Everyone who knows me knows that I love donuts. It's one of those personal characterizations whose distribution has outpaced the original sentiment, so people tend to think I love donuts much more than I actually do. Yes, I appreciate donuts more than most people. Yes, I eat a donut in every city I visit (see: Donuts of the World). But no, I don't eat donuts every day (as if!), or even every week. I don't actually eat donuts that much, I just appreciate their existence, and I love to share them with others.
Today's post is going to review my top two donut shops in the Ham. The list is, of course, arbitrary, but I'll tell you why I've listed them this way.
1. YoYo Donuts, Etc.
This shop is nestled in the corner of the ugliest strip mall in cute SoHo, and its location (squeezed next to a mattress store and a food store, near an eyeglass shop and a Subway) epitomizes the vibes you'll get from this funny little shop. The inside is 1/2 low-budget (read: perfect) donut shop vibes, 1/2 empty loft and strange spacing. The first time I went in was before the Harry Potter redecoration, which has since been taken away. I had tried to visit in February when they were closed (it was Sunday), so after much anticipation, I got to try it in June, the next time I was in the Ham. The donuts are delicious and huge and so fun. The owner is sweet and enthusiastic, and she served us our donuts and helped us pick them out.
My three favorite choices here? Cinnamon Sugar Cake, Powdered Sugar Cake, and Chocolate Sprinkles (yeast, not cake). Best best best.
2. Heavenly Donuts
If you hear about donuts in Birmingham, this is the place you will hear about. It's been in books I've read about donuts, it's the first thing that comes up on Google, and it's in an area easily accessibly by family-oriented neighborhoods. They have a special on Friday and Saturday night—from 11pm to midnight, one dozen donuts is $3. Their Chips Ahoy donut changed my life, but they're all good. Red Velvet, Apple Crisp, and Sour Cream are a few more favorites.
