LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

🍩☕ The Sweet History of LaMar's Donuts and Coffee: A Kansas City Original

For generations of Missouri residents, the name LaMar's has been synonymous with the finest, freshest, and most beloved donuts. More than just a donut shop, LaMar's Donuts and Coffee is a true Kansas City institution with a heritage that dates back over 90 years. The company's story began in 1933 when a young Raymond Lamar, at just 17 years old, started crafting handmade donuts from scratch. The first official LaMar's Donuts store opened in 1960 in a converted gas station on Linwood Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri. This single location quickly became a local legend, selling over 11,000 donuts a day and establishing a reputation for quality that spread far beyond the Midwest. Local lore even placed it as the answer to a question in the Kansas Trivial Pursuit game: "Where do you stand in line for donuts in Kansas City?"

Today, the Main Street location in Kansas City carries on that storied tradition, offering not only the classic treats that made it famous but also a full-service coffee bar and a welcoming atmosphere. LaMar's commitment to culinary excellence has been recognized nationally, with mentions in publications like The New Yorker and Gourmet Magazine, and even television appearances where founder Ray Lamar was dubbed the "King of Donuts" by Jay Leno. For Kansas City locals and visitors alike, LaMar's remains the definitive stop for a world-class donut.

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Location and Accessibility on Main Street, KC

The centrally-located LaMar's Donuts and Coffee at 3395 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA, makes it a highly accessible spot for anyone in the Kansas City Metro area. Positioned on a major thoroughfare, the shop serves as a perfect stop for a morning commute, a mid-day treat, or a weekend family outing. Its accessibility is set to improve even further for locals, as it's located along the route of the new Kansas City streetcar, making it a convenient destination without needing to drive.

Parking is available for patrons, with a free parking lot adjacent to the building and additional free street parking nearby, though customers note the lot directly in front can sometimes be tight during peak hours. The store prioritizes inclusivity, offering wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring everyone can enjoy a fresh donut and coffee. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and family-friendly, ideal for a quick visit.

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Services Offered

As a multi-faceted food and beverage establishment, LaMar's Donuts and Coffee offers a comprehensive set of services to accommodate all customer needs, making it much more than just a typical donut counter. The types of businesses included under this one roof are a Donut shop, Bakery, Breakfast restaurant, Coffee shop, and Dessert shop. Their extensive services include:

• Retail Sales of Donuts and Specialty Pastries: Offering individual donuts, specialties, and discounted dozens like the popular Dozen Glazed Donuts or a Manager Assortment.
• Full Espresso and Coffee Bar: Serving a wide range of hot and iced coffee drinks, teas, and specialty beverages.
• Takeout and Dine-in Service: Customers can choose to enjoy their selections at the limited available seating or take their treats to go.
• Order Ahead and Pickup: Convenient options for local users to place orders for in-store pickup.
• Delivery Service: Partnering with third-party apps for delivery of donuts and coffee to your door.
• Breakfast and Dessert Dining Options: Providing food suitable for a morning meal or a sweet finish to the day.
• Catering Solutions: Offering a Joe To Go bulk coffee container for groups, along with dozen boxes, perfect for office meetings or family gatherings.
• Modern Payment Options: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for quick transactions.

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Features / Highlights

LaMar's Donuts and Coffee stands out in the Missouri dining landscape thanks to several distinct features and highlights that emphasize quality, selection, and convenience:

• The Original Glazed Perfection: The Ray's Original Glazed Raised Donut is the undisputed number-one most-liked item and the foundation of their fame. Its golden, slightly crisp exterior and tender, moist interior define the classic LaMar's experience. It’s a classic that locals swear by for its consistent, high quality.
• Exceptional Coffee Program: Customers consistently highlight the Great coffee as a major selling point. The menu features dozens of options, from a simple Brewed Coffee to complex espresso drinks like the Café Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and White Chocolate Mocha, both hot and iced. Blended drinks like La Frappe and Smoothies are also available.
• A World of Specialty Donuts: Beyond the classics, LaMar's boasts an impressive selection of unique and oversized specialty pastries. Must-try favorites frequently listed by local patrons include the large Glazed Apple Fritter, the tangy Buttermilk Bar, and the popular LaMar's Bar. Other specialty options include the Glazed Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Iced Bismark With Bavarian Cream, and the Two Tone Knot Glazed.
• Vast Flavor Variety: The selection of Donut with a Hole includes nearly 30 distinct flavors, ranging from seasonal cakes like Pumpkin Spice and Red Velvet to unique daily options, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Cake options such as Sour Cream Cake Donut and Apple Spice Cake Donut are local favorites.
• A Kansas City Legacy: Since its beginnings in 1933, LaMar's has been an integral part of Kansas City's history and has cemented its status as a local landmark for sweet treats.

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Contact Information

For Missouri residents planning a visit, placing a special order, or inquiring about selections, here is the direct contact information for the Main Street location:

• Address: 3395 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
• Phone: (816) 561-7176

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What is Worth Choosing at LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

When stepping into LaMar's on Main Street, customers are presented with an overwhelming array of choices, but a few items stand out as essential Kansas City classics and customer favorites. The decision on what to order depends on your taste, but for the true LaMar's experience, you should focus on their legendary glazed creations and signature specialties.

The single most-recommended item is the Ray's Original Glazed Raised Donut. Local reviews consistently praise this donut's size, incredible freshness, and perfect balance of sweet glaze and airy texture. Many customers suggest arriving early to ensure you get the absolute best selection, especially of this classic.

For those who prefer a specialty treat, the Glazed Apple Fritter and the LaMar's Bar are highly-rated, often ranking in the top three most-ordered items. The Apple Fritter is a massive, sweet, and crispy pastry bursting with apple flavor, while the LaMar's Bar is a rich, satisfying long donut format. Alternatively, the Buttermilk Bar offers a slightly tangy, dense cake-style texture that holds up well. Families frequently opt for the Dozen Glazed Donuts or a Manager Assortment to sample a variety.

Finally, pair your selection with one of the shop's excellent coffee offerings. Whether you opt for a simple, rich Brewed Coffee or a decadent Iced Café Mocha, the quality of the beverage is consistently noted as a highlight that perfectly complements the fresh, handmade donuts. The combination of a world-famous, fresh donut and great coffee is why LaMar's Donuts and Coffee remains a beloved Missouri destination.