. But if I happen to be in Durham before noon and happen to want a donut, I know this place will deliver. read more

I decided to try this place again since I got out of work early today. It was the end of the day so they didn't have much left, but what they looked awesome. I got a couple of glazed, some donut holes & the biggest apple fritter I've ever seen. I remembered being in the back making my own and it made me realize how tough it is to do what they do. My hat goes off to them and I can wait to go there when I can see their whole selection. read more

Check this place out! Really nice space, great selection of donuts, great coffee. I tried the sour cream old fashioned and the cinnamon cake. Both great! I'll be back. read more

Early Bird Donuts - Cute logo! - Donuts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Ok so I feel bad about giving a 2-star review to Early Bird Donuts because they really do make the best donuts in town, but I've been there about 4-5 times already and by 9am they are sold out of everything!!! I wish they made enough donuts to last them till closing time, but they run out of everything 5-6 hrs before they close!! If they are not going to increase their production, then they at least should change their open hours to reflect the times they have something to actually sell ya. read more

This place is bad ass, donuts are so good I wanted to slap the baker, for seducing my mouth. The service was quick, and the explanation of the menu, to persuade or trick me into getting the custom filled donuts, made me feel like I was cheating on my wife. The sausage was well worth the money, just a little over cooked on the eggs. Over great experience, great food, phenomenal independent concept. read more

Quite possibly the best donuts i've ever had. So light and fluffy you could probably have 3 or 4 easily by yourself. I have tried the Oreo Creme, Cinnamon/Sugar, and Blueberry Cake. All were incredible. The shop itself is super cozy and welcoming. The tables look handmade and the atmosphere is great. I will be returning many times and telling everyone i know about this awesome place! read more

Early Bird Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The donuts are delicious and freshly made. My husband and I came late and missed out on the apple fritter but even the "older" (from that morning) donuts were delicious. We will be back again! read more

SO so good! These are like the doughnuts I ate growing up, but even better! We got 6 different kinds, and the old fashioned ones CANNOT be beat! They are honestly what doughnut dreams are made of. The filled ones are all filled to order, so you can mix and match the doughnut (glazed, powdered sugar, cinnamon, frosted) with different fillings (jam, apple preserves, lemon cream, buttercream, etc). Nothing was overly sweet or overly greasy - seriously, each doughnut was perfection! The staff was also super friendly, patient, and helpful. Doughnuts at great prices, and good Joe Van Gogh coffee to boot. So glad I don't live closer because I'd be in a lot of trouble... get yourself over asap. read more

Fantastic donuts!!! Soooo delicious. Bavarian creme is perfect. Can't wait to try our others---a dozen is a GREAT bargain too! Thanks for opening up in Durham!!!! read more

Seriously some of the best donuts I've ever had. They fill them right there which adds to the freshness and the actual donuts are so so fluffy and light. They didn't have as wide of selection as I was hoping(coworker really wanted a French crueler) but that doesn't stop me giving the full 5 stars as the donuts were that good. A bit pricey but the donuts were very large, wish I would have took pictures read more

Went here with my daughter to pick up something sweet. We were staying at the AC Hotel and they share a parking lot. Their yeast donuts were amazing. They have "empty" donuts that you can choose your filling, too. Families there playing board games and hanging out which was great to see. Can't wait to return! read more

I will definitely go back for the crumb donut and bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. Both were delicious! Better than average for sure. I only gave it three stars because the tables were not clean and the drip coffee was old and one coffee urn was completely out. The dining space was dirty/disheveled/not inviting. Even if the pandemic were not happening, I would not want to stay and eat there. The staff were friendly and helpful. read more

Kolaches are great (little heat from the sausage, more of a puff pastry interior than expected), croissants are solid and of course the donuts are well crafted. Have had a few issues with mistakes in the filling but really huge pillowy donuts (with excellent buttercream and curds normally available) to fill it. The specialty donuts are ok but stick with a kolache and one (or 3) filled donuts and you'll be happiest read more

Freaking awesome yeast donuts! Love the chocolate donut. Glaze was good too. I was in town for business and found this place on yelp. Did not disappoint. read more

Who doesn't love donuts? Well, in my recent visit, I was actually more swayed by the gigantic apple fritter and cinnamon rolls. By gigantic, I mean the size of my head. These things were massive! Sadly, the freshness left a bit to be desired. The fritter was very crunchy and seemed a bit stale as did the cinnamon roll. Granted, I stopped in mid-morning, so perhaps that had something to do with it. Maybe next time I will stick to ordering donuts only. read more

These donuts were big and fluffy! I like that most of the flavors aren't glazed THEN iced, that is usually too much sweet for me. Prices are reasonable compared with similar places. Salted caramel donut was AMAZING. Wish they would add more kolaches! read more

We were visiting Durham and found this place. The donuts were super yummy. We were looking forward to having a breakfast sandwich on one of their huge croissants, but got there too late and they were all sold out. Will definitely return next time we are in town! read more

