Voted best donut in VA in 2024 on yelp. Initial impressions: crowd lined up early. Coffee: not good (that might be because I had to put a powdered creamer in it because I didn't know they had liquid creamer in the drink fridge) although honestly I only halfway believe that. Chocolate iced donut: ok. Had more of a baked/cake donut taste to it (vice a fried/glazed taste). You can even tell it's a different kind of donut in the picture. Not very sweet. Glazed donut: pretty good. Sweet. Service: good. But: no napkins in the bag (that's a negative). No seating. Carry out only. Solid 3.5/5 . Certainly not the best I've ever had. Best in VA? I mean, we still have Krispy Kreme so..... read more

Carol Lee Donuts - Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

Great donuts! Very regionally famous & a must try. Tried the glazed & cinnamon sugar yeast donuts - they were just cakey enough to have some substance to them, but also that melt in your mouth quality of a good donut. Staff was very friendly too! Would return next time I'm here. They're addicting! read more

This shop is not new and seems likely to continue on indefinitely. I passed through town on a football day, and thus was the only customer not decked out in the hideous burgundy regalia of Virginia's "other" university. I had time to peruse a selection of cake and yeast donuts and a few other items before settling on cookie-dusted yeast donut. It was delightfully fluffy, and I experienced no difficulty in paying for this small purchase by card and walked out without a lot of wasted packaging. I asked no more of them than this one donut, but the variety and quality would support much greater demands. read more

Carol Lee Donuts - Cookies and cream donut - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

Are you an early bird and you love that fresh donut in the morning? They open at 6:30am EVERYDAY! Customer service was top notch... even at 6:30am We have heard nothing but good things about this place so I decided to try it out. Did it fill the hype? It sure did and surely bypassed it by far! I ordered a variety of random donuts which were all DELICIOUS but the ones that stood out were the white coconut, glazed and the FRESH Apple filled. By far the best in the business compared to all the famous competitors. read more

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Easy the best traditional donuts I've had in a long time. Great spot and love the nostalgic vibe. It's simple. The staff was wicked nice as well! read more

Carol Lee Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

Carol Lee donuts is an institution and rightly so. The donuts are perfect and they have both cake and (my preference) yeast donuts. I love the grab bags on the counter in the morning. They are usually a random assortment of cake donuts, or at least the ones I've gotten. Get there early, they're ready when they open so your selection is optimal. Service is always fast and friendly. You HAVE to go! read more

It's been a while since I've been there but others have brought me doughnuts and they are still as amazing as I remember! Cannot believe it's been so long. The service is always great and even though it's small when you walk in and smell the fresh doughnuts the atmosphere is perfect! read more

If you've had their donuts, then you know that it lives up to the hype. Its ranking of best donuts in Virginia is very deserved, and this is one of the few outstanding spots in Blacksburg. read more

A high level of intrigue based upon virtually perfect Google and Yelp reviews led me to Carol Lee Donuts. It's located in a small former gas station a few minutes off the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. A regular flow of customers in the morning were evidence of a loyal following among locals. A half dozen donuts came out to $7.50. We went with a toasted coconut, Bavarian cream, maple frosted, and a couple chocolate glazed donuts. Both the toasted coconut and chocolate glazed (3.5/5) were a bit too sweet for my tastes. I would have liked more of a crunch for both, and the toasted coconut was on a glazed donut, which I think worked against the flavor (some may like the super sweet glazed taste overpowering the coconut). My travel companion that had the maple frosted and Bavarian cream (5/5) really loved those varieties. Service was quick and friendly. While I wouldn't drive out of my way to try Carol Lee Donuts again and I feel some of the other reviews I read mentioning that they're the best donuts on the East Coast are exaggerated, it's definitely a place I'd recommend over Dunkin' for those in the Virginia Tech/Blacksburg area. read more

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Discovered this place last year while in the area. Was back in Radford and made a point to stop by on the way home to Northern VA. The donuts are so good. The texture is similar to our favorite donut place in NYC...now that's high praise. It's a yeast donut so has a nice fluffy texture, but also enough heft to it so it doesn't feel like you're biting into a bunch of air. They have a lot of variety...the standard flavors you'd expect at a donut shop. The appearance of the shop is nothing fancy. It's a walk-in, and you order at the counter. No seating. But at a no frills place like this, you know they are focusing on what's important: the taste of the donuts/food. The young man at the register was very friendly and courteous. We purchased a dozen to take home. They are all so tasty. I ate the cinnamon sugar, toasted coconut, and the apple filled donut. They were pillowy soft and had just the right amount of sweetness. Even the apple filled donut wasn't saccharin too sweet for a filled donut. The donuts stayed soft the next day as well. They've really got the donut thing down! I'm sure we will stop by whenever in the vicinity. read more

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They are all they're cracked up to be. Sweet, but not overly, tasty and delicious, yes, both. Can't wait to bring them to a gathering.

