Donut Drive-In
6525 Chippewa St, Saint Louis, MO, 63109
Donut Drive-In Menu
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Diabetics at McDonald's
Most burgers served at McDonald's are low in sugar but there are several burgers which are high in sodium. You must choose burger options which are low in sugar and moderate in sodium content. You can also avoid extra dressings or cheese over your burger to control diabetes at McDonald's.
Foods to Avoid for Diabetics at McDonald's
Diabetics will find many tempting food items at McDonald's but most of these food items are also high in sugar or sodium. Diabetics must skip desserts and shakes at McDonald's to avoid sugar spike. You should also skip all McCafe drinks except a few containing low sugar and fat-free options. Besides the drinks and beverages, you should also avoid bacon-based and sausage-based burgers and sandwiches to limit your sodium intake. Diabetics should also skip the sausage-based salad options available at McDonald's.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at McDonald's
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 1070mg sodium, 27g carbs, 6g sugar, 6g fiber, 37g Protein
Egg McMuffin®
Nutritional Facts: 300 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 760mg sodium, 30g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein
4-piece Chicken McNuggets®
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 17g Protein
Kiddie Cone
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 1g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0.5g), 20mg sodium, 8g carbs, 6g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g Protein
4-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein
Iced Latte
Nutritional Facts: 90 calories, 4.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 65mg sodium, 7g carbs, 7g sugar, 0g fiber, 4g Protein
World Famous Fries®
Nutritional Facts: 230 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1.5g), 160mg sodium, 29g carbs, 0g sugar, 3g fiber, 3g Protein
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High Blood Pressure at McDonald's
Most burgers at fast food joints contain a high amount of sodium. You must keep your sodium intake in check if you are suffering from high blood pressure. McDonald's offers a wide range of burgers based on your diet preferences. Choose the right burger and avoid French fries at all cost while dining at McDonald's.
Foods to Avoid at McDonald's for High Blood Pressure
Avoid Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Burger and Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles at McDonald's as both these burgers are high in sodium. Skip extra cheese and avoid French fries if possible as they are too greasy and can add to your sodium intake. Also, avoid all types of sausage-based burgers or sandwiches at McDonald's to limit your sodium levels.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at McDonald's
Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein
Filet-O-Fish®
Nutritional Facts: 390 calories, 19g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 560mg sodium, 38g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein
Baked Apple Pie
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 95mg sodium, 35g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein
Vanilla Cone
Nutritional Facts: 200 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 95mg sodium, 32g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein
Americano
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 20mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Apple Slices
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0 g), 0mg sodium, 4g carbs, 3g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Saint Louis for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at MCDONALD'S
Cholesterol is the biggest concern for people visiting McDonald's, especially people suffering from high cholesterol. You can order chicken or egg burgers instead of ham or cheeseburgers to maintain your cholesterol levels at McDonald's. In addition, you can also try the salads and opt for drinks that low in sugar.
Foods to Avoid at MCDONALD'S for High Cholesterol
Bacon-based items are often too greasy and high in bad cholesterol. If you are concerned about high cholesterol, then you must avoid all bacon-based burgers and salads. Also, skip the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders to keep your cholesterol levels in check. You must also keep sausage-based items at bay when dining at McDonald's.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at MCDONALD'S
Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Egg White Delight McMuffin®
Nutritional Facts: 260 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 780mg sodium, 29g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 16g Protein
McChicken®
Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 590mg sodium, 39g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 15g Protein
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 125mg sodium, 22g carbs, 12g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein
Hamburger Happy Meal
Nutritional Facts: 480 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 680mg sodium, 62g carbs, 21g sugar, 3g fiber, 22g Protein
Cappuccino
Nutritional Facts: 120 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 80mg sodium, 9g carbs, 9g sugar, 0g fiber, 6g Protein
Yoplait® GO-GURT® Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 0.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 30mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Saint Louis for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A for McDonald's
When McDonald's first opened?
McDonald's began its operations by converting food and drinks stand called "The Airdrome" into first McDonald's restaurant.
When does McDonald's open?
McDonald's opens daily at 5:30 AM and stays open until 11:00 PM.
Which McDonald's is open 24 hours?
Unfortunately, there are not a single McDonald's which operates 24/7.
Where's McDonald's near me?
There are over 13,905 McDonald's outlets in the United States itself. You can find a McDonald's nearby with the help of our Restaurant Listings directory.
When McDonald's start and stop serving breakfast?
McDonald's starts serving breakfast at 5:30 AM daily until 10:30 AM.
When McDonald's start and stop serving lunch?
McDonald's starts serving lunch at 10:30 AM from Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Happy Meals are also served during lunch hours.
Will McDonald's bring back the McRib?
McRib is back at McDonald's since October 2018.
Will McDonald's bring back spicy McChicken?
McDonald's in the United States has no plans currently to bring back the Spicy McChicken.
Will McDonald's bring back the Grand Mac?
McDonald's doesn't serve Grand Mac currently and there are no plans to bring it back anytime sooner. You can always try the Big Mac if you have a large appetite for burgers.
Are McDonald's milkshakes gluten free?
Yes, all flavors of McDonald's milkshakes are gluten-free. Nearly all beverages served at McDonald's are gluten-free.
Are McDonald's burgers gluten-free?
Unfortunately, McDonald's does not serve gluten-free burgers. All the buns and other ingredients such as fried chicken patties, grilled chicken patties, beef patties, sauces, condiments, etc. contain gluten.
Are McDonald's Apple Pies vegan?
Generally, Apple Pies are prepared using shortcrust pastry which contains eggs. However, McDonald's Apple Pie pocket is vegan-friendly as it is both dairy and egg free.
Are McDonald's Veggie Burgers vegan?
Veggie Burgers served at McDonald's are purely vegan. Just remember to skip the sauce as the sandwich sauce contains egg.
Are McDonald's Milkshakes vegetarian?
Yes, McDonald's milkshakes are 100% vegetarian and don't contain any meat product.
When did McDonald's introduce McCafe?
McDonald's McCafe was introduced by McDonald's as a separate coffee chain in 1993. The café also served great bakery and pastry besides offering a great variety of coffee beverages.
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About McDonald's
McDonald's is the largest American fast food company with over 37,855 outlets spread across 100 countries. Primarily known for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries, McDonald's menu also serves chicken dishes, breakfast products, soft drinks, wraps, milkshakes, and desserts today. The restaurant chain introduced smoothies, salads, fish, and fruits on the menu to offer healthy food options at McDonald's.
The restaurant began its operations in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, United States. The name of the restaurant comes from its founders Richard and Maurice McDonald. The siblings started the food business as a hamburger stand which was later converted into a restaurant franchise in 1953. The first Golden Arches logo was also introduced in the same year.
Healthy Food Options at McDonald's
McDonald's was highly criticized for its unhealthy food options. Being a renowned brand and a popular fast food chain, McDonald's decided to revamp its image and decided to serve healthy food options. Most of these healthy food choices were salads, smoothies, fruits, and fish items.
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Address :
6525 Chippewa St
Saint Louis, MO, 63109 - Phone (314) 645-7714
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
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Erik B.
I've been told that in St. Louis you're either a "Donut Drive-In person" or a "Worlds Fair Donuts person". Well, I'll tell you right now, I'm a Donut Drive-In person. I've never had a bad donut from the place, and occasionally, they'll throw in an extra one just because they're awesome. My go-to: Apple Fritter. Every time.
(5)Claire W.
Hands down, my favorite donuts in St.Louis!I'm never disappointed! They are open late enough on weekends to satisfy my late night craving! They have a great neon sign out front, pointing you in the right direction! Yes, you are at the right place! The lady behind the counter might not smile, but i don't feel unwelcome! There's a good variety of donuts, and the prices are low! Don't forget cash, there's a $10 minimum on cards! Go late night, you will most likely get a hot fresh donut! My favorites: chocolate cake with fudge icing- soft moist cake with more chocolate on top, you can't go wrong, and when its fresh, you get a slight crispness around the edge. Apple fritter- oh my goodness, if you can have this hot and fresh, it only adds to the apple cinnamon soft pillowy delight you are about to devour! BONUS, they have donut holes!!! Now stop reading this, and GO!
(5)Kristen S.
$10 minimum to charge here- bring cash. Slightly annoying policy in 2015 if you ask me. The donut cake is good. The icing they use is thick and very sugary. They provide nice boxes to keep your donuts safe. Happy to support local places- drive past the chains. Forgot I wanted to try an apple fritter- that is on my list for the next time I stop. I will return- if I remember to put cash in my purse.
(4)Jessica H.
I don't give five star reviews often but when I do, Donut Drive-In tops my list. I absolutely love everything about this little dive of a donut shop from the vintage, neon sign to the ironic name (as it's not a drive in or a drive thru). I've been coming here for years and have NEVER been disappointed. Their goods are fresh and delicious AND they stay open late on the weekends! If your order is less than $10, be prepared to pay cash. Also, if coming on a Saturday or Sunday AM, be prepared to wait in line (but it's worth it).
(5)Steve B.
Blows other trendy bullshit nose in the air donut shops completely away flavor wise and $ wise. 7 donuts and damn good ones at that for a grand total of $7.29. Minus one star because it came with a side of indifference from the woman behind the counter. Won't stop me from returning though, I'm here to eat not to shoot the shit about the latest GDP report. BREAKING NEWS: they accept credit cards now - $10 minimum
(4)Douglas S.
Wonderful donuts, a cut above the rest. I had a vanilla frosted cruller, which was moist and eggy. And I had a vanilla frosted cake donut, which tasted fresh. Very pleased. By the way, they have a sign that they will take credit cards for orders of $10 or more. The historic Route 66 connection is a plus.
(5)Annie S.
Donut Drive-In is my favorite place to get donuts. It's this little hole-in-the-wall building that looks like it's been around for too long with a vintage-style sign and everything. The interior is simple. One big room with a counter that spans the entire width of the building and divides the space into the front and back. The front is just big enough for a few customers to stand while they order and pick up their donuts. The back is a maze of ceiling-high carts of donuts, big vats for frosting and dipping the donuts, and a fine coating of powdered sugar everywhere. The place will add two pounds just by walking in and taking a sniff - but it smells so good! The donuts are delicious - all sorts of options, from glazed, to jelly-filled, to my favorite - the traditional chocolate long john. Every chocolate long john I eat gets compared to those of Donut Drive-In. They have the right combination of fluffy inside to fried outside texture, and their frosting is dense and just the right amount of sweetness. People at my office often go here to order our usual Friday 6-dozen order for everyone, and I'm always excited to see Donut Drive-In's boxes. They now take plastic for larger orders, but still require cash for small ones. Call ahead the night before for large orders for your office and they'll have it filled before you walk in the next morning. I've done that before - never had a problem. Last time I bought donuts, the lady that rang me out helped me carry all the boxes out to my car too. Super nice. Definitely my favorite place for donuts!
(5)Hannah H.
AMAZING! My friend took me here because her favorite donut place was closed for the holiday, and I was so excited to experience the world of amazing donuts considering my donut experiences are typically restricted to Marsh and Kroger. I got a raspberry filled sugar donut, and then I asked one of the lady's to give me her favorite. She grabbed me the buttermilk donut, and after reading Yelp reviews I made sure to heat it up before I ate it. The raspberry one was delicious, but let me tell you the buttermilk donut blew my mind. I've never tasted a more delicious donut in my entire life. You must trust my opinion and order the buttermilk while you are there, warm it up when you get to your destination... and prepare to have your mind blown. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that they weren't the most friendly bunch of people... so don't go in expecting exceptional customer service.
(4)Mer P.
Yeah yeah yeah, all the fancy pants new donut places are fun when you have $3 or more to burn on one donut. But, if you want some fatty dough fried old school then this is about the best place I've found anywhere in the midwest. Chicago has some amazing "craft" donuts, but this place beat the cream filling out of all of them! And it did so at ONE FOURTH of the price. Amazing. Just. Go.
(5)William N.
Very friendly service. Hard to decide with great looking food but not much space if to many people. Most everything i tried was great. Highly recommended.
(5)Stephanie B.
As so many others have done, I had to test the World's Fair versus Donut Drive In test. We live walking distance from Worlds Fair so I'm a bit biased, but upon tasting it's a dead heat. I agree with the -1 for bad parking and -1/2 for being slightly more expensive than World's Fair, but based on taste it's a toss up. Down to the cash only rules!
(4)Victoria H.
I give the donuts a 4 and the service a 1. The lady at the counter could not have cared less to serve a customer. I pointed to a donut and asked if it was maple. She said no, its caramel. She didn't even try to point me in the direction of maple. She just looked at me with a mildly annoyed expression. 7 donuts were a little over $9.00. Not bad. They were very soft and pretty damn yummy. We wanted to try Vincent Van Donut but they were sold out. Maybe next time.
(4)Gordon S.
I live two blocks from tim hortons and strange donuts in maplewood and I'll happily drive out of my way to get donut drive in. It's genuinley my favorite donut shop in st louis. If you haven't tried them please do not hesitate. You won't regret it. The donuts are always great and I've never been served by anyone there who seems less than happy to be at work. The food, the service, the price... everything there is top shelf. Thank you, donut drive in. You're my last bastion of deliciousness
(5)Kelly B.
Located on Route 66, a few blocks from Ted Drewes. Donut Drive In has the charm of the 50's, and cheap donuts that are fresh and yummy! Ask for Emma. THE BEST!!
(5)Kathy H.
I spent 30+ years of my life feeling indifferent about donuts. When I was a kid, my mom worked at a place that made them so we always had them in the house. I never thought of them as anything special. Then Krispy Kreme came along. I'd eat one once or twice a year and wonder why there was so much love for that place. (Note, still wondering...) Then this fancy donut trend happened. Again, I was underwhelmed. Mediocre fried dough covered in crushed candy is still not that wonderful. I figured that I just don't like donuts, case closed. I manage a team of people who seem to love donuts though so one day I decided to bring some in. After looking around at what places were open early enough that weren't out of my way, I settled on this place. First of all, I want scented candles in my house that smell like the inside of this store. Holly jeeze! This smell is like pure hapiness. And every time I go back, I swear it's even better than I remembered. The place smelled so good that I actually ate a donut from here. What I learned is that I don't actually dislike donuts. I dislike sub-par donuts (which is apparently most of them). These are freaking awesome. I've gone from someone who could go years without eating donuts to probably stopping in here once every six weeks or so. I can put my entire department into a sugar coma for under $30! If you are planning to pick up a larger quantity, call ahead - preferable the night before according to the advice they've given me so that your order is waiting for you when you arrive. The only thing that takes away from this place is the parking situation. The lot is small and awkard and at least half of the times I've been my fellow customers seem to be really confused about what those lines dividing up the spaces are for. Pro-tip: Your car should be *between* them rather than on top of the lines. Please be considerate of your fellow sugar addicts, ok?
(5)Rob R.
Really good and fresh donuts. The staff is wonderful and even offered to fry up an apple fritter for us when none were made. Probably some of the best donuts in stl. I love their apple fritter. My husband swears by the basic glazed.
(5)Abby C.
Best apple fritter in StL!!! Awesome prices & friendly folks. They had a very impressive selection to choose from. Next time I'm going to try a jelly donut!!!
(5)Arlene P.
A fantastic eye-full of every type of donut imaginable, and SUPER FRESH!! YUMMY!!!
(5)Jo L.
Crappy little building but the best cake donut I've ever had! So much better than any grocery store donut you could get.
(4)Michelle H.
I don't even like donuts all that much but, somehow, I'm in love with Donut Drive-In. I can't remember how I even heard of this little hole in the wall place. I think I passed it while driving one day and thought the retro sign was cute. I wasn't terribly impressed with World's Fair Donuts on the few occasions that I actually craved a donut, so I gave Donut Drive-In a try. How they manage to make their donuts so light and fluffy like little puffs of heaven is beyond me. I've never had a donut this good or airy. Every single donut I've ever had from there is heavenly. Even the cake donuts, which I normally find dense, are ridiculously light. They have the slightest crunch on the outside and the inside is filled with airy goodness. My boyfriend raves about the cinnamon rolls, but my personal favorite is the good old sugar ring donut. The lady behind the counter (who I think may be the manager or owner) is the only offputting thing about this place. Consider yourself lucky if you're greeted as you walk in, receive a hello, a smile, or a thank you. Even upon tipping, she barely acknowledged me. Good thing my parents instilled the importance of politeness in me, or else I'd be meeting her lack of good customer service and kindness with some sass. Thankfully, she's not a big part of the donut experience and interaction with her is over in a flash so I can get to eating my donuts. It's going to be hard to top this place when I move back to CA! Tip: Bring cash. If you want to use a credit card, you have to buy $10 worth of donuts.
(5)Arkay A.
These are the best donuts I've ever had. The apple fritter is out of this world. BRING CASH.
(5)Mandie M.
Thanks to a colleague I was able to try a donut from the Donut Drive In. I tried the apple fritter and it was delicious. I did break it into thirds when I received it that way I wouldn't eat it all at one. I had a piece around 10 am another piece around 2 pm and the final piece around 6 pm. The apple fritter was so good I wish I could have had more than one, but I am glad I made it last. I think I know a new donut place next time I get the craving! Thanks Donut Drive In. You're awesome and so it my colleague who brought in a dozen!
(4)Melinda M.
Love this place. We are driving down to St Louis tomorrow and this will be our 1st stop. I cant get past how little it is and how they are making them right there in front of you. I love the chocolate donut holes. YUMMY! Inexpensive too!
(5)Sher S.
Great donuts! Actually, the BEST donuts in St. Louis! I love carmel with nuts, the old-fashioned, the cinnamon twist. Not a bad donut to be found.
(5)Tracey W.
Oh, that's Strange. I keep trying these trendy new donut shops and they are FUCKING CLOSED. You know what kind of donut shop I like? One that is open. I like 'em old school. I like 'em traditional. Just a little bit of glaze. We don't need to bring bacon into this. Minus one star for the worst parking lot ever, "drive-in" being easily misinterpreted as "drive-thru", and the fact that they only take cash. Plus four stars for the best customer service east OR west of the Mississippi, really really really really really good donuts, and for being open. P.S. I've also decided that most of the donut shops I've been to in STL serve the best donuts I've ever had. So the donut that is closest to me shall now, by default, be the best donut in St. Louis.
(4)Stephanie B.
I have gone to the Donut Drive-in on mutiple occassions. I just love their product. I crave their vanilla custards. I find it to be the best donut place around. I am always satified with my purchase. Sometimes they can be really busy but Im willing to wait because they are just that good. I love the staff.
(5)Angela S.
Cake donut with caramel frosting. Game changer. My trip here will forever be etched in my mind as the day I ate four donuts in one sitting. Not proud. Not sorry, either.
(5)S. W.
Classic, even after all these years. I enjoy their buttermilk old fashion, it's my favorite. The prices are cheap, the staff is friendly and they offer an array of donuts. I've tried the glazed and the apple fritter which were just OK.
(3)Sarah J.
What is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning? Walk to the drive-in donut shop (which actually does not have a drive-in) for donuts!! There is always a line out the door at this cash-only establishment. I've tried just about every variety of donut and trust me, you can't go wrong! I love the chocolate donut holes (perfectly glazed!) and my husband likes the glazed twisted donut. Now I am hungry!!
(5)Brooke R.
Got donuts at 9am on a Saturday. Donuts were soggy and rubbery. Inedible, such a shame since this place came highly recommended. I am hoping it is just a fluke, but every one of the assorted half dozen I got was overly dense, rubbery and soggy. Only thing that was good was the apple fritter.
(1)Simone N.
Bring cash and an empty belly because these donuts are flipping delicious!! Fluffy? Yes Soft? Yes Sweet? Yes Makes your mouth water at the site of seeing them? Yes, Yes, Yes Need I say more?
(5)Margaret L.
These donuts are seriously good. In my inadvertent quest for type 2 diabetes, I sought out these donuts as a post-dinner treat. A whole box of donuts.... making great life choices! However, it only took a few bites of these donuts for me to realize that the calories are SO JUSTIFIED by the deliciousness (aren't they always?). As my boyfriend and I always remind each other, narrating the process of our weakening resolve and expanding waistlines, "You can't go wrong with fried dough!" Such is the case here. Allow me to humbly offer a guide as to a few of my favorite selections: APPLE FRITTER. Best I've ever had. Perfect crispy/doughy ratio, great flavor. Blueberry donut. It's healthy, because there's fruit in it.... right? Cruller. You know, the kinda spiral-y one? Super doughy and light. Long John. I've never liked these before, and probably couldn't stomach a whole one, but the frosting was delicious and vanilla-y and won me over. Plain glazed. Stick with the classics. Okay, I'm gonna stop because now I'm just listing off everything that was in my donut box.
(4)Scott P.
Hands down my favorite donut shop in st louis. It may be because I am severely biased (grew up a few blocks away) or because it really is that good. Word is that the donut shop closed many years ago and the patrons pleaded for them to re-open. I am a simpleton when it comes to donuts, glaze and sugar raised are perfect to me. Add the long johns and the ever popular cinnamon twist. I actually remember when the cinnamon twist debuted. Literally a perfect donut shop, rasied and cake, all are always great. This place is a st louis landmark. They should have had one of those "st louis 250" cakes in front.
(5)E F.
Donut Drive-In has amazingly delicious donuts! There's not much more to say. The delightful aroma envelops you as soon as you walk in the door. It only gets better from there, as you make your donut selection, then bite into your donut in your car or home. A South St. Louis institution.
(5)Aimee K.
Listen. As healthy as we all try to be, there's nothing wrong with waking up on a Sunday morning craving a freshly-baked donut. It happens to me quite a bit (probably way more than it should), and when the feeling hits, Donut Drive-In is where I go. I can confidently say that they have the best donuts anywhere in St. Louis, hands down. Heads up, the parking lot is a little small and can be interesting to navigate if it's busy inside. That brings me to my next point, which is that the inside of Donut Drive-In is smaller than you can imagine. As in, if there are more than a handful of people inside you'll have to wait out the door small. Which is something I'll gladly do, but I would've liked knowing that before my first visit. Third note: bring cash. You won't need a lot... if you're buying for less than three or so people, five bucks should cover it. On my most recent visit I had a chocolate long John (oh my God, drool-worthy) and a vanila custard donut for a grand total of $1.89. I felt like I was stealing. The donuts here just taste fresh and have the perfect texture and consistency... and I love seeing all the action behind the counter! The young girls that work the register are as sweet as can be, too. Just a wonderful, tiny, thriving local business. I'm a huge fan and there's a big chance you'll spot me if you stop in on a Sunday morning. Hooray for donuts!
(5)Asia L.
These donuts are amazing!!! If you're around do not pass this place up, the glaze will change your life, lbvs...trust me!!! The chocolate long john is to die for too. Hubby and I live down the street and have put stock in this place, lol.
(5)Trevor H.
Best.late.night.stop.ever. Close to Ted Drewes, driving by on last visit, I was tempted by another diet-devastator. It was worth the temptation. A couple that night and one for morning couldn't hurt too bad--right?? Right?? Cake donuts were among best I've ever had. Priced cheap. Don't forget the milk!
(5)Philip A.
Another outstanding doughnut shop in St. Louis. Large selection of some of the best in the city, the apple fritter here is the winner, but you can't really go wrong. One of my favourite things about this place is that it is open almost all of the time, so you don't need to get there before midday (most days) to get your fill. It's also next to both Ted Drewes if you're a fan (i'm pretty ambivalent about Ted Drewes, it's fine but no more) and the excellent Aya Sofia, so if you really want to pig out this is a good part of town to be in!
(5)Wanderer X.
This is a great "mom & pop" donut shop! Delicious donuts!!!! My boyfriend and I bought a dozen and ate them all in 2 days. Good ol' friendly customer service!!!! A nice stop to chill out on Route 66! (Screw Dunkin Donuts!)
