Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts

Reviews Summary

Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most praising their high-quality, scratch-made donuts featuring creative flavors like brown butter plantain, blueberry glaze, and key lime pie. The biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and strong coffee also earn frequent acclaim. While most customers rave about the perfect texture (crunchy outside, fluffy inside), a few negative reviews cite dryness or overpricing. The friendly service, unique offerings like coffee slushies, and vegetarian options add to its appeal. Despite minor criticisms, it's widely considered a Detroit gem worth traveling for, with many calling it their favorite breakfast spot.

About This Listing

Has Vegan
Has Spicy
Has Hearty / Salty
Has Coffee Flavors
Family Owned Business

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.*

Features

Has Vegan
Has Spicy
Has Hearty / Salty
Has Coffee Flavors
Family Owned Business

Contact Information

Address

14447 E Jefferson Ave

Detroit, Michigan 48215

Hours

Monday 7AM-2PM
Tuesday 7AM-2PM
Wednesday 7AM-2PM
Thursday 7AM-2PM
Friday 7AM-2PM
Saturday 8AM-3PM
Sunday 8AM-3PM

Customer Reviews

Best donuts ever!!! My kids brought home a dozen of donuts from the yellow light, so I cannot tell anything about the service and the atmosphere of the store. The donuts are excellent. It?s very fresh and not oily. You can taste the good ingredients. Blueberry, raspberry, lemon, lime taste like those fruits with right amount of sweetness. Birthday cake, brown butter and old fashion were also excellent. We will be coming back for more donuts again.

I have no complaints. Customer service was good. My coffee was great! I?m not even mad that they only have one syrup for the coffee because it?s a good quality vanilla. Once I stirred everything up, my coffee was the perfect flavor. It had the sweetness that I needed but the coffee flavor wasn?t lost at all. Very impressive. I got the egg and cheese sandwich. Very flavorful. I could definitely see myself returning here.

Love this place! They have some pretty usual flavors, but the unusual ones are so so good. This review inspired by their key lime donut. Mmmm.

Edit: Got sick of the drive-thru, so I ordered delivery and look how they absolutely burnt the sandwich I ordered! How do you sell this to someone? The quality has really gone down this year When are you going to open the lobby? The drive-thru situation here is HORRENDOUS. I've had people cut in front of me because it is such a mess. It has turned me off from visiting as much as I used to. As someone who only lives a few blocks away it would be great if I can just walk up inside to the counter. What's the

Drive thru is quick! Donuts are beautiful, boxed beautifully! Visit their new location in the train station, too! Lots of vegan options.

Okay iced vanilla latte, absolutely amazing donuts! I had the cherry almond and it was so flavorful. They all looked great, the whole family enjoyed them. We will be back!

Best donuts ever!! Great price and service too!

Can you say COFFEE SLUSHIE!!! I'd never heard of it, but it keeps me coming back! ?? The donuts make me feel like a little kid. They are colorful and so delicious. And they keep catching me with the Daily Special. ?? I am currently working my way through the Biscuits Menu. ??

Drive thru ONLY! We planned to have brunch and get coffee there and didn?t realize till we got there. So we had to get coffee and leave. Love the latter, not a huge fan of the donuts. A little greasy for me.

Great breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and donuts! The ladies that run the drive thru are always so sweet and pleasant. Helps you start out your morning on a positive note!

Love this place! Amazing doughnuts and excellent breakfast sandwiches/biscuits. We go 25 min out of our way to come here. I love supporting small businesses and this one can?t be passed up!

I love this newer donut shop. They have a drive through which is very convenient. But mostly, their donuts are so good!!They have a lovely variety as well. They also make biscuit sandwiches different options. Everyone I got these for ( including myself) no matter which type, they loved them. One of my favorite little places to go to.

Great donuts, even better biscuits and chicken gravy. I like raspberry donut, but banana blew me away. Strangely haven?t had their coffee, but food alone is reason to try.

