Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop

When I was first researching things to do in Greenpoint, I came across Peter Pan Donuts. Folks were raving about this place so I made it a point to visit. I got in line and waited (seems like waiting is a part-time job for New Yorkers), and kept thinking to myself, were these donuts worth the wait? Spoiler alert. Yep.

The old school sour cream donuts are out of this world, you can’t find donuts like this just anywhere. Oh, speaking of old school, Peter Pan is a cash-only establishment. P.S. If you’re a Marvel fan, Peter Pan Donuts in Greenpoint may look familiar. This the bakery where Zendaya’s character, MJ, works in Spider Man. No Way Home.

Serving one of the best classic apple cider donuts in NYC, Peter Pan has made an honest woman out of me. The donuts exterior is fried to perfection giving it a coat of crunch with every bite and the inside of the fried-delight packs a punch with flavor.

Every year I (gladly) make the trek and order myself a dozen apple cider donuts only to find three of them make it home. They’re so good I can’t help myself (all the looks on the subway are so worth it). And speaking of old school, Peter Pan is a cash only establishment. Swing by an ATM before stopping for some of the best apple cider donuts in NYC.

Honorable Mentions

Balthazar’s

Getting a reservation at Balthazar’s takes nothing short of a miracle. The popular New York City restaurant has had plenty of hype (for good reason) and eating here is high on many peoples bucket list.

However, if you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick – visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts in NYC – perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.

Orwasher’s

Established in 1916, Orwashers, a longstanding Upper East Side bakery, now has a second location the Upper West Side. With over 105 years of serving New Yorkers, their success lies in perfected traditional baking methods. While many come for the bagels, seasoned locals recognize the hand-filled jelly donuts as hidden gems, among the best in NYC. Arrive early for the top picks, as popular items sell out fast!

Local Farmers Market

Is there anything better than fresh apple cider and donuts during fall-time in NYC? I think not! Home to 48 farmers markets throughout the Big Apple, there is not shortage of fresh fall treats.

My personal favorite market for apple cider goodies is Union Square Farmers Market. Although you can get treats year-round from any farmers market, some of the best donuts in NYC are the seasonal flavors found during the holidays!