Local Landmark: Al's Donuts in Plainfield

One of my favorite weekend treats is a doughnut. I truly believe it’s the ultimate way to start the weekend.

I heard about Al’s Donuts in Plainfield, and decided it was about time I stopped there for a visit. I have great childhood memories of picking up doughnuts with my family, and I admit that I cannot resist visiting a doughnut shop.

Doughnuts make people happy. It’s a fact. I’ve personally witnessed this phenomenon. I've seen a few kids smile as they take a bite out of their first doughnut.

Get Up Early!

Before you go, Al’s Donuts is only open early in the morning from 2:30 until 9:30 a.m. (or until they run out). Yes, you read this correctly. I called to confirm they are only open until 9:30 a.m. 

I’m up early on the weekends and decided I’d visit Al’s Donuts on a Saturday morning. I had a few errands to run in Plainfield, so I thought a doughnut treat would boost my energy to get my errands done.

I can give you all kinds of reasons for enjoying a doughnut!

Location

Al’s is located in historic downtown Plainfield. It’s easy to find just east of the Oasis Diner on U.S. 40, and there is parking behind Al’s.

Cash Only

Make sure you bring cash with you, because they only accept cash.

And Al's Donuts is serious about doughnuts. You’ll see from the sign that Al’s Donuts has been around since 1960.

My Experience

I walked in Al’s, and it was crowded. There are only a few tables there, and they were filled. I was warmly greeted by an employee and took a moment to look over the menu. One of my favorite doughnuts is a yeast doughnut, but I soon learned they were already sold out.

Apparently you have to get there really early to get the yeast doughnuts. While I tried to decide what to order, I enjoyed hearing customers talking and laughing. You could definitely tell Al’s Donuts is popular, and there are a lot of regulars who visit and pick up their order.

I love to visit businesses with a local feel and where you feel like you're visiting a place that regulars go.

I decided to go with my next favorites: cake doughnut with chocolate frosting and a jelly doughnut. They were both mighty tasty, but my No. 1 pick was the jelly doughnut.

It was fresh and stuffed with plenty of jelly. They definitely don’t skimp on the jelly. This jelly doughnut, with frosting, is one of the best I've tasted in a long time.

I missed out on the yeast doughnuts, so you know I’m going to be back soon and earlier to purchase a few. You can call ahead and pre-order doughnuts. I will definitely do that on my next visit.

Al’s Donuts

Insider Tips

1. Al’s Donuts only takes cash, so make sure you have cash on hand when you go.
2. Get there early or call ahead because the doughnuts run out quickly.
3. Call to confirm hours (2:30-9:30 a.m., Tuesday-Saturday) because they sometimes close earlier than 9:30 a.m.
4. Explore Plainfield after your visit, like I did. There's so much to see!