Just disappointed in the quantity of specialty Donuts and the quality of the regular Donuts and the customer service skills of the staff as well as the owner don't recommend If you want donuts in Oroville go to Donut Tree read more

OMG! I remember when this place was located in Little Rock, AR on Geyer Springs Road next to Interstate 30! I miss this place so much! I used to be a regular customer. My all time favorite donuts were the Blueberry Cake, Old Fashion Cake, and cinnamon twist! Donuts were always fresh and the cake donuts had a nice crunchy texture on the outside and a nice soft texture inside. I can literally taste the donuts just thinking about them. The workers in the store were very nice, which was a MAIN reason I was a repeat customer, as side to their donuts already being delicious. I am hoping I am able to visit North Carolina one day to visit this newer location. :D read more

These are truly the best donuts in Durham. They are probably also the best donuts I've ever had. Their plain glazed are fluffy and delicious and the apple fritters are giant and to die for. I constantly got these on Saturday morning for the family and whenever we had company. When I moved from Durham to Florida I brought back a dozen just to share with people. When I visit Durham I have to make a trip. They also have fire breakfast sammies. read more

Early Bird Donuts just doesn't compare to the other shops in the area. It's not that the donuts are bad, they just aren't great. If you haven't experienced great donuts, you'll probably like this place. If you have experienced great donuts, you'll agree that these are very average and taste similar to what you can get at a gas station or convenience store. The only unique thing about Early Bird is that they fill their donuts to order. You can pick your filling and they inject it into the donut of your choice. I got a cinnamon sugar and a plain glazed when I went. My wife got a Dog House and an old fashion. The cinnamon sugar donut was very dry and didn't really taste like anything. The others were similar. We didn't finish any of the donuts we purchased - they were not worth the calories! Overall, I would not recommend coming here. There are 3-4 other donut places in the area that are exponentially better. You can tell the other places are better because there will be a line out the door on Saturdays and Sundays. We went to Early Bird at 9:30am on a Sunday and it was empty. If you're in the area and need a quick bite, this place is fine. But if you want a great donut, go somewhere else! read more

Went super duper early and I was not disappointed. Big hit with my work team! Variety of filled and regular donuts to choose fro; friendly staff! Deliciousss. read more

The donuts themselves are heavenly, and so are their sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. The staff are all friendly, and the coffee that's out (Joe Vangogh) is great too. If you want to have a good choosing, you definitely need to get here before 9am bc most everything will be sold out by 10am. read more

Just stopped by this place with my coworkers and we were immediately blown away. This place is clean, great decor and of course great customer service. The owner gave us a few extra donuts to take back to our work. He was very kind and generous to us. Plus the donuts are super delicious!!!! Everyone must try this place!!!! read more

Early Bird Donuts - Get service!!! He is filling up the donuts upon order. Fresh and delicious!! - Donuts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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My family and I stopped into Early Bird Doughnuts this morning, and I have to say I was disappointed. We intentionally stopped in here because I had a craving for kolaches. They were out, which isn't really a problem in and of itself, but it wasn't labeled as not being available while other items were clearly marked as such. Instead I had bacon and a biscuit. The biscuit taste like a stale McDonald's biscuit; the bacon was okay but nothing remarkable. My father had the sausage egg and cheese croissant, which was better but still nothing to write home about. My wife had doughnuts, which she said were pretty good. Over all, it was a lackluster experience. read more

Some of the best donuts I've ever had came from this place. They are always fresh too! My favorites were the regular glazed and the blueberry cake. Their breakfast sandwiches are great as well. read more

Yummmyyy!!! Better than Krispy Kreme not as sweet snd oily as Krispy Kreme yet still delicious and not cake like. Get there early before they sell out read more

Must see! Don't waste your time thinking about if you should go, GO! Fluffy, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Go early for the best selection and seasonal flavors. read more

Great donuts!! The best in Durham. I'd definitely check this place if you like donuts. read more

Early Bird Donuts - The place - Donuts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Good donuts! Always looking for something better than Dunkin' and not as pricey as Rise when there's a crowd to buy for! I would really love for the owner? to be a bit more friendly & personable. We always feel like we're bothering he & the lady who are usually working. read more

Donuts taste like the oil used to fry them has not been changed recently. Tried them 3 times, won't be going back

This was great! Being from Texas, I was so glad to find kolaches! The Apple Fritter was one of the best I've ever had. I brought my 2yr old and 4yr old sons and they loved it. Great interior for hanging and stuffing yourselves. read more

I started going to Early bird donuts late last year and honestly I've never ever been disappointed in the quality of food and goods they have. They're an actual donut joint not like monuts or rise who claim to be ( side note, the prices are also a plus) They have a nice establishment, and even have the option to bring out the food to you if you don't feel like going in. The donuts are made fresh every morning, my personal favorite is the chocolate donut filled with vanilla. Definitely recommend to go early or to call and make an order ahead because they do run out! (They're that good!!) read more