Back Door Donuts

For those who live on or visit Martha's Vineyard, Back Door Donuts is far more than just a bakery; it's a cherished institution and a quintessential island experience. The name itself hints at the unique charm of this Oak Bluffs staple, which operates out of the "back door of the business, inside of the parking lot," as one customer perfectly described. This "nothing fancy" approach, coupled with a "cool vibe and a novel idea," is precisely what has made it a local legend. The bakery caters to a specific, delightful need: the late-night craving for a freshly made donut. While some popular flavors might sell out, the sheer variety and quality of what remains, like the "infamous apple fritter," keep people coming back. While reviews on specific flavors like the honey dipped donut can be mixed, with some finding it "nothing special," the overall consensus is positive, with many planning to return to try other items. The experience of walking up to the back door, often in the late hours of the night, is an integral part of the fun. It's a place where the simple act of getting a donut becomes a memorable part of a summer night on the Cape. For Massachusetts locals, Back Door Donuts is a taste of an authentic island tradition, a place that is unapologetically itself and beloved for it.

The location and accessibility of Back Door Donuts are integral to its iconic status on Martha's Vineyard. Situated at 5 Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA, the bakery is in a central part of town. The "back door" is located in the parking lot off Kennebec Ave. This unconventional setup, with a front bakery that is open during the day and the famous back-door service that operates from 7 PM to 12 AM, provides a dual layer of accessibility. The front bakery offers standard daytime hours for those who want to grab a treat with their morning coffee, while the back door caters to the late-night crowd. This dual schedule ensures that Back Door Donuts is available to a wide range of customers throughout the day and into the night. While parking can be a challenge in the busy summer months, the walkability of Oak Bluffs means that many people walk to the spot after dinner or a night out. The late-night hours are a major highlight, making it a "must-stop for late-night sweets cravings." The accessibility is further enhanced by their online ordering system for front bakery pickups. This combination of a convenient physical location, unique operating hours, and modern ordering options makes Back Door Donuts highly accessible and a central part of the Oak Bluffs experience for both locals and tourists.

Back Door Donuts offers a diverse and delicious menu of services and products, catering to a wide range of tastes with a focus on fresh, high-quality baked goods.

• Donuts and Fritters: The core of their business is a variety of fresh donuts. Flavors include classic options like Honey Dipped, Chocolate Frosted, and Buttermilk Glazed, as well as unique flavors like Apple Cider, Maple Bacon, and the infamous Apple Fritter. The apple fritter, in particular, is a fan favorite, known for its size and flavor, even if the texture can be a bit heavy at times. They also offer cinnamon rolls and party donuts.

• Bakery Items: The bakery offers a selection of other baked goods beyond donuts. This includes muffins in flavors like Blueberry and Cranberry, a variety of cookies such as Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal, and different danishes and croissants.

• Coffee and Beverages: To complement their baked goods, Back Door Donuts serves a range of coffee, juices, milk, and other beverages. This ensures that customers can get a complete breakfast or snack experience.

• Front and Back Door Service: The unique operating model is a service in itself. Customers can visit the front bakery during the day for a traditional bakery experience, or they can line up at the famous back door from 7 PM to midnight for a late-night treat.

• Online Ordering: For maximum convenience, Back Door Donuts provides an online ordering system for pickup at the front bakery. This allows customers to place their order ahead of time, ensuring a quick and easy pickup.

• Catering and Events: They also offer catering services, making them a great option for events, parties, or special occasions on the island. This allows locals to share the Back Door Donuts experience with a larger group.

This wide array of offerings ensures that Back Door Donuts is a versatile and beloved establishment that meets the needs of a diverse customer base.

Several key features and highlights make Back Door Donuts a truly unique and cherished part of the Massachusetts community on Martha's Vineyard.

• The "Back Door" Experience: The most significant highlight is the late-night, "back door" service. This unique and "cool vibe" is a novel idea that has become a famous tradition. It's an experience that is unlike any other bakery and is a major reason for its popularity.

• The Apple Fritter: The apple fritter is an undisputed star of the menu. While some reviews mention it can be a bit heavy with oil, its overall reputation is overwhelmingly positive. It's a must-try item that has a dedicated following.

• Freshness: The commitment to making fresh donuts, especially in the late-night hours, is a key feature. Customers can expect a warm, recently baked product, which is a significant draw.

• Dual Operating Hours: The combination of a traditional front bakery for daytime hours and the back door for "Donuts After Dark" provides exceptional convenience and caters to different customer needs throughout the day.

• Variety of Flavors: The bakery offers an impressive variety of donut and bakery flavors, ensuring that there's always something new to try and something for every palate, even if some popular items sell out.

These highlights collectively create a business that is not only famous for its food but also for its fun, memorable, and distinctive experience.

For those in the Massachusetts area who want to get in touch with or visit Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 5 Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA

Phone: (508) 693-3688

In conclusion, Back Door Donuts is a perfect fit for the Massachusetts community, especially on Martha's Vineyard, because it offers a singular and memorable experience. Its "back door" tradition and late-night hours have made it a local legend and a beloved destination for anyone with a late-night sweet tooth. The bakery’s commitment to producing fresh, high-quality products, from its famous apple fritter to its classic donuts, keeps a loyal customer base coming back for more. The unique charm, combined with the convenience of both a daytime front bakery and an online ordering system, ensures that it is highly accessible to all. While some flavors may not appeal to everyone, the overall consensus is that the experience and the key products are well worth the visit. For locals and visitors alike, a trip to Back Door Donuts is an essential part of the Cape experience, a place where the simple act of getting a donut is transformed into a cool and unforgettable moment. It is a business that truly captures the spirit of the island, and for that, it is a cherished local treasure.

Back Door Donuts

5 Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA