Over the years on these vacations Toby and I have stopped in a handful of donut shops we were told were the best in the area. Whether it's wanting to take a break from the large platters we have in the morning usually on these trips are just genuinely craving something sweet, most donut shops are just okay. Ralphs was a genuine find. Not only was the glazed exactly like in an old-fashioned--the sourdough taste and such good nook and crannies texture-wise--but that maple bar was probably the best one I've ever eaten. The donut was soft and pillowy with a good chew to it. But that maple topping was like the perfect texture; it was runny but still had real heft to it. It was like someone put pure molten maple on top and if you shook it too hard like a wet dog it would all just go flying. Every bite I wish I could repeat because it was a donut that seemed to go by too fast. The counter person couldn't have been more friendly. She was like tidal wave of warmth and kindness to us. I wish all folks who worked morning shifts could be this nice. The ambiance was good. It was a little tiny with the counter space. But the fact it is a donut shop and not a restaurant makes the fact they could pack in twenty or so seats at all amazing. And of course they'd be packed with customers sitting shoulder-to-shoulder. If I lived close to a donut shop like this , I'd want to come every morning for my donuts and coffee. I'd definitely get fat here. Overall, this is my ideal donut shop. There's a reason we made the 60 mile drive here for a few donuts and milk, and then drove 60 miles back to the hotel. There are just some donut joints that are worth a 120-mile donut run. read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - One more time we're going to celebrate Old-fashioned glazed and maple bar from #RalphsDonuts - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

There are few places left that I have been that truly evoke nostalgia. The kind of nostalgia that even my granny would identify with. A slower pace. An old Coca Cola menu board. The smell of fresh yeast and powdered sugar. Ralphs. Please never change. Not the original donut cases. Not the recipes. Nothing. We drove all the way from Nashville to Cookeville for the privilege of buying a dozen of these heavenly donuts. Nothing inventive really. But a flavor profile that wins every time. read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

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Huge fan of Ralph's Donut Shop! My friend and I randomly stopped by on a road trip and decided to try a few treats. First of all, I'm not sure if it's because I'm used to Boston prices, but the donuts were super cheap. Guilt-free spending... but lots of calories hehe. If you're here, it's worth trying a bunch! The vibes of the shop were awesome - super old school. You just order at the counter, so it's pretty low touch in terms of service, but the staff seemed super kind. I don't think I'll be back in the area, but I'd totally go back if so! read more

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This is a famous spot in Sparta/Cookeville. The variety of fresh donuts and bakery is mouthwatering! And the service is awesome. And they event have a drive through window! read more

Great donut shop. Super fresh and tasty with a big selection and friendly service. Love that they're open late, too!

Of the local donut shops in Cookeville, this one's the best! It's always fun to sit at the counter as a guest. Watching the constant flow of people in and out Just don't forget their closed on Sundays and Mondays or else you will pout P of M&P read more

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This donut shop came highly recommended and it did not disappoint! There's plenty of parking, and we went around 10:30 am on a Saturday and still had all of the donuts we wanted available, which was amazing. I find if you go to donut shops too late, especially on a weekend morning, the most popular ones are typically gone, but not in this case! We decided to get some cream filled donuts as those are always my favorite, along with some traditional. They are also known for their butter twists, and boy were those good! They were flaky, moist, and you could definitely taste the butter. They were also hot so they melted in your mouth! Our other favorite was the chocolate creme filled powdered donut. The prices are also super reasonable, which is very refreshing to see coming from Nashville! The woman who took our order was also very helpful and gave us the best recommendations. She was also honest which I love. If you're in Cookeville, definitely stop at Ralphs! read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

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I love Ralph's donuts and ever time I am in town I try to make an effort to stop by just to get some donuts and id recommend you do just the same as the donuts they have here are truly great 5/5 stars would recommend read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Ralph's - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

