When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Bear Donut
Why Bear Donut is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bear Donut is a vibrant and trendy donut shop located in the heart of New York City's Koreatown, at 40 West 31st Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway. This shop is well known for its unique take on classic donuts, especially their signature mochi-style chewy donuts made with rice flour. The distinct texture and flavors, such as pistachio and coffee-toffee varieties, make Bear Donut a must-visit for donut lovers seeking something different. The shop's retro-American design with a blue and white color scheme and neon signage creates a fun and appealing atmosphere, although it is mainly a grab-and-go establishment with very limited indoor seating. Customers often enjoy their donuts outside at nearby pedestrian plazas, taking in the lively Koreatown neighborhood. The quality and originality of Bear Donut’s offerings have quickly made it a popular destination among locals and visitors alike, perfect for a casual meet-up spot to savor delicious, Instagram-worthy treats along with a cup of good coffee.
Here's what people think of Bear Donut
As of recent, Bear Donut holds a 4.7-star rating based on 539 reviews.
Customer reviews of Bear Donut consistently highlight the delicious and unique quality of their mochi-style donuts. Many reviewers praise the fresh and chewy texture, which sets it apart from typical donuts, as well as the genuine and balanced flavors like pistachio and maple bacon. Positive feedback often centers on the friendly service, the shop’s aesthetic appeal, and the proximity to major NYC landmarks such as the Empire State Building, making it convenient for visitors. However, some reviewers mention the sweetness level of the glaze being a bit heavy and express a wish for less glaze options or unglazed donuts, which could cater to those who prefer less sugary treats. The limited seating inside is also noted, though many customers appreciate the ample outdoor seating nearby, which makes for a pleasant spot to enjoy their purchase. Overall, the reviews demonstrate that Bear Donut successfully delivers a memorable donut experience that draws people back, despite minor critiques, and stands out in New York City's competitive dessert scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jonathan Cayce
This little donut shop is a hidden gem that was right next to our VRBO apartment we stayed at while visiting NYC. The have devious donuts (both yeast and cake based). The four donut types my family had were all delicious. They had milk on tap which made my 4 year old very happy with his chocolate milk and it did taste delicious. It’s a small shop and we had to sit outside in a patio space they had. Very small tables but we made it work. The staff was very friendly and they were still bringing our fresh donuts at mid morning!
Anna H
Great customer service. May and Sophia thank you. This place is cute inside. Now i never liked donuts until I came here. I didn't like mochi donuts , until I came here the pistachio, chocolate crunch, lavender and i believe maple something were outrageous. Soft and flavorful and not overly sweet. I had the lavender mochi donut with the swirl soft serve icecream. So good. The brioche donuts took my breath away. The tiramisu was 10 star. The chocolate powder like italy. The melon was like honey dew heaven. The filling was as good as the outside. The icecream epic. The ricotta and fig was as if the figs were plucked off the tree. The scallion donuts took it. 1000 stars. It was so ny. It was like a scallion cannoli cream but lighter and not as sweet.
Alison Stewart
Truly the best donuts in the city. The flavors are so creative and delicious, they always hit and the flavors rotate seasonally! I believe these are “mochi donuts” which taste a little like funnel cake donuts imo. Absolutely delicious.
Mika Narumi
One of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had, strongly recommend Strawberry and Matcha doughnuts! Bear Donut Coffee was also perfect accompaniment to my doughnut. Thank you for the lovely service too!
Joanna Louise
The most delicious doughnut I have ever tried! Listen, I truly don’t care much for doughnuts, but I cared an awful lot about the doughnut I had here. The dough was soft and chewy, the icing to dough ration was perfection, and the variety of different flavours was fantastic! I opted for toasted coconut and my husband had the maple syrup. Both were amazing and we are 100% leaving New York with a box of these!!
How to reach Bear Donut
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Why Bear Donut may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bear Donut with your friends? Because this vibrant New York City donut shop delivers not just delicious, unique treats but also a lively atmosphere that is ideal for sharing joyful moments with friends and family. Nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Bear Donut stands out with its retro-American design, neon signage, and striking blue-and-white color scheme that immediately uplifts your mood. The donuts themselves are a masterpiece, combining gourmet flavors with delightful textures—such as their signature rice flour-based mochi donuts, which offer a chewy bite that’s both distinctive and addictive. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or adventurous varieties like pistachio or toffee, the selection caters to diverse tastes, making it easy for groups to find favorites everyone will enjoy. Although seating inside is limited to grab-and-go, Bear Donut's proximity to vibrant outdoor plazas creates plenty of space for spontaneous meetups where friends can savor their pastries, sip on fresh coffee, and enjoy people-watching in one of NYC’s busiest neighborhoods. Sharing a box of these eye-catching and flavor-packed donuts makes Bear Donut a perfect catalyst for casual, memorable gatherings that fuel conversations and smiles.
