Parlor Doughnuts Review: An Irresistible Sweet Treat
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Parlor Doughnuts review posts are what I found myself searching for before my visit—and now I understand why so many people are curious about this place.
Sometimes the simplest outings end up feeling a little more special than you expected.
I recently had the chance to visit my local Parlor Doughnuts, where I was invited to sample a couple of their doughnuts along with one of their specialty coffees in exchange for an honest review. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering the same thing I was—are they really worth it?
So today, I’m sharing my Parlor Doughnuts review, what makes their layered doughnuts different, and what you can expect when you visit.
Table of Contents
What Is Parlor Doughnuts? A Quick Review Overview
Parlor Doughnuts isn’t your typical doughnut shop, and that’s something you’ll notice right away in any Parlor Doughnuts review.
Instead of classic cake or yeast doughnuts, they specialize in layered doughnuts. These doughnuts are made using a process similar to croissant-style pastry, creating soft, flaky layers on the inside with a slightly crisp texture on the outside.
The result is something that feels a little more elevated—almost like a cross between a pastry and a traditional doughnut.
They offer a variety of flavors, from classic options to more creative combinations, along with specialty coffee drinks that pair perfectly with their menu.
A Quick Look at Their History
Parlor Doughnuts started with a simple idea—creating a more unique doughnut experience.
What began as a small operation has grown into a well-known brand, recognized for its layered doughnuts and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Their focus has remained on quality ingredients, creative flavors, and offering something just a little different from what you’d expect at a standard doughnut shop.
And in this Parlor Doughnuts review, that difference really stood out.
What Makes Layered Doughnuts Different?
If you’ve never had layered doughnuts before, it’s easy to wonder what makes them so special.
In this Parlor Doughnuts review, the layered doughnuts were easily the most noticeable difference compared to a traditional doughnut.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Traditional doughnuts are soft and fluffy
- Layered doughnuts are soft and flaky
- They have a slightly crisp outer texture
- The inside has delicate layers, similar to a pastry
It’s one of those things that’s hard to fully explain until you try it—but once you do, you can definitely tell the difference.
The Overall Experience
Walking into Parlor Doughnuts feels a little different than your typical quick-stop doughnut shop.
There’s a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—somewhere you can slow down for a few minutes instead of rushing in and out. Between the variety of layered doughnuts and the specialty coffee options, it feels more like an experience than just grabbing a quick treat.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
What I Tried (My Honest Experience)
During my visit, I had the chance to try two of their doughnuts along with one of their specialty coffees. I went in not quite knowing what to expect, and…
There were so many delicious doughnuts to choose from. At first, I picked up a flyer that featured their lunch doughnuts. That’s right—they have both breakfast and lunch layered doughnuts.
My visit was early in the morning, around 8am. This just means I’ll have to make a return trip to try out their lunch layered doughnuts in the near future. After looking over the menu, I chose two of my favorites: Strawberry Shortcake and Peanut Butter Cup.
One thing I really loved was their small menu cards that you can look at right there in the lobby when you walk in. Sometimes it’s hard to read the big menu boards up on the walls due to age, eyesight, or medical conditions, so this was a thoughtful touch. Each card also includes the calorie count for each layered doughnut.
This is great for anyone who counts calories, is on a diet, or is just curious about what they’re choosing. They even offer mini doughnuts if you’re looking for a smaller option.
Speaking of diets—did you know they also offer a small selection of vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly options? They do have a few other breakfast items that aren’t doughnuts, but of course, doughnuts are their main focus.
Now onto the drink options. They have a large variety to choose from, including coffee, energizers, espresso, tea, and more. I went with my usual favorite—a blended mocha—but this time with a twist. I added peanut butter.
So now that you know what I ordered, let’s talk about my thoughts on everything and my visit to my local shop.
I visited the Altoona, PA location. It’s a newer location that has only been open since January 25, 2025. This was my first time visiting, and now I’m kicking myself for not going sooner.
My first impression when walking in was how bright and clean the store was. I was greeted right away by an employee, even with them busy handling morning opening tasks. I let them know I was there to meet with the General Manager, Brenden—and it turns out he was one of the employees who greeted me as soon as I walked in.
I didn’t have to wait long for Brenden to come over and speak with me. He and his team are very fun, welcoming, and personable. They greeted every person who came in and carried on conversations like they were talking to old friends. As someone with social anxiety, that immediately helped me feel relaxed and comfortable.
As I mentioned, I chose the Strawberry Shortcake and the Peanut Butter Cup doughnuts. My drink was a blended mocha with peanut butter added. Brenden actually suggested adding peanut butter, and since I had never tried that before, I said yes.
These doughnuts are honestly out of this world. They were also much bigger than I expected.
I tried the Strawberry Shortcake first. I loved that it had fresh sliced strawberries on top. The doughnut itself was soft and fluffy, and the strawberry shortcake icing was sweet and delicious without being overly sweet. We’ve all had desserts that are just too sweet—this was not one of them. It was perfectly balanced, and that big dollop of whipped cream on top was amazing.
Next, I tried the Peanut Butter Cup. I chose this one because it immediately made me think of Reese’s Cups—my favorite candy—when I saw it on the menu. It had the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Again, it wasn’t overly sweet, and the inside of the doughnut was light and fluffy.
Lastly, the frozen blended mocha. It was perfectly blended, topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t a huge fan of the drink, but only because I’m not used to peanut butter in my mocha. That’s just a personal preference and nothing against the drink itself. Next time—and there will definitely be a next time—I’ll order it without the peanut butter.
I know that when you’re living with a chronic illness, you may not always feel up to getting out of the house and trying someplace new. But if you ever have the chance to visit Parlor Doughnuts, I highly recommend it.
I know I’ll personally be going back—not only to try the blended mocha without peanut butter, but also to check out their lunch layered doughnuts.
Have you ever been to Parlor Doughnuts? If so, which ones are your favorites?
As I was trying everything, I kept thinking about how this Parlor Doughnuts review might help someone else decide if these layered doughnuts are worth trying.
Are Parlor Doughnuts Worth It?
After putting together this Parlor Doughnuts review, I can honestly say it’s a different kind of doughnut experience.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual, their layered doughnuts offer a unique texture and flavor that really sets them apart. It feels a little more like treating yourself to something special rather than just picking up a quick snack.
If you’ve never tried layered doughnuts before, this is a great place to start.
Who I Think Will Love This
Parlor Doughnuts might be a great fit if you:
- Enjoy trying new or unique dessert options
- Love pastries like croissants or flaky baked goods
- Want a cozy spot for coffee and a treat
- Are looking for a simple outing that feels a little special
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this Parlor Doughnuts review comes down to more than just the food—it’s about the experience.
Sometimes it’s those small moments, like trying something new or enjoying a quiet treat, that can brighten your day in a simple but meaningful way.
And this one just might be worth adding to your list.
Disclosure
I was invited to visit Parlor Doughnuts and received complimentary items in exchange for my honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
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