This Beloved Neighborhood Donut Shop Is the Heart and Soul of Asheville, North Carolina

It's hard to describe what makes Asheville so special. But if I had to name something, it would be the people. Sure, the landscape is breathtaking, with the ever-present mountains, towering trees, and an abundance of wildlife, but the community you'll find in Asheville is unmatched. This became strikingly clear during Hurricane Helene. It was the community that carried the town through its devastation, tragedy, and grieving.

If you're looking for a place that embodies Asheville's special, tight-knit community, I invite you to visit Hole Doughnuts. From a distance, it may seem like a popular tourist spot; there's often a line at the door, and plenty of folks are visiting from out of town. But stay a bit longer, and you'll meet the warm, kind-hearted staff that knows its regular customers by name and is committed to serving the best donuts around.

I remember my first visit to Hole Doughnuts. It was an overcast Sunday morning, and my husband and I walked into the modest storefront in the West Asheville neighborhood. We stepped up to the counter and ordered a couple of coffees and a few donuts to try. The coffee was served immediately, and we sat at a small table while our donuts were being crafted—by hand—just behind the counter. Then they were served to us, piping hot, just out of the fryer. Since that moment, I've yet to find another donut that's even come close.

A bit of backstory: Hole Doughnuts was established in 2014, and the current co-owners, Hallee Hirsh and Ryan Martin, began operating the business in 2016, opening their neighborhood shop in an 800-square-foot space on Haywood Avenue. That same year, Hole was voted "Best Dessert" by Bon Appetit. Fast forward to today, and the business is a staple of Asheville eats.

You may be wondering: What makes these donuts so amazing? In my opinion, it's a combination of quality and creativity. The donuts are crafted from a single-yeasted dough recipe that incorporates organic stone-ground flour from the nearby Lindley Mills. From there, it's a few more simple ingredients— namely, organic unrefined cane sugar, cage-free eggs, whole butter, and a non-GMO rice bran oil for frying. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth donuts that are crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. Magic.

On the menu, there are four flavors to choose from at any given time: vanilla glazed, toasted almond sesame cinnamon, and a weekly special. The specials are where Hole's creativity really shines. Flavors could include matcha, lemon poppyseed, or blueberry goat cheese. The specials are almost always seasonal, inspired by what's growing locally. If you're visiting with a group, go ahead and order a baker's dozen, a pizza box filled with 13 donuts of your choice.

The inside of the shop is just as warm and inviting as the donuts themselves. It's a busy, bustling place, even in the middle of the week, but the operation runs seamlessly. Plus, with a local coffee in hand, you really won't mind the wait. Community tables are set up inside, so you'll likely drum up conversation with your neighbor. It's all part of the experience!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Hole Donuts (like many businesses in Asheville) lost its water and was forced to close for an extended period. Laurie Crosswell, one of the shop's always-smiling co-owners, shared a message of strength after the shop re-opened. "We are survivors. This city is resilient and full of so much love," she shared via Hole's Instagram page in November 2024. Hole collected donations from its fans across the country to distribute to its staff until they could re-open again. After about five weeks, the shop reopened, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike.

If you have the chance to travel to western North Carolina, stop by Hole Doughnuts to experience love in donut form. This alchemy of community, craft, and love creates a truly magical experience.

For more information about this iconic Asheville destination, be sure to visit the official Hole Doughnuts website. And here's a place to stay in Asheville if you're traveling from out of town.