(5)Charis R.
Positively phenomenal. I can't even. I mean, these are truly incredible donuts. I literally just finished eating a plain glazed donut from here and all I can think about is how I would like 5 more, right now. They are so fresh and perfectly fried and perfectly pillowy on the inside. I love that they are open late, because I am more inclined to have a donut for dessert after dinner than for breakfast (not that I wouldn't love a donut for breakfast, but they don't exactly keep me full until lunch time). The only other donut place in STL that I've tried so far is Strange Donuts, and while they have fun flavors there, the donuts at Donut Drive-In are definitely superior in quality. And they're cheaper!
(5)Maia D.
We got a half dozen donuts to share - mixed and matched French cruellers, buttermilk cake donut, long johns and raspberry jelly filled. Tasty treats all provided by a lovely older woman who was happy to tell us the most popular flavors were cruellers, blueberry cake and buttermilk glazed cake donuts. The cruellers were light and eggy - just as they should be. The cake donuts were my favorite - dense and fresh. The frosted jelly/long johns were very sweet (a little too sweet for me considering that I preferred the cake donuts and cruellers). Worth a stop if you are in the area and in need of a donut fix.
(4)Tori P.
Fast service, delicious donuts. Read to try Old Fashioned, and they are good, but the sugared jelly were like biting AIR! YUMMY!
(5)K M.
A South City staple-- Excellent quality donuts. They do so much business that if the donuts are there, they're probably really fresh! Really yummy. Wish there was a bit more room, but the old building (and sign!) are pretty classic and part of the experience.
(5)Frank S.
The chocolate frosted with the butter cream center that I ate this morning may have been the best donut I've ever had.
(5)Hannah Z.
My second fave donut shop in STL. Great old fashioned donuts. Fluffy and delicious. I prefer the marble or chocolate glazed but they have goof variety here. Watch out though, there's often a line, especially in the morning on weekends.
(5)Marti W.
We purchased the Apple fritter, chocolate iced long john, blueberry cake, chocolate iced custard, cinnamon roll, choclate iced chocolate cake for $8.14 (Amazing) these donuts are the best I have ever ingested in my life!! They are fried to perfection! Crispy outside and soft and warm inside! I cannot express in words how completly amazing each donut was!! Donut Drive-In is a hidden precious gem! I'm hooked!!
(5)Briana S.
What an awesome hole in the wall! I always drive by here when my friends and I are headed to Ted Drewes and think "sometime, I'm going to try that out". That time came a few weeks ago when I was nursing a healthy hangover and wanted nothing more than a sugary, filled carb. Clearly donuts were the answer and what better remedy that Donut Drive-In? The parking lot is small and the counter-space is even smaller but that's the kind of vibe I like every now and then. You can definitely tell it is local, and not just that, but a staple--there was constant business, an even flow in and out of the store. Being a first-timer the counter display is a little overwhelming, they've got a lot of donut variety to ogle and pick from. I loved it even more that you can see the racks of donuts behind the counter and the ktichen--there's just something nice about seeing where your products are being created. My friend and I settled on different kinds, I tried a cake doughnut and a donut filled with lemon cream, talk about amazing. They were thick, but not heavy, moist but not too soft and packed with flavor. It cured my hangover needs immediately and I can not wait to go back (without the headache) to try more!
(4)Marie R.
This is a staple in st Louis just like ted drews or the arch. Made fresh daily, these donuts are classic and delicious. I highly recommend the bear claw. Fairly priced and great staff. Usually there a line but it goes pretty fast. Parking is limited.
(4)Timothy E.
I drive cross country regularly and sample donuts along the way. This place is in my top 3 in the country. The vanilla cruller is tied for the best donut ever. Maybe I was awake to long and out of my mind but it was GREAT! Along historic route 66 some suited up man in the parking lot gave me a long explanation of the improvements the neighbor hood commission has made to the area including this places awesome neon sign. Maybe I imagined it all I was up for a good 24 hours.
(5)Tom H.
These are very good donuts. Fast and friendly service. One of the two best donut shops in Saint Louis. I love the neon sign.
(5)Rachel F.
Love this place. I always come here for quick delicious donuts. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is delicious. The place itself is TINY though. However I am not giving this place 5 stars because last saturday night I came here around 10pm to grab late night donuts... the lady who waited on us was not friendly at all. Didn't even say HI or welcome or anything. Not a fan of that type of customer service.
(4)Stacey T.
The Saturday before Easter, the line was out the door. It was brisk outside, but others were waiting so we thought we'd take our chances. I am not a donut lover, but my daughter is the donut boss of St. Louis so I had to feed her sugar cravings. To my surprise, despite the line out of the door, we made it out of this teeny, tiny shop in less than five minutes! We got a small box of donuts, I believe eight of them, for less than $5. What a steal! All of the donuts were hot and delicious, especially the cruller! I was really pleased and am looking forward to checking out the "best" coffee they reportedly sell as well.
(5)Monica T.
So goood! The last time I went, the girl threw in an extra donut just because! This will forever be my favorite donut shop.
(5)Erin A.
Oh, Donut Drive-In. If I were a poet, I'd write sonnets about your apple fritters... We've driven by this place countless times, and when we moved to the Lindenwood Park neighborhood about a year ago, we knew we finally had to visit. The prices are incredibly reasonable, and even when there's a line out the door (which doesn't take much; the inside space is tiny!), they move customers through quickly. I generally don't love apple fritters, but something about Donut Drive-In's called to me. Sweet tap-dancing Moses. They're perfection: crispy fried exterior mostly draped in just the right amount of sweet glaze, a beautifully tender, fluffy, cinnamon interior studded with little bits of caramelized apple...they're worth every calorie, every carb, every fat gram. My husband is a fan of the chocolate-iced bavarian cream donuts, and I also love the buttermilk old-fashioned. Really, though, there isn't a bad donut to be had. The stock is rotated out so quickly, I don't know if there's ever a stale donut on the racks. The bags and boxes advertise the shop's coffee, which is inexpensive and surprisingly good. It may just be me, but when I ask for cream and sugar in my coffee, they always put just the right amount in--not too much, not too little. Make sure you take cash when you go; they don't accept any other form of payment. Not even sonnets about fritters.
(5)Brian M.
I have been by Donut Drive-In a number of times and I always am tempted to stop by because their donuts are just that good. First off their hours are amazing, so if you ever get a late evening/night craving for a donut they are at least 10:30 Wednesday-Saturday and even stay open till midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. The best part is that they are making donuts whenever you stop by, so you can always get a freshly made donut. There is something about getting a donut that was just dipped in chocolate icing, its amazing. The dough is light and airy while the icing is sweet but not too sweet or rich. Prices are fair, and you can often find people stopping by for a quick snack on the way home or even people stopping in after dinner for a sweet treat. If you are in the City this is a must do.
(4)Melissa L.
Looking for something to do, I remembered that Alton Brown had visited St. Louis on Feasting on Asphalt so I looked up and saw that he said these were the best donuts ever. Well, I have been disappointed more often than not by most of the places visited by 'celebrity' chefs but not this time. We were already on a sugar/carb overload so we got two things each and now we wish we had gotten more. This is another place that is worth the drive to get to! The glazed yeast donut was just heaven. The fact that they are making donuts fresh and as fast as they can is part of why they are so good but dang these were good!!! Apple fritter was also great - crunchy on the outside, warm, soft apple cinnamonny goodness on the inside.
(5)Jessica R.
We were going to Ted Drews and got side tracked by the donut sign. We stopped and got a few donuts and OMG we can't stop going... These donuts are absolutely delicious!!! We are never disappointed.
(5)Barbara l.
All I can say is OMG - the apple fritters are to die for. I am considering moving to St. Louis so I can have them everyday.
(5)L Q.
CASH ONLY!!! Only went once but it was cheap and tasty! Not a sit-down place. They still have their vintage sign up. Fun to see, especially when you drive by at night. Close to the famous Ted Drewe's.
(4)Nathan O.
The blueberry donut was perfect. Proof that all those trendy hip donut shops are forgetting one important thing- delicious warm donuts are what people want. Period.
(5)Ken K.
My friend found this place on Yelp, and it happened to be a stone's throw from Ted Drewes, so we just hopped over afterwards for some of these supposedly-fantastic donuts. We asked for the freshest donuts and she gave us the French cruller with vanilla glaze. I was hoping for a donut straight out of the fryer, but I could definitely tell the texture was different from most donuts I've had. It's been a while now since I visited, but if I remember correctly, it was dense but also a bit light and airy. Weird, huh? Anyhow, it was pretty good. Would I go out of my way to come here the next time I'm in town? Probably not, but I can see why people love this place.
(3)Marissa R.
fresh, fast, friendly!! you can see the sign as you drive down the street!
(4)K S.
Good donuts. When we first walked in we were given a couple donut holes to try since we had never been by before, the glazed donuts were great and the chocolate ones were probably good too, but they aren't my thing so I gave them a pass. We had a glazed cinnamon twist, 2 berliner, cruller, and an apple fritter. Ate everything but the apple fritter. The cruller was too dense but the other 4 we tried were really good. Much better than krispy kreme, which is the only donut place where I currently live
(4)Jenny S.
Growing up I lived right by Donut Drive-in. We'd go every week after church and my sister and I would fight over the sprinkle donuts or the blueberry iced donuts. Having moved back to St. Louis recently I forgot all about this place until one day my husband said "Wow, that place looks old" and I said "We'll go there some weekend" ---it took a few weeks but finally we were in the area so I got a dozen donuts for breakfast--HEAVEN! I went in and picked out the donuts and it was like my entire youth flooding back--they haven't changed a bit which is comforting and also it makes sense--if it ain't broke, don't fix it! My personal favorite is the french cruller with chocolate icing. Tastes just like I remember although the custard with powdered sugar is a close second. It was packed when I went inside but it took no time at all to get my box o' donuts. Donut drive-in, don't ever change!
(5)Kevin D.
These donuts are amazing. Best I've had in St. Louis so far. Go there now.
(5)Katherine B.
I go in all the time. I usually just point and start drooling. Anyway, the donut bites (chocolate and glazed) are delicious too. Something like a dozen for a little over a dollar. Don't forget to buy milk! The blueberry cake donuts, apple fritters and pecan roll thingies are great . Fluffy, soft, not any greasier than you would expect.
(4)Stephen H.
Not as great as World's Fair, but is drive-through, and is going to have a lot more in selection at any given time of the day. Cash only.
(4)Steven B.
I know 5 stars for a donut place is outrageous, but when I need a donut fix this is where I go. What's even more weird, I just like your basic donuts. My favorites are Chocolate Long John and the Traditional Glazed (circle donut with the hole in the center). I really like the the donut holes, the part they cut out to make the hole. I'm glad they make them into their own special treat.
(5)Paul S.
Alas, another visit to our once MOST favorite donut shop was again a disappointment. Apple fritters had only one or two small apple pieces in them. My chocolate iced donut tasted as if it was a day or two old but only recently frosted. It was the toughest yeast donut I can recall eating. I've had better donuts recently at QuikTrip.
(2)Tracey L.
We have relocated to Columbia, but whenever we come back into St. Louis Donut Drive-In is one of our first stops. Love it when we time it just right -glazed just iced and oh so gooey. The buttercream filled donut is beyond amazing and worth having to get up early. Never had a bad donut here. Some days might be better than others, but still, never disappointed. Drooling while anticipating our next trip into STL.
(5)Cheryl K.
Hands down, this is the best spot in all of St. Louis to get donuts!!! I must admit I have an extreme weakness for powdered sugar cake donuts. These are HEAVENLY! They have a slightly crisp bite just under the snowy covering of powered sugar, you'll find the inside to be light and airy. I try very hard to stay away and limit myself to a late Friday night visit every few months to pick up 1 or 2 at a time. If I'm being really crazy I'll get two extra for Saturday morning. Mind you this is very difficult because if I had my druthers I would get a dozen and gleefully enjoy them with an extra cold glass of milk. But, alas my calorie conscious mind keeps me in check. I am life long resident of St. Louis. I believe the first time I had donuts from Donut Drive-In was when I was around 5 or 6. I'm in my 40's now. Go... Enjoy... You won't Regret it!!
