The Donut Mill is located on Gasoline Alley in Red Deer. They offer a wide variety of donuts, soups and sandwiches. For a number of years this has been a family destination. Whether returning from a trip to British Columbia or just for a quick trip from Edmonton for a pleasant drive, this used to be a nice stop. Last Friday, August 6, 2021 we did the drive from Edmonton for what turned out to be a major disappointment. The donuts have shrunk in size and thickness and were very dry (several days old I'm sure). The Rolo Donuts had chocolate icing with only 2 butterscotch chips on top and barely any filling, the Pina Colada donuts had coconut on top, no filling and no flavour. The chocolate raspberry donuts were very dry as well, chocolate icing with 10 red sprinkles on top but had a decent amount of filling. The lemon filled donuts (which were supposed to be orange creamsicle) were dry also with only a small amount of filling. Unfortunately we were not aware of this until we returned home with our "goodies". At $18.99 per dozen, it was not worth the money. Sorry Donut Mill, you can't recover your COVID losses by cheating the customers. We will NOT be stopping in again. Unlucky for us! read more

The Donut Mill - A Red Deer institution. The donuty donut spot in the corridor of the QEII I always stop here, the sandwiches are good, the soup & chili are good and filling and the donuts, well they are the reason to come here. I have even driven from Leduc just to visit the Mill and turn back around. The Donuts here are always fresh and varied. Love it ! read more

Whyyyyyyy?!?!?! Every time I make the drive south from Edmonton I always, ALWAYS stop here to get a dozen of the glorious most delicious donuts you can find in Alberta. But lately the last few times iv come here your severally understocked on the donuts. I'm talking you don't have over half the selection you should have available. What's going on?! It never used to be this way.. all I can say is it must be the lazy incompetent staff you have running the place these days. You should really change this because I may just stop coming here since you never seem to have the donuts I want anymore anyways and when I ask when they will be ready your ignorant, rude staff just say they don't know and won't go see or find out for me. read more

Got the stew in a bread bowl, bun and apple fritter. Absolutely delicious! Portions were huge, service was great and efficient. So much food I had to get a to go bag. Highly recommend! read more

The donuts are heavenly oh my god. I just wish they weren't as expensive. The place is fairly clean and the atmosphere is very "diner" like. Awesome place to go for soups and donuts! read more

One of the finest donuts anywhere, a full menu of comfort food, and the perfectly preserved ambiance of 1984. I love this place. Can't drive by the giant windmill without stopping. read more

A nice place to stop when driving between Edmonton and Calgary. We got half a dozen for $8. Their prices are better or comparable to other good donut shops. The donuts were fresh and tasty. I will return to try more. I think they're fairly similar in taste and quality to other good donut places- there's nothing incredibly unique about donut mill. That being said it is nice to have so many options in one place. I would stop here for food and snacks before going to Tim Hortons. read more

Absolutely the best donuts I've ever had. Been going there for years until recently. Due to the surly counter service past couple times (same girl) I have avoided getting a box my last few trips to Red Deer. Young tall girl brownish hair slim build working behind the counter REALLY needs to get another job. She's rude, agitated and really "can't be bothered" to take your order. Had to ask for my coffee TWICE last time then I really got attitude. Really folks in today's day and age who NEEDS this ? read more

This place is garbage. Extremely overrated. The rolo donut tastes the same as the s'mores donut. They all just have whipped cream stuffed in the middle. I was so excited to try these donuts and was sorely disappointed. Complete waste of calories. read more

How can you drive to Calgary without stopping at Donut Mill! It's like an institution! Great donuts, awesome prices. I should really try out the rest of the menu, but when your name is The Donut Mill, you're famous for something! Love it! read more

My friends kept telling me that whenever I'm in or near Red Deer, I must try this place out. Huge selection of donuts, I tried 6 different ones (I'm a huge donut fan). I was a bit disappointed by a few of them that contained what looked like cheap whipped cream, but the Boston Cream donut was amazing! read more

Always stop in for a quick sandwich while traveling to and fro Calg - Edm. The food is definitely healthier than the fast food options nearby. Less the donuts I suppose! I will say the sandwiches are really good. Anyhow I don't really have anything more than a 3 star experience any time I go there. I like the old school look and feel, but the Donut Mill could definitely use some updated customer interaction and point of purchase processes. It's one area where the larger chains have it beat, and it does not need to be the case. It takes me 5 mins longer to get my take out than necessary, because of what appears to be inefficiencies. 1) Every time I go, there is confusion from customers as to where to line up to pay, order sandwiches, etc... It is not clearly marked but what is clear is how frustrated the staff sound when I hear them explain time and time again where to line up and which till to stand at. Rec: Put a stanchion up with a sign so people know where to line up! 2) Each time I order a sandwich, I order a donut. So do most people from what I can tell. Yet, after the sandwich is made, we have to go all the way to the other side of the restaurant to pick out a donut (of which is protected by a big glass wall so the employee can't hear which one I want). Then walk back over to the original sandwich till that I was already standing at earlier, but now there are new people in front of me in line!!! Rec: Put the donuts near the till so customers and employees don't have to run around, adding to the line confusion!!! 3) The repetitiveness of employees having to answer the same questions about what the sandwich topping options are, is inefficient and must get tiring. For some reason, all of the sandwich products are completely hidden behind a stainless steel blocker (?) even though you're standing at a tall glass counter. Rec: Make the sandwich stuff visible so I can check out my options as the sandwich is being made, so you don't have to go through the same song and dance for every sandwich/customer! read more

