Bright Spot Donuts lives up to the name! This place is an absolute win every time. The donuts are excellent across the board, but the original glazed is the star for me. It instantly reminded me of the famous Britt's Donuts in Carolina Beach, light, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and dangerously easy to eat more than one. That comparison alone should tell you how good they are. The best perk/deal is their Rainy Day Dozen. If it's raining, you can grab 50% off an original glazed dozen, which somehow makes a gloomy day feel like a celebration. It's a great deal and a very on-brand and community-focused. Everything feels fresh, well-made, and genuinely cared for. Whether you're stopping in for a single donut or taking advantage of the rainy-day deal, Bright Spot consistently delivers. A must-stop donut shop in Raleigh especially if you're a classic glazed fan. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Original Glazed dozen - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I believe I have ate the best bagel in my life a sourdough everything bagel (it has everything seasoning on top and bottom toasted with dill lemon cream cheese!! This is a must place to try !! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Everything bagel with dill lemon cream cheese - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Went for the donuts. Going back for the croissant breakfast sandwich. That thing was amaz-balls! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Iced americano and breakfast croissant - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stopped by bright spot for a latte almost every day during the workweek. By far my favorite coffee in the city. The team is so sweet and intentional with their drinks. The matcha is hand whisked and delicious. Their specialty drinks are always amazing. My #1 rec for any coffee and sweet treat lover. read more

My husband and I came here for Valentine's day and it we really enjoyed everything we got! It's located in downtown raleigh and there was street parking and a parking lot. The inside was pretty small and didn't have any seating inside. But they had lots of seating outside! My favorite item was the croissant sandwich. It was perfectly toasted and tasted amazing! It was probably one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches i've ever had! I also enjoyed the raspberry donut we got and the matcha as well. I'll definitely be back! read more

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One of my new go-to spots! It's in the cutest neighborhood and very family/kid friendly outside. Check out their insta for details on the specials and go early, because the specials sell out. Really nice service -- I've even been given free donuts at the end of the day. read more

I am so very picky when it comes to doughnuts. I've tried several places but this on really appealed to me with how they looked when frying and the drippy glaze! I found them via instagram and decided to finally make the trip and let me say it was well worth the trip!! I'm kinda thankful they aren't really close to me because I'd have a hard time staying away! Picked up one of their sourwood honey latte glazed and it was absolute yeasty soft deliciousness coated in the right amount of sweet. I grabbed a regular coffee and it was perfect with my doughnut. These reminded me of my mom's homemade yeast doughnuts. While it was busy, service was fast. The store is on a corner and it's very well lit, the atmosphere is bright and clean, fits the name of the store perfectly. If I could give them 10 stars I would. So far, the best in my Raleigh experience! read more

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Great service, beautiful shop, kind of dry donuts though? They were very traditional and I'm sure they were made with good ingredients, it just isn't what we're used to. We tried the maple crueller, the regular glazed, one I can't remember, and then the chocolate sprinkle donut. Again, the bread part of the donut was just flaky and dry. Not melt in your mouth kind of sweet. read more

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I came by five minutes until close on a Saturday. They still had a few flavors left. I ended up choosing classic glazed and a monthly special, strawberry glaze. AMAZING DONUTS. Fluffy, melt in your mouth delicious. Staff is also very nice. I'll definitely return read more

My favorite quick breakfast place in Raleigh! The donuts are so good and I love the seasonal selections. Croissant sandwich is a standout - definitely try! Iced strawberry vanilla late is so good. This place does get crowded so get there early- typically there is a line to order. No real seating inside, just a counter to order at. Limited outside seating. read more

Delicious donut spot in Raleigh! They have a handful of donut flavors we got the cruller and strawberry frosted donut. They both were delicious! The only complaint I had was that the strawberry frosting came off on the paper when they put the donut in the bag. There is outdoor tables to enjoy your donuts and right by a cute neighborhood and rail road tracks! The salted honey lavender latte was on special today and IT WAS DELICIOUS! Might be my favorite latte I've had in Raleigh! read more

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This donut spot is a great hidden gem. It is not too far from downtown, and their donuts are delicious. They are soft and they have a variety of flavors to choose from. The sourwood honey is a must-try if you visit this donut shop. The service was very quick and the staff were friendly! It is smaller inside, but has plenty of picnic table seating around the building. If you're looking for some great, tasty donuts to get, definitely try Bright Spot donuts. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Maple Glaze Cruller, Chocolate Glazed, Sugar and Spiced, Sourwood Honey, and OG Glaze - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Sooo why is there an outdoor security camera pointed at the bathroom's window? I'm sure it was a mistake, but yikes.