(5)Miklos H.
Bring cash... very reasonable prices, donuts are outstanding.
(4)Nathan W.
This place was great. The staff made fun jokes and great recommendations. I'm hungry for donuts just thinking about it!
(4)Jessica M.
Delicious donuts! Worth the trip! Bring cash!
(5)Allison B.
The bright, old-fashioned lighted sign, the aroma of sugar shock-inducing confections, the odd notion that a drive-in really is not a drive-in -- all of this lures me to Donut Drive-In each time I'm near St. Louis Hills. Seriously, I stop at First Community when I'm down that way, I finish up at the ATM and start to head out, I see that lovely little donut shack across the street, and my mind explodes, hoping that DDI will be open. See, they have weird hours. Sometimes my friends and I can buy donuts here at night, and sometimes we can't. I've tried to go by the posted hours, but I know we've been there outside of them. What gives? Who knows. But DDI has definitely given me some disappointment when I'm craving hot sweet cakes. Oh, but when they're open, they're ON! The front case typically is full of 25 or more different types of donuts, and the smell in there is SO HEAVENLY! The goods are cheap, too - you can get filled up with starch for less than $0.70 each. But the important point here is to bring cash. In fact, BRING CASH, IN ALL CAPS! They don't accept credit or debit, and there's no ATM on site. I had to learn this the hard way and go home empty handed once or twice. There's nowhere to sit inside the building - there's only room enough to admire the donut case and place your order - but you can take your donuts and tiny Milk Chugs to your car and hang out. There's nothing sweeter than a Boston creme, some 2% and Muse on the radio. If you happened to take the bus here, though, you probably shouldn't eat them unless you have enough for all the passengers and the driver.
(4)Shea C.
When it comes to donuts, I am the ultimate aficionado. I love donuts. I crave them. I dream about them. I am not kidding. The donuts I crave most come from Donut Drive-In in Saint Louis Hills. The blueberry cake are fantastic, but I often get there too late. I "settle" (and I use that word loosely) for the maple pecan or cinnamon twist. There is only one problem with Donut Drive-In. I live two blocks away, and I am so vulnerable to their little lovelies.
(5)Kelly R.
My 5 star review might be a little misleading because while it's the best donut place I've been to, I've probably only ever been to 3......ever. Donuts aren't really my thing and while I LOOOOOOVE sweets, and honestly love donuts, I find it hard to make them my breakfast. I'm a cereal/bagel kind of girl, so having this dessert cake as my morning meal just feels plain wrong. The only time I've ever gone out and purchased donuts was when we had family building us a deck and we would begin really early in the morning. Of course, we wanted to make sure everyone was full of sugary goodness to start a full days work...outside...in the heat....ok all of a sudden it sounds dumb we even bought donuts for them. In any case, they were a welcomed treat and nobody complained. In fact, I rather enjoyed having such a novelty around a few weekends out of the year. The cakes were always fresh and delicious and the price was right. Only a few buck for a dozen donuts. Beware, they only take cash! If we're ever entertaining or anyone requests donuts, I'll be sure to direct them to Donut Drive-in.
(5)Fred M.
WOW! Nothing like getting to a donut shop before 6:00 AM! This is the kind of donut shop I like. Fresh, lots of variety and friendly folks serving you. I believe the apple fritter is amongst best I've had. I'll also go for the buttermilk, again.
(5)Kathy H.
We were house hunting seven years ago when we went to an open house in St. Louis Hills. We were liking the house as we toured it, but there were still some issues - the bathrooms needed updating, the AC was old, the kitchen a little small. As we walked out to our car, we were met with the smell of heaven - sweet dough being unctiously deep fried. Suddenly, we knew - this was the house for us. Over the next seven years, we've come to love many things about the neighborhood, but the proximity to Donut Drive-In is still one of the tops. Their raised donuts - glazed, longjohns, jelly - are unmatched. I'm not as big a fan of cake donuts, but theirs are tasty. The crullers are a little greasy for my taste. We get Donut Drive-In's wares on a pretty regular basis. But sometimes, when we're watching our weight, we just kick back, sit on the patio and breathe in some of those yummy, yummy Donut Drive-in fumes!
(5)Andrew M.
In our modern culture of factory made pastries, soggy sugar inner tubes and glazed sugar puffs lacking all substance, here is the last refuge for donut purists. These are substantial, filling, dense donuts made by hand by a coven of devout donuteers. The kind of donuts where you can actually TASTE the quality and craftsmanship of the dough BENEATH an exquisite veneer of sugar frosting- or sometimes AROUND an exquisite dollop of cream. Don't be fooled. These are hardy donuts. They put the CAKE back in cake-donut. You probably can't eat more than 3 at a sitting (like some other, more ephemeral, glazed rings). They're not overly rich, they're just filling. They are awesome anytime, day or night, rain or shine. If memory serves, you can get two dozen for about $16 bucks and one dozen for about $8. They take orders in advance, but they only take cash. But hey, that's what they have to do to keep the wheels on the donut train in these tough, donut-hating times.
(5)Jonathan S.
Surly doesn't begin to describe the tenor/appearance/demeanor of the crusty old women who work here. But take that away and all you have left is incredible donuts at the best times of day (late at night or early in the morning). Instead, the trolls behind the counter add a kind of fairytale/fantasy stature---like all of the proprietors in Harry Potter's Daigon alley (or however it's spelt)--they give you tremendous treats if you can survive their spiteful gaze. Tip: Their cake donuts are incredible. Get a couple of chocolate cake doughs, a cheap, peaty but smooth Islay Scotch, eat, drink, repeat. Trust me, I'm a diabetic.
(5)Thomas A.
These are the best donuts i have ever tried. I woudln't call their donuts soggy. They are not soggy. They are moist and they melt in your mouth which is what i consider a key essential for a great donut. My friend went here to buy us some blueberry donuts, but they unfortunately ran out. Instead, i was able to try the glazed donut and the french cruller with a vanilla glaze. These donuts are the best of both worlds of a dunkin donut and a krispy kreme. It's as sweet as a krispy kreme (although not as sweet), and as the same size of a dunkin donut. Yes krispy kreme donuts are too small. These donuts are a perfect size with the right amount of sweetness. They are flaky, crispy on the outside, yet with the moistest inside that really does melt in your mouth. It's perfection at its best.
(5)Lynn S.
I can't believe I've lived here all these years and never been here. Today I went in and bought some of the most deli sh donuts I have had in St. Louis. The cake donuts with chocolate and sprinkles on top were scrumptious. Unbelievably moist and fresh and just perfect tasting. The powdered sugar and cinnamon were equally fabulous. Really good, fresh donuts.
(5)Michael F.
The Donut Drive-In won't win any healthy food awards, but would win for being one of those unique St. Louis City places. It's conveniently located in a small building (which hasn't been remodeled in years) by the weird fork in the road at Watson & Chippewa. There's only room for about 3 customers inside. Within the past few years, they rennovated their awesome neon sign! The Donut Drive-In is locally owned, donuts are reasonably priced, and some beverages are available. What more do you need in the morning?
(4)Jeff M.
So simple. You park, you hop in, order some delicious donuts for real cheap, devour and enjoy, and make your way. Delicious glazed and vanilla custard donuts. If I lived in St. Louis, I'd likely be here one a week. Or twice a day.
(4)Mike D.
My favorite donuts in the Lou. The long johns are my favorite. My friend swears by the blueberry cake. And the new sign is fabulous! Beware, they take cash only, but it is worth the run to the ATM or searching the couch for loose change.
(5)Brendan G.
The donuts are great, the prices are cheap, the staff is friendly. Plus the place has history and a great neon sign out front. What more could you want from your donut place?
(5)melinda a.
At times, the Donut Drive-In is cruel beyond words, with its delightfully sweet aroma wafting throughout the entire neighborhood at all hours of the evening. The fantastic smell I envision belonging my favorite Drive-In Donut, the caramel long john, provides stellar motivation to make the puppyface jog faster away from smell, faster so I burn more calories so maybe, just maybe I can have a donut in the morning!!
(4)Tracy B.
I LOVE DONUTS. This place is pretty good; best I've had in the Lou, but competition is slim. Small mom & pop shop that is literally always making donuts. The lady at the cash register could stand to take an "interacting with customers" class. It also makes me a bit nervous that she does not change her gloves between handling money and donuts the like, but my stomach is strong, so I worry not. The prices are good.
(2)Catherine C.
Wonderful donuts, not too sweet. Buttermilk donuts were delicious.
(4)John L.
We go here every time we visit St Louis.
(5)Joe B.
I'll never understand why everyone is always hot after Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme when you can have something as delicious as the glazed donuts from Donut Drive-In. The selection of donut types is wildly varied (glazed, cinnamon twists, long johns, krullers, all different kinds of cake donuts), and they're all equally delicious. The prices are cheap, cheap, cheap since you can get a dozen for about $8.00. The only thing you have to remember is that they take CASH ONLY. I'm constantly having to remember to carry cash just so I can get donuts from here.
(5)Julia W.
Stop #4 on the Donut Crawl and FINALLY, somebody had crullers! I had started to wonder if it was a Chicago thing, but I'm glad to see I don't have to cruise all the way home for a cruller fix. Although, if this is my only option, I might have to--soggy donut here, folks. It wasn't particularly hot or muggy the day we visited (it was actually chilly), so I'm not quite sure why my cruller was sort of mushy and damp, but I have to say I was let down. Once again, though, Justin was enamored by the cake donut, so perhaps I just did not choose wisely. I'd give Donut Drive In another shot to be fair... and maybe I'll take a cake donut down the street to Ted Drewes so they can whip up a donut concrete for me.
(3)Erika F.
These donuts are unbelieveable, especially the yeast donuts. Their long john with white icing are to die for. I will officially go no where else for donuts ever again.
(5)Colin F.
Best apple fritter in St. Louis. Probably the best yeast donuts in St. Louis. No fu fu donuts, just the classics. Can't get enough of this place!
(5)Gary T.
This is what a Donut shop should be. Incredible selection at a great value.
(5)Amanda Z.
I enjoy any donut place that isn't Krispy Kreme. Now that I no longer have my beloved Dunkin Donuts on every corner, I have had to seek out the little mom and pop places again, which yes, is a good thing. (Even though I would still prefer my Dunks any day of the week). Come here for the cake donuts....that's what they do best. Everything else here is either just alright, or just not that great....seriously....just stick with the cake donuts. I think this place is kind of novel because of the drive in factor, but when it comes to donuts, they just aren't top notch in my book. Sure, they make all the classic flavors you could want in a donut, and yes, they make my favorite sprinkle donuts (yes, I am a six year old at heart, I have accepted this fact), but when I want a donut, and I want to drive 20 minutes for it, I will likely not drive here. Donut Stop in Lemay is far better, you don't have to stick with the cake donuts to insure fresh, delicious donuts, and the service is always impeccably fast. Save yourself this heinous left turn into the parking lot from Chippewa at that weird intersection and get your donuts elsewhere. Unless you live in the neighborhood, then I would have to say, this is certainly your best bet for donuts. Oh, and I would balk about the cash only thing, but find me a donut shop that isn't cash only that isn't Krispy Kreme...yea, that's what I thought.
(3)lovesmyanimals l.
This place forget about calories and focus on yummy goodness. You only need about 50 cents to have a little taste of heaven. The donuts are made fresh and the service is quick. I love the glazed and the chocolate long johns. Oh they are soft and so delicious. This is a cash only established and on most nights open till midnight. So what are you doing still reading this and get on over to Donut Drive-In.
(5)Jay G.
Twitter Length: firmer than normal, not over-fried, not too sweet, very filling. better when warm, nice locals.
(4)Private M.
This is the way donuts should be! Fantastic variety. It is always busy. What I like about this place is the chocolate donuts actually taste like chocolate. It is step back in time also, it reminds me of the place my dad used to take me and put me up on his shoulders to pick the donuts. Definetely a cool place to grab a donut.
(4)Will F.
Yeeeees. Donut Drive-In serves the glazed donuts of my childhood. Big, chewy pillows of sweet fluffy love. Generally, I'm a glazed donut purist, so don't ask me about unpleasant things like long johns. I AM pretty familiar and intimate with Bismarcks, though. ---- EDIT: Since that initial visit to Donut Drive-in five (five!) days ago, I've returned three (three!) times. Addict. These donuts are always what comes to mind when I think about donuts. I wouldn't be surprised if this four-visits-for-every-five-days pattern continued for quite awhile. At least until graduation. I need a donut that can give me a hug this month.
(5)Brittany H.
OH MY GODDDD! is all I can say about their French donut with chocolate frosting. Melts in your mouth and will cause addiction and withdrawals if you do not feed the addiction! When I get married, this will be one of the featured desserts :)
(4)Allan C.
Alright so I was not a big fan of this place during the donut crawl (soggy cruller) but then some coworker screamed and pointed BLASPHEMY!!!!! and came in with 2 boxes of the stuff the next morning. I have to say, those cake donuts were much better than the soggy nastiness I had before. Each bite I took was like taking a bite into all the other donuts that have been fried in that vat of reused oil... awesome.
(3)Tricia R.
I see some reviews of some soggy crullers, so please note that my 5-stars are based on the GLAZED AND BLUEBERRY DONUTS...mmm. Growing up in the Northeast, Dunkin' Donuts was where it was at (eew to Krispy Kreme!). After moving to StL and discovering the only Dunkin' Donuts was out in West County or something, the bf introduced me to this place - he swore I wouldn't miss Dunkin' Donuts at all! He was pretty much spot on...the blueberry donuts are sooooooooo yumm - since these things seem to be one of the most popular, you're almost guaranteed a fresh batch whenever you walk in. The other fav is the glazed donut since I'm not big on chocolate or things with frosting, etc. On wkds, you can expect a little bit of a wait, but enjoy the smells of freshly baked goodness!!!
(5)Micah G.
Best Donut of my entire life. And most of St Louis, a donut town, mind you, agrees with me.
(5)Shakma M.
Wow!!! These donuts are amazing. They are the best donuts I've ever had in St. Louis. They are not only fresh but very tasty. This establishment is located on Chippewa. This is the only place I will ever buy donuts again in St. Louis.
(5)Erin C.
This place is cheap and good. The donuts are made fresh in view of the customers. Just a tiny place - no seating. I think it is cash only.
(5)A S.
It's simple: the donuts are fresh and delicious, and the people working there every time I've gone are really nice and polite younger guys (don't know about these older ladies other reviewers mention). Go here. If you're feeling bold, follow a trip to DDI by rolling out to nearby Ted Drewes. Just don't do it often, or you're gonna need to follow that trip by rolling out to buy a new pair of pants.
(5)Lisa C.
Love this tiny little shop on Chippewa. I am a big fan of cake donuts, and DDI has some good ones. I love that people run it, get their donuts, then sit in their cars in the parking lot, eating and watching the world go by. And they're open late!
(4)JB K.
Hands-down our favorite donut joint in South St. Louis.
(5)Erik B.
I've been told that in St. Louis you're either a "Donut Drive-In person" or a "Worlds Fair Donuts person". Well, I'll tell you right now, I'm a Donut Drive-In person. I've never had a bad donut from the place, and occasionally, they'll throw in an extra one just because they're awesome. My go-to: Apple Fritter. Every time.
(5)Claire W.
Hands down, my favorite donuts in St.Louis!I'm never disappointed! They are open late enough on weekends to satisfy my late night craving! They have a great neon sign out front, pointing you in the right direction! Yes, you are at the right place! The lady behind the counter might not smile, but i don't feel unwelcome! There's a good variety of donuts, and the prices are low! Don't forget cash, there's a $10 minimum on cards! Go late night, you will most likely get a hot fresh donut! My favorites: chocolate cake with fudge icing- soft moist cake with more chocolate on top, you can't go wrong, and when its fresh, you get a slight crispness around the edge. Apple fritter- oh my goodness, if you can have this hot and fresh, it only adds to the apple cinnamon soft pillowy delight you are about to devour! BONUS, they have donut holes!!! Now stop reading this, and GO!
(5)Kristen S.
$10 minimum to charge here- bring cash. Slightly annoying policy in 2015 if you ask me. The donut cake is good. The icing they use is thick and very sugary. They provide nice boxes to keep your donuts safe. Happy to support local places- drive past the chains. Forgot I wanted to try an apple fritter- that is on my list for the next time I stop. I will return- if I remember to put cash in my purse.
(4)Michelle L.
Yes, Saturday morning donuts again. So this morning I went to Donut Drive-In. You can see my selection a few short of a dozen because I couldn't take the pic fast enough before people started eating them. Donut Drive-In is a close second to St. Louis Hills Donuts. It is much better known and busy though. The donuts are slightly larger here. They are very good and let's face it, it's difficult to mess up a donut, right?
(4)Jessica H.
I don't give five star reviews often but when I do, Donut Drive-In tops my list. I absolutely love everything about this little dive of a donut shop from the vintage, neon sign to the ironic name (as it's not a drive in or a drive thru). I've been coming here for years and have NEVER been disappointed. Their goods are fresh and delicious AND they stay open late on the weekends! If your order is less than $10, be prepared to pay cash. Also, if coming on a Saturday or Sunday AM, be prepared to wait in line (but it's worth it).
(5)Rebecca W.
Donuts are great, and the service is fast- but the service is also really unfriendly, bordering on rude.
(3)Steve B.
Blows other trendy bullshit nose in the air donut shops completely away flavor wise and $ wise. 7 donuts and damn good ones at that for a grand total of $7.29. Minus one star because it came with a side of indifference from the woman behind the counter. Won't stop me from returning though, I'm here to eat not to shoot the shit about the latest GDP report. BREAKING NEWS: they accept credit cards now - $10 minimum
(4)Douglas S.
Wonderful donuts, a cut above the rest. I had a vanilla frosted cruller, which was moist and eggy. And I had a vanilla frosted cake donut, which tasted fresh. Very pleased. By the way, they have a sign that they will take credit cards for orders of $10 or more. The historic Route 66 connection is a plus.
(5)Annie S.
Donut Drive-In is my favorite place to get donuts. It's this little hole-in-the-wall building that looks like it's been around for too long with a vintage-style sign and everything. The interior is simple. One big room with a counter that spans the entire width of the building and divides the space into the front and back. The front is just big enough for a few customers to stand while they order and pick up their donuts. The back is a maze of ceiling-high carts of donuts, big vats for frosting and dipping the donuts, and a fine coating of powdered sugar everywhere. The place will add two pounds just by walking in and taking a sniff - but it smells so good! The donuts are delicious - all sorts of options, from glazed, to jelly-filled, to my favorite - the traditional chocolate long john. Every chocolate long john I eat gets compared to those of Donut Drive-In. They have the right combination of fluffy inside to fried outside texture, and their frosting is dense and just the right amount of sweetness. People at my office often go here to order our usual Friday 6-dozen order for everyone, and I'm always excited to see Donut Drive-In's boxes. They now take plastic for larger orders, but still require cash for small ones. Call ahead the night before for large orders for your office and they'll have it filled before you walk in the next morning. I've done that before - never had a problem. Last time I bought donuts, the lady that rang me out helped me carry all the boxes out to my car too. Super nice. Definitely my favorite place for donuts!
(5)Hannah H.
AMAZING! My friend took me here because her favorite donut place was closed for the holiday, and I was so excited to experience the world of amazing donuts considering my donut experiences are typically restricted to Marsh and Kroger. I got a raspberry filled sugar donut, and then I asked one of the lady's to give me her favorite. She grabbed me the buttermilk donut, and after reading Yelp reviews I made sure to heat it up before I ate it. The raspberry one was delicious, but let me tell you the buttermilk donut blew my mind. I've never tasted a more delicious donut in my entire life. You must trust my opinion and order the buttermilk while you are there, warm it up when you get to your destination... and prepare to have your mind blown. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that they weren't the most friendly bunch of people... so don't go in expecting exceptional customer service.
(4)Mer P.
Yeah yeah yeah, all the fancy pants new donut places are fun when you have $3 or more to burn on one donut. But, if you want some fatty dough fried old school then this is about the best place I've found anywhere in the midwest. Chicago has some amazing "craft" donuts, but this place beat the cream filling out of all of them! And it did so at ONE FOURTH of the price. Amazing. Just. Go.
(5)William N.
Very friendly service. Hard to decide with great looking food but not much space if to many people. Most everything i tried was great. Highly recommended.
(5)Stephanie B.
As so many others have done, I had to test the World's Fair versus Donut Drive In test. We live walking distance from Worlds Fair so I'm a bit biased, but upon tasting it's a dead heat. I agree with the -1 for bad parking and -1/2 for being slightly more expensive than World's Fair, but based on taste it's a toss up. Down to the cash only rules!
(4)Victoria H.
I give the donuts a 4 and the service a 1. The lady at the counter could not have cared less to serve a customer. I pointed to a donut and asked if it was maple. She said no, its caramel. She didn't even try to point me in the direction of maple. She just looked at me with a mildly annoyed expression. 7 donuts were a little over $9.00. Not bad. They were very soft and pretty damn yummy. We wanted to try Vincent Van Donut but they were sold out. Maybe next time.
(4)Gordon S.
I live two blocks from tim hortons and strange donuts in maplewood and I'll happily drive out of my way to get donut drive in. It's genuinley my favorite donut shop in st louis. If you haven't tried them please do not hesitate. You won't regret it. The donuts are always great and I've never been served by anyone there who seems less than happy to be at work. The food, the service, the price... everything there is top shelf. Thank you, donut drive in. You're my last bastion of deliciousness
(5)Kelly B.
Located on Route 66, a few blocks from Ted Drewes. Donut Drive In has the charm of the 50's, and cheap donuts that are fresh and yummy! Ask for Emma. THE BEST!!
(5)Kathy H.
I spent 30+ years of my life feeling indifferent about donuts. When I was a kid, my mom worked at a place that made them so we always had them in the house. I never thought of them as anything special. Then Krispy Kreme came along. I'd eat one once or twice a year and wonder why there was so much love for that place. (Note, still wondering...) Then this fancy donut trend happened. Again, I was underwhelmed. Mediocre fried dough covered in crushed candy is still not that wonderful. I figured that I just don't like donuts, case closed. I manage a team of people who seem to love donuts though so one day I decided to bring some in. After looking around at what places were open early enough that weren't out of my way, I settled on this place. First of all, I want scented candles in my house that smell like the inside of this store. Holly jeeze! This smell is like pure hapiness. And every time I go back, I swear it's even better than I remembered. The place smelled so good that I actually ate a donut from here. What I learned is that I don't actually dislike donuts. I dislike sub-par donuts (which is apparently most of them). These are freaking awesome. I've gone from someone who could go years without eating donuts to probably stopping in here once every six weeks or so. I can put my entire department into a sugar coma for under $30! If you are planning to pick up a larger quantity, call ahead - preferable the night before according to the advice they've given me so that your order is waiting for you when you arrive. The only thing that takes away from this place is the parking situation. The lot is small and awkard and at least half of the times I've been my fellow customers seem to be really confused about what those lines dividing up the spaces are for. Pro-tip: Your car should be *between* them rather than on top of the lines. Please be considerate of your fellow sugar addicts, ok?
(5)Rob R.
Really good and fresh donuts. The staff is wonderful and even offered to fry up an apple fritter for us when none were made. Probably some of the best donuts in stl. I love their apple fritter. My husband swears by the basic glazed.
(5)Abby C.
Best apple fritter in StL!!! Awesome prices & friendly folks. They had a very impressive selection to choose from. Next time I'm going to try a jelly donut!!!
