When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
Why Stan's Donuts & Coffee is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Stan's Donuts & Coffee in Chicago offers a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Since its founding in 2014 by Rich Labriola, in partnership with Stan Berman of the iconic Los Angeles shop, Stan's has become a local favorite for freshly made, made-from-scratch donuts and exceptional locally roasted coffee. The bakery uses high-quality, fresh ingredients such as butter, eggs, and vanilla to create a variety of crave-worthy donuts including their signature Chocolate Lightning and the famous LeStan, a pastry cream-filled croissant donut. Beyond donuts, Stan’s serves an inventive breakfast menu featuring items like the ooey-gooey Stanwich, where scrambled eggs and melted cheese are blended for a unique taste experience. The café’s ambiance, complemented by 1950s-inspired decor at some locations, invites guests to linger and share good vibes. Stan's dedication to quality and creativity fosters a whimsical experience perfect for casual meetups, morning coffee runs, or special occasion treats. With multiple locations across Chicago and nationwide shipping options, it offers accessibility to both locals and visitors eager to explore an elevated donut and coffee experience.
Here's what people think of Stan's Donuts & Coffee
As of recent, Stan's Donuts & Coffee holds a 4.2-star rating based on 203 reviews.
Customers generally appreciate Stan's Donuts & Coffee for its creative and delicious donut varieties and excellent coffee offerings. Positive reviews highlight the uniqueness of their donuts, such as the LeStanwich and cruffins, with particular praise for the exceptional blending of cheese and scrambled eggs in their Stanwich sandwiches. Visitors often enjoy the cozy atmosphere and the pleasant 1950s vibe in some locations, finding it an ideal spot to relax, catch up, and indulge in sweet and savory treats. Many also value the high quality of ingredients and the freshness of the products. The blueberry cold brew and caffeinated lemonade are noted favorites, though some visitors found the blueberry flavor subtle. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers on the relatively higher price compared to standard donut joints, with a few reviewers mentioning that the coffee’s caffeine effect can feel mild at times. Despite this, the majority of user feedback reflects satisfaction with the quality, creativity, and ambiance. In conclusion, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is well-regarded as a premium donut shop in Chicago that offers memorable flavors and a welcoming environment, with minor critiques generally outweighed by positive experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nancy Prieto
This place is such a gem. We were in town for the weekend and found this place next to our hotel. The atmosphere gives off a retro diner vibe but with a modern chic vibe. The service is awesome, the young women are cordial and friendly. They even got to know my son by his name who went there every day to buy coffee and sandwiches for his grandma. The donuts are delicious. Definitely will come back when we visit our daughter in Chicago.
Loni Myles
Omg this is a must try donut shop. I entered Stan’s this morning around 6:15ish and the young lady behind the counter was so nice. She greeted me with I smile and ask how she could help. I shared with her this was my 1st time in the store & I need a moment to browser the menu. So she continued helping took other customers while I was decided what I wanted. Once I made a decision I placed my order and she was very helpful with answering my questions and serving me. Her great customer service made me feel warm & welcomed. It’s nothing like receiving great service with a smile. I ordered 1/2 dozen of standard donuts and 1/2 dozen of specialty donuts and a mango dragon fruit Stan’s refresher and let me tell you it was absolutely delicious. I’m at work wired and ready. I also enjoyed the carrot cake donut it was so fresh and delicious. It even had pieces of carrot in it. Now that’s a donut. Made with love and tasted amazing. Thanks Darryl for being the highlight of my day. I’ll certainly be back to visit real soon. Your girl Sunshine From Let’s Do It Tours
Justin Shaw
Yea, these are great donuts. The chocolate glazed cake donut was one of the best cake donuts I've ever had -- light, moist cakey, but not overly dense and sugary. The chocolate glaze tasted creamy and smooth. I also had an old fashioned, which was also delicious and buttery but the sweetness of it was too much for me to finish. Enjoyed the latte and the general ambiance. Seems like a great place to work remotely or just have a snack.
Grace
I rarely leave low-star reviews, but my recent online order experience was incredibly disappointing. I had pre-ordered 18 birthday cake mini donuts, but when I opened the box at home, I found they were all chocolate. I called the store, and they assured me I could come back and exchange them for the correct order right away. However, after driving back, I was told they only had 14 birthday cake minis available and offered me one regular-sized donut to cut into four pieces to make up the difference. That was simply unacceptable—especially for a child’s birthday celebration. If you're unable to fulfill a customer’s order, at the very least, inform them in advance. I made two trips and still didn’t receive what I ordered. Their idea of compensation? One donut!
Herr Dado
First time visitor from out of state. The lady got my order wrong. I ordered a Nutella pocket and a Biscoff pocket. Once in the hotel room I open the bag and she gave me a blueberry donut and a Biscoff pocket. It's not like I placed a big order to begin with and it wasn't even that busy. The lady at the register didn't offer me the "Free Pink Cup gift" so I had to ask for it once I found out from their screen. Atmosphere is great inside, the latte tastes good but I'm just disappointed at the service overall.
