Spalding's is an incredible little bakery. I love that everything is fresh and made from scratch every morning. It's always busy and they only accept cash as payment so don't make the mistake of having none on you. No one wants to go to the end of the line, especially if they are low on the doughnuts you like. I love supporting local businesses when i can and when it comes to doughnuts, cakes and other pastries Spalding's get's my money. The staff is friendly and the sweets are more than reasonably priced. I'm glad their hours only extend from the early morning until noon because i'd be stopping by every other day if they were open any later. I'd recommend the glazed, chocolate glazed, apple fritters, cinnamon twist and a chocolate cake. I've had a couple of chocolate cakes for my kids birthdays and they are divine!! read more

I'll be clear, I only had their wonderfully craggy and rough looking glazed donuts. Oh what a great donut. The surface has soft places and slightly crunchy places with just the right amount of glaze. The inside of the donut is fluffy and yeasty and soooo yummy. read more

Love this place! Reasonably priced, but you want to make sure you go early in the morning because the line can be long! They get you through pretty quickly and they have local dairy products to go with your sweets! They have donuts, pastries and brownies! They only take CASH! It's very much how it was when it was first opened and I really appreciate the uniqueness of this place!! read more

Spalding's Bakery - Donuts Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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There is so much I love about this place, but as I write this review I can't seem to pick a side. I find their donuts to be delicious, yet too greasy sometimes. The fact that they only take cash is old-timey and precious, however inconvenient when you reach into your wallet and only have enough cash to fund 2 donuts, and not the 3 you really wanted. The mom & pop shop feel is comforting, I see the same people at the 2 cash registers every time, but my view of them starts from outside the building as their lines can be long. Overall? Worth the wait, and the trip to the ATM for a classic donut and southern treats to satisfy the sweet tooth. Well look at that, I picked a side. read more

Spalding's Bakery - Glazed. - Donuts Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This is an old school Bakery. When you walk in it smells like a bakery should. The donuts taste like a donut should. There is nothing fake or processed about these. The flavor is perfect. Excellent customer service. The people behind the counter were very friendly and efficient. Don't let the line deter you. That just means it's that good! read more

Spalding's Bakery - Heaven can deliver - Donuts Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

First visit yesterday after many reviews and recommendations, so we were excited to try their baked goods. We got glazed donuts, apple fritters, a few cupcakes and some filled donuts. The staff is really nice; the lines are long but pleasant customers; the store has interesting historical photography; but, the donuts were not spectacular. We enjoyed the experience, as a slice of "Americana" or "Kentuckiana"; but, there are better donuts in town and nearby. They get the three star rating on the overall experience! read more

I love Spaulding's. It's is my favorite donut shop in Lexington. It is simple with old fashioned recipes soft, not overly sweet,. Worth the wait. Just be sure to bring cash they don't accept credit cards. read more

Simply put - the greatest cake in Lexington. Simple, straightforward and not hiding behind decorations, Spaulding's continues their decades of tasty dominance. My go-to spot for birthdays and special sweet treats. ALSO - don't miss the too-die-for doughnuts. They are Lexington famous! read more

Best donuts ever made! I imagine they serve these in Heaven. I swing by here as often as possible. fYI CASH only

Best donuts around. Always a line out the door.

Man these are great donuts. Cash only so plan accordingly. Won't find a better morning treat in Lexington. Must stop if you are in the city.

I will say that Spalding's has some amazing donuts, such as the original and chocolate glazed. The reason I'm rating the store somewhat low is because I think their business philosophy is stuck in the past. There should be no reason why a store today will not accept debit/credit cards. Square and other PoS readers make it very easy to accept these payments while minimizing fees, and it's getting to the point where fewer and fewer people carry cash on them; having to run to an ATM or a bank is tedious. In addition, the building itself is simply to small to hold its customer base, which is usually out the door. It equates to a poor experience for the customer when they have to wait outside in the freezing cold or blazing heat on some days. There have been times where I've simply left and gone to another donut shop because I had waited 20+ minutes in line. All in all, yes, the food tastes amazing, but their business model is horribly outdated and needs to be fixed for a new generation of customers. They should also consider either moving to a larger location or expanding the current one somehow to accommodate customers, possibly adding a dining area. read more