good donuts! plenty of free parking. no inside seating, but about 7 tables outside to sit at. They only have a handful of donut flavors, maybe 6? I got the chocolate glaze ($2.50) and it was delicious. Light and fluffy. read more

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Bright Spot is a doughnut shop run by the Boulted Bread people, so I figured it was going to be good. I prefer cake doughnuts over yeast as a rule, but this spot makes a strong case for them. I tried: + Cranberry curd (seasonal special) + Apple cider glazed + Sugar and spice + OG glaze The cranberry curd and sugar and spice were my favorites. Loved the cranberry filling in particular. Overall would recommend! 4.5 stars. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Cranberry curd - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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The donuts were awesome, The staff was very pleasant and friendly. There is parking in the area so that made the visit much easier.

Customer service shouldn't cost extra! I visit this shop 3-4 times a week and I get the same thing every time. Today when asked to have my doughnut warmed I was met with eye rolling and a deep breath of annoyance. I explained I get it all the time and I told her how to do it. She rolled her eyes and walked away! I'm so upset and my latte was nasty!! This is unacceptable it's one thing to say no but eye roll and ignore is distasteful. I want my 10 bucks back! Dry ass doughnut read more

I ordered these donuts and brought them home. I couldn't have been more pleased. I'm not normally a yeast donut fan, preferring the cake type. These, however, may have made me a yeast donut fan. They were so pillowy soft, but the exterior also added a little bit of a crispiness them. The donuts were just absolutely perfectly prepared. I really enjoyed the various toppings and fillings of the donuts as well. For the moment, I think this may be my go to donut spot when people are looking for a recommendation. Try it out! ASAP! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Taken at home, my assortment of donuts that were ordered to go. - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Bright Spot Donuts seems to be getting pretty popular, so I went on Saturday to see what the fuss was about. My thoughts are as follows: - I like yeast donuts with less glaze, so the regular "glazed donut" was good as there is minimal glaze, but it was still uber-sweet. Most people will love it. - The sugar+spice donut (cinnamon/sugar) was good, and super light. I really like cake donuts more for cinnamon/sugar donuts, but this was good and so so soooo light. - They make an absolutely delicious cruller, but it is NOT a Bakers Dozen cruller. It is also absurdly light, and really tasted more like fried dough from the fair. This is not a complaint, it was by far the best donut of the bunch and the main reason I'd go back. - The croissant breakfast sandwich was surprisingly good. I think I'd still go for a benchwarmers bagel egg sandwich or union special egg sandwich, but this was very tasty and if I was already going there for a donut I'd definitely add a breakfast sandwich with no regret. - If you want to try it out, order online and pickup. There was a line of 30+ people waiting outside and I just strolled up, walked in, grabbed food, and f@*#%d off. You could feel the envy and dismay of the line... read more

1st and last visit. Maybe they are usually better but today was not that day. They were busy and I expected await not a problem. Was told expect 15 minutes ended up being 40. When I finally get called to collect my order of donuts, breakfast sandwich's and a latte. Was told just finishing up the latte. Issue 1 No sandwiches so they remake Issue 2 Remade sandwich was wrong order taker put it in wrong order remade again Issue 3 Hot latte was barely warm - was given to me just before I left. read more

These just may be the best donuts in Raleigh! They have dialed in the dough, they are sweet but not overly so, and the options are just right. Coffee and service were on par with the donuts. Loved the outdoor seating options and neighborhood feel. Great staff too (almost overlooked that because of the donuts and coffee). Can't wait to bring family here. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Sourwood Honey donut and a mocha! - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I can't speak to the donuts, I decided to leave after entering. One because one it was crawling with sugar ants everywhere (I get it, lots of yummy sugar crumbs). But second and ultimately why was the fresh baked donut tray was RIGHT NEXT TO THE BATHROOM!!! Grosssss! Literally inches from the door! At least cover the tray side with plastic. Lost my appetite... read more

I'd been wanting to try bright spot for some time now but never got around to going and then one morning I made it a priority to venture over and try their donuts. It's located in the five point area in what I'd consider a more residential area. When I arrived I was a bit confused on where I could park but opted to grab a spot right in front of the location. I went early, like right at opening because I didn't want to miss getting a donut as they do sell out. They had a nice assortment of donuts some filled as well as tarts. It was a pretty quaint and intimate place. Modern but not really any seating. I opted for a glazed donut and it was so delicious and warm. It was soft but had just enough chew and was light and just the perfect amount of sweetness. There was a bit of seating outside but i felt like this was more of a grab your treats to go kind of location. Overall, they offer some delicious donuts and I can see why they sell out! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Cute little donut shop in Raleigh - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Great donuts, Jumbala coffee, and bench warmer bagels in a cool location! Especially if you like trains!

Some of the best donuts in RTP I've had so far. The Boston cream donut one might top the best of this kind, I've ever had. It has a fried, light airy texture on the outside and the ganache is rich and has a depth of chocolate flavor without being overly cloying, unlike most Boston creams. The donut nearly falls apart, for better or worse, because of it's wonderfully bouncy and cloud-like feeling. The custard inside is eggy and almost chantilly tasting, in a wonderful way. This particular donut of theirs also highlights what I think is the strength of Bright Spot Donuts so far as I've observed, which is the light, pillowy brioche style of donut. I also tried the OG glazed (vanilla buttermilk glaze) and sugar + spice (yeasted donut with a coriander-inflected dusting of sugar). The buttermilk is quite good as well - it's an upgrade on your classic glazed donut, and what was notable is how the vanilla notes really come through and a smoothness in flavor possibly from the buttermilk. I liked the sugar + spice too. The coriander is subtle and well-balanced, although the dough is not as flavorful or standout as the Boston cream. In fact, some of the "airness" of the donut was so intense that there were large air pockets that made the donut collapse as I bit into it. Because of that, eating it was less satisfying, and it wasn't helped by the high price and small size. Overall, my favorite was their Boston cream filled donut. I think the extra fermented, airy style is amazing and I'm glad to have a place like Bright Spot in the area. But this method did not work with the smaller size of the other two yeasted donut rings I had. My recommendation would be to increase the size and height of these donuts, so they do not fall flat as you eat them. read more

This place is so delicious!! Now while the donuts are tasty, for me the galettes are where it's at. Those things are like little flavorful masterpieces. The galette madam is my favorite, but their seasonal heirloom tomato galette is spot on as well (more for lunch than breakfast). The croquettes are also super tasty. I love how unique their breakfast offerings are! On to the donuts. My only thing is the way they pack them. I got a filled donut and one of their honey ones and by the time I got home the honey one waa flatter than a pancake. It was completely smashed by the filled donut. I still ate it, and it still tasted good. My son loves the chocolate frosted donuts, those things are a hot mess though. So much chocolate! I appreciate that they leave wipes out at the water station so you can wipe your children down. Oh and don't sleep on the iced mocha! They use the same chocolate glaze that they use on their donuts. It's super delicious! Parking is easy on the street or in their lot. They have a few tables that you can grab. And bonus, if you have a child obsessed with trains, you can scope out the trains on the tracks while you are there! read more

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Renewed my love for yeast donuts! Light, airy donuts that aren't soaking in oil. I got a Sugar + Spice (pictured), Sourwood Honey and a black coffee. All of it was delicious. I actually liked the sourwood more than expected, it's basically a glazed donut with a hint of citrus! The coffee was also good (love black & white coffee)! The staff was pleasant, and there's plenty of outdoor seating (inside is a bit smaller). This will now be a staple to bring Raleigh visitors to! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Sugar + spice - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Original glazed and sugar and spice donuts were 11/10... maybe the best versions of both of those donuts that I've ever had. The filled donuts (at $4 a piece) were not good. I got the blackberry jelly filled and the Boston cream. Both donuts had very little filling. Like I broke apart both in search of the filling. Blackberry jelly was a bit too thick and tart and the donut itself was soaked in oil. I could only take two bites-- far too oily. My fingers were covered in oil too. Boston cream filling was delightful but the donut needed a lot more filling than it had and the chocolate icing top got all over the paper they wrapped it in. If your top isn't going to set before you package it up, you can't wrap it in paper. This donut was also far too oily. Again, their basic yeast donuts ARE TO DIE FOR. Stay away from the filled. read more

Bright Spot Donuts is now, open! Brought to you by the folks from Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee and Benchwarmers, they are putting out some artisanal-type donuts, all hand-made! Choose from 5 different types along with some coffees, Bright Spot will be adding savory galettes in the near future. These donuts are quite good and have some chew versus light and airy Krispy Kremes. Bright Spot is currently in soft open mode with limited hours in this quirky Five Points neighborhood. Worth the trip if you're in the area... read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

