Sugar Shack Donuts

It’s dangerous living 2 blocks from here.
Likes:
— There’s always a new donut flavor to try! I come here all the time, and there’s usually at least one I haven’t had before.
— The flavors always taste spot on. Caramel apple donut ACTUALLY TASTES LIKE CARAMEL APPLE! Raspberry bourbon ginger donut? You can bet there’s a decent bourbon flavor to it.
— Get a cake donut. All of them are consistently amazing. Especially if they’re right out of the oven, there’s no excuse!
— Maple bacon is hyped and for good reason. They actually use big pieces of bacon — not bacon bits or anything lame like that.
— There’s chalk to draw on the walls!
— The coffee is good and they also have fun flavors.
— Nice fun staff :)
— Awesome donut-​themed art!
Could be betters (IMO):
— All the vanilla iced donuts are REALLY sweet. Definitely way too sweet for my taste but maybe other people like that.
— There may be no physical remedy in existence for this, but the wax paper for holding donuts always gets stuck to the icing and takes off half of it :(I always end up just licking the paper! mmmmm…
Tip: Look on their facebook page before coming. Every day there’s something you can do to get a free donut. Like wear glasses, or name someone who signed the declaration of independence.
Don’t come here if…
— …it’s a weekend morning and you are in a big rush. Later in the day or during the week it’s quick getting in and out. But weekend mornings there’s usually a big line, and the donuts rotate so much that there are no signs and each person needs to ask about flavors and there are lots of little kids so it’s pretty slow.
— …you’re with a big group of people and you want to sit down. This is mostly a grab and go kind of joint with a small window bar and a few small tables to sit at.
Otherwise, definitely come here!

YUM YUM YUMMY get in my Tummy! This was my first visit to Sugar Shack and I am sure my waistline will be regretting that move because those were some AWESOME donuts.
I got 5 assorted donuts:
1) Samoa
2) Strawberry
3) Lucky Charms (w /​chocolate drizzle)
4) M& M’s with Vanilla frosting
5) Snickers
These were HUGE donuts and very reasonably priced at a little over a dollar each. I would say that while they were all good, I would skip the M&M and lucky charms donuts as they were nothing really special.
The Strawberry was positively HEAVENLY and I dare you to tell me it isn’t. This was an amazing donut and my husband had to agree even though he typically prefers chocolate. The Samoa is my favorite girl scout cookie of all time so obviously that was a huge hit. The Snickers would be our next favorite, really really delicious. We missed out on the red velvet as we went at a rather odd time (5pm on a Tuesday afternoon).
Trust me when I saw, GO TO Sugar Shack! You won’t regret your decision (except for the fact that you’ll way to come back every single day). I know I will 100% be returning sooner rather than later!

LOVE. No, seriously, this place gets 5 stars and a whole lotta love from me! I live a dangerous two streets away and it is a miracle I haven’t put myself into a sugar coma by now. The donuts speak for themselves — blueberry cake donut is a MUST TRY! It’s my favorite. And if the donuts weren’t amazing enough by themselves, the COFFEE BAR is phenomenal! The staff are super friendly and always smiling :) The MUSIC is usually spot on – big thumbs up from me and other indie music lovers! Any place that plays grizzly bear as I bite into a melt-​in-​your-​mouth donut is a winner in my book! BOTTOM LINE: if you haven’t been to Sugar Shack Donuts, GO NOW!

Donuts here are good but I would honestly prefer Krispy Kreme hot and fresh. Like others pointed out, they are very expensive for donuts. $ 9 for four donuts!
If you like Samoa cookies I would recommend their donut version, it was the best of the four we tried.

Should I have a donut? Probably not
Do I need a Donut? No
Did I get a Donut? Hell yeah.
Was it the best Donut I’ve ever had? No
However…
It was a really good donut and I’m a fan of the donut. I’m pretty boring donut wise. I prefer the good old cake or glazed donut (think Krispy Kreme) unless you happen to have little chocolate donuts.
I had a chocolate glazed donut with multicolored sprinkles. It was a nice light donut. Not greasy nor heavy. I would have one again. They had quite a variety and the sales lady explained the donut options and patiently answered any questions. The line was pretty short and moved quickly. It was a tasty $ 2 donut. I may have to return on Fat Tuesday for a Mardi Gras Donut or better yet a donut with Bacon toppings.
Would i wait in line for an hour for a Sugar Shack Donut? Nope.
It really would be nice if they listed the daily donut flavors, so you could decide while waiting in line. The whole place is a giant chalkboard, and they have other things listed, so it wouldn’t be hard to do.

