For more than half a century, locals and visitors have flocked to The Donut Friar in Gatlinburg for its delicious donuts and its lovely location. Find out how this bakery keeps loyal fans coming back for generations.
A Gatlinburg Favorite for 50 Years
Since 1969, folks in Gatlinburg have trekked to this family-owned bakery. The Donut Friar is Sevier County’s second oldest food establishment still run by an original owner’s family. The Donut Friar uses the same recipes that made it a hit when it opened. You know an eatery is great when locals love it and tourists make pilgrimages just to get their annual sugar rush!
Mouth-Watering Donuts and Pastries
Take a deep breath. That rich aroma is hand-crafted dough turning into pastry magic inside the bakery’s ovens. Baking begins overnight, so everything is fresh when the bakery opens at 5 a.m. daily. The earlier you arrive, the bigger the selection you’ll get.
The Friar creates glazed, cake and filled donuts. Look for flaky croissants, chocolate-draped eclairs, crullers, cinnamon twists, jelly donuts bursting with fruity goodness and donuts topped with everything from rainbow sprinkles to snowy coconut. Try a specialty pastry like a Bavarian cream pillow or honey-drenched baklava. The bakery’s signature product is its tall, fluffy cinnamon bread. Get it before it sells out!
Donuts and pastries here won’t break your vacation budget. Most cost only $1 to $3 each, so grab extra treats for later. Pair your eats with the Donut Friar’s coffee, lattes, espressos, cappuccinos and other made-to-order drinks.
A Delightful Location
The Donut Friar is nestled in The Village, 27 beautiful shops styled like an old-world European village. Take your donuts and coffee outside and sit by the fountain in the flower-filled town square. The Village is decorated for every holiday, too, from autumn scarecrows to Christmas trees to Easter eggs. Whenever you stop by, you’ll have a charming new view.
Visiting The Donut Friar
You’ll find The Donut Friar on Gatlinburg’s Strip, near stoplight number six. The popular bakery gets busy, but lines move quickly. The bakery has limited seating inside plus more seating outside. The bakery takes cash only and provides an ATM.
