When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Salty Donut
Why The Salty Donut is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Salty Donut is a family-owned artisan donut shop and coffee bar that has earned a stellar reputation for its chef-made, small-batch craft donuts made from scratch using only the highest quality ingredients. Originating from humble beginnings as a pop-up in a vintage 1950s camper, The Salty Donut has expanded to several cities, including Miami, Austin, Dallas, and more. What sets this shop apart is their dedication to innovation, pushing the boundaries of what a donut can be by rotating menu items seasonally and crafting unique flavors such as Maple Bacon alongside classic favorites like the Glazed donut. Their yeast-raised donuts are based on a luxurious 24-hour brioche recipe, delivering a buttery, fluffy texture, while their cake donuts offer a crunchy outside with a moist and soft inside, sometimes infused with fresh fruit. Beyond donuts, The Salty Donut serves expertly curated coffee from Intelligentsia, focusing on seasonal flavor profiles that challenge the norm. The inviting atmosphere and the community-focused vibes make it a perfect spot for friends to gather, enjoy exceptional treats, and connect. Whether you're stopping in their Wynwood flagship location or catching a catering camper at an event, The Salty Donut promises more than just a snack; it offers a memorable experience rich in flavor and hospitality.
Here's what people think of The Salty Donut
As of recent, The Salty Donut holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1026 reviews.
Reviews for The Salty Donut consistently highlight the exceptional quality and freshness of their donuts, praising the unique flavor combinations and textures that make each bite memorable. Many reviewers express delight over fan favorites like the Maple Bacon and classic Glazed donuts for their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Customers also appreciate the attentive and friendly service, making visits feel welcoming and enjoyable. Positive reviews emphasize the freshness and creativity of the menu, noting the shop’s ability to surprise and satisfy regularly. However, some negative reviews point to occasional inconsistencies in wait times during busy periods and the price point, which some find to be on the higher side compared to typical donut shops. Despite this, these critiques are relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive customer experiences. Overall, The Salty Donut is regarded by patrons as an innovative and premium donut destination that offers great value through quality and a distinctive flavor journey, making it a well-loved local favorite and a destination for visitors seeking a special treat.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shiny
This place always has some great drinks and love the seasonal options. Brioche donuts are fantastic. We have been multiple times and each time has been a real treat. The interior has a lot of seating and it is aesthetically pleasing and clean. It can get busy on the weekends so a weekday stop is much more manageable
P G
Went around 11am on a Saturday and it wasn't too crowded, still a few seats open but it got crowded shortly after. The donut itself was more like a sweet bread than your traditional donut, you can tell by the photos. I would've labeled it as a bun with a nice filling and topping. I got the horchata and the banana cookie butter creme, which is seasonal and it tasted like mashed banana on the inside. Definitely authentic and natural ingredients, but there was nothing special about it. The topping for the horchata donut was very sweet and marshmallowy and looked beautiful with the torched /bruleed top, but I also didn't find anything special about the flavor and it felt overly sweet at the end. They are around $5 per donut, so its a bit pricy. I think the draw is the nice environment and the special and fun flavors. The service was okay. I'm glad I tried it but probably won't be coming back.
Shannon Cox
No matter where you are staying in the Austin area please make a trip to the salty donut. We were staying at the line hotel and it was about a 30 minute walk down Congress. Even though it was June in Texas heat, it was worth the walk. This is literally the best donut I have ever eaten. My son got two churro donuts for his birthday. My other kid, the picky kid, just got a regular glazed donut. I indulge in a cheesecake donut and it was magnificent. There's also a gourmet coffee stand. Super cute café fun vibe, just on the edge of town. I promise if you have donuts, this will be worth every minute of your trip.
Monica Salazar Photography (DallasWeddingPhotographer)
If you love Samoa Girl Scout cookies, then you should stop by to try out their Samoa donut! Some of the donuts are larger than the average donut place. They’re great for sharing!
Aaron Brown
Best donuts in Texas! Next level. Particularly loved the whoopie pie and Samoa. Moist, soft, and perfectly made. Will return for all donut cravings. Not cheap, but you pay for the high quality and it's worth the treat.
How to reach The Salty Donut
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Why The Salty Donut may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Salty Donut with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Salty Donut is an experience that combines exceptional food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a sense of community that makes any meetup memorable. This artisanal donut bakery and coffee bar specializes in chef-crafted, small-batch donuts made with the highest quality ingredients sourced and prepared fresh daily. Sharing these exquisitely beautiful, flavorful donuts with friends sparks joy and creates a perfect conversation starter. Beyond its irresistible menu, The Salty Donut cultivates a welcoming, relaxed vibe that invites socializing, laughing, and reconnecting over delicious treats and expertly brewed coffee. Its inviting space, friendly staff, and unique offerings set it apart as a casual yet special destination for groups. Whether you want a laid-back morning meetup over coffee and pastries or an afternoon treat break, The Salty Donut has the perfect setting and flavors to make your time together unforgettable.
What activities can you enjoy with friends at The Salty Donut?
The core activity at The Salty Donut is naturally indulging in their delectable donuts paired with premium coffee or tea. Their menu is thoughtfully curated to push the boundaries of traditional donuts with innovative flavors and artistic presentation — a delightful shared discovery. Friends can compare tastes, recommend favorites, and even order a variety to sample amongst the group, making it an interactive food experience. The café atmosphere encourages lingering, so groups can enjoy conversations in a cozy setting enhanced by curated music and chic decor. Beyond eating, The Salty Donut offers an all-day café menu at select locations where you can enjoy light bites that complement their sweet offerings. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for groups who want to start with coffee and donuts but might also stay for a casual lunch. The venue also often hosts community-centric events and collaborations that bring local culture into the space, offering opportunities for guests to engage beyond dining.
