World's Fair Donuts

World's Fair Donuts

Reviews Summary

World's Fair Donuts is a beloved, historic shop with mostly glowing reviews praising its delicious, affordable, and classic donuts. Many highlight the light, fluffy texture, handmade quality, and friendly staff. The glazed and old-fashioned donuts are frequently mentioned as standouts. Some note inconsistencies since ownership changes, with a few complaints about dry or off-tasting items. The cash/Venmo-only policy and no-frills, small-space atmosphere are common mentions. While most adore the nostalgic charm and quality, a minority criticize uneven baking or service hiccups. Overall, it remains a cherished local gem for traditional donut lovers.

About This Listing

Who Can Visit?

Most donut shops welcome all ages—perfect for families and kids
Some locations offer sit-down areas, while others are grab-and-go
No prior ordering knowledge needed—staff can help you choose flavors
Casual dress is welcome—some shops may have outdoor seating
Allergy-friendly options may be available (ask in advance)
Group orders and celebrations welcome—pre-orders may be required

*Note: Seating, menu, and accessibility may vary by shop. Contact your local spot for details.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time guests can simply walk in and browse the display or menu. Staff are happy to offer recommendations and explain specialty flavors. Some shops even offer sample bites or combo deals for newcomers.

Common Considerations:

Allergens Some donuts may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten—always ask if unsure
Availability Popular flavors can sell out early, especially on weekends

*Note: Menus and specials may vary. Ask staff or check online for daily options.*

What to Bring

Cash or card—most donut shops accept both, but some are cashless
Phone or camera—perfect for snapping and sharing your sweet finds
Appetite! Fresh donuts are best enjoyed warm and on the spot

*Note: Payment methods and policies vary by location. Check signage or ask staff.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check store hours and peak times—early visits offer the best selection
Call ahead for large orders or special boxes
Bring friends or coworkers—sharing a dozen is half the fun
Dress casually—many shops are walk-up counters or offer outdoor seating
Leave pets at home unless it’s a pet-friendly location
Check for limited-time flavors, holidays specials, or preorder events
Set a treat budget if you’re shopping with kids
Bring a reusable bag or box if buying in bulk

*Note: Each shop may offer different experiences—check social media for updates.*

How to Get Started

Most shops accept walk-ins! For custom orders, pre-ordering is best. Ask about gift boxes or subscription options.

Other Helpful Info

Visits usually take 10–30 minutes, unless you're sitting down to enjoy
Weekends can be busier—plan ahead for quicker service
Seasonal or limited-edition donuts often rotate monthly
Some locations offer donut decorating kits or workshops
Gift cards, boxes, and party platters are often available

*Note: Features, pricing, and offerings vary by donut shop. Always check ahead.*

Contact Information

Address

1904 S Vandeventer Ave Suite B

St. Louis, Missouri 63110

Hours

Monday 6AM-2PM
Tuesday 6AM-2PM
Wednesday 6AM-2PM
Thursday 6AM-2PM
Friday 6AM-2PM
Saturday 6AM-2PM
Sunday 6AM-2PM

Customer Reviews

My oh my, best doughnuts my family and I have ever had? and we?ve had a lot of different doughnuts!! They are so friendly, too! If you?ve never been? you need to go!! We will be coming back every time we are back in St. Louis. Thank you!

My boyfriend and I stopped in for our first time yesterday on a whim. We are so happy we did. The guy was amazing. Funny, outgoing and nice. The donuts were incredible. He has his plant collection in the store that?s amazing to look at. THIS is the kind of local business to support. They absolutely deserve it

I came up here to get donuts for my team because we had to work on Mother's Day. Apparently, I wasn't the only person who decided to bring donuts in; and when I got to work, there were already donuts from 2 other local spots. These donuts outshined the others, hands-down! Multiple people were asking where they were from, and saying that "[I] definitely brought the best donuts in." The clerk was also extremely positive and funny. We got to share some laughs and some well-wishing for the day(s) ahead. 11/10.

This place has been on this corner forever. I have first tried their delicious donuts back in late 90?s and feel in love with them. The store has changed a bit in the last decade, however the donuts are still great.

definitely a 10 out of 10 ?? When I was little me and my brother used to walk around the corner with a handful of Pennies Wasn?t even tall enough to go to the counter The owner used to let us walk around the side to pay for our donuts and they used to always give us more than enough donuts to last us through the entire day Good memories From the early 90s

Tasty donuts, for sure. Priced fairly. Not extravagant. You won't find any artisan type donuts here. But they have an excellent assortment of the basics. There is also no seating or public restrooms at all. This is not a restaurant. You walk in, order your donuts, pay, and leave. Simple. Sadly, my daughter and I were hoping for a nice sit down style donut shop so, we were let down. However, that is on me.

Jumped off the highway to see if the donuts were what everyone says ! And it was true but add great customer service to it !!! Definitely coming back

Don't let the humble appearance of World's Fair Donuts fool you ? this little gem is hiding some of the most incredible donuts in St. Louis! ?? I decided to treat my hardworking staff to a Sunday morning surprise, and let me tell you, these donuts were the ultimate morale booster! ?? Decor ?? Step inside this unassuming, slightly run-down building, and you'll find a charming, no-frills donut shop. ??? The decor is minimal, with just a couple of retro arcade games to keep you entertained while you wait. ???

Great donuts at reasonable prices. So many donut places charge you crazy amounts now. Not this place. Donuts are excellent old school donuts incredibly well done. Cash only. Service was top notch. This is a do not miss in St Louis.

Great spot to grab donuts! Very friendly and donuts were so good. The gooey butter donut was my favorite! Will definitely come back. Be sure to bring cash or they take Venmo!

Long-time fixture in the neighborhood, World's Fair offers good, traditional donuts at a terrific price. Quaint with a personal touch. Don't visit the Botanical Garden without getting a treat!

Well, it's a donut shop. A loved spot with lots of history, and the new owners and management are dear neighbors. I do wish my apple fritter had a touch more apple inside.

I grew up in south city and used to go here every weekend. Went today after going to the farmers market in Tower Grove. Asked for 2 donuts , 2 drinks and a plant for my wife. I was shocked after we were given. 6 crusty old donuts that looked like they were baked a week ago and no we didn?t ask for 4 extra donuts but we were definitely charged for them. Our total should?ve been $10.75. Instead we were charged $16.25 for the ?free?donuts he gave us. The donuts were also cold as if they had been refrigerated a

Nothing can be better than affordable high quality donuts and that's exactly what you'll find at WFD. You can see the difference the moment you walk in to this family owned treat. I hit the highway after picking out a couple of delicious snacks and didn't take pictures but trust me if you don't get a Gooey Butter donut, you did it wrong!

Adorable doughnut shop. Numerous choices. Pick your favorite choices. I picked the traditional glazed donut. Yummy. YES! Located 2 minutes from the Missouri Botanical Gardens on Shaw. Also it is located right by Little Shop Around the Corner antique store. Support small business

Lovely old time donut shop that takes you way back with large fluffy donuts coated in gooey butter cake cr?me or filled with jellied strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar. The service is wonderfully welcoming. I recommend getting the strawberry milk. It?s fancy!

Classic Donut Spot with the nicest staff ever!! Thank you for making my day and providing the best donuts for my office this morning!! Your kindness is super appreciated!

We were in the area and stopped in because it was an old looking store. Yep it was that way inside also. Donut's looked good but is was too hot "98" to enjoy them. They really need to replace the glass in the display cases. Pretty bad. Can't judge taste or quality as I did not buy any today.

These weren't my favorite donuts while in this area but they were very good. A little more cake like that what I generally prefer. Just meeting the couple who owns the shop was a treat though. They've been making donuts for almost 50 years!