I hate to admit it, but I am a donut addict. I am, unfortunately. When Sugar Shack opened by my house I was ecstatic. I counted the days until the grand opening. When it opened I waited in line for over an hour just to get a taste. Now I yearn for the days when maybe, just maybe they build a drive through. Yes, I know that’s wishful thinking, but a man has a right to dream. Right?
Like getting groceries I make a weekly trip to Sugar Shack. I load up a box with at least a half dozen doughnuts. The staff here is so friendly and they always smile while tempting me with the countless unique and interesting donuts they created that day. I feel like a kid in a candy store. In fact, even better… Charlie’s Chocolate Factory!
For just a buck or two and maybe even free if I’m willing to embarrass myself with one of their FaceBook thingies I consider their doughnuts quite a bargain. Sometimes I also order a pour over coffee or cappuccino, but not always. They take too long. I get cranky when my need for instant sugar gratification is not satisfied immediately. Don’t get me wrong, I know this is an unhealthy, gluttonous, and downright shameful habit, which my friends insist contributes to America’s obesity epidemic, but I simply can’t help myself.
These donuts are good, so good in fact that sometimes I’ll wake up early in the morning craving a maple bacon or german chocolate or plain glazed donut. I don’t care. I just need that sugary, doughy rush. That light, fluffy center. The whimsical, colorful toppings, sometimes with Captain Crunch or even Lucky Charms that remind me of my childhood. I keep my box of donuts close by my bed, usually on the nightstand so I know they are within arms reach. I find this arrangement comforting. I live just a short walk away from this location, but even that is too far.

I don’t usually have dreams but if I did, this is the fluffy, glazed goodness they would be made out of.
My only woe was coming relatively late in the day, so they were already out of a lot of the flavors (+1 for short line though). Yet it ’twas no matter, had the strawberry + nutella & pb + nutella glaze and all was once again well with the world. Service was friendly and patient in explaining (allllll) the different flavors given my overzealous emotional state.
We all already know it ain’t gon be health nation in here, but if you’re the type that cares, yes your napkin will become oil ocean. But hey, this is a judgment-​free zone.
Next up — 18-​inch doughnut cake HERE I COME (p.s. if any of my friends are reading this feel free to ask me when my birthday is).
P. P. S. Mad respect that they partner up with local roaster Zeke’s for their beans.

Donuts… cinnamon rolls, lattes, coffee, and did I say donuts!
They have donut everything, even cakes! You never know what you are going to get when you walk in, the donuts aren’t the same day-​to-​day, I love that about this shop. The staff is awesome, always talkative, laughing, and friendly. The donuts are like heaven. And if you can catch them while they are still warm and right out of the oven… YESSSS!
Parking is not bad. But you might feel bad after eating the donut (s) and you have to walk by all the people at the core exercise place next door, it’s worth it, lol.
My favorite: maple glaze with bacon.
Son’s favorite: red velvet
Our favorite donut shop right now… we are still making rounds, but SS holds the belt currently.

Full disclosure, I have been spoiled by the Richmond location of Sugar Shack donuts. That said, this place still didn’t do much to distinguish itself from other local donut places.
Consistency of product across locations is imperative to expanding your operations. Sugar Shack did a good job of that in their several locations in the Richmond area, though this did not carry over to the Alexandria location. The donuts do not have the same texture or flavor of those at their other locations. Furthermore, their selection is severely limited and have only standard flavors available (chocolate icing, vanilla icing, etc.), very disappointing to anyone who knows just how great the samoa donuts and the lee’s fried chicken donuts at their other locations can be.
One of the hallmarks of going into a Sugar Shack is the excellent and attentive service you get. Again, not the case here. The employees seemed more interested in talking loudly to each other than serving their customers. I was able to complete my transaction quickly once I managed to earn their attention.
The atmosphere, however, was pretty darn awesome. The decorations are definitely cool and it’s clear an immense amount of effort went into making sure the storefront was aesthetically appealing. Honestly, this is a great place to grab coffee and talk to a friend, and would be a nifty place for coffee dates too. I might be moving back to the Alexandria area soon, so I’ll have to keep that in mind!
In summary, Sugar Shack ought to tighten the reins on this location to get it up to the par set by the other locations. Right now, it’s a bit pricey for what it has to offer. I will return here in the next month or so during winter break and see if they’ve made any improvements.
Overall: 3.0 stars
— — — —
Pros:
— Atmosphere is definitely cool and decorations are incredibly unique.
— I’ve been told the coffee here is quite good.
— Better than Dunkin Donuts, and it’s nice to support small businesses.
Cons:
— Just not up to Sugar Shack standards…
— …though the items come at Sugar Shack prices.
— Employees seem disinterested in being there.

