Old Fashioned Donuts: Chicago's Beloved Roseland Donut Institution
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 17:11
TL;DR: Old Fashioned Donuts Donut Tasting is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Chicago
Old Fashioned Donuts, located in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, is a cherished family-owned donut shop known for its fresh, homemade yeast-raised doughnuts. Founded in 1972 by Burritt Bulloch, affectionately known as Mr. B, this iconic shop has become a beloved gathering spot for friends and neighbors seeking delicious, classic treats. The bakery specializes in glazed and chocolate-coated doughnuts, with a celebrated "Texas" donut variety—larger-sized pastries that offer a hearty experience. This welcoming bakery, often buzzing with long lines, has maintained a warm, community-focused atmosphere, with Burritt and his family hands-on in the daily operations, ensuring quality and tradition. Its longevity and reputation are reflected in its consistent 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 reviewers, making it a perfect place to enjoy conversation and sweet moments with friends. Highlights include its historic standing as a South Side staple, the friendly service, and the opportunity to share in a half-century of doughnut-crafting excellence, caught in a nostalgic yet vibrant shop environment. Recent renovations and grants promise an even better experience ahead, preserving its charm while updating for customer comfort.
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What people think of Old Fashioned Donuts, based on reviews
As of recent, Old Fashioned Donuts holds a 4.7-star rating based on 2229 reviews.
Customer reviews overwhelmingly praise Old Fashioned Donuts for their exceptional doughnuts and warm customer service. Many highlight the tasty, fresh quality of the glazed doughnuts and the unique charm of the family-owned shop, noting the owner’s dedication as key to the bakery’s enduring appeal. Positive reviews emphasize the friendly atmosphere, traditional recipes, and the sense of community fostered within the shop, with many customers returning repeatedly due to the consistent quality and inviting environment. The "Texas" doughnuts receive notable mentions for their size and flavor, often described as a nostalgic treat. However, some negative reviews point out occasional long wait times due to the shop’s popularity, and the need for updates in the older building’s facilities, which has been addressed through a recent $50,000 grant for renovations. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with customers appreciating the authenticity and homemade feel of the doughnuts. In conclusion, Old Fashioned Donuts remains a cherished neighborhood treasure with strong community support, a dedication to quality, and a promising future following planned improvements.
How to reach Old Fashioned Donuts
11248 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628, USA
FAQ about Old Fashioned Donuts, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Chicago, Illinois
When it comes to gathering with friends for a delicious and memorable experience, Old Fashioned Donuts stands out as an exceptional destination. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 reviews, this beloved Chicago institution has earned a reputation for serving some of the freshest, tastiest donuts around. Imagine rallying your group to a cozy, welcoming spot where the aroma of freshly baked donuts fills the air, instantly stimulating your senses and gathering everyone with smiles and anticipation. Old Fashioned Donuts offers more than just food—it offers a sense of community, nostalgia, and genuine quality that makes it ideal for social meetups. The charm of its long-standing presence, having served the Chicago area for over five decades, adds an authentic touch that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Meeting here means sharing not only a snack but an experience crafted with consistent quality and an array of flavors that satisfy every palate. Whether you're celebrating a casual weekend hangout or a special occasion, Old Fashioned Donuts' inviting atmosphere and renowned offerings make it the perfect rallying point for friends to connect and create lasting memories.
Old Fashioned Donuts provides much more than just a variety of delectable donuts; it creates an environment perfect for lively group interactions and relaxation. Firstly, the centerpiece of the experience is, of course, the donuts themselves. Their wide selection of classic and innovative flavors, all made fresh daily, invites conversation and sharing among friends as everyone samples different varieties. This tasting dynamic naturally sparks fun debates about favorites and introductions to new tastes, making it an interactive outing. Though it’s primarily a bakery, the welcoming layout with ample seating ensures your group can sit comfortably together, fostering a space that encourages chatter and camaraderie. The early opening hours from 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday mean you can plan morning meetups for breakfast get-togethers or afternoon coffee and donut breaks. Additionally, Old Fashioned Donuts is located near inviting neighborhood attractions such as Palmer Park and the Pullman Historic District, allowing groups the option to expand the meetup with a scenic walk or a cultural excursion. This combination of great food, accommodating space, and pleasant proximity to local points of interest uniquely positions Old Fashioned Donuts as an ideal venue for memorable group gatherings.