A very soft and gentle doughnut. Some honey kisses and blackberry love. Light soft pillowy dough makes these little guys unique. A different and simply elegant take on the classic old school orbs of deep fried happiness. You cannot compare to Idle Hour / Tepuy. IH/T got that Elton John, Prince, Harry Styles thing goin' on. And here it's more of an Anderson Paak, Brittany Howard, Mac Miller taste affair. A little swag and a lot of that slow roll familiar comfort rolled into one. If a donut was music I'm down for the repeat and the encore anytime. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Cinnamon kissed - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I got donuts for my coworkers and immediately became a hero haha every loves them and they were all asking where I got them! This is a great spot if you want some good quality donuts, I would highly recommend and I am a bit of a donut snob. read more

The food was great and team behind the counter very friendly. Great place to sit outside and enjoy. I'll be back for certain.

I'm a donut fan, and the reason I'm giving these a 4 is cause of the Sourwood honey. That glaze was so good! It was well made. The OG glazed was good, but the glaze was crumbly, so it wasn't as pleasant but the taste was on point. The actual donut was fluffy and had a nice snap but it was a tad chewy. Wait as I typed that I remembered the Strawberry cream filled with a Sauternes wine glaze.... this was delicious! The cream wasn't too thick or sweet. The flavor was fresh well thought out. read more

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These donuts are like laying your head on a pillow after a long day. Light, approachable, and delicious. read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Personally didn't love it but willing to try again! I heard so many great things about Bright Spot and it's in one of my favorite areas (and owned by people who have another really outstanding business) so I stopped in last fall for some quick bites. Staff wasn't super friendly but nice enough. I got 2 original donuts and the ham croquettes with hot honey. The donuts were lackluster in taste and pretty dry and the croquettes weren't for my taste at all. Hoping I just didn't visit on the right day or should've gotten the donuts warmed or maybe another flavor. I love having a local donut shop so I'm looking forward to going back! read more

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Best donuts ever!! Finally had a chance to stop by and the donuts did not disappoint. I very much prefer yeast like donuts so these donuts were just what I was looking for. They are light, airy, and buttery. I opted for the popular Sugar and Spice and it was literally perfection!! Surprisingly it wasn't too messy as the cinnamon sugar mix was well portioned on the donut. There are also other menu items worth checking out as well. Parking is relatively easy however the lot is small. There's not any indoor seating however there's plenty of outdoor seating. I'm so looking forward to visiting again soon and trying other donuts flavors! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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We tried Bright Spot on a whim this morning. It's located in an industrial area adjacent to a neighborhood but there was plenty of nearby parking. There is no seating inside but plenty of seating on an adjacent deck and patio, some of which are covered tables. I had the apple filled donut and the sugar and spice donut. The sugar and spice was my favorite, the cardamom instead of cinnamon added such an interesting twist. The donuts themselves were light and airy and very yummy. I'd highly recommend this place for any sweet tooth urges! read more

Bright Spot Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I'm going to do my best to keep it short... but no promises. Bright Spot Donuts, where do I even start!! I love this place. I love these people. This donut shop has the best donuts in Raleigh. Every flavor I've tried has been so tasty, but especially the banana pudding one. You can't go wrong with any of them, they're all so good. Go give them some business, tell your friends and family about them. They're all kind, awesome people and make the best freaking donuts!!! read more

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Absolutely obsessed with the croissant breakfast sandwich. Donuts are also surprisingly really fluffy. Quick service and cute little outdoor tables - Bright Spot is perfect for a quick bite. read more

BLUF: Watch out Tepuys, Bright Spot has stolen our hearts! Lighter than air!! Chewy, perfect balance of salt and sweet. These are doughnuts where one can eat six or ten with little guilt. The glazed doughnuts are very reminiscent of those Chinese crullers (油條) one can find in dim sum places. You know the golden, fried, long "doughnuts"? Bright Spot's unfilled doughnut dough is that. A thin crisp layer then the oh so airy, chewy interior. Their seasonal filled (strawberry creme) is more of a brioche dough. Shorter in texture, indicating more fat (butter) in the dough. In spite of that, still light, not cloying, and easily eat four or more. We got four to start and immediately went back in to buy four more! That has to be a pretty good sign. read more

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