This place is the ideal definition of a mom-and-pop place. There is a unique touch to this gem tucked in a corner of a busy intersection: A mural of the previous owner has been completed. It is as though she is still ?behind the counter,? overseeing the place she ran for 40 plus years. The history of this store was provided by an employee who was very enthusiastic about her job and remained friendly and smiled throughout the encounter. The donuts are both cake donuts and yeast donuts. There is a very l

The donuts here taste AMAZING! Relatively cheap, too. Be warned- they don't accept credit cards. Cash only! This is because it's as if you walked into the 60's- old fashioned teller, signs, everything. Enjoy it

Grabbed a bag before day at the Botanical Garden $2.68 for 4 donuts?! That's incredible, and they are delicious! Be patient with the sweet lady serving you, and bring cash. I'll probably stop back by for more to bring to hotel!!

Old. Not really any kind of ambiance. Delicious donuts. Great selection. Friendly staff.

This place is one of the finest donut shops I've ever been to in so long I can't even remember. It's a mom and pop place, and the mom and pop are just down to earth really really good people. I didn't try the coffee although I should have but I got more donuts and I can eat in a week and I only did it because I probably won't get back up in this area for a long time. But if you're in the area you really got to stop and try this place out!

This place is a classic! They have some really good donuts for super good prices. Parking can be a little tricky, and the door is not automatic for those needing full wheelchair accessibility. Also, it is cash only.

Donut consistency was great not super airy and not super chewy. The taste was a bit different as they use an old style recipe. Nothing special about the icing. Over decent donut. Oh, they have a payphone...I mean you may not need it, but it's one of the last surviving one in the city.

Earlier in the year, we were in St Louis for the Oddities and Curiosities. We love a good donut joint. So, with a little help from google, we came across World's Fair Donuts. The donuts were absolutely delicious even throughout the day. They were still soft and still just as good as they were when we got them. We ordered 1 maple donuts, and the man gave us a free one because couples were known to fight over them. He was very professional and kind throughout the whole interaction. We love finding gems like

Loved it - if you are in St. louis and haven't tried these donuts, then you will regret it.

We came in the afternoon and had limited selection but every donut we got was SPOT ON! So so good

Worth the drive from the West. These things are huge and delicious. I know now why they are STL famous. We went at 8am on a Thursday and there were a couple people waiting. COVID: only 2 people at one time in the store, they?re taking cash or venmo, which is very nice. Pic is from us already snagging a couple - couldn?t wait! We got one of each of the 8 kinds they had out and then filled the dozen up with regular yeast donuts.

I don?t even know what to say, I?ve been dealing with medical problems and got very sad news today. I decided I really wanted some donuts and to sit at home crying, curl up in a blanket watching movies, and feeling bad for myself. I showed up and they only had a couple options, which was fine because the double chocolate ones are my favorite. He gave us extra donuts on top of what we ordered, and free drinks. I don?t even think we were charged full price. I couldn?t help but to start crying, it felt li

My daughter enjoyed the chocolate long John and I loved the apple fritter (it was HUGE!). Friendly service, too. Thanks!

Cute little hidden gem with delicious donuts. We passed it on our way to the Botanical Gardens and the gentleman working was so sweet and patient with my kids. Super nice and the donuts were good. Was surprised at how cheap they were! Would recommend.

Very interesting place! It has been there a while and it shows. But don?t let the interior fool you. The donuts are amazing. A must try in St. Louis.

Owner was very nice. Not my favorite donuts but still authentic.

I recently visited this small donut stand with a fantastic selection. I couldn't resist trying three different kinds of donuts, and I'm happy to report that they were all absolutely delicious! While the shop doesn't accept credit cards, it does take cash and Venmo, so it's easy to make a purchase. If you're ever in the area craving something sweet, I highly recommend checking out this donut shop. You won't be disappointed!

I love the consistency of the yeast donuts. Very doughy and soft! My fav donut flavor is boston cream, and these were great! I especially appreciate that they had a lot of custard filling (my usual complaint about BCs at other shops is not enough custard filling!) I don?t usually like cake donuts, but I LOVED their gooey butter cake.