I wouldn't exactly call myself a donut expert, but they know how to make a donut. The later you come, the less in terms of options you're gonna have, so come early if you want more options. All I had was a glazed donut and it was delicious. Definitely a must try for anyone in the area. read more

Throughout my four years at Virginia Tech, I tried Carol Lee Donuts at so many residence hall events, club meetings on campus, and in classes where my professors felt extra generous. My favorite flavors from them are the blueberry, strawberry icing, as well as the double chocolate ones. Although Dunkin Donuts is right on campus, nothing compares to the fresh baked goodness from Carol Lee's. Please try this place when you get the chance! read more

Carol Lee Donuts - Double Chocolate - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

my complaint is not about the donuts. There was a very rude gentleman working there today, September 19, 2025 he made several rude comments to the lady in front of me in the line and would not answer any of her questions and several times he was extremely disrespectful I will not be returning, and I'm sure that lady will not either. I cannot believe she handled it as well as she did I on the other hand would not have. read more

Excellent taste, big selection and no bad choices! Service was prompt and efficient. A basic bakery, not a place to linger over coffee. read more

THIS.IS.THE.BEST. I thought I had found the best donuts in our area but driving to Blacksburg, I discovered one of the best donuts on the east coast. This small stand alone shop is just down the street from the university across from some apartments. Their Social distancing setup was perfect. They had lots of staff taking orders. It was a smooth pickup process. The donuts..... they were excellent yeast and cake options. The yeast were light yet they had substance. I loved the soft and fresh tasting bites of these addicting cakes! read more

Carol Lee Donuts - DELICIOUS - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

This local donut shop is fantastic. The service is friendly and fast, and their donuts are the best in town.

I drive 4hrs to Blacksburg just for these donuts! Side bonus is visiting my Hokie. Staff is nice! Get there early for the best selection. Yummm! read more

We were in Blacksburg for a family wedding, so of course we had to try the local fare. Donuts run in our blood. I cannot tell you how delicious these donuts were. Made spending $40 on donuts absolutely worthwhile! We tried every single flavor and they were all outstanding. Light, fluffy, fillings on pointe! Smooth jelly in the jelly donut - lemon, apple(like apple pie and not smooth but damn good), and two kinds of raspberry - black and red. Seriously you can't go wrong with either. Boston cream, yum! I'm mean I can go on and on. Don't just take it from me head over early Saturday morning and get yourself some donuts, then come back and thank me read more

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I have been craving Carol Lee's for so long, so I was super excited to visit again when I was in Blacksburg. It is hands down the best donut place that I've ever been to, and this time did not disappoint. My favorite flavors are the classic glazed, the toasted coconut, and the blueberry cake donut. Before your next trip, a few things to note is that the store closes for the day when they sell out, so it's best to go sometime in the morning. When I went to the store at 9 am, it was relatively busy and I ended up parking across the street. Also, the inside of the store is all a bit small with no indoor seating. read more

Carol Lee Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Blacksburg, Virginia

100% agree. My only complaint is when they run out of toasted coconut. Guess I should get up earlier. Ha! Ha!

The donuts were pretty good. The place was a little small and a little dirty, but the lady was nice.

Fantastic! It's a little bit out of downtown Blacksburg on North Main Street but well worth it. We got a dozen for three of us and we devoured them. There is something about the dough that was distinctive compared to a Krispy Kreme but the icing/fillings really stand out. My three favorites were the toasted coconut, the black raspberry filled, and the bavarian custard filled. Parking was a little tight on a Saturday morning but they move through folks quickly. read more

What a great donut shop! We got a sampler box of everything and all donuts were delicious!!!

Called in an order to pick up. Students were gone, town was a ghost town. My husband pulled in to their completely empty parking lot. Apparently where he stopped there was a no parking sign? We did not see it. I have a chronic Illness that makes walking painful, but I wanted to go in to get our order. He stopped where I would have the shortest walk. When I got inside, the tall male behind the counter did not greet me, but angrily said "you can't park there". I replied that my husband was in the car, wasn't parked, just stopped for me to pick up our order. He continues yelling at me, berating me for "parking" where there was a no parking sign. There was zero traffic on the road, and zero cars in the lot. I repeated that I just wanted to grab my call in order and he continued being very nasty to me. After several minutes of being berated, I said "you know what, you can keep your donuts, and we won't be back!" He responded very angrily "F#€k You B!tch, you can't f#€king park there"!!! Seriously, if you knew what it took for me to physically get out of bed each morning. My husband was trying to cheer me up with a drive, and I wanted a donut... but your lack of kindness and the fact that you chose to belittle me for where my husband stopped in your empty parking lot. Ridiculous! This happened in 2022, we have not been back and will never spend another dime with this business. I think the foul mouthed employee may have been family of the owner? When I tried to call and talk to the owner, on 3 separate occasions, a male answered and when I asked for the owner he hung up on me! Maybe in the future try kindness? You never know what someone may be facing read more

