Updated Payment Options
I kept hearing I needed to bring cash to check out Al's Donuts. Anyone who would recommend it would speak highly of their baked goods but then follow it with directions to stop by an ATM before you stop by the donut shop as it had always been cash only.
On my first visit, I followed those directions to grab cash before grabbing the donuts only to find they recently added electronic payment options.
So, one of the first changes implemented by the new owners is a good one.
You can now pay with cash or card at Al's Donuts!
Get Up Early!
Historically, Al’s Donuts was open 2:30 until 9:30 a.m. or until they ran out! They've since changed to more reasonable hours at least for me. There summer 2023 hours are 4:30 a.m. to noon or until they run out, which can and does happen because this place is popular!
I tried to grab donuts on a weekday around 11 a.m., and they were already closed and sold out. So, make sure you get there early!
You can also call before heading over to see if they've updated their hours or if they're still open for the day.
The Location
Al’s Donuts is located in historic downtown Plainfield. It’s easy to find just east of the Oasis Diner on U.S. 40, and there's plenty of parking behind the building.
Make sure you check out the side of the building while you are there. You will see an iconic "Plainfield" mural by Kylin Brown. It's a fun mural that you can see as you drive to Plainfield from the west side of town.
There is another fun mural in the parking lot by another local artist, J.D. Bills.
It's also close to some of Plainfield's trails where you can take a walk or ride a bike.
Our Experience
We've gone a few times and each time we've enjoyed great donuts.
On my most recent trip, I ran in by myself early on a Saturday morning. There's only a few tables but they were half filled with patrons that seemed to be regulars since they all were enjoying each other's company.
Not surprisingly, I also noticed a steady flow of people coming in to grab some donuts for the weekend.
I picked out a few sprinkle donuts, twists and filled donuts, and they were all fresh and delicious. I asked the owner, Ed Price, what his favorite was and he said for years he'd stop in and grab coffee and a yeast donut on his way to work but that they were all great.
This is definitely a place to check out. Donuts and the small-town, welcoming feel that oozes from Al's makes this a place you need to experience!
