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ZipPicks Awards

Best Donuts in Lakeview & Wrigleyville

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

2d Restaurant 8.3
Lakeview
2d Restaurant is a women- and Asian-owned Lakeview spot where Japanese mochi donuts and Taiwanese fried chicken are served inside a hand-drawn, comic-book-inspired dining room. It functions as both a destination for themed mochi donut drops and a social media backdrop for friends, families, and anime fans working through combo meals and boba.
Must-Try Dishes: Chocolate Reindeer mochi donut, Ube mochi donut, Taiwanese fried chicken sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 9.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Immersive black-and-white comic interior built around mochi donuts.
Who should go: Groups chasing themed treats and ultra-photogenic interiors.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before peak weekend photo rush.
What to order: Chocolate Reindeer mochi donut, ube donut, fried chicken sandwich.
Insider tip: Plan a weekday visit and order first, then roam for photos while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; can be tight on weekends and evenings, no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and photo-friendly — streetwear and jeans are common; no formal dress code.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational, but short peaks during rush and large groups taking photos.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–40 minutes during peak afternoon/evening treat rush; lines move in batches when new donut drops release.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or walk-right-in outside school breaks and holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most mochi donuts and many sides are vegetarian, but check fillings and toppings.
Vegan options: Very limited — most donuts contain dairy and/or eggs; some drinks may be the safest option.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended for gluten-free diets — rice-flour donuts are not certified GF and may include wheat ingredients with cross-contact risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for playful, low-pressure dates — the hand-drawn comic interior and shareable donuts create an easy ice-breaker, but it’s better for casual hangs than long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; be prepared to wait or circulate for photos during peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families and teens are common; best for ages 6+ who can navigate the photo crowds and counter-service flow.
Best For
Better for: Highly themed interiors, mochi donut flavor drops, and social-media-friendly group visits.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, robust vegan or gluten-free dessert options, or traditional cake-style donuts.