How to reach Stan's Donuts & Coffee
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Why Stan's Donuts & Coffee may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Stan’s Donuts & Coffee with your friends? Because it’s more than just a donut shop; it’s a vibrant social hub where friends and family can indulge their sweet cravings while enjoying a warm, inviting atmosphere. With a solid 4.2-star rating from over 200 reviews, Stan’s has built a reputation for freshly made, high-quality donuts paired with craft coffee that satisfy a variety of tastes. Whether you’re gathering for a casual weekend brunch, a midday coffee break, or a celebratory treat, Stan’s delivers an experience that’s both delicious and memorable. The charm of Stan’s lies in its dedication to quality ingredients and freshness — every donut is made-from-scratch using top-tier butter, eggs, vanilla, and other premium components, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. It’s a place where you can reconnect with loved ones over a wide selection of classic and innovative donut flavors, plus a comforting cup of locally roasted coffee. The welcoming environment, friendly service, and mouth-watering treats make it a natural rallying point for social gatherings of all kinds, whether it’s a casual meetup or a special occasion. Stan's turns the simple act of sharing donuts and coffee into a joyful communal ritual.
What activities make Stan’s Donuts & Coffee ideal for a group meetup? First, the extensive variety of donuts is a primary attraction — from traditional glazed and Boston creme to creative specialties like pistachio or strawberry-glazed, there’s something to delight every palate. With options like gluten-free donuts, Stan’s ensures inclusivity, so dietary restrictions don’t stop anyone from joining the fun. This variety encourages a lively group experience where everyone can pick and share their favorites, sparking conversation and tasting adventures. Beyond just eating, the coffee is carefully crafted and locally roasted, providing that perfect energy boost and comfort companion to the donuts. Though some patrons find the coffee average compared to the donuts, the strong assortment means there’s always a blend or brew to suit your preference. The inviting seating spaces at their Chicago locations offer a relaxed environment for groups to chat, catch up, or even plan events together. Plus, Stan’s offers takeout options for groups on the go or catered events, making it convenient for gatherings both inside and outside the café. The playful and welcoming vibe of Stan’s encourages lingering and connection, making it a versatile venue whether you want a cozy corner or an energetic spot buzzing with fellow donut lovers.
How does the donut and coffee quality at Stan’s enhance the group experience? The key to Stan’s appeal is the exceptional quality and freshness — every donut is made daily with meticulous care. Using ingredients that Rich Labriola, a bakery veteran, champions for his Doughboy Restaurant Group, ensures that the donuts are not only soft and flavorful but also consistently excellent. Donut lovers praise classics like glazed and long johns alongside seasonal or unique offerings like blueberry cake, chocolate lightning, and gluten-free options. This focus on quality makes ordering at Stan’s exciting and satisfying for everyone in your group, creating a shared joy in discovering and savoring new favorites. The coffee, though some find it less standout than the donuts, is a signature locally roasted brew that complements the baked goods well enough to keep the coffee aficionados content. The shop’s passion for pairing great donuts with thoughtful coffee options is a fundamental part of what makes Stan’s a gathering spot where friends and families feel comfortable spending quality time together.
What makes the ambiance and setting at Stan’s suitable for social gatherings? Stan’s Donuts & Coffee locations in Chicago, including popular spots like the Magnificent Mile and Lake View East, provide a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that naturally fosters social interaction. The spaces are designed with community in mind — bright, cheerful interiors, casual seating, and a friendly staff create an environment where groups feel at home. The vibe is lively without being overwhelming, perfect for catching up with friends or hosting small celebrations. The friendly service and the hustle and bustle of donut lovers coming and going add an element of energy that enhances the communal feel. For families, Stan’s even offers highchairs and amenities that make it easy to bring little ones. Whether you're meeting early for breakfast, stopping in for afternoon coffee, or grabbing a late-night treat (since some locations stay open late), the setting adapts to various group occasions with ease and charm.
Why is Stan’s Donuts & Coffee a practical choice for hosting your meetup? Besides the tasty treats and engaging atmosphere, Stan’s offers functional advantages that cater to groups. Their locations provide convenient hours, including early mornings and late nights depending on the venue, accommodating different schedules and needs. Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy and seamless for everyone. The option for takeout means you can grab a variety of donuts to enjoy wherever your group decides, from parks to offices or home gatherings. Their nationwide shipping service also means that Stan’s treats can be delivered if your friends are spread out, extending the meetup spirit beyond physical boundaries. Moreover, Stan’s ongoing efforts to introduce new and seasonal items keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors, enticing groups to return frequently and try out the latest flavors. Combined with accessible street parking at many locations, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is both a convenient and delightful choice for bringing friends and family together.
Overall, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee stands out as a perfect meetup destination thanks to its combination of superb donuts, solid coffee offerings, welcoming atmosphere, and practical amenities designed to accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or enjoying a family brunch, Stan’s offers a memorable and enjoyable environment that invites you to savor delicious moments together. This neighborhood gem balances quality, variety, and community vibes to make each visit more than just a snack stop — it turns every meetup into a sweet occasion.