Short & diabetic sweet … But really, this is dumb short!
Mind you, I will probably write a follow up review, but as far as my pick up & go experience … Pretty good! I was helped quickly, the cashier answered all my annoying questions, & I was even offered an extra doughnut for the late night drop by. Sugar Shake is a cute little shop on the corner, full of personality & duhhhhh … DOUGHNUTS! I came here for a quick grab & go, so I am unsure of the actual favors that I picked. It was more like, «I’ll get that one, that one, two of those, that … «haha! Nothing was labeled. Kinda a bummer! I will say that I really enjoyed the maple bacon donut & the samosa tasting one. The others I picked weren’t that great so I was very disappointed but I would definitely still come back to sit down, grab a drink, a doughnut, and relax with friends! It’s a def must try if you are in town, but as far as my first experience, it was pretty good but nothing to do back flips for or anything like that, lmao! :P
Favs: Maple Bacon Doughnut & Samosa tasting one!
Would Change: Label the doughnuts daily … So I know what I’m eating #pleaseandthankyou

Grabbed these for an early morning meeting to help get the morale of the troops up. Ordered a dozen donuts thinking I was going to get to at least TRY the one with bacon. $ 23. Get to work, open up to box … no bacon. There were a few duplicates (M&M, Samoa) but no bacon. While I was sad, it wasn’t a deal breaker. With similar hype surrounding fractured prune in O.C., I do like to throw out that I am not the biggest fan of sweets, so you can take my review with a grain of salt.
The donuts were good, but 2 – 3 $ each good? Not at all. Fried dough, glaze, topping. A lot of hype, maybe I was let down, maybe my expectations were too high? Good selection, but price overshadows whatever grounds the flavor combinations make.

Okay, this place really has the BEST donuts! I just finally tried their seasonal flavor — pumpkin cake and it is the best I have ever had! Super moist, perfect crunch on the outside and amazing glaze that’s not too sweet! Hands down — THE BEST.
Just wish they carried some vegan options!

Dropped someone off at the airport early one morning and decided to check this place out since it wasn’t too far. Wanted Astro but didn’t feel like dealing with trying to find parking. Easily found street parking right out front here on a Saturday morning at about 7:20. They were a bit busy and had to wait in line behind 3 or 4 other people and a couple people came in behind me. But the line moved quickly.
Many people here in Unilocal complain that their donuts aren’t labeled but they aren’t that hard to guess just by looking at them. Have you never bought gourmet donuts before? Be brave, try one of everything! I got a variety of a dozen and didn’t dislike anything we got; maple bacon, cinnamon and sugar, yeast ring glaze, old fashioned (cake donut) glaze, lemon poppyseed (FAVE), blueberry old fashioned, Samoa, vanilla and coconut, salted caramel (very good).
Came to about $ 20. Pricey, but cheaper than Astro. Very good and I would certainly come back. I would come back for the glazed (yeast) and lemon alone. I liked how they had both yeast rings and cake donuts.
Very very friendly service. The guy who served me was very nice and made suggestions as it was my first time. Even made some small talk which seems like a rare event.
Cute décor. Easy to find shop. Clean restroom. Would certainly come back. Worth checking out!

The first time I came here, I bought a half dozen donuts. for myself. Today was my second time going, and I bought a dozen donuts. for myself. Now, I’m no glutton. I have learned to buy all the flavors I like, then take them home and freeze them, so I can enjoy the flavor I like when I want it (just don’t squish them, stick them in a freezer ziplock; then when you want one, nuke it for 20 seconds). I don’t live anywhere near this place, so it’s a hike, but a pleasure to buy all these donuts and come home with my bounty, like a crazed donut pirate.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the donuts are sweet. If you are looking for not-​sweet treats, I would recommend skipping this place and going to buy a loaf of bread somewhere. There are probably over 50 kinds of flavors, from glazed original to Nutella with M&M’s, to strawberry coconut. All are amazing, and taste exactly as they should, they don’t have that chemical-​ly artificial taste that Dunkin Donuts do.
There is no posted menu here. Come take a look at the display, then talk to the people who work here. Tell them what you like — chocolate? They’ll tell you the myriad of different kinds of chocolate donuts. It’s fun, and they seem enthusiastic about it, too. If you’re not sure what you want, ask for the «mystery box» and get a few surprises.