I was expecting a lot more and was just let down. Good price but these donuts were just dry and not very fluffy. I can get better donuts at Tim Horton's. Save your money. read more

I don't even like donuts and I hardly ever make it through Gasoline Alley without stopping here. Such a fab place, I'm not sure why anyone chooses the nearby Tim Horton's instead. They have a seemingly endless variety of flavors. On my last visit, I had a Rolo donut -- it had Rolo whipped cream inside! Who even thinks of these magical combinations? Thank you Donut Mill for your continued commitment to deliciousness. Decor inside is diner-style and probably has been the same for decades, but that totally adds to the charm. I tried a sandwich here too on my last stop, and it was great. All the food has an exceptional homestyle feel that you can only find at small businesses. Coffee was the only downside and prices were a tad on the high side. This stop is a little hard to get to if it's your first time visiting, but keep your eyes on the windmill and you should find your way ;) read more

The absolute best doughnuts in Red Deer! They have really good sandwiches and soup as well

When a business can thrive from word of mouth, consistently create a one of a kind product and routinely give great customer service it means they're doing something right. In the heart of Gas Alley it would be nice to see this business at more street corners in RD than what we already have but that would ruin the destination location aspect of the DM. I.e. It's fun to go there even though it's in shady Gasoline Alley. And yes I would take my children there. Love places like this. You will too. read more

This place is amazing. First of all, the donuts are ridiculously delicious. They are certainly the best I have ever had/ ?best in Canada (and I do not say that lightly: I have lived in multiple provinces). My father used to purchase them on our way to Calgary and then send them overseas to Scotland! (My grandmother tried them once and could not stop talking about them). They are baked fresh daily and have a great selection. Frankly I am surprised that nearby Tim Hortons continues to eke out its meek existence. The lunch and dinner items (soup, sandwiches, chili) are also great. I have never been disappointed. Everything tastes like a home cooked meal. On the road, it is unbeatable. If you want to treat yourself and your family, stop here. read more

We stopped in at the Donut Mill around 12 on Saturday April 6th. We ordered Chicken strips, fries and chili fries. 15 min rolled around and still no food. When we went to the counter we noticed 2 people that were behind us getting chicken strips and fries. When asked we were told it would be another 8 min. So not only we missed our food, We had to wait again. After almost 30 min went by with no food we went to get a refund. 1 gal at the counter was very rude rolling her eyes cause we asked for a refund. I'm sorry that you guys are too busy and don't have a good system in place. After all said and done we got our refund and walked out after over 30 min. Would i recommend this place, Yes, if it's not busy. read more

I think this has more sentimental value for most as a part of ritual or a place you went to as a kid and that adds a lot for an experience. But for somebody who heard about it and had one brought back, I wasn't too impressed. It's tasty and it's a basic doughnut one would enjoy but I have had far better (Native Tongues, Jelly Modern). read more

This place is a must if you're driving through Gasoline Alley. How can you not stop? how can you even bother going to Tim Hortons when there are these FANTASTIC donuts right down the way. I'm not really a huge donut fan, I don't go out of my way to have donuts but this place is an exception. Since moving to Calgary and having to commute back to Edmonton a couple weekends a month I've made it a ritual to stop at The Donut Mill. They have such fantastic and fresh donuts, they seriously melt in your mouth. The staff are great and the atmosphere is cozy, I love the windmill outside! Definitely make it a priority to stop here, you won't be disappointed. Pro tip: don't go late Sunday evening - there aren't many donuts left haha! read more

The donuts here are great but the problem that I have with the donut mill is the service. Consistently, every time that I stop and I always seem to be rushed or getting the worst service possible. The last time I was here I stopped in and ordered a sandwich to stay and observed as multiple people came through and ordered their food and were constantly being underserved by the staff. I watched as a woman was pointing out which donuts she wanted to the lady behind the counter and she told her "you know we have a glass wall that separates the donuts from you and us so you're going to have to speak up so I can hear you or point out what you want" The customer is getting so frustrated because she was like "I was pointing them out, you just can't see." Anyways I don't know if they have a superiority complex about being such a hotspot to stop in on Gasoline Alley that they think they can forgo customer service, but I think it's incredibly unacceptable and I won't stop here on my own anymore and only if it's on request with people that I'm traveling with. read more

