Bright Spot Donuts

My husband and I love this place! The drinks are so fun - particularly the matcha specials. There was an earl grey, now a strawberry one - all delicious. The donuts are great, same with the bagel sandwiches from Benchwarmers. All in all - the baristas are kind, great service, and most of all what you need in your local coffee spot is friendly and consistent great drinks.

This is a great little donut shop off the beaten path in Raleigh. It can be tricky to find but there is ample parking and plenty of space to eat outside. Be sure to get here early in the day! Both yo get fresh donuts and to be sure they haven?t sold out.

Located in an up-and-coming neighborhood, Bright Spot has a variety of treats ranging from sweet tarts to savory breakfast pastries. We came specifically for the donuts and loved how light and airy they were. Most of all, I couldn?t get enough of the freshly-made raspberry glaze! I definitely recommend snagging one before they go, since it?s a seasonal item. Looking forward to coming back to try more from this cute shop. Extras: Good for small groups or solo diners, limited parking, takeout or dine in, qui

I was super stoked to try this community spot, but unfortunately the donuts didn't quite live up the aesthetic. The positive is that the donuts themselves had good flavor, but that's only if you get past just how oily they are. The texture of the toppings also seemed a bit hard, for example the chocolate topping seemed a bit grainy. Flavor combinations sound interesting, but I was told the sugar and spice was sugar and coriander. I got it, but it didn't taste like coriander at all. I guess that might be a

This reminded me of a corporate coffee shop in a mid gentrified neighborhood. The prices matched as well. The glazed donut was fine, a bit chewy with a nice glaze. All in all if you?re close it?s a fine spot but I don?t think I?d make a trip for it. 6.8/10 Be sure to check out my other reviews from across the country.

Ordered the croquettes this am and can say they looked beautiful but were possibly the worst thing I have ever put in my mouth. Once bitten the inside was a cool mass of gray yuck. Did not see or taste any ham in the one I ate. Just oniony gray goop. I think they need a reboot on this recipe. Wish I could have called them instead of writing this review. They don?t post their phone number. Donuts I had were on point. Happy Donut Day. 2025

Everything we got was incredible. Since it was our first time, we shared the original glazed, sugar and spice, Boston cream, and an order of croquettes. The donuts were all fluffy and soft. The pastry cream in the Boston cream was perfect (not some canned filling or boxed pudding masquerading as pastry cream) and the chocolate topping was delicious (also clearly real chocolate and not just chocolate-flavored glaze). The croquettes were flavorful, crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, exactly as th

I heard this place was opening 2 years ago and it's a sleeping gem. Do you want to remember what Krispy Kream was 40 years ago? It's this place. I have lived in Raleigh for the past 40 years and I cannot remember the last time I felt a bagel and donut place was "authentic" and not just a 'business'. The donuts taste like a fresh baked pastry, because they do bake them fresh. The bagels are home made, not some store bought junk they reheat, and the coffee is flavorful. I am a local so I know the local sho

The savory bread pudding was absolutely delicious!! It was surprising! Hubby also enjoyed his croissant sandwich, but said it was a little greasy. We also had a peach donut, good but ai think the glaze was a little too thick and made it too sweet.

An amazing breakfast spot for not only some of the best donuts in town, but amazing breakfast sandwiches and coffee crafted by their skilled baristas. An easy recommendation for anyone!

stopped by on my walk this morning, such a cute little donut shop! they have a nice variety of donuts, coffee drinks, and a couple savory breakfast items. i got a sourwood honey glazed and a sugar & spice, both were delicious. they have a light yeasty texture, really soft inside, with crispiness around the edges. i will absolutely be back for more!

So happy that they opened. Congrats to them. I want to love this place, but $24 for 6 donuts and 2 milks is a bit pricey to me. My friend went, got a dozen and two coffees and it was $50. $50 for coffee and donuts is way high. The pic of the chocolate donuts wrapped up with all the chocolate frosting off is, in my books, not acceptable. And I don?t even live that far away from where Bright Spot donuts is. It?s a cute spot. I know they are working out their kinks, so I completely understand but it?s ??% r

After going in with high expectations, I think Bright Spot's donuts are pretty good, but I left a little disappointed. We ordered the Original Glaze, Sourwood Honey, and the Sugar+Spice(Coriander). All were pretty solid, and had good flavor, although the coriander in the Sugar+Spice was too subtle to taste, making it taste like just a sugar donut. Their iced coffee, which was from Black+White, was perfect though. Overall, I understand the goal of their donuts and I think they achieved that goal, but they ar

Great place, great donuts. Ordered online and the pickup was simple. My iced latte was made when I picked up the order so it wasn?t watered down.