This place is a must for donut/pastry fans. The pictures on here don't do their products justice. This is true home made pastries. The flavors, texture, smell, and overall experience is fantastic. Oh and here is the best part, they are dirt cheap. I fully expected my bill to be $35+. Nope, a cool $15.67. Do yourself a favor and try this place. read more

It had been 15 years since I had a Spalding donut and feared I had built it up in my head how good they are. I had not. They are just as amazing as I remember. Both of my daughters declared "BEST DONUT EVER". read more

Worth the wait in line! Tasty and classicly made! We don't stray from Spalding's often.

This place is as simple of a bakery as it can get! There's nothing fancy or gimmicky about this place. That's because they put all their heart and love into their donuts! I called in a 4 dozen order and let's just say, I was less than super confusing and scattered brain. I needed a variety of donuts I wanted separated into different boxes and whoever took the order was so calm and accommodating. When I picked it up, it was all ready for me and the string they tied around the white boxes just gave it a touch of family donut shop vibe! Would highly recommend, everyone always ask if I got it from Spaldings because it's the go to for donuts! read more

Best donuts in Lexington. I mean, I could write a report on this, but they've been around a long time, I have eaten here dozens of times, had all their donuts, and made a trip there last weekend. These donuts have yet to fail me and are, by far, the best donuts in Lexington. I urge you to try them and find out for yourself. read more

I had spaldings donuts first time through work and It was yum.. I told hubby and he has been trying to go there for almost 1.5 year but he never wakes up early enough to be there..ya he is gets up very late on weekends so for my b'day he made an effort and we got there by 11.15 and after being in line for 10 minutes noticed ONLY CASH.. Well as we were determined to get donuts, we went next door Marathon ATM and got cash and had donuts.. I love their glazed donuts and hubby got mix of everything.. Donuts and Coffee combined -- HEAVEN.. Loved it and DEFINITELY BEST DONUTS IN TOWN:)) read more

Spalding's Bakery - Donuts Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

This may be the best donut I've ever had in my entire life. And for only $.75, are you kidding me!?? This old establishment is a very simple place. There is not much decor and they only have a few items. Also, it is cash-only. It's basically the exact opposite of any hipster donut/coffee shop (e.g. North Lime) The people here seemed pretty nice. Don't quote me on this, but I think the family in front of me in line forgot their cash and was able to work out an IOU plan with the bakery. If so, that's some damn good service. I got the original donut and I was blown away. It looks so simple, but it's so tasty and buttery. I'll be coming back here to fulfill future donut needs and desires. There's so much I need to try... read more

Donuts were really good, service was really crappy. The old, crabby man behind the counter really put me off. I asked if they had any plain cake donuts (like their cinnamon sugar) which isn't unheard of-- donut places normally do and he looked and talked to me like I had two heads. Probably going to go somewhere else. Nothing tastes that good. read more

When Mom heard that my uncle and I were planning to go get donuts early Saturday morning, she proceeded to tell the family about my Donut Man experience (just a reminder: dislocated toe due to my desire to Yelp about the strawberry donuts). She couldn't believe that I would be willing to get up at 5:30am to accomplish this task, but I was planning to no matter what. Fast forward about 4 hours, I admit that I didn't wake up to make the trek (hey it was the morning after the wedding and reception) but I can attest that the donuts are incredible. The donuts are not the perfect round creations that are made by machines. No, these handmade with love. My uncle got the glazed and chocolate varieties. They are definitely worth the early trip to the bakery to guarantee getting them for the bakery closes when the last of the morning batch is sold. read more

I travel all over the country for my job, and I have tried a lot of donuts claiming to be the best. None of them have even come close to the AMAZING Spalding's Bakery. When I was in line, a guy said that he just got out of the Betty Ford Clinic and this was his first stop. I hope he wasn't going rehab for addiction to donuts. read more

Best Doughnut any where around. I have drove 2 hours just to get these donuts. They are that good.