Solid old school donut shop. They open at 6 and close at two. They have a decent variety but most of the good stuff goes fast. By the afternoon it's slim pickings.

Donuts are good but won?t knock your socks off. $1.25 per donut, price matches the quality.

A unique donut shop owner by St. Louis locals. All made in house with a wide variety of donuts to purchase for a cheap price! The owners are great people. Take some time to look around and the pictures on the wall and the cash register! The are old school.

Donuts were pretty good, not the best and not the worst I have ever had. Make sure you bring cash!

The quality in donuts has diminished since the shop was purchased by Strange Donuts. They are selling day-old donuts (dry and crusty glazed) at 6am already. Do the bakers not bake them morning of? They also don?t make the same selection daily, so it?s a hit-or-miss on days.

DELICIOUS donuts (light and fluffy but filling, the icing was ????) ??? Cool interior ? Friendly worker ? Notes; ?? The pear filling sugar donut tastes like autumn ?? shop location is next to 2 cute garden kinda shops?also a good place to grab a bite before hitting the botanical gardens ?? ?Cash only? but accepts Venmo

Doughnuts are pre made not really worth the price based on quantity.

I had eight donuts which came to a total price of $15. Very expensive for nasty dry ass donuts. I went because donut drive in was closed but I know now to be patient and wait for the real donut makers to open! Their display was broken . Very ratchet. I won?t be back!

Honestly these donuts were just ok. The gentleman working was super nice and this is a classic donut shop.

Update: Months later and it's still our go-to, tried a couple other places closer to home, but nothing compares. Worlds Fair is the best donuts we have ever had. This is our weekend go-to for donuts even though it's a 25 minute drive one-way. They're the best in the metro east and fully worth the drive. Not only do they taste great, but the texture is perfect, so hard to find both in one place. The service is also amazing, everyone we've met is so friendly.

Literally the best donuts I?ve had! Cheers from Cedar Rapids Iowa!

Shocked how little filling are inside. Chocolate tasted good but again more dough than filling.

Delicious and extremely affordable little donut shop! Paid a little over $6 for 5 donuts.

Open when others are closed or sold out. Very good donuts

..the BEST doughnuts.. in the WORLD.. This couple's life long dedication and love must be the secret! They are old school.. no computers or even cell phones.. She once said to me in reference to "google" calling their land-line trying to convince them to connect to the modern world..: "I work 84 hours a week.. What am I going to do with a computer..?" They do start at 3:30AM seven days a week.. and I've seen them there past 5:30 in the evening! Often their son comes in and closes the place up.. and Sundays

GREAT service, great donuts!! Stop by early, bring cash or Venmo.

Every time I go in there I always walk away happy. The people that behind the counter are very knowledgeable and very friendly and they really love what they do.. you can tell that when you talk to them and when you eat the food. A great donut place!

Love these donuts, my favorite when I'm in the city working

My family and I used to really enjoy the best tasting fresh fried pies and homemade donuts when the original owners operated. As of June 2023 we made a special trip from out of state and was saddened that they no longer make fried pies and the donuts are made off site (or at least some are?). At this point it?s a cool, old donut shop but that?s it. I?m sad to say that we will not return although the employee was very cool and talkative. Time to move on?

Amazing local donut shop. This is a must on the way to the zoo or the gardens.

I pass by this shop everyday. Today I stopped because I heard they were very good donuts. I see from the reviews that its a new owner. I didn't like it. The worker was very nice though. She didn't know what was in the case though. Asked worker what kind of fritter it was, she said raisin, it was blueberry when I took a bite. Also told me a pumpkin spice donut was a buttermilk old fashioned. The Pumpkin spice donut wasn't cooked through and was doughy on the inside and the blueberry fritter not quite do

Great little shop! Quick service, fair prices and delicious donuts. And big thanks for taking COVID19 precautions seriously!