I am giving this place 3.5 stars! I do have to admit that I have had much better donuts before. But these are good!
The donuts are big and fluffy. It’s very filling. I could eat two for breakfast and last till lunch. They have great variety of flavors. They have unique flavors like the infamous girl’s scout cookies.
You can get a dozen and placed the leftovers in the fridge. And when you want another one (a few hours later or a few days later) heat the donuts back up in the microwave for 20 seconds. They will be warm and soft. However, be aware that when you microwave these donuts a lot of oil will be dripping from the donut. Don’t let that stop you! And don’t be afraid to get a dozen (or more).
I foresee myself eating a lot of these donuts because it’s right next to my new apartment!

Doughnuts are always fluffy, soft, and fresh. Every time I’ve been there, there was hardly ever a line… The most I had to wait was like 5 minutes with maybe 4 people in front of me? It might have been because I went on days where it was pouring rain outside or gloomy… so try coming on those days :). Parking is a little bit annoying (parallel parking!) But it’s definitely worth it if you love doughnuts. Also don’t get mad but they don’t have a doughnut menu. You kind of have to just look at the display and the carts in the back to see which flavors you want. My favorite is currently the maple and bacon doughnut. Sweet and salty… –drool–
Check their Facebook page for their «Freebie o’ the day». They give you one regular doughnut for free when you fulfill a task that they have given for the day.

Okay… I’ll admit I woke up at around 7:30 to drive all the way to Alexandria just to see how legit Sugar Shack donuts were… actually I also have work and wanted to avoid traffic but anyway…
I arrived around 8:00 or so and found 2hr parking and lucky me a short line of a few people.
It looks like a very local shop chalkboard art… a few modern orange metal bar stools with wooden bar tables. The set up is 2 display cases, a coffee bar and a blackboard written coffee
list of donut flavors.
Hmm I was slightly disappointed by the current display of donuts partially because I wasn’t crazy about the flavors. However I decide why not so I got an Oreo vanilla, Samoa, red velvet and a maple bacon. I had to ask if they had any fruit flavors the guy told me he had strawberry but it wasn’t until the couple in front of me peaked behind the display case where there was a huge rack of flavors. I spotted the honey lavender donut I had been looking for yay! So I decide on that one and a strawberry with sprinkles. I got a half dozen partially because I really don’t need a dozen donuts lol.
I also ordered the honey lavender latte. It was a good tea latte a bit sweet at the end partially because the honey was all the way at the bottom but it was a great tea latte. Floral of course and a nice sweet finish.
Okay…so I’ve only tried 1 donut but I’m sold honey lavender did not disappoint it was LEGIT! Donut was airy with a light crispy outside… The icing was fruity and floral and sweet but light in flavor. UMM what?! It looks like your store bought donut but it taste way better. The freshness at 8:00 in the AM amazing really. It was like eating a fruity pebbles donut. So with 1 mouth changing donut sugar shack you get your 4 stars. Overall lesson at sugar shack is to ask the staff they will tell you what flavors they have. Like the saying goes… sometimes you have to look for the hidden treasures. Or visit the website first lol.

Are they the best donuts ever? No.
Are they labeled? No.
Do they bother trying to tell you more than a couple of flavors when you ask? No.
Are they essentially yeast balls covered in syrup? Yes.
However, they have received 5 stars for providing me with a free donut… EVERY DAY via a daily social media challenge. Not all challenges are easy but they’re usually fun.
Samoa donuts are a tasty combo of caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate but they’re specialty so they cost more.
Note: if you come in as a couple, you might receive only one free donut.