Red Deer delight... I was gladly surprised to be there. On our way to Edmonton, we decided to stop at this place.. It sounded a bit easier that it actually is. So ensure you take the proper exit and streets so you dont get lost and missed the restaurant. Once you found it, you are set as parking is available. Inside.. It takes you back in time ad the decor reminds you of the 80s or 90s. I am not a fan of donuts but let me tell you.. They are good. I tried the Boston cream and I was very impressed. The filling is sweet but not overpowering, the tertire is soft and it combines well with the filling. I have tried TH's donuts and that was my reference so I am happy to realize that it does get better. I also order coffee and it was not memorable so stick to the donuts as they are their specialty. I did note that sandwiches and other food was offered but I didn't tried them so can't say very much on them. The area is clean, simple. And the service is very simple. I think if I go down to Calgary, it is worth to stop by for a donut break. read more

No stop at the Mill is a quick one because I have decision-making disorder when I'm trying to purchase a donut. Do I buy one or three? If I buy three, do I eat two on the way back to Calgary and share the last one with my spouse or eat them all? No one will ever know, I always think to myself. I like the unique variety and yummy craziness of it all. It seems like such a nice break from Tim Hortons. I really should leave room to try the deli food, but I don't know that it will ever happen. I realized it's worth the stop the first time I walked in and saw the Oreo Cookie donut. Get in my belly! read more

A great place for donuts. Tim Horton's makes their donuts in a factory and freezes them. The donut mill makes them fresh. The staff are friendly. read more

The rolo donut was delicious. The filling was fantastic. Great pit stop on a road trip!

This place was so, so good. A wedding we attended had a donut buffet in lieu of a cake, and the assortment of these was mind blowing. The flavour combos were innovative, and the donuts themselves were super soft & delicious. Everyone around raved about them throughout the evening. We enjoyed them so much we made a detour on our way out of town to grab some to go. Living in Vancouver, there are tons of choices for gourmet ($3+ each) donuts, but the ones from Donut Mill put them all to shame. I wish this place was an option closer to home! read more

Was my first time there. Food was great service was excellent and the donuts of course were delicious. My only complaint is the bathrooms. I took my son into change his diaper and I wanted to give him a tetanus shot first. The men's room was pretty gross and apparently the ladies room not much better. read more

Disappointed. My test donut was an old fashioned plain. Exterior was greasy, indicating it was fried at too low a temperature. Texture was too fine and cake-like, should be more grainy, like a good muffin or quick bread. Flavour was disappointing, with a sweet low-grade vanilla taste, without a hint of nutmeg, Finally, the taste of the frying oil was just a bit stale (not rancid, but stale). They need to change the oil more often. I suspect that they are using a lot if prepared mixes, because this donut did not have a home baked texture or flavour. read more

Most of the time the doughnuts are very good, especially the apple pie and jam ones. I'm not a huge fan of the ones stuffed with cheap whipped cream. The sausage rolls are fantastic and the staff is always heloful and quick. read more

I love the donut mill. They've been hit hard by having a Tim Hortons close by. The atmosphere is wonderful, bright and comfortable. Food and service is great. The ONLY thing wrong is their coffee. They need to change either their brand or the way they brew it. It's a great brand, Mother Parkers....but it tasted stale one time and other times it's brewed so weak it's disgusting. They used to have a whole wheat glazed donut that if I was going to indulge I'd have one. They would do well if they advertised that they have alot of healthy choices. I want them to do well...if you want a cozy place for a quick lunch....thats the place on Gasoline Alley read more

Best donuts ever!! You haven't lived if you haven't tried there Rolo donut. They beat Tim's, Krispy Creme, Dunkin hands down, no question. I bet you can't have just one!!!! read more

It's OK. It could be better. They are always out of the donut of the month and often an employee behind the counter is sick and coughing and hacking away. read more

Delicious donuts and sandwiches made to order! I brought a very fussy little girl with me the last time I went and she requested a "toasted tomato sandwich". This little girl is obsessed with tomatoes and this sandwich has become a staple in our house. They made it without hesitation! read more

dropped by for some sugar. chocolate doughnuts - tasted like Oreos and moist honey dip - solid though dough a bit dry and not too overly sweet with filling - the moisture definitely carries through to the dough so makes for a moister dough, Boston cream was whipped cream filled good doughnut. if I was in the area I would drop by again. to me if the best doughnuts were from a 1970's Timmy's then this place is like a early 1990's Timmy's. value - 7/10 food - 7/10 read more

I'm only going to say one thing. The glazed sour cream donut is to die for!!! That is all.

This is normally a mecca for travellers and a must everytime you go thru Red Deer....except for today. For just under $30 my husband and I got 2 pretty scrawy sandwiches with an overdose of Mayo and Mustard (overcompensation) , my husband was even blessed enough to have the counter girl dip her ample chest all over his sandwich while making it, then she went to the back to "clean herself up" only to come backn (still smeared in said Mayo and Mustard) and continue on making his sandwich as if nothing happened!!!! Followed by 2 poor excuse bowls of FRESH OUT OF THE CAN soup that was lukewarm and small drinks (we were charged extra because my husband requested a cup of water instead of pop). I am thoroughly pissed right off and will NEVER set foot in the Donut Mill again, which is unfortunate as I've been going there for the better part of 30yrs. read more