What activities can you enjoy at Bear Donut, and why is it perfect for a group meetup? Bear Donut is primarily a grab-and-go establishment, emphasizing quick, convenient access to exceptional donuts and coffee, but its location offers a wealth of nearby activities that complement any group meetup perfectly. First, the shop is located just between 5th Avenue and Broadway on West 31st Street, placing it within walking distance of iconic NYC landmarks; you and your friends can easily plan a post-donut stroll to the Empire State Building, Macy’s flagship store, or explore the vibrant Koreatown neighborhood with its eclectic restaurants and shops. Bear Donut’s visually stunning donuts and charming branding also make it a fantastic photo spot for social media enthusiasts wanting to capture the perfect group shot with colorful pastries. Additionally, the nearby pedestrian plazas offer ample outdoor seating, making it an inviting space for your group to relax and enjoy your treats in the fresh air while watching the city’s unique street life unfold. Finally, the shop sells branded merchandise, adding a fun souvenir element for your group to commemorate the meetup. The combination of quick service, vibrant food artistry, and an unbeatable location gives Bear Donut a unique edge as a hub for casual, fun, and flexible meetups in NYC.
Why are Bear Donut’s donuts so special and how do they cater to diverse tastes? Bear Donut is known for reinventing the classic donut with a modern twist, primarily through their use of mochi donuts made from rice flour. This gives each donut a distinctively chewy texture that’s delightfully different from traditional donuts, adding a fun, tactile element that enhances the eating experience. The shop offers an impressive variety of flavors, appealing to all kinds of palates. For example, their pistachio donut is noted for authentic nutty flavor without being overly sweet, while other options like coffee-toffee or chocolate deliver richer, classic tastes. Importantly, Bear Donut balances sweetness and flavor intensity so that even people who prefer less sugary treats can enjoy them comfortably—customers have praised the donuts’ ability to stand on their own, with some opting to scrape off excess glaze to suit their preference. This thoughtful approach means that whether your group includes fans of bold flavors, subtle tastes, or experimental donuts, everyone finds something delightful to share. The quality is consistently high, making these donuts worthy of returning visits and worthy of sharing with friends.
How does Bear Donut’s location enhance the meetup experience? Bear Donut’s stellar location in Koreatown, NYC, at 40 West 31st Street near major thoroughfares such as 5th Avenue and Broadway, offers it tremendous appeal for group meetups. This vibrant neighborhood buzzes with energy and is renowned for its culinary and cultural diversity, providing your group with lots of options for extended outings after enjoying donuts. The nearby pedestrian plaza along Broadway, just north of 31st Street, provides a perfect outdoor seating area where your group can chat, snack, and people-watch without the hassle of cramped interiors. For groups staying or working near the area, Bear Donut is conveniently a stone’s throw from popular landmarks like the Empire State Building, making it easy to combine your meetup with sightseeing or shopping. The bustling environment offers a dynamic social vibe, which is ideal if your friends enjoy street performances, window shopping, or simply taking in the distinct atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan. This synergy between a quality food offering and a lively, accessible location creates an ideal spot for both planned meetups and spontaneous gatherings.
How does Bear Donut accommodate groups with different preferences and needs? Bear Donut naturally lends itself to groups because it caters to varying tastes and dietary preferences through its menu and serving style. The donuts, made from rice flour, have a gluten-sensitive appeal for some who seek alternatives to traditional wheat-based pastries, broadening accessibility. The diverse flavor offerings—from fruity and nutty to classic and indulgent—support group diversity, making it easy to order a selection that pleases everyone. Because the shop operates primarily as a grab-and-go venue, it encourages a flexible meetup style where each person can customize their order and quickly regroup to enjoy together. Though indoor seating is limited, the ample outdoor seating nearby ensures that groups can comfortably sit, relax, and enjoy their treats without feeling rushed. Moreover, the availability of coffee and other beverages complements the donuts, ensuring complete satisfaction. The presence of branded merchandise also means groups can pick up keepsakes or gifts, adding a layer of fun and personalization to the visit. Overall, Bear Donut’s thoughtful menu and convenient service create an effortless, inclusive environment for hosting friends and family.
What makes Bear Donut stand out compared to other donut shops in NYC? With its impressive 4.7-star rating from over 500 reviews, Bear Donut consistently delivers an exceptional product and experience. Unlike many conventional donut places, its specialty mochi donuts provide a unique texture and quality rarely found in NYC, setting it apart in a saturated market. Customers repeatedly praise the flavor authenticity and moderate sweetness, making it appealing even to discerning palates. The shop’s distinct retro-American ambiance with neon signage and vibrant decor creates an inviting and Instagram-worthy vibe, enhancing the social experience compared to more generic donut counters. In addition, Bear Donut’s location in Koreatown mixes convenience with cultural vibrancy, providing an enticing backdrop that other donut shops often lack. The staff’s knowledge about the products and the welcoming atmosphere make patrons eager to return. Collectively, these characteristics establish Bear Donut not just as a place to grab a quick donut but as a destination for joyful socializing and culinary discovery in New York.
How can Bear Donut turn a casual gathering into a memorable occasion? When you bring friends or family to Bear Donut, you're not just sharing donuts; you're creating a shared sensory experience enriched by the shop’s creative offerings and lively urban setting. The donuts themselves—each a little work of art—spark conversations and smiles, encouraging group members to try different flavors and compare favorites, fostering a playful and joyful atmosphere. The shop’s distinctive branding and the photogenic nature of the donuts also help cement memories, whether through casual selfies or more orchestrated group photos. Convenient outdoor seating means guests can linger comfortably, enjoying not just their treats but also each other’s company and the buzz of NYC streets. Finally, the chance to purchase themed merchandise gives the gathering a tangible takeaway, transforming an ordinary meetup into a special occasion with lasting souvenirs. Thus, Bear Donut offers more than food—it offers connection points, delightful surprises, and a setting that turns a simple meetup into lasting memories.