Why is The Salty Donut perfect for group meetups?
The Salty Donut’s thoughtful design and welcoming environment cater perfectly to groups looking to gather comfortably. The seating arrangements provide enough space for conversations to flow without crowding, whether it’s a small circle of close friends or a larger family gathering. The café’s hours — often extending into the evening on weekends — offer flexibility for meetups at various times of day, accommodating early risers and night owls alike. The staff’s attentive, friendly service helps make group visits smooth and enjoyable, whether ordering at the counter or organizing pre-ordered group pickups through their app, which also rewards loyalty and offers exclusive menu perks. The location itself often sits in vibrant neighborhoods with additional attractions, making The Salty Donut an excellent launching point or anchor for a day out with friends or family. Its reputation for quality and consistency means everyone leaves satisfied, creating a positive shared memory of the meetup.
What unique menu offerings bring people back to The Salty Donut?
What truly sets The Salty Donut apart from other coffee shops and bakeries is its commitment to creativity and quality in its menu. The donuts are crafted in small batches with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and texture—something you can’t find in mass-produced alternatives. From classic favorites elevated to perfection to bold new flavors that change seasonally, the menu invites repeat visits to explore new taste combinations. The accompanying coffee and tea selections come from carefully chosen purveyors, ensuring quality and variety in every cup. This attention to detail makes The Salty Donut an ideal place for groups with diverse tastes, as there is something to satisfy everyone’s palate. Plus, the option to pre-order and even cater events via their vintage camper trucks highlights their dedication to making group experiences both innovative and convenient.
How does the atmosphere at The Salty Donut enhance your social experience?
The Salty Donut isn’t just about great donuts and coffee; it’s about the vibes that make your time there special. The interior design blends modern aesthetics with a cozy, inviting feel that encourages guests to relax and connect. Soft lighting, stylish furnishings, and artistic touches create an environment conducive to lingering conversations and casual enjoyment. The staff’s welcoming attitude helps foster a community spirit, making new visitors feel like regulars. Music selections and occasional in-store events infuse energy without overpowering the space, maintaining a perfect balance for social interaction. This environment naturally helps break the ice and deepen friendships, making meetups feel more intimate and enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up, The Salty Donut’s atmosphere elevates the experience beyond the food itself.
What convenience features make The Salty Donut ideal for group coordination?
Organizing meetups can be challenging, but The Salty Donut makes it easier with several convenient features. Their easy-to-use app allows groups to order ahead for pickup or delivery, minimizing wait times and streamlining the experience. The app also offers a rewards program, so frequent visitors earn perks, making it rewarding to return. The café locations accommodate takeout as well as seated dining, providing flexibility depending on the group’s needs or plans. Extended operating hours, especially on weekends, provide ample windows to schedule gatherings that fit everyone’s availability. Additionally, The Salty Donut’s catering options, including vintage camper trucks serving donuts and coffee, offer unique solutions for larger meetups or special events, delivering both quality food and an engaging presentation. These conveniences underscore how The Salty Donut prioritizes guest experience, especially for groups looking to enjoy time together with minimal hassle.
How does The Salty Donut connect with the local community and culture?
More than a bakery, The Salty Donut weaves itself into the fabric of the neighborhoods it inhabits through community engagement and cultural connections. It often hosts or partners with local artists, musicians, and small businesses, creating a dynamic space where culture and cuisine meet. This commitment enriches the experience for visitors, as they not only enjoy exceptional food but also participate in local creativity and community spirit. Such interactions make group meetups at The Salty Donut feel meaningful beyond just socializing—they become a way to support and experience the vitality of the local scene together. By fostering this sense of community, The Salty Donut ensures it’s more than a stop for snacks; it becomes a destination that reflects and amplifies the vibrancy of the city around it, enriching every visit for friends and families alike.
What makes The Salty Donut’s vintage camper catering unique for events?
For groups seeking a memorable and unique event experience, The Salty Donut offers vintage camper trucks that serve their signature donuts and coffee right on-site. These camper trucks are visually charming and evoke nostalgia while providing high-quality, artisanal treats. They add a distinctive flair to weddings, corporate functions, parties, or large group meetups, creating an interactive and eye-catching food service that guests talk about long after the event. The mobile nature of these campers means The Salty Donut brings its signature quality and ambiance anywhere, combining convenience with exceptional culinary craft. For groups who want to impress friends or clients with a unique, tasty, and Instagram-worthy catering option, the vintage campers represent an innovative solution that elevates any gathering.
How do The Salty Donut’s locations support easy access and enjoyable outings?
The Salty Donut locations are thoughtfully placed in vibrant, accessible neighborhoods that encourage exploration beyond just the bakery. This strategic placement means group meetups can naturally extend into visiting nearby shops, galleries, or parks, adding richness to the outing. The ample parking and public transit access make it easy for all guests to arrive comfortably and on time. Inside, the spacious layout and variety of seating options accommodate different group sizes without feeling cramped. With welcoming hours that often span from early morning to late evening on weekends, The Salty Donut supports casual meetups whether your group prefers breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat. The combination of convenient access, surrounding attractions, and inviting interiors ensures that any meetup here can be part of a larger, enjoyable day spent with friends or family.