(5)Jo L.
Crappy little building but the best cake donut I've ever had! So much better than any grocery store donut you could get.
(4)Arlene P.
A fantastic eye-full of every type of donut imaginable, and SUPER FRESH!! YUMMY!!!
(5)Michelle H.
I don't even like donuts all that much but, somehow, I'm in love with Donut Drive-In. I can't remember how I even heard of this little hole in the wall place. I think I passed it while driving one day and thought the retro sign was cute. I wasn't terribly impressed with World's Fair Donuts on the few occasions that I actually craved a donut, so I gave Donut Drive-In a try. How they manage to make their donuts so light and fluffy like little puffs of heaven is beyond me. I've never had a donut this good or airy. Every single donut I've ever had from there is heavenly. Even the cake donuts, which I normally find dense, are ridiculously light. They have the slightest crunch on the outside and the inside is filled with airy goodness. My boyfriend raves about the cinnamon rolls, but my personal favorite is the good old sugar ring donut. The lady behind the counter (who I think may be the manager or owner) is the only offputting thing about this place. Consider yourself lucky if you're greeted as you walk in, receive a hello, a smile, or a thank you. Even upon tipping, she barely acknowledged me. Good thing my parents instilled the importance of politeness in me, or else I'd be meeting her lack of good customer service and kindness with some sass. Thankfully, she's not a big part of the donut experience and interaction with her is over in a flash so I can get to eating my donuts. It's going to be hard to top this place when I move back to CA! Tip: Bring cash. If you want to use a credit card, you have to buy $10 worth of donuts.
(5)Arkay A.
These are the best donuts I've ever had. The apple fritter is out of this world. BRING CASH.
(5)Mandie M.
Thanks to a colleague I was able to try a donut from the Donut Drive In. I tried the apple fritter and it was delicious. I did break it into thirds when I received it that way I wouldn't eat it all at one. I had a piece around 10 am another piece around 2 pm and the final piece around 6 pm. The apple fritter was so good I wish I could have had more than one, but I am glad I made it last. I think I know a new donut place next time I get the craving! Thanks Donut Drive In. You're awesome and so it my colleague who brought in a dozen!
(4)Sher S.
Great donuts! Actually, the BEST donuts in St. Louis! I love carmel with nuts, the old-fashioned, the cinnamon twist. Not a bad donut to be found.
(5)Melinda M.
Love this place. We are driving down to St Louis tomorrow and this will be our 1st stop. I cant get past how little it is and how they are making them right there in front of you. I love the chocolate donut holes. YUMMY! Inexpensive too!
(5)Tracey W.
Oh, that's Strange. I keep trying these trendy new donut shops and they are FUCKING CLOSED. You know what kind of donut shop I like? One that is open. I like 'em old school. I like 'em traditional. Just a little bit of glaze. We don't need to bring bacon into this. Minus one star for the worst parking lot ever, "drive-in" being easily misinterpreted as "drive-thru", and the fact that they only take cash. Plus four stars for the best customer service east OR west of the Mississippi, really really really really really good donuts, and for being open. P.S. I've also decided that most of the donut shops I've been to in STL serve the best donuts I've ever had. So the donut that is closest to me shall now, by default, be the best donut in St. Louis.
(4)Stephanie B.
I have gone to the Donut Drive-in on mutiple occassions. I just love their product. I crave their vanilla custards. I find it to be the best donut place around. I am always satified with my purchase. Sometimes they can be really busy but Im willing to wait because they are just that good. I love the staff.
(5)Angela S.
Cake donut with caramel frosting. Game changer. My trip here will forever be etched in my mind as the day I ate four donuts in one sitting. Not proud. Not sorry, either.
(5)S. W.
Classic, even after all these years. I enjoy their buttermilk old fashion, it's my favorite. The prices are cheap, the staff is friendly and they offer an array of donuts. I've tried the glazed and the apple fritter which were just OK.
(3)Sarah J.
What is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning? Walk to the drive-in donut shop (which actually does not have a drive-in) for donuts!! There is always a line out the door at this cash-only establishment. I've tried just about every variety of donut and trust me, you can't go wrong! I love the chocolate donut holes (perfectly glazed!) and my husband likes the glazed twisted donut. Now I am hungry!!
(5)Simone N.
Bring cash and an empty belly because these donuts are flipping delicious!! Fluffy? Yes Soft? Yes Sweet? Yes Makes your mouth water at the site of seeing them? Yes, Yes, Yes Need I say more?
(5)Brooke R.
Got donuts at 9am on a Saturday. Donuts were soggy and rubbery. Inedible, such a shame since this place came highly recommended. I am hoping it is just a fluke, but every one of the assorted half dozen I got was overly dense, rubbery and soggy. Only thing that was good was the apple fritter.
(1)Margaret L.
These donuts are seriously good. In my inadvertent quest for type 2 diabetes, I sought out these donuts as a post-dinner treat. A whole box of donuts.... making great life choices! However, it only took a few bites of these donuts for me to realize that the calories are SO JUSTIFIED by the deliciousness (aren't they always?). As my boyfriend and I always remind each other, narrating the process of our weakening resolve and expanding waistlines, "You can't go wrong with fried dough!" Such is the case here. Allow me to humbly offer a guide as to a few of my favorite selections: APPLE FRITTER. Best I've ever had. Perfect crispy/doughy ratio, great flavor. Blueberry donut. It's healthy, because there's fruit in it.... right? Cruller. You know, the kinda spiral-y one? Super doughy and light. Long John. I've never liked these before, and probably couldn't stomach a whole one, but the frosting was delicious and vanilla-y and won me over. Plain glazed. Stick with the classics. Okay, I'm gonna stop because now I'm just listing off everything that was in my donut box.
(4)Scott P.
Hands down my favorite donut shop in st louis. It may be because I am severely biased (grew up a few blocks away) or because it really is that good. Word is that the donut shop closed many years ago and the patrons pleaded for them to re-open. I am a simpleton when it comes to donuts, glaze and sugar raised are perfect to me. Add the long johns and the ever popular cinnamon twist. I actually remember when the cinnamon twist debuted. Literally a perfect donut shop, rasied and cake, all are always great. This place is a st louis landmark. They should have had one of those "st louis 250" cakes in front.
(5)Aimee K.
Listen. As healthy as we all try to be, there's nothing wrong with waking up on a Sunday morning craving a freshly-baked donut. It happens to me quite a bit (probably way more than it should), and when the feeling hits, Donut Drive-In is where I go. I can confidently say that they have the best donuts anywhere in St. Louis, hands down. Heads up, the parking lot is a little small and can be interesting to navigate if it's busy inside. That brings me to my next point, which is that the inside of Donut Drive-In is smaller than you can imagine. As in, if there are more than a handful of people inside you'll have to wait out the door small. Which is something I'll gladly do, but I would've liked knowing that before my first visit. Third note: bring cash. You won't need a lot... if you're buying for less than three or so people, five bucks should cover it. On my most recent visit I had a chocolate long John (oh my God, drool-worthy) and a vanila custard donut for a grand total of $1.89. I felt like I was stealing. The donuts here just taste fresh and have the perfect texture and consistency... and I love seeing all the action behind the counter! The young girls that work the register are as sweet as can be, too. Just a wonderful, tiny, thriving local business. I'm a huge fan and there's a big chance you'll spot me if you stop in on a Sunday morning. Hooray for donuts!
(5)E F.
Donut Drive-In has amazingly delicious donuts! There's not much more to say. The delightful aroma envelops you as soon as you walk in the door. It only gets better from there, as you make your donut selection, then bite into your donut in your car or home. A South St. Louis institution.
(5)Asia L.
These donuts are amazing!!! If you're around do not pass this place up, the glaze will change your life, lbvs...trust me!!! The chocolate long john is to die for too. Hubby and I live down the street and have put stock in this place, lol.
(5)Trevor H.
Best.late.night.stop.ever. Close to Ted Drewes, driving by on last visit, I was tempted by another diet-devastator. It was worth the temptation. A couple that night and one for morning couldn't hurt too bad--right?? Right?? Cake donuts were among best I've ever had. Priced cheap. Don't forget the milk!
(5)Philip A.
Another outstanding doughnut shop in St. Louis. Large selection of some of the best in the city, the apple fritter here is the winner, but you can't really go wrong. One of my favourite things about this place is that it is open almost all of the time, so you don't need to get there before midday (most days) to get your fill. It's also next to both Ted Drewes if you're a fan (i'm pretty ambivalent about Ted Drewes, it's fine but no more) and the excellent Aya Sofia, so if you really want to pig out this is a good part of town to be in!
(5)Wanderer X.
This is a great "mom & pop" donut shop! Delicious donuts!!!! My boyfriend and I bought a dozen and ate them all in 2 days. Good ol' friendly customer service!!!! A nice stop to chill out on Route 66! (Screw Dunkin Donuts!)
(5)Charis R.
Positively phenomenal. I can't even. I mean, these are truly incredible donuts. I literally just finished eating a plain glazed donut from here and all I can think about is how I would like 5 more, right now. They are so fresh and perfectly fried and perfectly pillowy on the inside. I love that they are open late, because I am more inclined to have a donut for dessert after dinner than for breakfast (not that I wouldn't love a donut for breakfast, but they don't exactly keep me full until lunch time). The only other donut place in STL that I've tried so far is Strange Donuts, and while they have fun flavors there, the donuts at Donut Drive-In are definitely superior in quality. And they're cheaper!
(5)Maia D.
We got a half dozen donuts to share - mixed and matched French cruellers, buttermilk cake donut, long johns and raspberry jelly filled. Tasty treats all provided by a lovely older woman who was happy to tell us the most popular flavors were cruellers, blueberry cake and buttermilk glazed cake donuts. The cruellers were light and eggy - just as they should be. The cake donuts were my favorite - dense and fresh. The frosted jelly/long johns were very sweet (a little too sweet for me considering that I preferred the cake donuts and cruellers). Worth a stop if you are in the area and in need of a donut fix.
(4)Tori P.
Fast service, delicious donuts. Read to try Old Fashioned, and they are good, but the sugared jelly were like biting AIR! YUMMY!
(5)Frank S.
The chocolate frosted with the butter cream center that I ate this morning may have been the best donut I've ever had.
(5)K M.
A South City staple-- Excellent quality donuts. They do so much business that if the donuts are there, they're probably really fresh! Really yummy. Wish there was a bit more room, but the old building (and sign!) are pretty classic and part of the experience.
(5)Marti W.
We purchased the Apple fritter, chocolate iced long john, blueberry cake, chocolate iced custard, cinnamon roll, choclate iced chocolate cake for $8.14 (Amazing) these donuts are the best I have ever ingested in my life!! They are fried to perfection! Crispy outside and soft and warm inside! I cannot express in words how completly amazing each donut was!! Donut Drive-In is a hidden precious gem! I'm hooked!!
(5)Hannah Z.
My second fave donut shop in STL. Great old fashioned donuts. Fluffy and delicious. I prefer the marble or chocolate glazed but they have goof variety here. Watch out though, there's often a line, especially in the morning on weekends.
(5)Briana S.
What an awesome hole in the wall! I always drive by here when my friends and I are headed to Ted Drewes and think "sometime, I'm going to try that out". That time came a few weeks ago when I was nursing a healthy hangover and wanted nothing more than a sugary, filled carb. Clearly donuts were the answer and what better remedy that Donut Drive-In? The parking lot is small and the counter-space is even smaller but that's the kind of vibe I like every now and then. You can definitely tell it is local, and not just that, but a staple--there was constant business, an even flow in and out of the store. Being a first-timer the counter display is a little overwhelming, they've got a lot of donut variety to ogle and pick from. I loved it even more that you can see the racks of donuts behind the counter and the ktichen--there's just something nice about seeing where your products are being created. My friend and I settled on different kinds, I tried a cake doughnut and a donut filled with lemon cream, talk about amazing. They were thick, but not heavy, moist but not too soft and packed with flavor. It cured my hangover needs immediately and I can not wait to go back (without the headache) to try more!