Ohhhhhh... Visiting St Louis & woke up to my daughter greeting me with these donuts - amazing! Finishing a crumb cake which I loved!!!

Cash only, so save all of your dollars for this place. Absolutely amazing. It's exactly what I always dreamed a donut could taste like!!

When another donut shop (Strange Donuts) took over this place, they were supposed to keep the amazing recipes from the prior, very long-time owners. Unfortunately they did not. The consistency and execution of the donuts is nothing like the original?this is especially true of the cake donuts. The donuts aren?t terrible- they?re just mediocre like Strange Donuts.

Delicious donuts with good service and great prices.

Some of the best donuts ever. If you like cake donuts or old fashioned, this is the place for you. It gets very busy in the morning and the service is slow because the proprietors hand make the donuts- and are old- but I think they are worth the wait. And, just as good as the donuts themselves, is the price. I was happily surprised the first time I was there that these hand made donuts were pretty cheap. It's a favorite place of my family.

THE BEST donuts I have ever had! I used to come here as a kid and I went again today and they are still amazing. You can tell these donuts are made with love because they aren?t too sweet to hurt your teeth. The frosting is hand made too and I can taste REAL vanilla! No donut I have ever had could ever compare to World?s Fair!

Doesn't take credit cards... cash or Venmo only. Great tasting donuts since 1904 when the Olympics were in St. Louis.

Went in once and forgot I needed cash. I told the man behind the counter I'd go hit an ATM and be back ASAP. He laughed and handed me my bag of donuts and said, "they're just donuts. Pay me back next time you're in." I absolutely did just that, including a tip that was refused at first. I told him to donate the tip of he didn't want it, and he finally took it. WFD will have my business as long as they serve donuts.

This place has the best normal donuts I've ever eaten. The chocolate long johns were amazing, the regular glazed were amazing, and the cinnamon donuts were amazing. They were all so good I ate too many of them to try the other donuts. Reviews generally cover the specialty items, but the just regular donuts from here are the best I've ever eaten. And they were priced really well too. So glad I tried this place.

Absolutely amazing experience, all the donuts are delicious and made in house from scratch. I think we saw the owner when we were there and he was so friendly and welcoming, just great vibes

This place was every bit as good as we hoped. The atmosphere is small bakery, with employees who are friendly and hard working! Our bill was hand calculated, and all 6 of us loaded up for $16! We were shocked at how inexpensive the donuts were. The flavored were amazing. The glazed donut is my favorite. So airy, so perfectly glazed! I will make this a regular stop on my travels through St. Louis!

Donut nerd here, By far the very best apple fritter I?ve had. Everything else was great too. It?s clear that the owners really care about the quality of their products, and take pride in the establishment. They were also very kind.

Yum, yum, yummy! We always try to get donuts here when we are in town. Cake are the best but they have yeast donuts too.

World's fair donut is a good old fashioned donut shop. It is run by a family and that just adds to the charm. The donuts were delicious, make sure you know your donuts because donuts aren't labeled. This is everything a donut shop should be and the passion and time show in the quality. The parking is tight so if you come at a peak time be prepared.

I walked in there and met the owner, probably one of the finest young man I've ever had the honor to me. The donuts are by 5:00 some of the best donuts I've ever eaten lots of lots of toppings and lots of creamy fillings and the donuts couldn't be more fresh. Definitely worth the stop.

Best donuts in St Louis? These guys are a classic mom and business. Donuts aren't the fancy flavors you'll find elsewhere for $3.99 apiece, instead you get one of a handful of flavors for 61c or a dozen for about 7 dollars! What these guys lack in variety, they make up for in quality. Taste and texture are some of the best I've had. Note: cash only here, and there's no ATM.