Ordered the maple chicken and the hot pickle chicken biscuits and a half dozen donuts. Chicken biscuits were delicious. Especially the maple glazed one. The donuts are what I really want to rave about. When I saw these donuts I was worried. Normally, when I've tried these types of donuts from other places, they're dry and have a terrible aftertaste. These donuts were absolutely delicious. Very moist and the flavors were just as described. Top donuts are the key lime pie, plantain, and blueberry ones

First time trying this place today; they are drive-thru only. I got an oatmilk latte that was great, I usually say all coffee tastes the same but this one was very good. The donut (birthday cake) was awesome, the outside was crispy but not hard, and the inside was soft. Pleasant, quick service - would visit again!

Ordered a 1/2 dozen on uber eats and the donuts were horribly dry.

First time trying the donuts and they were deliciously sweet/tart/cakey! I was one of those annoying customers that came a few minutes before closing and the customer service was still great! They were patient with my indecisiveness and I truly appreciate that as I?ve always wanted to try the donuts but never finish work on time to get there before they close! The lemon poppy was sold out but I tried the raspberry, plantain (my favorite) and the daily special. Will be going back to try the rest!

I tried Yellow Light because a co-worker bought the Blueberry Glaze donut for me when they first opened. It was tasty, so I was determined to go try other menu items as the place is a short distance from where I work. I attempted to come 4 other times, all which they were closed (2 times from a power outage). I finally visited and it was just okay for me. My daughter and I ordered the chicken sausage and chedder breakfast sandwich, the Lemon Poppy Glaze, and Vanilla Bean Glaze Donut. The sandwich was ok for

Yellow Light Coffee and Dougnuts, a simple and delicious new offer in Detroit's northeast corner. The process was easy, order and pay ahead online then pickup from a friendly face. The daily driver coffee was bold and the half dozen donuts were devoured by 2 adults and a toddler. The yeasted chocolate and vanilla bean dougnuts melted in our mouths and the lightly cinimon and sugared cake dougnuts were just right with the dark roasted blend. Looking forward to trying the chicken sandwiches in the near futu

We've been to Yellow Light several times in the past year and it never fails. The donuts and sandwiches are always fresh and delicious. It's great to wake up on a weekend, take the scenic drive along Jefferson, and pick up Yellow Light.

This place is a solid A Tier coffee shop. The iced latte I had was great; and the Vanilla Bean Donut was absolutely fantastic. Would absolutely go back. I gave atmosphere only 3 stars because - and this is important to know if you?re planning to meet people and hang out somewhere - it?s Drive Thru only. That?s totally fine; just don?t plan on actually hanging out here. I?ll be going back for sure.

Dry hard biscuits, dry donuts, all taste the same. Way overpriced and not worth the drive. I swear, people on here will like anything thats new and trendy.

Out of town visiting the Detroit metro area. My nephew was craving donuts and I decided to treat him to hot chocolate and donuts. My favorite donut location was closed. Therefore, I decided to try Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts. The drive thru was quick and convenient. My purchase consisted of two glazed donuts, one birthday cake donut and I'm unable to remember the last one. I tried a glazed donut and was not happy with the stale taste. Gave the rest to my father and my nephew. We arrived at this location

Just had some of the best biscuits and gravy ever. Love that everything is made from scratch each morning. We love trying the donut of the week!??

Coffee, donuts, and biscuits and gravy- oh my! I really thought the brown sugar plantain would be my #1 donut but it was actually a tie between the blueberry and the lemon hibiscus! Biscuits and gravy were a lady spicy/peppery but I love pepper so that was fabulous! Coffee was very good as well!

Best breakfast in Detroit. This has been a go-to spot for consistently delish, filling and affordable breakfast. Huge fan of this spot. I order typically on Door Dash and it is easy and tasty every time. Thank you Yellow Light team!

Ordered the half dozen donuts with each flavor. Donuts were delicious!

My favorite breakfast spot when I need something quick and I appreciate they have chicken and veggie options and the donuts are AMAZING

I worked here it was cool. Doughnuts were made fresh. But any left over they put in freezer then if they run out they warm the frozen ones in the oven Also seen plenty of time people touching doughnuts with no gloves No hair nets All the glazes that make whatever they don?t use the add it to a existing bowl and pour new glaze on top of old glaze never nothing brand new Just be careful every one not as clean as they say they are it may taste good but ??

