Donut Run

If you're a Washington D.C. local with a serious sweet tooth, you've likely heard the buzz—or even stood in the line—for the incredible, entirely plant-based creations at Donut Run. This beloved neighborhood spot has quickly solidified its status as a must-visit destination for gourmet donuts in the District, and for good reason. What started as a popular pop-up has grown into a vibrant, permanent storefront, becoming a true community gem, especially within the Takoma neighborhood.

Donut Run isn't just another bakery; it’s DC’s first all-vegan doughnut shop, making it a pioneer in the local food scene. Founded by the husband-and-wife team, Shawn Petersen and Nicole Dao, the shop was born out of a desire to bring the gourmet vegan donut experience they encountered during their travels on the West Coast to their home city. Since its permanent opening in 2021, the shop has consistently drawn crowds, a testament to the quality and creativity poured into every hand-made treat. Every donut, from the yeast-raised classics to the dense cake-style varieties, is crafted daily using 100% vegan ingredients—yes, even the sugar and colorful sprinkles are plant-based. This commitment to quality and a consistent product is something customers repeatedly rave about.

The flavors at Donut Run are anything but ordinary. While they offer exceptional takes on familiar favorites like Boston Cream, they are famous for their innovative, often seasonal, rotating specials. This constant introduction of new and exciting flavors keeps the menu fresh and gives locals a compelling reason to make a 'donut run' a regular part of their routine. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply a donut enthusiast looking for the best in the city, Donut Run delivers an indulgent and guilt-free experience that many describe as the best they’ve ever had. Their bright, bubblegum-pink storefront serves as a beacon for deliciousness, ensuring you can’t miss it while passing through the neighborhood.

Location and Accessibility

Donut Run is conveniently located in the thriving Takoma neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The address places it slightly off the main hustle and bustle, providing a cozy, local feel while remaining accessible for D.C. residents and visitors alike.

The physical address for this sought-after donut shop is: 6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA.

Its location is easily identifiable by its bright pink exterior, adding a cheerful splash of color to the streetscape. The atmosphere inside is casual, making it perfect for a quick stop on your morning commute or a leisurely weekend treat. For those driving to the shop, both free and paid street parking options are often available in the surrounding area, which is a major convenience in D.C. For walk-up customers, the shop prioritizes accessibility. The location features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a designated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that more members of the community can enjoy their delicious offerings without hassle.

The popularity of Donut Run means that locals know to get there early. The shop generally operates daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. However, it is an important note that Donut Run's success often means they sell out well before closing time—a true indicator of the high demand for their fresh, hand-made products. It's always best to plan your visit for the morning to ensure the widest selection of their delectable flavors.

Services Offered

Donut Run has streamlined its operations to focus on providing the freshest donuts possible to the D.C. community. Their service model is designed for a quick and enjoyable visit.

• In-Store Shopping: Customers are welcome to step inside the cozy shop to view the daily selection and make their purchases.
• Takeout Services: The primary method of service, making it easy to grab your box of donuts and go.
• Coffee Offerings: Complement your sweet treat with a fresh cup of coffee, the perfect pairing for any donut.
• Daily Fresh Batch: All donuts are hand-made and baked fresh daily, guaranteeing a high-quality product every morning.
• Daily Flavor Specials: The menu is constantly rotating with seasonal and limited-edition flavors. Locals are encouraged to check the shop’s Instagram stories daily for the current selection.
• Large Order Pickup: While not accepting small pre-orders, the shop can accommodate large orders (10 dozen or more) by request, perfect for office events or parties.
• Payment Flexibility: The shop accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and effortless.

Features / Highlights

Donut Run’s distinct approach to baking and community engagement sets it apart from traditional donut shops in the area. These highlights are what make it a beloved local favorite.

• 100% Vegan Menu: Every item in the shop, including all donuts, glazes, and sprinkles, is entirely plant-based. This commitment allows everyone to enjoy a high-quality, indulgent dessert.
• Innovative and Rotating Flavors: Known for creative flavors that go beyond the usual, such as Pistachio Lemon Cream, Whipped Matcha, French Toast, and Cherry Coke. This variety encourages repeat visits.
• Freshly Made Daily: The dedicated staff hand-make every single donut each day, resulting in a consistent product that is praised for its 'airy and sweet' quality with a 'perfect balance of icing to dough ratio.'
• Highly Praised Favorites: The shop is famous for its signature treats, including customer favorites like the Boston Cream, DC Crumbcake, and various filled and glazed options.
• Accessibility Focused: Offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, ensuring the shop is welcoming to all members of the D.C. community.
• Community Vibe: The atmosphere is welcoming and casual, and the shop has become a genuine neighborhood fixture in Takoma.
• Focused on Quality, Not Gluten-Free: While fully vegan, the shop is transparent that due to kitchen constraints and a serious approach to allergies, they currently do not offer gluten-free donuts. They prioritize the consistent quality of their fresh-made vegan products.

Contact Information

Getting in touch with Donut Run or finding their location is simple.

Address: 6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA

Phone: (202) 506-3264

We encourage you to check their daily updates on social media, where they post the selection of rotating flavors each morning, a crucial tip for planning your visit and ensuring you get your hands on that day's must-have donut.

What is Worth Choosing

The resounding message from the D.C. community is clear: Donut Run offers an unparalleled donut experience. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons, primarily centered around its exceptional quality and unique vegan focus.

First and foremost, the 100% vegan nature of the shop means that those with dietary restrictions, or anyone simply looking for a cleaner, plant-based treat, can indulge without compromise. The customer reviews often highlight that you would never know the donuts are vegan; they possess the perfect texture—crispy yet light, sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Many lifelong donut lovers call them the "best donuts we have ever had," a high compliment that speaks volumes to the shop's mastery of the craft.

Furthermore, choosing Donut Run means supporting a local, innovative business that is dedicated to freshness. Every donut is made from scratch on-site, daily. This dedication ensures a superior product that tastes better than mass-produced alternatives. The enthusiastic staff and lively atmosphere—often complemented by the sound of French punk music—add to the overall friendly and professional experience.

If you’re looking to satisfy a craving for breakfast or dessert, Donut Run is the place for a 'Quick visit' that delivers immense satisfaction. Their innovative flavors, like the 'A-MAZING' Pistachio Lemon Cream and the cozy French Toast, mean there is always something new to try. For those in the Takoma area and beyond, a visit to this bright pink storefront is not just a purchase, it's a delightful experience that starts your day on a high note. As the locals say, "Donut walk, run to Donut Run." Don't miss out on securing your favorite flavor before they sell out for the day!

Donut Run

6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA