Editors’ Choice
Changing Tides, Newburyport
Best friends Dawn Pantano and Sharon Pozzi-Thomas have always been passionate about coffee and donuts—and it shows in the care that goes into each of their handcut circular treats. The pastries are made fresh daily—we love going classic with a glazed cake donut, but if you really want to treat yourself, grab the Boston Cream. The chocolate frosting on top is deep and dark—a perfect balance to the vanilla pudding inside. This shop also takes its coffee and tea very seriously—find famed Acton coffee roaster George Howell on offer as well as Rishi teas served in a lovely set. If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio out back. 92 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-572-1284, changingtidescafe.com
Readers’ Choice
Kane’s Donuts, Saugus
With two locations in Saugus and a third in Boston to satisfy those cravings for a big fried circle of sweet goodness, Kane’s has been a go-to on the North Shore for nearly 70 years. They offer fun seasonal flavors, some collabs (like the Dune-nut, a serpentine brioche pastry honoring the release of the motion picture last year) as well as a slate of gluten-free options. 120 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, 781-233-8499, kanesdonuts.com