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Cutest mom and pop donut shop! Very reasonably priced donuts made fresh. Astonished by the size of the apple fritter and the first time I've had one with fresh diced apple filling on top. The butter twists were my fav. Light, crisp and fresh. Welcoming and helpful customer service! Would def stop by if in the area. read more

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The employees were so helpful and friendly recommending what to pick since we'd never been there before. We picked up 8 diff donuts and regretted not buying more since they were closed on Sunday and we were leaving town. For sure it will become a regular place for us to stop on future visits to Cookeville. read more

I've been a HUGE fan of Ralph's since the late 1960's. I was only 10-years when I was taken there by my brother. Ralph himself, the original founder, ran the place. I grew up in Cookeville and Ralph's was always a favorite of mine. I watched Ralph sponsor and play men's fast pitch softball in those days and I seem to recall Ralph's Donut Shop always had a great team. I still make an effort to go to Ralph's anytime I'm back in town and it's still GREAT even today! read more

What a fantastic find here in Cookville TN! I'm always on the hunt to find a donut that compares to Petersons Donut Corner in Escondido CA where I grew up. This is as close as it comes. They were all very fresh and tested spot on!! Very reasonably priced too! I'll definitely be a regular customer! read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

Such a cute little donut shop with a warm hometown feel! The staff at Ralph's Donuts are always so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The donuts are fresh and delicious, and the whole experience just makes you want to come back again and again. Definitely a favorite spot! read more

Stopped by after dinner for dessert. Old school ambiance cannot be beaten! Excellent service and some of the best donuts, elephant ears and other comparable pastries I've ever had. I'll be back for their biscuits and gravy! read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - the outside of the store - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

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Great great great! Local classic that's always been a Cookeville staple. Warm fresh doughnuts always. Old school coffee that isn't 12 a cup. Allows young people to work there to help support the community that's brought them so much business over the years. Clean restrooms. Friendly workers. Just very nice old school original vibe it's very nostalgic. Highly recommend read more

As soon as we got out of the truck the smell of fresh donuts was strong in the air. First time there. Love this place. So many well made types of donuts. Great service. Everyone working seemed pretty happy. Locals came while I was deciding my choices and were very nice. Spoke well of the place. Nice neighborhood. Very clean well kept business. Would highly recommend. read more

All their products are delicious! And some are good for you. I love the Chess bars! And the Apple fritter!!! read more

We utilized the drive thru and it was a breeze. The person helping us was nice and we got our donuts in a reasonable amount of time. Just a heads up if you haven't been there, the drive thru can be an easy miss since it's right next to a larger entrance that looks like it could be the way lol As for the donuts, everything was sweet and fluffy! And if you aren't too big on sweets, the butter twist is a good sweet but not too sweet option. read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Variety - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

This is the spot to be in the mornings line out the door so that's a good sign. The donuts are pretty decent and fresh read more

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Donuts were really good but because they are a local business the donuts became stale quickly. I also had a turnover and that was delicious. The kid behind the counter was entertaining and helpful with my questions. If you like nostalgia, you will appreciate this shop, It still looks like it would have when it opened. It's clean and busy and I plan on returning as soon as I can. read more

FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE THE BEST. I understand they've been there for many many years. I have been there one time and learned a good lesson; GO EARLY! I'll be going back; for sure. Love the drive-thru. read more

The BEST donuts in the area at prices that can't be beat. To put it bluntly, don't bother with Big O's, this is the spot!

Good donuts. Selection and freshness could be better, but overall good. Definitely recommend.

Some of the best donuts I've ever had. Amazing place and friendly staff. Definitely check it out if you have time.

One of my favorite memories from childhood! Old style decor, fresh donuts, and chocolate milk!