This place only opened a few months ago, but I think it will become a neighborhood favorite. Despite it?s small size it doesn?t feel cramped. There?s a bench lining one wall to wait on, and a large clean bathroom with a baby changing table. The general atmosphere was very welcoming as the staff seemed friendly, casual and helpful to everyone I saw being helped, lots of parents and young kids and plenty of seating outside, probably 5 or 6 tables total. They have a small but solid menu, and they serve Black

I don't know. Are y'all ready to have the best donuts in Raleigh? If so, head down to this semi-hidden gem down by the train tracks (not a joke). The staff are delightful, and they make the best iced latte in town. The donuts are fried joy.

Bright spot is a great name for the sunny sidewalk seating and the happy, conscientious team. It is so tough to choose which donuts to get. Galllette madame is awesome, delicious and perfect for people that go to donut shops and don't want donuts. Definitely a place to go back to.

Fun place to stop in for a sweet treat! Great coffee, too. If you prefer savory foods, I love the galette madame

Best donuts in Raleigh for sure. We had the original (x2), and all of their specialty limited time donuts: Boston cream, strawberry jam, and cookie butter. Each one was as good as the next. The bottom of the specialty/filled donuts are beautiful and have a nice design. They?re crispy, fluffy, flaky and fresh. There was ample filling in the donuts. The coffee was delicious, too. Can?t wait to go back!

This is the best breakfast sandwich in Raleigh right now. Bright Spot is known for their delectable donuts but their Bacon Egg and Cheese on a Boulted Bread Croissant, made to order, is fantastic. I will coming back regularly for their donuts but more specifically this breakfast sandwich

Delicious donuts, friendly staff, and a nice little spot to enjoy outside. A great addition to the neighborhood - I have some family that lives right nearby and I can?t wait to get more the next time I?m in town.

Pretty unique location by the train tracks. Fun for kids and the family. Great place!!

Teeny donut shop with Very tasty donuts! I had the Sugar and Spice one and it was so light and airy, I loved it. I also had the Overnight Oats and they were so good!!!

Such a cute little place down at the end of a dead end near the rail yard. So worth the trip from Cary for these tasty donuts and treats. We'll definitely be back.

THIS IS THE BEST. Donuts that don?t overload you with sugar, fluffy and all the flavors are balanced!!! Please please please don?t ever change this is the best donuts I?ve had in over 12 states I?ve been to. Continue being amazing Bright Spot Donuts!!!

Local owned shop and these donuts are so bangin good. Almost more like upscale pastries than regular donuts.

This is a great little spot for families! Coffee and doughnuts were both excellent! PLEASE consider offering a gluten free doughnut!!!

This place is an absolute gem and they put a lot of love into every item on their menu. Their sourwood honey donut is the best donut I?ve ever had in my life. Great coffee, love their lattes. The employees are wonderful and I could not be happier to have such an awesome spot right in my neighborhood!

Very cute spot for donuts and coffee. They have a selection of basic donuts like glazed, chocolate sprinkle, and fritters. There is shaded outdoor seating.

I come here all the time for the amazing donuts, but their entire menu is ??

Way over priced for an average tasting donut. Got two dozen to share w/coworkers. Nice variety but pretty average product. At $2 a donut, I'd have expected them to be pretty special, they simply weren't.

Wonderful donuts here! Nice a light, great glazing on the OG. Not quite as fluffy as Britts but definitely not a cake donut. The croquets are also delish ooey gooey inside and crisp exterior

Okay, I thought the negative reviews were harsh but now I understand them and can provide context. Overall donut quality is not as good as some places. You can find better options for half the price, e.g. Heritage donuts. I?m always prepared to pay more for quality (e.g. Tepuy) but the quality is not there at Bright Spot. Original glazed was very cold, almost refrigerated tasting, which made it taste greasy and almost sickening sweet. I do like a good yeast donut but these just flop over. Boston cream

The donuts are just alright. They have a soft spongey texture which wasn't my favorite. The oil they used also didn't taste the best to me. the frosting was really good though not too sweet, could actually taste the chocolate, strawberry, etc. I can see why people like them but the texture is hard for me to get over.

Visited on 2/11, ordered a dozen to get a variety. The filled donuts were grease bombs; so either not cooked correctly or the dough is not correct for the application. The standard glazed donuts were well cooked and a had a pleasantly surprise chewiness to them. Cinnamon sugar was my favorite.

This place is a little hard to find but well worth the effort. The selection of donuts offers something for everyone. The taste, quality and freshness of the donuts will not disappoint. We tried 3 different ones and would eat any of them again. Can't wait for our next visit.

Very hip spot and upbeat staff. My RN coworkers all loved the donuts, I got 6 and then we cut them all into pieces so we could taste test. Everyone will now be going there! It was a slam dunk from the WakeMed PACU RN?s!!

Great, real donuts and excellent coffee for a reasonable price. Support a local business and leave the fake donuts at dunkin/krispy alone!