WOW!!! What a treat to find a family owned donut shop turning out airy yeast donuts topped or filled with a variety of flavors that rival those made anywhere in the country (and I can make that assertion as someone who has had donuts from coast to coast). read more

Not the worst not the best. Just ok wouldn't go Again. Donut kinda dry. Not enough frosting or glaze on them read more

Hands down best donuts ever! The hype is definitely worth it! Staff is extremely nice and courteous. If you are in the area I highly recommend having these light fluffy and FRESH donuts! read more

Best. Donuts. Ev-ah. Nuff said But apparently I need to leave 54 more "characters"... hmmm, let's see... read more

This shop brings back some of my favorite memories from my years as as a student attending VA Tech in the 80's. The location was different then but the quality and charm has not changed a bit. Fresh made donuts made each morning and sometime served still warm are some of the best I've ever had! The blueberry donut is iconic and my husband and I both remember having these warm, rolling off the conveyer belt after a night of bar hopping in downtown Blacksburg. I also love the pumpkin donut you can get it the fall. Remember, during football season and especially during home football games to call ahead and place your order. Honestly, if you come to Blacksburg for any occasion make a point to stop by Carol Lee Donuts... you won't be disappointed. read more

Best Donuts in Virginia. Nothing compares to Carol Lee, or comes anywhere near to being as good

The best donuts in Blacksburg and maybe the best I have had . There isn't more to say about this place. They also have many flavors, and the donuts are a great price. My favorite donuts are... well all of them. But if I have to choose, the blueberry cake, vanilla sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, classic glazed, cinnamon sugar, and toasted coconut. You can not go wrong with going here, and you will not be disappointed. The texture is spot-on and very pillowy. I am typically a Krispy Kreme lover, but Carol Lee might just be better! read more

Here's something you need to know about my colony of taste buds... they like things simple. I am not into fancy gourmet ice creams, coffees, and pastries... especially donuts. I am most happy with a well-made simple glazed donut, especially if it is strawberry glazed. So my love for Carol Lee Donuts was merely destiny. Carol Lee Donuts opened in 1968 and has been family owned for three generations. That is the sort of history that makes places like this such a wonderful find. While popular to the locals, this was our first visit ever to Blacksburg and thus, our first time learning about this iconic community staple. The building is small, so Covid19 restrictions limit how many people can be inside at one time. The display is easy to see and the crew is shielded from customers with a large plexiglass separator. Service was friendly and quick! Highly recommend if you happen to be in the Virginia Tech Campus area and are in need of a little round bundle of fried dough joy. 2020 / 45 read more

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Oh Carol Lee - it's been too long. 6 years in fact! So when the hubby made a trip down to Blacksburg, I immediately begged him to bring home a box. To be honest, I was worried my matured taste buds would have realized I overhyped these donuts in my college days. But I kid you not, the first bite of the OG glazed donut had my eyes rolling to the back of my head. These definitely beat fresh Krispy Kremes. They're SO airy & pillowy, even after a 5 hour drive. I love the classics - glazed, cinnamon sugar, & Bavarian creme but they're all so good. Can't wait til my next Blacksburg trip so I can grab more! read more

The workers were patient and helpful. These are some of the best donuts I have ever had. Had the glazed and the cinnamon roll. 10/10 wish I had gotten more. Small shop but they've got plenty of donuts all the time. read more

They need a location in Christiansburg. These are great donuts. Hard to beat their recipe.

$1.75 coffee? In this economy? Count me in! Super nice workers also, impeccable vibe .

The first, the best! Most light, flavorful donuts! Better than all other National brands. Incredibly delicious. read more

We went to VTech for a campus tour and I could have gone to Dunkin like everyone else but I always like to buy local when possible so I took a chance. The donuts and cinnamon bun were delicious, both approved by myself, my daughter who is very picky and her friend. My daughter who normally doesn't eat breakfast early happened to eat both of hers right away to my surprise. Now the young girl at the counter could have been a little friendlier but knowing how my daughter is at about the same age I don't expect much. If my daughter ends up at VT then I'm sure this place will become a staple in her diet and mine when I visit. read more

Best donuts I've ever eaten anywhere. Maple Iced and devil's food glazed are my favorites.