Old Fashioned Donuts’ charm lies in its ability to offer familiarity and warmth, making it an excellent choice for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you’re hosting a casual birthday party, commemorating a milestone, or organizing a reunion, the shop's reputation for quality and consistency appeals to diverse age groups, from kids to seniors. The variety of donut flavors caters to different tastes, ensuring that every guest finds something they love, which simplifies menu planning for group events. Its family-friendly environment welcomes children and adults alike, providing a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves without the pressure or noise restrictions often found at more formal venues. The shop’s long history in the community adds a nostalgic element, making celebrations here feel rooted in tradition and local pride. Additionally, the approachable pricing ensures such gatherings are affordable without sacrificing quality, allowing extended groups to indulge without hesitation. Thus, Old Fashioned Donuts presents a unique blend of excellent food and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere—perfect for making special occasions feel even more memorable.
Convenience and accessibility are crucial factors when choosing a meetup spot, and Old Fashioned Donuts excels in this area. Located on South Michigan Avenue in the Roseland/Pullman community of Chicago, it is easily reachable from various parts of the city, making it a practical choice for friends or family coming from different neighborhoods. The shop’s operating hours, from early morning until early evening six days a week, offer flexible options for scheduling gatherings that best fit your group’s availability. Furthermore, the ample parking options around the location remove typical stresses of city parking, allowing guests to arrive and leave comfortably. Its proximity to several public parks and cultural landmarks also makes it a strategic choice for planning a complete outing—grabbing donuts first and then stepping out for a walk or sightseeing. The venue's casual environment means groups can drop in without needing hefty reservations or formal bookings, simplifying the planning process. All in all, Old Fashioned Donuts’ convenient location, flexible hours, and easy access make it a smart and stress-free choice for rallying a group with minimal hassle.
The atmosphere at Old Fashioned Donuts plays a significant role in making it a go-to spot for groups looking to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed setting. Unlike larger, more commercial bakeries, this shop retains a cozy, neighborhood feel that immediately puts visitors at ease. This warmth is enhanced by friendly staff known for their welcoming attitude and genuine enthusiasm—they treat regulars and newcomers with equal care, contributing to a community vibe. The interior, while simple, reflects the bakery’s longstanding heritage, providing a homely backdrop that encourages slow-paced, unhurried conversations. The inviting aroma of fresh donuts and coffee adds to the sensory experience, engaging all the senses and elevating the mood. For groups meeting after work or school, the comforting environment acts as a natural decompression zone, boosting social interaction and enjoyment. This combination of nostalgia, friendliness, and sensory richness makes the atmosphere at Old Fashioned Donuts a perfect catalyst for memorable group gatherings.
Old Fashioned Donuts is celebrated for its impressive range of donuts that cater to diverse tastes, ensuring that every group member finds something delightful. Classic options such as glazed, chocolate frosted, and jelly-filled donuts provide familiar flavors that appeal to traditionalists. For those seeking more adventurous choices, the shop occasionally offers seasonal and specialty donuts featuring unique toppings and fillings crafted from the finest ingredients. The dough is made fresh daily, ensuring that texture and flavor meet the highest standards of bakery excellence. Customers often praise the perfect balance of softness and flavor intensity, which keeps them coming back repeatedly. Beyond donuts, the shop often complements its menu with coffee and other beverages, making it easy for groups to enjoy a complete snack or a light breakfast experience. By providing this wide variety of treats, Old Fashioned Donuts guarantees a satisfying outing for groups with varied preferences and appetites.
Old Fashioned Donuts has built a loyal customer base through over 50 years of consistent quality and community involvement, establishing itself as a true local gem. Its enduring presence highlights a commitment to tradition and excellence that newer or trendier bakeries may lack. Visitors return not just for the food but for the connection to the neighborhood’s history and culture, which the donut shop embodies. Positive reviews from hundreds of patrons frequently mention the friendly service, clean environment, and unbeatable taste, reinforcing its reputation. The business also supports local engagement by being an inviting space where community members naturally gather, strengthening social bonds. Returning to Old Fashioned Donuts means more than just satisfying a sweet tooth—it means participating in a cherished Chicago tradition that continues to bring people together year after year. For friends and families seeking a dependable place to meet, celebrate, and enjoy great donuts, this spot remains an unbeatable option.