Best donut place in town. My Grandfather used to bring me a donut every morning I spent the night at their house. So much nostalgia, on and amazing donuts and prices. read more

I have searched far and wide and have not found a donut that I love as much as spaldings chocolate glazed. Donuts are my love language and a trip to Lexington is not complete without a spaldings stop! Just remember that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays! read more

I have been wanting to try Spalding Bakery's doughnuts for a year. Finally, after a month of contractor hell, I decided I needed a treat. Sure enough, their doughnuts are amazing. Cake doughnuts are my favorite and these were the best I have had in a very long time (certainly the best in Lexington). I also had a glazed cream-filled and it was amazing. Way better than that place on Limestone. No comparison. I got there about 11:30 am on a Saturday and only waited a few minutes. The doughnuts were super fresh. I am so happy this place is in walking distance of my home! read more

Best donuts in the state. Get there early so you can get them while they are still warm. The glazed is the go to, but if you like chocolate you will love the chocolate glazed. They also make a really good cinnamon roll. read more

Awesome chocolate covered donuts. The only problem is hours of operation and limited availability. Needs more hours open like a normal business. read more

Sweet googliy moogily, these are the best donuts you'll ever have. They've got eccentric hours, they don't take credit cards, and there's usually a line out the door. That said, they make the most awesome donuts you've ever had in your life. Things this addictive are usually illegal. For the sake of my waistband I only go here on special occasions, but I do so treasure the times I eat these circular treasures. read more

The doughnuts aren't pretty but they taste like they are made of fried awesome. Spalding's really is one of those places that makes Lexington special. Leave yourself plenty of time, as the building is tiny and the line will often snake around inside and then extend out the door. I've heard they do a good job on non-doughnut bakery items but I wouldn't know. I'd never waste tummy room on something other than their basic amazing doughnut when actually there. This isn't the place for bacon-dipped, edamame filled cronuts or whatever the cool trend in doughnuts is this week (if you want voodoo style, go to North Lime). This is the place for the best freaking plain doughnut you've ever shoved in your mouth. These are my go-to doughnut for events. KK is a close second, but Spaldings is very different - old fashioned, unchaged and wonderful. Plus, you often meet local celebs in line. My best advice: Go get a couple of dozen and take them to your office. Be amused as people not in-the-know call them ugly. Watch their opinion change as they take that first bite. Tell them how the doughnuts were even better when you got one still warm for yourself earlier. Enjoy the little tear in the corner of their eye that can only be assuaged by the doughy goodness they continue to enjoy. Offer them a second. Await your promotion. read more

This place is hard to get into. They are usually packed from 6:30am until noon. They make a melt in your mouth cake batter doughnut from an ancient family recipe. That is the true reason people pile in here like sardines. I haven't had anything bad from this place at all. They do make cookies, cakes, cupcakes, brownies, but the doughnuts are what they are known for. It is a very clean and modest little shop located across from the Jiffy Factory. They do not take credit cards or debit cards or checks for that matter. The love and flavor they pack into their sweets are to die for and apparently worth waiting in a line to get your hands on. They will wrap your goodies in a plain white box and tie it with a plane white string. The box and string are the only things plain about this place. The staff are extremely nice and helpful. If you drive by, stop in and grab a dozen then you will see what all of the fuss is about. read more

Spalding's Bakery - I shouldnt but I did - Donuts Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This place is food heaven and diet hell. We got 6 donuts (3 glazed, maple iced, pumpkin glazed, and an apple fritter). They just like the ones my Grandma made growing up so I'm pretty sure they fry them in lard. The consistency is light, fluffy, just a little bit oily and delicious. We bought them for Keeneland meet and we ate them all but one (my breakfast today) in about 5 minutes. These blow the water out of anything else I've had before. *Please take note they only take cash, no cards or checks, and there is a usually a line out the door so get there early if you can. read more