What Amazing FRESH donuts.This place has been here for decades. It has a diner feel. The service was fanatic and the variety of donut was a huge list. read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Coconut, lemon jelly - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

The BEST donuts ever! Everyone knows about Ralph's Donuts around here. They are just delicious and you can go inside and have coffee with your choice donut. You might think you stepped back in time since the building has been there as long as I can remember. They also have cookies and treats that are equally as good. read more

Being new to the area, friends told us about how these are the best donuts they have had in awhile so of course we had to check it out for ourselves. We were greeted and welcomed as soon as we walked in, our order was taken quickly, we chose the turnovers, apple, cherry and blueberry, they were delicious, Looking forward to trying other items as well read more

Really good fresh donuts & apple fritters. Friendly, knowledgeable staff & quick service. Very clean & attractive display cases.

Just received a Christmas tin from my daughter and am enjoying your cookies. Great job. Thanks

Ralph's Donut Shop has been in business since 1962, and has probably some of the best donuts I've ever eaten. I stopped in on a cold damp morning and quickly realized that this was a popular place. The drive through was full, the inside bar counter seats were all occupied, and I was third in line to be waited on. The wait was short, as 3 people behind the counter were taking orders and quickly filling them like a well oiled machine. I ordered their Apple Fritter and an Iced Red Velvet. I couldn't believe how huge the Apple Fritter was! It was the largest Fritter I'd ever seen. It was super fresh and tasty with tiny sliced apples glazed on top. The Iced Red Velvet was moist, with an excellent red velvet taste. Both donuts were just amazing! The employees were friendly, courteous, and super efficient. I would be a "regular" if I lived here. This is definitely a place to check out if you get a chance! read more

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We've come to Ralph's twice in the last 12 hours-once for dessert and once for breakfast. It's that good. Loved the cinnamon roll, cake stick, long john, old fashioned, glaze, chocolate cake donut and the creamed filled twist. The sausage biscuit was delicious too. The coffee is great! All the employees were friendly, helpful and great workers! Love the charm of the counter seating and the general ambience of this 1962 donut shop. We'll be back next time we come to town. read more

it is so hard to put into words how spectacular my short experience was here, i walk in with my girlfriend, we had just gotten milk and coffee respectively from across the street, we walk in with no expectations, and are immediately greeted with the most divine smell ever theorized, shortly after, someone--unlike in many other places--greets us with a hello rather than whatever jargon you get when you got chick fil a or whatever, we get a brownie and an old fashioned. oh my god. i love old fashioned donuts. she loves brownies. these are the best we'd ever had of each, bless you ralph, godspeed. read more

What a cute local donut shop with a dinner decor. The staff is very friendly and kind. They have a large variety of donuts. We got the vanilla coconut, lemon and jelly. They were delicious. read more

Ralphs Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Cookeville, Tennessee

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Yum! Yum! Yum! Service was excellent. Cream Horn is not to be overlooked! Cream filled were great! Also had a vanilla topped brownie. Yes, high blood sugar night! Well worth it! read more

A few months ago I would have given Ralphs 5 stars easily!! Great down home restaurant feel and by far the best donuts.. BUT once it got a little notoriety everything started changing. The donuts are now about 1/2 the size they used to be skimpy toppings and they even taste different to me. Don't know why they changed but if it isn't broke don't fix it. Might start going to Big Os if this is a permanent thing. read more

Personally best donuts I've had. They even taste good after sitting overnight . Our family always stops if we're near by.

What a hidden treasure! I saw this bakery had positive reviews and it's been in the family for several decades. You can't find these types of mom and pop bakeries very often. Ralph's did not disappoint! Wow! Their donuts are AMAZING! I preordered our donuts since we weren't going to arrive until the evening. They also have a few seats sitting in a u-shape on both sides. read more

Hands down best donuts! The raised glazed are melt in your mouth amazing!! A must get. The atmosphere is old school charm! It works. Most of the staff is very helpful and friendly. read more

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Visiting from Columbia, SC. Some of the best doughnuts I have ever had. The service was impeccable as the young man described every pastry to me and my husband. I am so glad I don't live here because I would not resist being a regular! Hope your business continues to thrive. read more