I had the lemon poppy glaze donut and it was outstanding. I also got a standard coffee and it was a well balanced cup of coffee?.but the donut was definitely the star of the show.

Cake donuts. Enough said. This place is awesome. Toppings are flavorful. The chocolate glaze is quality. I loved the hibiscus lime. Kids loved them all! Coffee is strong but not bitter. Definitely a must when going into Detroit.

SOOOOO GOOOD!!! Get the brown butter plantain donut. Such a unique and delicious flavor. Their breakfast biscuits are good as well, my favorite is the maple chicken. Give them a visit!!!

Yellow Light is a treasure nestled in amongst an older neighborhood that's up and coming. It sits in Jefferson and Marlborough, and serves a variety of folks. We found it shortly after moving to Grosse Pointe and it has become a family favorite. Their coffee beans are roasted onsite and their donuts and glaze are made from scratch. You remember that sour dough donut everyone tried to grab? Every donut is like that at Yellow Light. Our favorites are the blueberry glaze, the key lime pie, and the birthday cak

Cool spot with great food and good coffee. Got a coffee slushie and a couple donuts. Everything was awesome. Highly recommend the key lime donut as well as the brown butter plantain. Most importantly, service was excellent.

The donuts were more like cake. Sweet, sweet cake. Too sweet for a morning food. Oddly one was warm; the other was hard; yet crumbly. The coffee was not good to us; there was this long lasting aftertaste.

Very fast service. Donuts were good, breakfast biscuit sandwiches were decent. Favorite donut was the special!

The donuts had a delicious 1950?s style glaze flavor, and the coffee was very good, not bitter burnt bean like Starbuck?s

Incredible donuts and coffee. Definitely worth going out of your way to get.

I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was cold. I was hungry tho so I ate it and I was still hungry after I ate it. I also ordered a orange juice, expecting it to be a large orange since it was $2.95 but was given a orange juice in a can?just cheap and lazy. Sorry.

Absolutely loved this place! The hot chicken was one of the best I've had, the maple chicken was sweet and delicious, the donuts were somehow all SO GOOD and tasted exactly like their description without the fake flavoring you get some places - and they even had little treats for our dog. Can't wait to go back and can't recommend enough.

Quite possibly the worst donuts I've ever eaten. I mean come on, a hard crust on the outside but crumbly on the inside?! Donuts are supposed to be soft, you baboons! This place is so bad that you can't even get a decent glazed from this joint. And the other flavors are just quirky hipster trash! You wont enjoy this place unless you're a pretentious hipster (which I am not) so 1 star!!!!!

Great donuts but way too pricey for my budget :-(

A co-worker brought a dozen donuts from Yellow Light for everyone. I tried the Blueberry Glaze donut. The donut tasted good. It was not too sweet. I like the unique donut flavors.

wow! prime experience! it was fantastic! first time ever being here and the staff was beyond sweet and generous! came from out of town, can't wait to come back again :)

Love their donuts, their frozen coffee, and the chicken biscuit sandwiches! Have not been disappointed by anything here. The donut flavors are unique too. The drive thru moves fairly quick. 10/10!

Great Coffee! Love getting the Fried Chicken Maple Glaze.

Yellow Light is by far the BEST. Breakfast? They got you. Sweet tooth fix? Done. Hangover? Cured. Everything they make is fresh and quality, they can do no wrong! On top of the actual food, the staff is always so pleasant and friendly. Leaving with my donut and biscuits & gravy this morning in a better mood because of them! Support your local businesses, you will not regret it!!

Let me tell you, for 2 years I?ve been eating here, my mom worked here summer 2020 and she would bring me the chicken and biscuit sandwich, It was something about them, that crunch was irresistible. I looked forward to this everyday. Since then I?ve been eating their cinnamon sugar donuts. Those are my favorite donuts out right now, close to the apple orchard but yellow light might have those beat. I crack my diet for these donuts, that?s how good they are. I get like 5 at a time now. They never have any of

First-time visitor, everything was delicious! Great donuts, our faves were the Brown Butter Plantain and Lemon Poppy. I also tried the Fried Chicken w/ Maple Glaze Biscuit - oozing with maple goodness, the chicken was crispy crunchy perfection. Very friendly staff, and the drive-thru is a bonus.