DC is usually synonymous with politics, monuments, the White House, the President, etc. From a restaurant quality perspective, I usually associate it with such labels as overpriced and underwhelming. So, imagine my surprise when the DC hype machine began roaring about Sugar Shack Donuts.
Lemme share something about myself. I take my food seriously. Anyone who knows me personally will tell you that among the many factors which make up one’s happiness, food is high on my list. What lengths would I go for food? Driving hours back to my hometown to get my «good food» fix. Setting up vacations around restaurants to eat at. I’ve been known to apply for jobs in other cities just because I had a few (or several crappy meals) around here. The point? THIS IS NOT A GAME!
Now, let me be fair to the DC area. There are certain food items that are actually done fairly well here like gourmet burgers, Ethiopian food, and Peruvian chicken. Will they cost you an arm, leg and one kidney? Sure, especially the burgers, but that is the figurative price for something that tastes better than McDonald’s. Here’s the thing: donuts. Donuts! Hype around a decent donut shop in DC?
Sugar Shack is small but growing semi-​regional chain that originated in Richmond, VA. They recently opened a new location in Alexandria, VA, just a few miles outside of DC and Maryland. The space is pretty small and is really just a grab and go spot. Basically, you scope out the donuts in the display case and place your order with an employee.
Speaking of employees, service can be hit or miss. Some of them are more aware of the finer points of customer service than others, such as smiling, asking questions, offering suggestions, providing product information, etc. Others are pretty much just riding the clock out and could care less about your efforts to give your money to their employer, who in turn pays them for their work.
The bottom line is this place is just a newer version of Dunkin Donuts. Here’s the catch though: these aren’t donuts. They’re not I tell you! NO! These are just big a$$ yeast bubbles with various frostings and toppings that all look and taste eerily similar. I can’t even tell you exactly what I had. Maybe one with strawberry frosting? One with m&m’s on top? One with crusted peanut butter cups on top? They’re all freakin’ the same! All the same and all freakin’ average or below. It also confirms why Krispy Kreme, regardless of what anyone says, runs the donut scene in this area (much to my chagrin).
Sure, people will throw out names of «donut boutiques» that advertise exotic flavor combinations and what not, only to realize that they’re being charged $ 3 to $ 4 for some yeast. The sugar high from paying entrée prices for donuts eventually wears off, resulting in a somber feeling that’s connected to being ripped off or «taken». Hey, I usually ask for dinner and drinks before someone decides to take my goodies. Just sayin’…
Thankfully, the prices at Sugar Shack are at least ok, comparatively speaking. I think most of them run a little under $ 2 each. In closing, I have to share my pet peeve, which I hope Sugar Shack (or really any establishment) takes note of. LABEL YOUR PRODUCTS! Clear enough? No? LABEL YOUR EFFIN’ PRODUCTS, PLEASE! I can’t articulate how frustrating it is to try and order items, but since it’s impossible to guide the order taker to your item without the use of remote control, you’re left to point like a toddler. WTF! Is it so hard to get labels for each selection of donuts? Don’t you think that would improve the customer service experience, at the very least making the selection and checkout process more efficient? Are you assuming that your trusty employees will gleefully explain the flavor of each donut? Well, you assume WRONG. Recap: LABELS!!!
Krispy Kreme is also in Alexandria, has a drive thru, and is open 24 – 7. Checkmate!

Underwhelming. About 2.5÷5 stars.
I heard mixed reviews about Sugar Shack from friends and family, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Will C. and I have been meaning to try Sugar Shack for ages, and we finally had the opportunity last night. Before I even get to the donuts, I have to say that customer service was pretty fail. The guy that was taking our order was totally disengaged. He kept socializing with his other co-​workers, failing to pay attention to customers’ needs. And since Sugar Shack doesn’t label their donut flavors (another concept I don’t quite understand) I had to expend a significant amount of effort to get his attention. Ordering a dozen donuts shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes, but at Sugar Shack I definitely spent more time in there than I originally wanted…
The donuts themselves are just okay. They were a little on the dry side, and the flavors don’t really pack a punch. For example, the strawberry donut and the original glazed donut tasted pretty much the same. It’s roughly ~$ 16 for a dozen, btw (pretty pricey). I ordered: lemon poppyseed, strawberry, original glazed, apple pie, chocolate glazed w/​nuts, and coconut. None of them really wowed me, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the apple pie, hands-​down. Will I be returning to Sugar Shack again? Probably… since there aren’t that many speciality donut shops near me. However, I wasn’t all that impressed. I definitely think Sugar Shack is a tad bit overrated.
On a side note, the inattentive employee asked me for my age and then proceeded to ask me if I knew what a thot was. Why, yes, I do know what a thot is… but what that has to do with me buying donuts is beyond me…