When I first came to college in Gainesville, Florida, I thought it would never live up to my foodie standards. While I have been pleasantly surprised by all the great cafes, lunch and dinner spots, one thing I could not find was a good sweet treat spot. Something that stood out, and really wowed me— something different than the typical chains. Then, about a month ago, I heard about a new doughnut shop—actually a doughnut truck—that opened nearby.
Parlor Doughnuts is the newest addition to Midtown Park and Eatery near Innovation District in Gainesville. They are renowned for their craft donuts of unique and bizarre flavors, and at an affordable price. When I heard the news, it was exactly what I had been waiting for in Gainesville, so I jumped at the opportunity to visit and review. Just a few minutes walk from my house, let’s see if I found my new go-to spot.
Because of all the raving reviews I’d heard about Parlor Doughnuts, I was pleasantly surprised to find that when I visited there was no line. Bright and early on a cold Gainesville morning, I put in my order and was in and out. But, don’t be fooled. Their speedy and efficient preparation process seems much easier than the process of choosing your doughnut—that’s a tough one.
Luckily because I got there so early, all the flavor options were available, which made my decision even harder. Out of all the appetizing options on their menu, I went with the Maple and Bacon doughnut. Not only is it an elite combination of my favorite flavors, but I had to compare it to my go-to doughnut back at home.
When I pulled her out of the bag, it was love at first sight. The doughnut was perfectly covered in maple glaze and bits of bacon, and the smell was even better. After admiring her beauty, I took my first bite, a big one, and wow! Not only did it taste amazing, but the inside of it was ethereal. It looked like a croissant, with caves and tunnels of goodness, producing a perfect honeycomb structure.
After I tried the Maple Bacon which was an absolute 10/10, I tried a few others: the Cookies N’ Cream and the Sandy Beach. The Cookies N’ Cream was an obvious delicacy, tasting just like an Oreo. This is everyone’s favorite flavor and now I know why.
Then came Sandy Beach. It was described as tasting like a cinnamon roll, so I jumped at the chance to grab that one. It surprisingly did taste just like one. It gets an A+ from me!
Parlor Doughnuts is another reason Gainesville continues to surprise me. New spots open everyday, and each one is just as good as the one that came before it. As a Miami native, I know good food.
Salty Donut is my go-to spot back at home, but I think I found my next second. Parlor, welcome to Gainesville, and stay as long as you want!