Fantastic coffee slushie and amazing breakfast sandwiches, not to mention the perfect homemade donuts! I like the chocolate glazed and the brown butter plantain, but everything is awesome. Jacques and his crew have nailed it with yellow light. Love to see how popular they are in the neighborhood and can't wait to go back!

All the donuts are cake donuts, and they are okay but they kind of have a lemon like flavor, everyone of them. Something about those donuts are just sour. But people love them so you might too! The biscuits are not great at all, I have tired them twice and perhaps I have been spoiled by living in Texas but they are not well done. They taste like flour, again sour flavored. The location is also drive thru anyway, likely because Jefferson is hit or miss in terms of comfortability with open businesses and lik

Beautiful & delicious donuts, kinda pricey.

2nd time back here. Although I came for the chicken & biscuits, the donuts are the star! Very flavorful donuts- I had the birthday cake one-YUM! The biscuit sandwiches are dull. The crumb is too dry, it needs butter or cream in the recipe. The chicken and sausage are good but the flavor is muted by the extremely dry biscuit. I would rework the biscuit recipe and you?ll be guaranteed to never go out of business. Fresh biscuits are uncommon, people like me will take a drive for them. Best wishes. Char ??

Everything is sensational. The donuts are amazing but you are really missing out if you don't try the biscuits. The line is worth the quality of food and service. The woman in the drive thru remembers my dog's name and gives him treats when we come through. They get five stars because they are perfect.

Love the food and donuts. Though, I'll change the review as soon as they open it up to walk in orders. It's degrading having to stand behind exhaust belching vehicles to order a sandwich. I only walk and bike and want the option to walk or bike up without carcinogenic fumes filling my lungs. Thanks.

Hole-y donuts, Batman. This place is fantastic- everything is DELICIOUS. The donuts are the perfect old fashioned cakey kind. Biscuits are delicious and a very hearty breakfast for on-the-go (or staying in!). All the flavors - just YUM. Please everyone come here and let?s keep this place in business for forever.

Always love the fun donut of the week. Highly recommend the frozen coffee slushy it's sweet and delicious everytime.

I ordered a small coffee for $2 and they gave me 2 donuts on the house, and everything was absolutely delicious.

Always fast and very friendly service. I'm not a huge fan of cake donuts but they have some very delicious ones! Coffee and sandwiches are awesome.

Okay. I went once and the donuts were delicious. I have gone several times since then and tried nearly everything on the menu and have no been disappointed by a single thing. That sweet and spicy sandwich is unreal. BUT I just finally tried the biscuits and gravy and had to finally write a review. Woah. I will never buy biscuits and gravy at a diner again. These are the only biscuits and gravy I will require. They were spot on. Flaky biscuits, awesome peppery gravy. And I don?t feel like I ate a gut bomb. J

I am literally obsessed with this place! The donuts are amazing and I LOVE the frozen ice coffee. The breakfast sandwiches are also great. It's a Detroit gem for sure!

LOVEEE the vegetarian breakfast sandwich (word of caution I guess, it tastes suspiciously good like they cook the eggs in the same spot on the grill as the meat. So if that bothers you I would ask about that), the coffee, and the cherry almond and brown butter plantain donuts !!!! Service is friendly ??????

Amazing cake donuts, the brown butter plantain is the hidden gem on the menu, but I also love all the rotating weekly specials and the frozen coffee. The wife and I will routinely make the 35+ minute drive into the city on Sundays, they're just that good.

Nasty cakey-dense donuts. I don't know who they are targeting with their flavor choices for donuts, but they are not good.

Yellow light is so delicious!! I have yet to be let down by any menu item. Coffee slushie and brown butter plantain donut are must haves, along with the simple egg and cheese add sauce. 10/10 recommend!

In a world of Dunkin? Donuts, be a Yellow Light Donut. I?m embarrassed to say I?m a donut connoisseur and spending 5 years in Los Angeles only made it worse. I know a good donut when I see it and Yellow Light is it. Most of the ?new? donut places seem to focus more on ingredients like lavender or bacon or whatever is on trend and then fail to make an actually good tasting product. Yellow Light does it all - interesting flavors (alongside tried and trues) that are great tasting. Crunchy on the outside, fluff

Super friendly staff and the best donuts!! Service is always quick and high quality. The plantain donut is my fav!