Genuinely one of the greatest gems of Raleigh. The donuts are some of the freshest, tastiest, and fluffiest I?ve ever had. The hidden gems of the menu, including the best croquettes this side of the Atlantic, are a game changer. With amazing Jubala coffee, this place is a mandatory weekly trip for me & my family. Check it out!

Donuts were tasty, but a bit chewier than my preference. Pretty limited menu for both food and drinks, but we liked what we got!

Good donuts and great service.

A++++ service, pretty OK donuts. They are fluffy (not dense), closer to a DD aftertaste. I'd go again to try their coffee and while there grab a couple of donuts, but not every weekend. Husband said the chocolate topping one was their best, I liked the cinnamon sugar one. Outdoor space was nice with a good amount of seating, super close to the train tracks which was cool.

Cute spot with outdoor seating?but it wasn?t worth it. The donuts were cold and tasted old (and I stopped by Saturday morning). We took some home to microwave and they were better but still didn?t have a great taste - doughy and tasted more yeasty than we liked. Also waaaay overpriced. Would recommend other donut shops before coming back here.

Quite impressive. We have a hard time finding decent Donuts, but the freshness, taste and texture did not disappoint. This place might be a little hidden but it's worth your time.

Best yeast donuts in Raleigh hands down. I used to not be a big fan of yeast donuts vs cake donuts but Bright Spot has made me a convert, especially when they?ve got Boston Cream and the chocolate cream equivalent, easily my two favorites, and they?re not overly sweet like some filled donuts which is what makes them so good. They?ve got great drinks too and quick service. Some reviews complain about prices but this isn?t a Dunkin? Donuts or Krispy Kreme, as much as I love them too in their own right, Bright

I was so excited to try the donuts here based on previous reviews. But my husband and I found the donuts inedible. They were so greasy that my lips felt like they had been in an oil fryer after a couple of bites. The store was cute and the employees were friendly, but that doesn't matter if the donuts aren't good. We tried a glazed, a chocolate glazed, and a sugar-spice. We ended up throwing them all out and going to another donut shop. People have different preferences in donuts, so for comparison, I real

Absolutely fabulous donuts and service! The regular glazed are the just- right combination of dense and fluffy. The iced coffee is delicious! Perfect start for a Saturday morning, and the umbrella picnic tables allowed us to sit outside and feel cool in spite of the heat. Felt like we'd really BEEN somewhere!

We love our neighborhood donut shop! Everything is good, but especially the filled donuts. Such great flavors!

Some days you go and the service is AMAZING! Other days (like today) it?s no the best. Went in today and didn?t realize they no longer had the strawberry glazed donut :(. Instead of offering alternatives the lady who checked me out just gave me a blank look and waited for me to decide. The donuts also weren?t as fresh today as they normally are. I went at 7:40ish so I?m not sure if they had just made some at 7 that sat but they were not the same fresh warm crispy taste I was used to.

After months of drooling on Instagram I was finally in 5 points when they were open and was not disappointed. Good drip coffee and an amazing donut for under $5

This is my new favorite donut in raleigh. The filled donuts were okayish, the star of the show is the regular glazed and the cinnamon sugar. I?m also looking forward to the sandwich offerings in the future. I also have to mention that their customer service is top notch. There was a bit of a snafu in the timing of my order and some of the donuts were not available. Not only did they correct it, they didn?t charge me for the donuts. I love it when a place goes above and beyond like that! Needless to say,

THE BEST DONUTS IN THE TRIANGLE - PERIOD. Such a gem! The staff is always friendly, attentive, and super positive and upbeat! Love the aesthetic of the interior, and the donuts are delicious! Definitely a staple place for me in Raleigh!

Possibly the worst donuts I've ever had -- every single one tasted like oil and they were, for whatever reason, super wet/off putting texture.

These folks always do a fantastic job, and the donuts are some of my favorites in NC. Plus, the half-priced rainy day donuts always make my kitchen team happy when it?s gross outside. Keep it up!

Ambience and the staff were excellent. I was driven to try this place by the photos. And bought a dozen of the OG Glazed, and a dozen Mixed. I shared them with my office (including a couple former professional chefs) and this was our feedback. The donuts however... Are a little underwhelming. They seem undercooked and chewy, too doughy, but beautiful on the outside... Maybe the fryer was set too high? The OG glaze is a little gritty and too buttery. I want to love this... And I'm hoping this is just a

This place is a gem! The staff are very friendly and the donuts are incredible. Highly recommend! There are plenty of picnic tables outside with space for a toddler to move around a little bit. Not to mention it is close to the train tracks, which can be great entertainment for little ones.

In love. We were running late and the team took care of us and remade our pastries and coffee! Having never been before, we were all impressed and will absolutely be back. The donuts were a m a z i n g ? perfectly sweet and coated. It was satisfying watching that post-bite area fluff back up each time ??