(4)Marie R.
This is a staple in st Louis just like ted drews or the arch. Made fresh daily, these donuts are classic and delicious. I highly recommend the bear claw. Fairly priced and great staff. Usually there a line but it goes pretty fast. Parking is limited.
(4)Timothy E.
I drive cross country regularly and sample donuts along the way. This place is in my top 3 in the country. The vanilla cruller is tied for the best donut ever. Maybe I was awake to long and out of my mind but it was GREAT! Along historic route 66 some suited up man in the parking lot gave me a long explanation of the improvements the neighbor hood commission has made to the area including this places awesome neon sign. Maybe I imagined it all I was up for a good 24 hours.
(5)Tom H.
These are very good donuts. Fast and friendly service. One of the two best donut shops in Saint Louis. I love the neon sign.
(5)Rachel F.
Love this place. I always come here for quick delicious donuts. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is delicious. The place itself is TINY though. However I am not giving this place 5 stars because last saturday night I came here around 10pm to grab late night donuts... the lady who waited on us was not friendly at all. Didn't even say HI or welcome or anything. Not a fan of that type of customer service.
(4)Stacey T.
The Saturday before Easter, the line was out the door. It was brisk outside, but others were waiting so we thought we'd take our chances. I am not a donut lover, but my daughter is the donut boss of St. Louis so I had to feed her sugar cravings. To my surprise, despite the line out of the door, we made it out of this teeny, tiny shop in less than five minutes! We got a small box of donuts, I believe eight of them, for less than $5. What a steal! All of the donuts were hot and delicious, especially the cruller! I was really pleased and am looking forward to checking out the "best" coffee they reportedly sell as well.
(5)Monica T.
So goood! The last time I went, the girl threw in an extra donut just because! This will forever be my favorite donut shop.
(5)Erin A.
Oh, Donut Drive-In. If I were a poet, I'd write sonnets about your apple fritters... We've driven by this place countless times, and when we moved to the Lindenwood Park neighborhood about a year ago, we knew we finally had to visit. The prices are incredibly reasonable, and even when there's a line out the door (which doesn't take much; the inside space is tiny!), they move customers through quickly. I generally don't love apple fritters, but something about Donut Drive-In's called to me. Sweet tap-dancing Moses. They're perfection: crispy fried exterior mostly draped in just the right amount of sweet glaze, a beautifully tender, fluffy, cinnamon interior studded with little bits of caramelized apple...they're worth every calorie, every carb, every fat gram. My husband is a fan of the chocolate-iced bavarian cream donuts, and I also love the buttermilk old-fashioned. Really, though, there isn't a bad donut to be had. The stock is rotated out so quickly, I don't know if there's ever a stale donut on the racks. The bags and boxes advertise the shop's coffee, which is inexpensive and surprisingly good. It may just be me, but when I ask for cream and sugar in my coffee, they always put just the right amount in--not too much, not too little. Make sure you take cash when you go; they don't accept any other form of payment. Not even sonnets about fritters.
(5)Brian M.
I have been by Donut Drive-In a number of times and I always am tempted to stop by because their donuts are just that good. First off their hours are amazing, so if you ever get a late evening/night craving for a donut they are at least 10:30 Wednesday-Saturday and even stay open till midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. The best part is that they are making donuts whenever you stop by, so you can always get a freshly made donut. There is something about getting a donut that was just dipped in chocolate icing, its amazing. The dough is light and airy while the icing is sweet but not too sweet or rich. Prices are fair, and you can often find people stopping by for a quick snack on the way home or even people stopping in after dinner for a sweet treat. If you are in the City this is a must do.
(4)Melissa L.
Looking for something to do, I remembered that Alton Brown had visited St. Louis on Feasting on Asphalt so I looked up and saw that he said these were the best donuts ever. Well, I have been disappointed more often than not by most of the places visited by 'celebrity' chefs but not this time. We were already on a sugar/carb overload so we got two things each and now we wish we had gotten more. This is another place that is worth the drive to get to! The glazed yeast donut was just heaven. The fact that they are making donuts fresh and as fast as they can is part of why they are so good but dang these were good!!! Apple fritter was also great - crunchy on the outside, warm, soft apple cinnamonny goodness on the inside.
(5)Jessica R.
We were going to Ted Drews and got side tracked by the donut sign. We stopped and got a few donuts and OMG we can't stop going... These donuts are absolutely delicious!!! We are never disappointed.
(5)Barbara l.
All I can say is OMG - the apple fritters are to die for. I am considering moving to St. Louis so I can have them everyday.
(5)L Q.
CASH ONLY!!! Only went once but it was cheap and tasty! Not a sit-down place. They still have their vintage sign up. Fun to see, especially when you drive by at night. Close to the famous Ted Drewe's.
(4)Nathan O.
The blueberry donut was perfect. Proof that all those trendy hip donut shops are forgetting one important thing- delicious warm donuts are what people want. Period.
(5)Ken K.
My friend found this place on Yelp, and it happened to be a stone's throw from Ted Drewes, so we just hopped over afterwards for some of these supposedly-fantastic donuts. We asked for the freshest donuts and she gave us the French cruller with vanilla glaze. I was hoping for a donut straight out of the fryer, but I could definitely tell the texture was different from most donuts I've had. It's been a while now since I visited, but if I remember correctly, it was dense but also a bit light and airy. Weird, huh? Anyhow, it was pretty good. Would I go out of my way to come here the next time I'm in town? Probably not, but I can see why people love this place.
(3)K S.
Good donuts. When we first walked in we were given a couple donut holes to try since we had never been by before, the glazed donuts were great and the chocolate ones were probably good too, but they aren't my thing so I gave them a pass. We had a glazed cinnamon twist, 2 berliner, cruller, and an apple fritter. Ate everything but the apple fritter. The cruller was too dense but the other 4 we tried were really good. Much better than krispy kreme, which is the only donut place where I currently live
(4)Marissa R.
fresh, fast, friendly!! you can see the sign as you drive down the street!
(4)Jenny S.
Growing up I lived right by Donut Drive-in. We'd go every week after church and my sister and I would fight over the sprinkle donuts or the blueberry iced donuts. Having moved back to St. Louis recently I forgot all about this place until one day my husband said "Wow, that place looks old" and I said "We'll go there some weekend" ---it took a few weeks but finally we were in the area so I got a dozen donuts for breakfast--HEAVEN! I went in and picked out the donuts and it was like my entire youth flooding back--they haven't changed a bit which is comforting and also it makes sense--if it ain't broke, don't fix it! My personal favorite is the french cruller with chocolate icing. Tastes just like I remember although the custard with powdered sugar is a close second. It was packed when I went inside but it took no time at all to get my box o' donuts. Donut drive-in, don't ever change!
(5)Kevin D.
These donuts are amazing. Best I've had in St. Louis so far. Go there now.
(5)Katherine B.
I go in all the time. I usually just point and start drooling. Anyway, the donut bites (chocolate and glazed) are delicious too. Something like a dozen for a little over a dollar. Don't forget to buy milk! The blueberry cake donuts, apple fritters and pecan roll thingies are great . Fluffy, soft, not any greasier than you would expect.
(4)Stephen H.
Not as great as World's Fair, but is drive-through, and is going to have a lot more in selection at any given time of the day. Cash only.
(4)Steven B.
I know 5 stars for a donut place is outrageous, but when I need a donut fix this is where I go. What's even more weird, I just like your basic donuts. My favorites are Chocolate Long John and the Traditional Glazed (circle donut with the hole in the center). I really like the the donut holes, the part they cut out to make the hole. I'm glad they make them into their own special treat.
(5)Paul S.
Alas, another visit to our once MOST favorite donut shop was again a disappointment. Apple fritters had only one or two small apple pieces in them. My chocolate iced donut tasted as if it was a day or two old but only recently frosted. It was the toughest yeast donut I can recall eating. I've had better donuts recently at QuikTrip.
(2)Tracey L.
We have relocated to Columbia, but whenever we come back into St. Louis Donut Drive-In is one of our first stops. Love it when we time it just right -glazed just iced and oh so gooey. The buttercream filled donut is beyond amazing and worth having to get up early. Never had a bad donut here. Some days might be better than others, but still, never disappointed. Drooling while anticipating our next trip into STL.
(5)Cheryl K.
Hands down, this is the best spot in all of St. Louis to get donuts!!! I must admit I have an extreme weakness for powdered sugar cake donuts. These are HEAVENLY! They have a slightly crisp bite just under the snowy covering of powered sugar, you'll find the inside to be light and airy. I try very hard to stay away and limit myself to a late Friday night visit every few months to pick up 1 or 2 at a time. If I'm being really crazy I'll get two extra for Saturday morning. Mind you this is very difficult because if I had my druthers I would get a dozen and gleefully enjoy them with an extra cold glass of milk. But, alas my calorie conscious mind keeps me in check. I am life long resident of St. Louis. I believe the first time I had donuts from Donut Drive-In was when I was around 5 or 6. I'm in my 40's now. Go... Enjoy... You won't Regret it!!
(5)Miklos H.
Bring cash... very reasonable prices, donuts are outstanding.
(4)Nathan W.
This place was great. The staff made fun jokes and great recommendations. I'm hungry for donuts just thinking about it!
(4)Jessica M.
Delicious donuts! Worth the trip! Bring cash!
(5)Allison B.
The bright, old-fashioned lighted sign, the aroma of sugar shock-inducing confections, the odd notion that a drive-in really is not a drive-in -- all of this lures me to Donut Drive-In each time I'm near St. Louis Hills. Seriously, I stop at First Community when I'm down that way, I finish up at the ATM and start to head out, I see that lovely little donut shack across the street, and my mind explodes, hoping that DDI will be open. See, they have weird hours. Sometimes my friends and I can buy donuts here at night, and sometimes we can't. I've tried to go by the posted hours, but I know we've been there outside of them. What gives? Who knows. But DDI has definitely given me some disappointment when I'm craving hot sweet cakes. Oh, but when they're open, they're ON! The front case typically is full of 25 or more different types of donuts, and the smell in there is SO HEAVENLY! The goods are cheap, too - you can get filled up with starch for less than $0.70 each. But the important point here is to bring cash. In fact, BRING CASH, IN ALL CAPS! They don't accept credit or debit, and there's no ATM on site. I had to learn this the hard way and go home empty handed once or twice. There's nowhere to sit inside the building - there's only room enough to admire the donut case and place your order - but you can take your donuts and tiny Milk Chugs to your car and hang out. There's nothing sweeter than a Boston creme, some 2% and Muse on the radio. If you happened to take the bus here, though, you probably shouldn't eat them unless you have enough for all the passengers and the driver.
(4)Shea C.
When it comes to donuts, I am the ultimate aficionado. I love donuts. I crave them. I dream about them. I am not kidding. The donuts I crave most come from Donut Drive-In in Saint Louis Hills. The blueberry cake are fantastic, but I often get there too late. I "settle" (and I use that word loosely) for the maple pecan or cinnamon twist. There is only one problem with Donut Drive-In. I live two blocks away, and I am so vulnerable to their little lovelies.
(5)Kelly R.
My 5 star review might be a little misleading because while it's the best donut place I've been to, I've probably only ever been to 3......ever. Donuts aren't really my thing and while I LOOOOOOVE sweets, and honestly love donuts, I find it hard to make them my breakfast. I'm a cereal/bagel kind of girl, so having this dessert cake as my morning meal just feels plain wrong. The only time I've ever gone out and purchased donuts was when we had family building us a deck and we would begin really early in the morning. Of course, we wanted to make sure everyone was full of sugary goodness to start a full days work...outside...in the heat....ok all of a sudden it sounds dumb we even bought donuts for them. In any case, they were a welcomed treat and nobody complained. In fact, I rather enjoyed having such a novelty around a few weekends out of the year. The cakes were always fresh and delicious and the price was right. Only a few buck for a dozen donuts. Beware, they only take cash! If we're ever entertaining or anyone requests donuts, I'll be sure to direct them to Donut Drive-in.
