For 42 Years, This Unassuming Boston Donut Shop Serves Cake Donuts That Taste Like Grandma's

Donuts are serious business in the Boston area. Dunkin' was founded in the city's Quincy suburb before it went on to spread the goodness of Massachusetts donuts far and wide, and there are many top-notch bakeries around Boston serving these delectable round treats. Of the very best donut shops in Boston, though, one stands out for its legacy and rave reviews: Donuts With a Difference in Medford, another Boston 'burb.

Donuts With a Difference has an impressive 42 years under its belt and counting, having opened in 1984. It's been recognized as Boston's best donut shop often throughout the years, winning NBC Boston's Best Doughnut Shop in Massachusetts Tournament in 2017, and Boston Magazine's Best of Boston in 2014, and it made Eater Boston's list for excellent donuts at affordable prices. 

"They are delicious and delicate," says a Yelp! reviewer of the donuts at Donuts With a Difference. "They are exactly what I look for in a donut. I cannot recommend this shop enough." Another reviewer agrees, saying, "The best donuts I have ever had! Consistently the best." 

With accolades and compliments like this, this shop might not just be noteworthy in Boston — it very well might be one of the best donut shops in the entire country. Case in point, another Yelp reviewer says, "Not to brag but I've tried donuts all over this country (even Canada), from Wisconsin, to Oregon, to Boston, and Donuts With a Difference is hands down my number one."

Donuts With a Difference is known for its exceptional examples of cake donuts. The many different types of donuts fall into cake or yeast categories. Cake donuts are lightly mixed and not allowed to foster much gluten development, while gluten plays a major role in yeast donuts. That's why yeast donuts are light, airy, and chewy; while cake donuts are, well, cakier — and more like grandma used to make. They're dense yet tender with a light crumb to every bite. What seems to set Donuts With a Difference apart is that their donuts are the best of both worlds: They're tender cake donuts but with the lightness, fluffiness, and airy chew of yeast or raised donuts. 

If you're a fan of the classics, you'll be happy at Donuts With a Difference. You'll find plain and sugared crullers, old fashioneds, raspberry jelly, chocolate glazed or frosted, honey dip, and of course Boston cream. There are also some fun — but not too wild — varieties like maple, lemon glazed or lemon powdered, toasted coconut, and buttercrunch. Plus, there are some straightforwarwd raised donuts for those who prefer them.

Donuts go for between around $1.50 and $3 each at Donuts With a Difference. The shop also serves up coffee, muffins, and bagels. Customers praise how fresh and warm the donuts here are no matter when they go, and do provide the heads up that all of the donuts aren't usually ready until about half an hour after the store opens.