Five stars for donuts and service. But the air conditioning was not working and in a hot summer day the employees were not skipping a beat. I hope the owner will pay them double for today. They close schools when it gets hot inside like that.

$4 for a ?small? filled donut! Way to much $$$! The filling wasn?t real blueberries it was like a custard blueberry. Overall taste ok not worth coming back for! Great location and outdoor seating, bring your own coffee and DD donuts to sit near the tracks at a fraction of the cost.

Best donuts (and croquettes, and galettes!) in town

Wow. Good, tasty donuts and treats. Not cheap but really good (although they focus on raised donuts and don't have cake donuts). Cut through the hipster vibe and you'll find great coffee and supple, amazingly soft donuts. The NC version of NY's Donut Plant.

Disappointed in the service. I was excited to have been made aware of such a cute little coffee/donut shop! As a WFH person I needed to run out and get back quickly so I put in a small order for 10am pickup. I drove all the way in from near Garner and had an unfriendly interaction. With disdain the service member barked my name to someone else and they both seemed disturbed by me. At completion I got blank stares. I did not feel welcome.

This place is top notch. Location is perfectly set, donuts and customer service was on point. Worth every penny. It?s exactly the type of yeast donut this area needed. I highly recommend you try them each; a few times. Or maybe don?t so I can eat them all.

Donut was fresh and the coffee strong. Customer service was excellent and they have cool outdoor seating.

Absolutely love this place! Great donuts and coffee (and other yummy things), vibes are usually spot on, amazing staff, really cute location and atmosphere, friendly dog area outside with seating on nice days!

These donuts come very close to the iconic Britts donuts from Carolina Beach, NC. Britts only makes sugar glazed and they are light as air melt in your mouth and acclaimed as one of the best in the US by GQ magazine. The ?healthier? Bright Spot donut is the closest I?ve found to Britts. Not as light?still delicious. There are two types of donut in the donut world: cake and airy. I like airy.

Excellent quality, unique flavors including fig glazed. A bit too pricey though...$2.20-2.50 for a glazed doughnut, regardless of quality, is approaching unreasonable.

Well made, tasty pastries made with quality ingredients. By far the best donuts in the triangle.

The first visit to this place left me wanting to place a negative review but I figured I?d give them another shot as they were still new. Another visit today confirmed the first visit?..overpriced and simply disappointing. Both visits only included their glazed donuts. The donuts were soggy and lacked the crisp of a freshly prepared donut. YMMV

The food was really tasty, although the service was slow. There's not much atmosphere, but they have a cute outdoor space

By far the best donuts in Raleigh hands down, it helps that the coffee is top notch too. Don?t sleep on the croquettes though, they?re delicious.

I really liked the donut! It was fluffy and great! I ordered through online and they gave me wrong order, but it was pretty solid! I wish it would be less salty next time. Coffee was okay too!

Oh man! Incredible glazed buttermilk doughnuts! Also had the Jambon balls special which was amazing! The have the coolest spot, picnic tables, amazing coffee. Next time the Galette's!

Bright spot Donuts does it right. Deep delicious flavors. Wonderful texture. A must have for donut peeps.

We love their donuts. They're only second to Britt's. Yeasty, soft, messy, and full of flavor packed into each circle.

Great donuts and coffee! Space along the fence to stand up my bike & several patio tables to enjoy at!

I came to this shop based on reviews and to support a local business. To be straight to the point I was disappointed. The dough is very heavy and dense, it does not melt into your mouth. Also, for what it is, they are extremely overpriced.

Great location food and donuts! The breakfast sandwich on croissant was on point.

Nice ambience, donuts were good but the coffee(got a mocha latte) was great. Lil bit expensive tho. $5 for a small sized cup.

The plain glazed donuts are incredible. We?ve been looking for a go-to artisanal donut shop for a while, and Bright Spot is the winner!

Donuts were just okay. Expensive for what it was. The egg whites were still runny on my fried egg that came on a pastry. Cute spot, but food not worth it.

Truly delicious donuts. Great coffee. Very friendly staff. It's also in a quiet part of five points

Such a great little spot. Definitely low key type of vibe. They are all so very nice and imo they?re the best donuts in town! Love this place ??

Always fresh, DELICIOUS donuts!! The employees are incredibly friendly!! The location is easy to find and such a clean space.

Great donuts! Prices seem on par for this kind of donut...so, not someplace we'll be coming regularly, but a nice splurge every once in a while.

Took a dozen to work and everybody kept asking where they came from - it's hard to impress me with a donut but congrats, you did it ??the honey one was the crowd favorite for sure

The donuts were great! Nice and fluffy! The real star, at least for me, were the croquettes. My God, the croquettes. I 100% will be back for those

OMG nice light fluffy airy ??