We really wanted donuts on our recent trip to St. Louis, and a google search for "best donuts in St. Louis" led us to World's Fair. Alton Brown said they were the best around, and who am I to argue with Alton Brown?? We could not believe the prices (just under $7 for a full mixed dozen). We tried frosted long johns, basic glazed, and frosted cake donuts, but the best by far were the buttermilk cake. Depending on where you're from, you might know them as sour cream donuts. They're very similar. They were the

We went there today. The owner is so nice! We asked for half a dozen and that's what he charged us for, but when we got home, there were 13 in the box. Yep. He gave us extra of everything for free! We're going back for sure, the next time we're in St Louis.

The chocolate vanilla frosted donut is the bomb! Quite possibly the best chocolate donut I've ever had and I've had a donut or two over the years.

The best glazed in the city! I?ve been to almost every donut place in the city (with the exception of the newer ones) and this place has amazing yeast donuts! Old fashioned is a bit sweet but still a great classic. Come early if you want to snag some!

Way too much going on in that small donut shop. They're selling donuts plus other retail items. The place is NOT huge for all that! The guy who looked rather mixed race was not customer service friendly. The atmosphere is dark and grim, NOT an inviting energy at all.

Still not quite the same as the former owners, but I like what they?re doing and the price is still right. Good selection of simple, well done donuts. Always my go to when I?m in the mood. Update: just had the vegan long John and it is incredible. 5 starts ftw. Much more consistent past few months.

Here for the weekend to go to the Metallica concert. Stopped by to sample some local donuts and was delighted by the friendly service. If you're ever in town stop in and see Miguel and for some awesome donuts.

I plan to keep trying in the hopes it improves as I really want to like their donuts again. The 6 six year old and I didn't even finish the donuts in our most recent visit because they were so doughy. Chocolate on them were also a melty mess with much of it coming off on the wax paper they were covered in. Have a gone a few times since they reopened and have yet to have good donuts. I certainly hope to come back and be able to give it a 5 star review as it is key part of the neighborhood/city.

I really wish they kept the old recipes. I don't live close, but have always made the special trip for these Donuts. Endless I hear they go back to the original I won't be back. So disappointing. Used to be the best in STL

Super nice, friendly guy, which is why I put 2 stars and not 1. My husband and son got the chocolate cream filled. I got the cream cheese topped. Mine was ok, though the filling was a little sharp tasting and different consistency. The others were just WRONG. The dough part was good, but there was something really off about the filling. They couldn't eat it. I tasted it - and had to spit it out. Rancid? Maybe? We were worried about food poisoning (we were fine), it was that weird.

We stopped here on a recent visit to St. Louis. The donuts were excellent!! I especially recommend the chocolate cake donut with chocolate icing (moist cake, with just right fudgy icing - hard enough to stay on the donut, but soft enough not to flake off). I tried the blueberry and filled beignet too, they were also yummy and I would recommend them as well, but the double chocolate was definitely my favorite of the bunch.

Awesome place! One of the best options for good donuts and coffee in St. Louis. My wife and I picked up a dozen as a thank you, then picked up a few for ourselves. To top it off we got a coffee and orange juice and we walked out for under 15 dollars. Just a fair warning their is no place to eat inside and they don't take anything, but cold hard cash.

Donuts had some nice texture (I came later in the day, so the majority of mine were cake donuts), and there was still a good mix of flavors. Cash-only, but there's an ATM inside. Service was really nice, and there was a good variety of donuts. Coffee was basic, nothing to get excited about.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Absolutely. Filter by popular flavors (like maple, custard, or vegan chocolate), or search for shops offering gluten-free, keto-friendly, or dairy-free options.

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Many do! Listings include details on delivery partners, online ordering, and whether you can reserve boxes for pickup—perfect for gifts or events.

I want to send donuts as a gift. Can I do that here?

Sorry, but we don't support this yet! But we are considering adding this option!

What are “limited-time” or seasonal flavors?

These are exclusive donuts offered for holidays or specific times of year—like pumpkin spice in the fall or strawberry shortcake in summer. Check back often—they go fast!

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Not at all. We’re expanding constantly, including small towns, roadside bakeries, and regional favorites. Sweetness knows no bounds.

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