(5)Fred M.
WOW! Nothing like getting to a donut shop before 6:00 AM! This is the kind of donut shop I like. Fresh, lots of variety and friendly folks serving you. I believe the apple fritter is amongst best I've had. I'll also go for the buttermilk, again.
(5)Kathy H.
We were house hunting seven years ago when we went to an open house in St. Louis Hills. We were liking the house as we toured it, but there were still some issues - the bathrooms needed updating, the AC was old, the kitchen a little small. As we walked out to our car, we were met with the smell of heaven - sweet dough being unctiously deep fried. Suddenly, we knew - this was the house for us. Over the next seven years, we've come to love many things about the neighborhood, but the proximity to Donut Drive-In is still one of the tops. Their raised donuts - glazed, longjohns, jelly - are unmatched. I'm not as big a fan of cake donuts, but theirs are tasty. The crullers are a little greasy for my taste. We get Donut Drive-In's wares on a pretty regular basis. But sometimes, when we're watching our weight, we just kick back, sit on the patio and breathe in some of those yummy, yummy Donut Drive-in fumes!
(5)Andrew M.
In our modern culture of factory made pastries, soggy sugar inner tubes and glazed sugar puffs lacking all substance, here is the last refuge for donut purists. These are substantial, filling, dense donuts made by hand by a coven of devout donuteers. The kind of donuts where you can actually TASTE the quality and craftsmanship of the dough BENEATH an exquisite veneer of sugar frosting- or sometimes AROUND an exquisite dollop of cream. Don't be fooled. These are hardy donuts. They put the CAKE back in cake-donut. You probably can't eat more than 3 at a sitting (like some other, more ephemeral, glazed rings). They're not overly rich, they're just filling. They are awesome anytime, day or night, rain or shine. If memory serves, you can get two dozen for about $16 bucks and one dozen for about $8. They take orders in advance, but they only take cash. But hey, that's what they have to do to keep the wheels on the donut train in these tough, donut-hating times.
(5)Jonathan S.
Surly doesn't begin to describe the tenor/appearance/demeanor of the crusty old women who work here. But take that away and all you have left is incredible donuts at the best times of day (late at night or early in the morning). Instead, the trolls behind the counter add a kind of fairytale/fantasy stature---like all of the proprietors in Harry Potter's Daigon alley (or however it's spelt)--they give you tremendous treats if you can survive their spiteful gaze. Tip: Their cake donuts are incredible. Get a couple of chocolate cake doughs, a cheap, peaty but smooth Islay Scotch, eat, drink, repeat. Trust me, I'm a diabetic.
(5)Thomas A.
These are the best donuts i have ever tried. I woudln't call their donuts soggy. They are not soggy. They are moist and they melt in your mouth which is what i consider a key essential for a great donut. My friend went here to buy us some blueberry donuts, but they unfortunately ran out. Instead, i was able to try the glazed donut and the french cruller with a vanilla glaze. These donuts are the best of both worlds of a dunkin donut and a krispy kreme. It's as sweet as a krispy kreme (although not as sweet), and as the same size of a dunkin donut. Yes krispy kreme donuts are too small. These donuts are a perfect size with the right amount of sweetness. They are flaky, crispy on the outside, yet with the moistest inside that really does melt in your mouth. It's perfection at its best.
(5)Lynn S.
I can't believe I've lived here all these years and never been here. Today I went in and bought some of the most deli sh donuts I have had in St. Louis. The cake donuts with chocolate and sprinkles on top were scrumptious. Unbelievably moist and fresh and just perfect tasting. The powdered sugar and cinnamon were equally fabulous. Really good, fresh donuts.
(5)Michael F.
The Donut Drive-In won't win any healthy food awards, but would win for being one of those unique St. Louis City places. It's conveniently located in a small building (which hasn't been remodeled in years) by the weird fork in the road at Watson & Chippewa. There's only room for about 3 customers inside. Within the past few years, they rennovated their awesome neon sign! The Donut Drive-In is locally owned, donuts are reasonably priced, and some beverages are available. What more do you need in the morning?
(4)Jeff M.
So simple. You park, you hop in, order some delicious donuts for real cheap, devour and enjoy, and make your way. Delicious glazed and vanilla custard donuts. If I lived in St. Louis, I'd likely be here one a week. Or twice a day.
(4)Mike D.
My favorite donuts in the Lou. The long johns are my favorite. My friend swears by the blueberry cake. And the new sign is fabulous! Beware, they take cash only, but it is worth the run to the ATM or searching the couch for loose change.
(5)Brendan G.
The donuts are great, the prices are cheap, the staff is friendly. Plus the place has history and a great neon sign out front. What more could you want from your donut place?
(5)melinda a.
At times, the Donut Drive-In is cruel beyond words, with its delightfully sweet aroma wafting throughout the entire neighborhood at all hours of the evening. The fantastic smell I envision belonging my favorite Drive-In Donut, the caramel long john, provides stellar motivation to make the puppyface jog faster away from smell, faster so I burn more calories so maybe, just maybe I can have a donut in the morning!!
(4)Tracy B.
I LOVE DONUTS. This place is pretty good; best I've had in the Lou, but competition is slim. Small mom & pop shop that is literally always making donuts. The lady at the cash register could stand to take an "interacting with customers" class. It also makes me a bit nervous that she does not change her gloves between handling money and donuts the like, but my stomach is strong, so I worry not. The prices are good.
(2)Catherine C.
Wonderful donuts, not too sweet. Buttermilk donuts were delicious.
(4)John L.
We go here every time we visit St Louis.
(5)Joe B.
I'll never understand why everyone is always hot after Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme when you can have something as delicious as the glazed donuts from Donut Drive-In. The selection of donut types is wildly varied (glazed, cinnamon twists, long johns, krullers, all different kinds of cake donuts), and they're all equally delicious. The prices are cheap, cheap, cheap since you can get a dozen for about $8.00. The only thing you have to remember is that they take CASH ONLY. I'm constantly having to remember to carry cash just so I can get donuts from here.
(5)Julia W.
Stop #4 on the Donut Crawl and FINALLY, somebody had crullers! I had started to wonder if it was a Chicago thing, but I'm glad to see I don't have to cruise all the way home for a cruller fix. Although, if this is my only option, I might have to--soggy donut here, folks. It wasn't particularly hot or muggy the day we visited (it was actually chilly), so I'm not quite sure why my cruller was sort of mushy and damp, but I have to say I was let down. Once again, though, Justin was enamored by the cake donut, so perhaps I just did not choose wisely. I'd give Donut Drive In another shot to be fair... and maybe I'll take a cake donut down the street to Ted Drewes so they can whip up a donut concrete for me.
(3)Erika F.
These donuts are unbelieveable, especially the yeast donuts. Their long john with white icing are to die for. I will officially go no where else for donuts ever again.
(5)Colin F.
Best apple fritter in St. Louis. Probably the best yeast donuts in St. Louis. No fu fu donuts, just the classics. Can't get enough of this place!
(5)Amanda Z.
I enjoy any donut place that isn't Krispy Kreme. Now that I no longer have my beloved Dunkin Donuts on every corner, I have had to seek out the little mom and pop places again, which yes, is a good thing. (Even though I would still prefer my Dunks any day of the week). Come here for the cake donuts....that's what they do best. Everything else here is either just alright, or just not that great....seriously....just stick with the cake donuts. I think this place is kind of novel because of the drive in factor, but when it comes to donuts, they just aren't top notch in my book. Sure, they make all the classic flavors you could want in a donut, and yes, they make my favorite sprinkle donuts (yes, I am a six year old at heart, I have accepted this fact), but when I want a donut, and I want to drive 20 minutes for it, I will likely not drive here. Donut Stop in Lemay is far better, you don't have to stick with the cake donuts to insure fresh, delicious donuts, and the service is always impeccably fast. Save yourself this heinous left turn into the parking lot from Chippewa at that weird intersection and get your donuts elsewhere. Unless you live in the neighborhood, then I would have to say, this is certainly your best bet for donuts. Oh, and I would balk about the cash only thing, but find me a donut shop that isn't cash only that isn't Krispy Kreme...yea, that's what I thought.
(3)Gary T.
This is what a Donut shop should be. Incredible selection at a great value.
(5)lovesmyanimals l.
This place forget about calories and focus on yummy goodness. You only need about 50 cents to have a little taste of heaven. The donuts are made fresh and the service is quick. I love the glazed and the chocolate long johns. Oh they are soft and so delicious. This is a cash only established and on most nights open till midnight. So what are you doing still reading this and get on over to Donut Drive-In.
(5)Jay G.
Twitter Length: firmer than normal, not over-fried, not too sweet, very filling. better when warm, nice locals.
(4)Private M.
This is the way donuts should be! Fantastic variety. It is always busy. What I like about this place is the chocolate donuts actually taste like chocolate. It is step back in time also, it reminds me of the place my dad used to take me and put me up on his shoulders to pick the donuts. Definetely a cool place to grab a donut.
(4)Will F.
Yeeeees. Donut Drive-In serves the glazed donuts of my childhood. Big, chewy pillows of sweet fluffy love. Generally, I'm a glazed donut purist, so don't ask me about unpleasant things like long johns. I AM pretty familiar and intimate with Bismarcks, though. ---- EDIT: Since that initial visit to Donut Drive-in five (five!) days ago, I've returned three (three!) times. Addict. These donuts are always what comes to mind when I think about donuts. I wouldn't be surprised if this four-visits-for-every-five-days pattern continued for quite awhile. At least until graduation. I need a donut that can give me a hug this month.
(5)Brittany H.
OH MY GODDDD! is all I can say about their French donut with chocolate frosting. Melts in your mouth and will cause addiction and withdrawals if you do not feed the addiction! When I get married, this will be one of the featured desserts :)
(4)Allan C.
Alright so I was not a big fan of this place during the donut crawl (soggy cruller) but then some coworker screamed and pointed BLASPHEMY!!!!! and came in with 2 boxes of the stuff the next morning. I have to say, those cake donuts were much better than the soggy nastiness I had before. Each bite I took was like taking a bite into all the other donuts that have been fried in that vat of reused oil... awesome.
(3)Tricia R.
I see some reviews of some soggy crullers, so please note that my 5-stars are based on the GLAZED AND BLUEBERRY DONUTS...mmm. Growing up in the Northeast, Dunkin' Donuts was where it was at (eew to Krispy Kreme!). After moving to StL and discovering the only Dunkin' Donuts was out in West County or something, the bf introduced me to this place - he swore I wouldn't miss Dunkin' Donuts at all! He was pretty much spot on...the blueberry donuts are sooooooooo yumm - since these things seem to be one of the most popular, you're almost guaranteed a fresh batch whenever you walk in. The other fav is the glazed donut since I'm not big on chocolate or things with frosting, etc. On wkds, you can expect a little bit of a wait, but enjoy the smells of freshly baked goodness!!!
(5)Shakma M.
Wow!!! These donuts are amazing. They are the best donuts I've ever had in St. Louis. They are not only fresh but very tasty. This establishment is located on Chippewa. This is the only place I will ever buy donuts again in St. Louis.
(5)Micah G.
Best Donut of my entire life. And most of St Louis, a donut town, mind you, agrees with me.
(5)Erin C.
This place is cheap and good. The donuts are made fresh in view of the customers. Just a tiny place - no seating. I think it is cash only.
(5)A S.
It's simple: the donuts are fresh and delicious, and the people working there every time I've gone are really nice and polite younger guys (don't know about these older ladies other reviewers mention). Go here. If you're feeling bold, follow a trip to DDI by rolling out to nearby Ted Drewes. Just don't do it often, or you're gonna need to follow that trip by rolling out to buy a new pair of pants.
(5)Lisa C.
Love this tiny little shop on Chippewa. I am a big fan of cake donuts, and DDI has some good ones. I love that people run it, get their donuts, then sit in their cars in the parking lot, eating and watching the world go by. And they're open late!
(4)JB K.
Hands-down our favorite donut joint in South St. Louis.
(5)