Everyone knows that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. So with Valentine’s Day
right around the corner, let’s ditch the flowers and get straight to the point. Donuts. Boston natives might be content with their $0.85 rainbow sprinkle donuts from Dunkin’, but the city’s college kids from around the world just don’t see the appeal. That’s why it’s no surprise that recently-opened Blackbird Doughnuts has become a Boston hot spot.
Photo by Sophie Clingan-Darack
Being a Massachusetts native myself, I made my daily trip to Dunkin’ before heading over to Blackbird for the first time. Everyone I spoke to that had been to the donut shop already advised that I get there early (like, I-got-up-before-noon-on-a-Saturday early) because it opens at 7:00 am and closes when they run out of donuts – usually around 3:00 pm. So naturally, when my alarm sounded at 7:30 am, I needed caffeine.
When I walked into the small white-tiled store on Tremont Street, iced Dunkies in hand, the owner said, “If you let us throw out that Dunkin’ coffee we’ll replace it with one of ours for free.” The drive for success was obvious. And the coffee was undeniably better, even if it hurts my born-and-raised Massachusetts heart to admit it.
With donut flavors like dark chocolate pomegranate, lemon coconut and wait for it, pineapple habanero on the menu, Blackbird’s gourmet sweets definitely stood out from the competition. The small store’s black and white interior, featuring a chalkboard menu and a rustic hanging bird cage, give off a charming home-town vibe perfect for the city of Boston.
As couples and friends came in and out of the store, they exchanged hellos with the employees, who knew nearly all the customers by name. For a shop that opened less than a month ago, already having regulars says a lot.
Photo by Sophie Clingan-Darack
With the donuts priced at $3 each and $2.50 for a cinnamon stack (trust me, you need the stack), a dozen comes to $18 – a small price to pay for love, which is how I plan to pitch my request for a dozen of the lemon coconuts to my boyfriend. So if you’re just not feeling that heart-shaped box of chocolates this year, tell your significant other to set their alarm early. You dough-not want to miss out on Blackbird. Ha.
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