My love affair with Spalding donuts began about 12 months ago. My friends had raved about these amazing treats for years, but I was sure that my dear Lexington pals just loved this place because they didn't know any better. I knew that somewhere in Louisville there had to be donuts that could outshine these small-town circles of dough. Well, it only took one bite to make my urban palate scream hallelujah and my smugness melt as quickly as the dough did in my mouth. Heaven in a bag--that's the best way to describe them. There's honestly nothing else like Spalding donuts in this state. They are not pretty and there are no perfectly shaped circles like you find at Krispy Kreme. But what they lack in beauty, they more than make up for in over-the-top, hard-to-describe goodness. Spalding is fried dough at its best. Lightly crispy on the outside, soft and silky but also strangely dense on the inside. These donuts melt in your mouth even as you chew. They are even good hours later. In fact, one friend claims they stay fresh so long they can last through a nuclear winter. You need to plan ahead if you want to take some home. Fans line up long before the doors open. When they run out of something it's out for the day, so don't wait too long. Spalding Bakery is a Lexington landmark and the family-run business is operated pretty much the same way it has for decades. They don't take credit cards, so have some cash ready. Not being an early bird, I love the fact that you can place an order ahead of time and they will have it ready for you when you arrive, even if it's noon. I've heard rumors that week-old Spalding donuts make an amazing base for bread pudding. I am determined to test this urban legend very soon. read more

Spaldings is so-so. I mean, it must get rave reviews because it's been a local fave for a long time, but the honest truth is that they're just cheaper to get a dozen doughnuts over North Lime Doughnuts, which is better. But if you need a dozen, go to Spaldings cause it'll be cheaper and everyone will love them none the less. and also.... BRING CASH! cards not accepted in this age of Square, which they have yet to discover. read more

YUM! Spaldings is a Lexington tradition. When a robber pistol-whipped the elderly owners, they shut down the original location on Limestone. Eventually a family member built a replica of the original bakery along Winchester Road and began producing the famous donuts again. The donuts are almost like round fritters rather than a cake-like donut (like the donuts at Dunkin Donuts) or a soft donut (like Krispy Kreme). Each donut has its own unique shape with various crusty ridges. Go early: they sell out many days and there is almost always a line. read more

I had the worst experience today at Spalding's. There was a man with glasses little older who looked grumpy, acted grumpy, did not say thank you for my business or anything. On top of that when I ate my glaze doughnut it tasted burnt. I usually have a very friendly experience and a very good donut. Not sure I will go back. read more

The doughnuts are untouchable. There is definite love, and on point ingredients used. I love that they have this, browned, made to perfection taste. The outside has a little crackle, while the inside just pulls apart, fluffy without an ounce of uncooked dough. Very, very tasty. Only complaint, no place to sit. Service is good, although when they are slammed you'll stand a minute. I just do mini squats while I'm standing there, burn calories eat more doughnuts read more

These are hands down the best donuts in Lexington!!! They only take cash so be sure to have some and pick up at least one to eat as you drive away. read more

Came in today 5/27/2023 around 10 am and felt I was treated pretty rudely. I am pretty thick skinned and normally wouldn't post a review like this. There weren't many people inside, so I'm not quite sure what the attitude was about. Asked for an apple fritter and they only had 1 remaining so I asked for a moment to decide. Then the cashier blurted out, "We have glazed in the back" but it was said in a manner that sounded like they just wanted me out of there ASAP. I also saw her look at another girl and roll her eyes. The other younger lady mumbled something to herself and thinking she was just repeating my order, I asked her to repeat. She seemed to have an attitude as well. Nobody in there was overly pleasant to deal with which is surprising. Finally received donuts, got home and only had 5, not the 6 I asked for. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but strongly believe this was intentional. I'm not sure how I struck their nerves. Donuts were pretty good (I don't know about 'legendary' that others say) but it would have been nice to receive the proper order without the 'cold' customer service. Probably won't go out of my way to revist this bakery. read more

It's not the Donut Plant in Lower Manhattan, for me the ultimate purveyor of donuts, but Spaldings has very good donuts, light and airy, and priced right. It's a bit out of the way for me, and I'm not usually on that side of town at the donut hour. Pie lover that I am, I asked if they make pies and was told they would do so with a day or two notice, and at a fair price. (Missy's Pies are great, but let's face it, they're expensive, and I refuse to be taken advantage of by a pie bandit.) read more