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If there’s one thing my daughter Wisdom loves, it’s doughnuts. So, in celebration of her 12th birthday, we did something a little extra special this year—a birthday countdown with a surprise every day. And, of course, one of those days had to involve doughnuts. We decided to experience Seattle’s Underground Donut Tour (not to be confused with Seattle's Underground Tour) together, and it was *so* much fun! It was the perfect mother-daughter adventure, and now, I’m here to tell you why you should add it to your Seattle bucket list.
The Magic of the Underground Donut Tour
Seattle is full of incredible food tours, but this one? This one hits differently if you’ve got a sweet tooth. The Underground Donut Tour takes you through some of the best doughnut spots in the city while weaving in fun facts about Seattle’s history. What I personally loved most was hearing all about the history of places I’ve walked past a thousand times or maybe even skipped over. It was the perfect way to see the city in a new light and the best part? It’s a walking tour. It gave Wisdom and I time to just enjoy each other’s company, take in the sights, and, of course, indulge in Seattle’s best doughnuts!
Our Sweet Stops on the Tour
The tour took us to four amazing doughnut shops, each with its own vibe and flavor, and I’ve got to share what makes each of them so special:
If you’re from Seattle, you probably already know Top Pot. Their hand-forged doughnuts have been a local favorite for years, and now I know why! Wisdom went straight for their Maple Bar, which is legendary, and I opted for their Old-Fashioned Glazed. Both were delicious—crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside.
What makes it unique: Top Pot has this amazing retro vibe with shelves full of books, so you feel like you’re in a cozy library café. They’re also a favorite of the Seattle Seahawks, and their doughnuts have been featured in all kinds of magazines, including Bon Appétit.
2. Doce Donut
Doce Donut is one of Seattle’s newer spots, but it’s already made a name for itself. What’s cool about Doce is that they use locally sourced ingredients to create their unique flavors. I wasn’t sure what to expect from their Lavender Earl Grey doughnut, but it was so good that Wisdom and I both ended up loving it.
Doce is all about creativity. They’re always experimenting with seasonal flavors, so every time you go, you’re bound to find something new.
3. Dahlia Bakery (Oh Mochi Doughnuts)
I’m no stranger to Dahlia Bakery, but this time, we got to try their Oh Mochi Doughnuts. If you’ve never had a mochi doughnut before, you’re missing out! They’re chewy, soft, and just the right amount of sweet. The texture is what really makes these doughnuts stand out.
Dahlia Bakery is part of Tom Douglas’ famous restaurant group, and their baked goods have won numerous awards. Plus, these mochi doughnuts are unlike anything else you’ll find in Seattle, but what you might miss out on if you don't know to ask is their made-to-order beignets.... OH MY GOODNESS. I have been to France, I have been to New Orleans and I have had a beignet a time or two, but these are almost beyond compare. Walk in, ask for a few and they will drop them in the fryer and don't forget to ask for the fresh cream and jam to top them off. They come hot, so make sure you don't burn yourself! But, if you do, it will be worth it!
We ended our tour at Pike Place Market with a stop at Daily Dozen Doughnut. These mini doughnuts are made fresh right in front of you, and you can smell them from across the market. We grabbed a bag of their cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and they were the perfect little bite-sized treats to end our tour.
What makes it unique: Daily Dozen is iconic. If you’ve ever wandered through Pike Place, you’ve probably seen the line forming at this little stall, and for good reason. The doughnuts are hot, fresh, and delicious.
If you’re planning to go on the Underground Donut Tour, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Go on an empty stomach. Trust me, you’ll be eating *a lot* of doughnuts, and you’ll need the room! You don’t want to show up already full because you’ll miss out on fully enjoying all the different flavors.
2. Wear comfy shoes. It’s a walking tour, and while it’s not super strenuous, you’ll be on your feet for a bit. Make sure you’re comfortable!
3. Parking tip: Park near Pike Place Market and take the monorail to the start of the tour. That way, when you’re done, you can just stroll back to your car, doughnuts in hand.
Why You Should Add This Tour to Your Seattle Bucket List
Whether you’re a Seattle local like me or just visiting, the Underground Donut Tour is such a fun way to experience the city. It’s perfect for doughnut lovers, foodies, and families looking for something different to do. Wisdom and I had the best time—learning, laughing, and, of course, eating *way* too many doughnuts. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and want to explore some hidden gems in the city, this tour should be at the top of your list!
You can grab your tickets by clicking here and you can check out tours in other cities and countries (available throughout the United States, Canada and Europe - more deets on their site).
Next time you’re planning a trip to Seattle or looking for a unique way to see the city, give the Underground Donut Tour a try. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
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