Doughnut Vault

“Absolutely iconic doughnut shop nestled in the side of a building.”

Absolutely iconic doughnut shop nestled in the side of a building. Doughnuts are likely the best you’ll have and you may not be able to help but return 😉. Getting there as early as possible is wise, as they sell out most mornings!

Luke Salik

Sep 2025

“Tried the vanilla glaze doughnut.”

Tried the vanilla glaze doughnut. Donuts are very large and fluffy. Probably my favorite donut spot next to Beacon Doughnuts. Seems like they sell out of flavours fast during the week so get there early!

Tristan Laughton

Sep 2025

“The Doughnut Vault is absolutely worth the hype.”

The Doughnut Vault is absolutely worth the hype! Every donut was fresh, delicious, and well worth getting up early before they sell out. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. A must-visit in Chicago!

T Rank

Aug 2025

“Very friendly server, explained every doughnut they had available.”

Very friendly server, explained every doughnut they had available. The old fashioned doughnut was definitely by far my favourite, but the glazed was also very tasty. The coffee was a lovely accompaniment. Tables outside made it a nice and relaxing start to the morning.

James Richardson

Aug 2025

“Best donuts. Every trip to Chicago ends with a stop at the vault on my way to the airport. Always...”

Best donuts. Every trip to Chicago ends with a stop at the vault on my way to the airport. Always try the daily special.

Justin Zalewsky

Aug 2025

“The Doughnut Vault is a hidden gem that blends nostalgia with quality in the best way possible.”

The Doughnut Vault is a hidden gem that blends nostalgia with quality in the best way possible. From the moment you walk up to the vintage storefront, you feel like you’re stepping into a simpler time. The classic buttermilk old-fashioned is everything you hope for in a donut: crisp edges, dense but tender inside, and that rich, buttery flavor that makes it hard to stop at just one. Their signature glazed is another standout — light, fluffy, and perfectly coated without being overly sweet. Whether you’re a donut connoisseur or just someone with a sweet tooth, The Doughnut Vault is well worth the visit. It’s not just a stop for pastries — it’s a moment of comfort and charm in the heart of Chicago.

Malcolm Pollock

Jun 2025

“We’re on a quest to find the best donuts in Chicago, and The Doughnut Vault was next on our list.”

We’re on a quest to find the best donuts in Chicago, and The Doughnut Vault was next on our list. It’s a small hole-in-the-wall spot with limited space inside, so you might have to wait outside if there are other donut enthusiasts ahead of you. We showed up around 11:30 on a Saturday and didn’t experience a wait. We were cheerfully greeted as we walked in, and the cashier quickly gave us a rundown of what was still available. The whole process was quick and easy. There were some tables outside where we could enjoy our donuts. We shared the gingerbread stack, which was great for sharing since it came with three donuts, along with the vanilla birthday cake and the pistachio. None of the donuts really stood out, and they were on the lighter side in terms of flavor. They had that classic texture you'd expect, but overall, nothing wowed us. I wouldn’t go out of my way to return, but they’re a solid choice if you’re in the area and craving a traditional-style donut.

D Armstrong

Jun 2025

“Buttermilk Old Fashioned and Triple Chocolate Old Fashioned doughnuts were Amazing!!”

Buttermilk Old Fashioned and Triple Chocolate Old Fashioned doughnuts were Amazing!!! Go, wait in line and enjoy the deliciousness!!!

Lani Jones

Jun 2025

“so delicious and the friendliest service.”

so delicious and the friendliest service! Loved the lemon poppyseed old fashioned and the almond old fashioned (super almond-extracty, if that’s your vibe) While cake donuts seem to be their specialty, I was pleasantly surprised by their yeasted glazed donut- it was SO light and airy👏🏼🥲 just a bit more glaze please!

Melanie Roy

May 2025

“Best old fashion donut that I've had, and that's my favorite donut.”

Best old fashion donut that I've had, and that's my favorite donut. It was a cool experience, the way you're right at the counter when you walk in. I highly recommend you go out of your way to get some donuts here if you are in Chicago.

david stewart

May 2025

“The Best Old Fashioned Doughnuts are from the Doughnut Vault.”

The Best Old Fashioned Doughnuts are from the Doughnut Vault! I planned an early morning walk to the Doughnut Vault and picked up every Old Fashioned flavor they had that morning and brought it back to our apartment. My friends who were visiting with me helped me sample each one and voted which was their favorite. It was a great sugary start to our morning and we all agreed these were the best old fashioned doughnuts we’ve had. My personal favorite was the Classic Buttermilk but the Pistachio was a very closed second. Each piece of doughnut was soft and melted in my mouth. The flavors were really good and I found the Lemon Poppy Seed, Almond and Champagne the most sweet. The almond flavor reminded me of marzipan and the triple chocolate was rich & decadent. But the buttermilk won me over with its classic subtle, yet delicious flavor. Highly recommend getting there early and trying an Old Fashioned, you can’t go wrong!

Alissa Bakker

Mar 2025