They were patient, and items and the food was good.

Had often driven by this establishment while working my bus route as a TEO for the City. Told myself I would give them a try sometime. When a opportune time became available I took advantage of it. Why did I wait so long? Delicious donuts...only asked for one but the nice people there gave me one extra. I will return soon and will gladly pay for all extras.

This is doughnut fine dining paradise. Wednesday's are the highlight of my week when I roll up and ask for a cup of black coffee and a plain old fashioned doughnut. Very difficult times in our world, yet Yellow Light is a beacon to us all as we share in a simple sacrament that brightens our collective day. Biscuits are awesome, too.

best donuts on the east side & amazing vegetarian breakfast sandwich. my favorite spot for a quick breakfast & coffee

Great large donuts with lots of flavor. I'm not sure if it is only for pandemic reasons, but Yellow Light is only operational through drive-thru service. There will be a line - because they are that good!

Donuts are great: 5* Specials are particularly great Hot Chicken biscuit: 1* Rubbery beyond belief. Like eating through folded over latex. Had to throw it away. I have ordered more than 6 biscuits over a month and every time the meat is disgustingly rubbery. Today?s order was the absolute worst - DO NOT ORDER

The donuts are amazing and the maple glazed chicken sandwich yummy

I had the opportunity to make Yellow Light my last stop in Detroit as I started my move out of state. I was thoroughly impressed by the flavor of their donuts and coffee. Detroit, this is a must stop place! If I was continuing to live in the area I would frequent the spot on a regular basis. Don't miss the opportunity to give your tastebuds some joy.

I watched this spot sit empty for a couple of years - it was worth the wait! Super friendly staff, delicious everything, and creative flavors keep me coming back a few times per month. My favorites are brown butter plantain, the simple egg and cheese biscuit and a coffee (hot or slushie, depending on the weather).

I was not expecting just a drive-through, but I have to say that the coffee and Birthday donut were both delicious!

Amazing, flavorful coffee (that they can supply in a sweetened slushy version, from a slushy machine and everything). The donuts are also great - fluffy and light, though very sweet. The coffee and donuts are a near-perfect pairing. 10/10

This coffee and donut shop is close by I?ve already been a few times. This cute little cafe in Detroit. I love the donut and slushy coffee the most, but everything is great! Very friendly service!

Awesome place at breakfast there twice during our trip to Detroit.

The donuts here are some of the best in the city, drove 20mn just for them. Had lemon poppyseed which was everything and more along with their maple chicken biscuit sandwich. The sandwich was messy but delish, the coffee was just alright.

So the doughnuts are to sweet for my taste, pretty sure kids would love em but a no for me...the service was great tho and extremely helpful

A must try breakfast spot! Amazing donuts, some of the best breakfast sandwiches, and really nice staff. Only a drive through, but well worth the stop!

I had a pickup right near here so I decided to try it! Not only is the food amazing but they gave us a dog treat for every dog we had in the pack van ?? This will be a new staple.

The chicken with maple sandwich & brown sugar plantain donut is AMAZING!!! They must cook/bake with love because wow! You just try!

Amazing donuts! The flavors are delicious and the donut texture is just right! Also, the coffee is good.

Everything we had was great. Biscuit and gravy was excellent. You guys did a nice little spin with the chicken. Please add this to the regular menu! I would drive here on weekends just to get this dish.

Boy oh boy. I wish I could give 10 stars. Best donut shop in the world. I love swinging by almost every Saturday morning with my daughter on our way to belle isle. I'm sure they serve yellow light in heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are all the donut shops listed verified?

Yes! Every listing is reviewed for accuracy. We prioritize shops with real customer ratings, up-to-date menus, and consistent service.

Can I search by flavor or dietary preference?

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

Do these shops offer delivery or pre-orders?

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!

Is this just for big cities?

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

What if my favorite donut shop isn’t listed?

Let us know! You can suggest a shop directly from our site. We’ll check it out and add it if it meets our standards for quality and service.