Great news for donut lovers in the DMV: Laurel Tavern Donuts is open again. This no-frills spot on Washington Blvd in Laurel, MD had been closed since a car crashed into the side of the building last year. It’s affordable, it’s beloved, and everything I’ve had there’s delicious, but the apple fritter, cinnamon twist, and glazed donut are what keep me coming back.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know I’m a serious donut fiend, so this reopening honestly made my week. Last year, a car crashed into the side of Laurel Tavern Donuts and they’d been closed ever since. One of my followers (shoutout to @hslilace) tipped me off that they’d finally reopened, so I knew I had to head over and show them some love.
There’s something about an old-school neighborhood donut shop coming back that just feels good, you know? These are the kinds of spots that make a town feel like home, and losing one, even temporarily, is a bummer. So the second I heard they were frying again, I was in the car.
Laurel Tavern Donuts is one of those no-frills, order-at-the-counter kind of places, and it’s a spot I love enough that it earned a place on my roundup of the best donuts in Maryland. It’s known for classic, fresh donuts and, a little unexpectedly, some really good sliders too. This isn’t a trendy, over-the-top filled donut shop. It’s the grab-a-dozen-on-your-way-to-work type, which is exactly the kind of place I want to see stick around.
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What to Order at Laurel Tavern Donuts
Everything I’ve had here’s been delicious, but a few things stood out enough that I’d order them again in a heartbeat. I didn’t jot down prices this time, but this is a budget-friendly spot, so you’re not spending much either way.
Apple Fritter
This is my number one, hands down. It’s the first thing I reach for every single time, and it’s the one I’d tell you to grab if you can only get one thing. If you’re an apple fritter person, you already know the appeal.
Cinnamon Twist
My second favorite, and a great pick if you want a little more chew than a classic ring donut. It’s simple, but they do it really well, and it’s the one I always end up sneaking into the box alongside the fritter.
Glazed Donut
You can tell a lot about a donut shop by its plain glazed, and theirs is the good kind, the sort I could eat a few of without getting sick of it. It’s the classic done right, and honestly it’s the donut I use to judge a shop.
Sliders
Here’s the surprise. I’d genuinely call these some of the best sliders in town, which is not something you expect to say about a donut shop. So if you roll up and you’re not in a sweets mood, you’ve still got a solid savory option waiting. For classic, no-fuss donuts done right, Laurel Tavern’s got you.
Did Laurel Tavern Donuts Reopen?
Yes. Laurel Tavern Donuts reopened recently, after a car crashed into the side of the building last year and kept it closed for a long stretch. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure it was going to come back at all, so I was really happy when one of you let me know it had. That’s honestly one of my favorite things about this little community we’ve built, you guys keep me in the loop on the spots worth caring about.
Are the Sliders Really Worth Getting?
Yes, the sliders are tasty and not just an afterthought next to the donuts. Most donut shops stick to sweets, so the fact that Laurel Tavern does both, and does the sliders well, makes it more of an all-rounder. Grab a couple donuts for later and a slider to eat right then, that’s my move.
The Vibe and Experience
Don’t walk in expecting a trendy, decked-out cafe with a wall of seating and a fancy espresso bar. This is a classic donut counter, and that’s exactly the charm. You come in, you look at what’s in the case, you order, and you leave happy. It’s an unfussy, get-in-get-out kind of spot, which makes it perfect for a weekend morning run or a quick stop before work. It’s also an easy one to grab a box from for the whole family, so it’s a nice little all-ages pick.
Good to Know
- 📍 115 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD 20707
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 6am to 2pm, and Sunday 6am to noon. They’re closed Mondays, so plan around that.
- Prices are budget-friendly (Google lists it in the inexpensive range).
- It’s a quick, order-at-the-counter spot, so it’s easy for a grab-and-go morning.
- More info: laureltaverndonuts.com
This is exactly the kind of local, budget-friendly gem I want to see win, and now that it’s back open, I want to make sure you guys know it’s an option again. The apple fritter alone is worth the trip for me, and the sliders are a bonus most donut shops can’t offer. If you’re a made-to-order donut person, Sandy Pony Donuts is another Maryland spot I think lives up to the hype, but for a classic, reopened neighborhood favorite, Laurel Tavern’s a must.
Have you been back since they reopened, Nomsters? Let me know what you order in the comments, and let’s keep showing this spot some love.