ZipPicks Awards
Best Donuts in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Vegan Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Cloudy Donut Co.
8.5
Cloudy Donut Co. brings an all-vegan donut lineup to a minimalist Brooklyn Heights storefront just off Joralemon Street, with weekly-rotating flavors that feel closer to plated desserts than basic coffee-shop rings. Locals and visitors line up for brioche-style donuts with inventive glazes that stay surprisingly light for how indulgent they sound.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grapefruit Mimosa donut, Pina Colada donut, Salted Caramel Whiskey donut
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Plant-based donuts with pastry-chef-level flavor combos in a tiny, modern space.
Who should go: Donut fans wanting vegan options without sacrificing creativity.
When to visit: Weekend mornings before flavors start selling out.
What to order: Grapefruit Mimosa, Pina Colada, Salted Caramel Whiskey donuts.
Insider tip: Check the weekly rotating menu online and pre-plan your flavor picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Joralemon and surrounding blocks is limited, especially on weekends; expect meter hunting or using nearby garages on Court or Livingston.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; athleisure, jeans, and weekend wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate depending on the crowd; conversation is easy even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; they close earlier and operate primarily as a morning/afternoon spot.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute line, mainly when new flavors drop.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all donuts are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — the entire menu is fully plant-based.
Gluten-free options: No — gluten-free donut options are not typically offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a low-pressure, grab-a-treat walk around Brooklyn Heights or the Promenade. The tiny space is not ideal for lingering, but the donuts make for a fun shared experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and seating is extremely limited; expect to take your donuts to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — sweet flavors and a quick in-and-out format work well for kids, though the small space means strollers can be tight. Best for short stops rather than long hangs.
Best For
Better for: Creative vegan donut flavors, rotating weekly menus, and lighter brioche-style textures that feel more refined than typical donut shops.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options or prefer spots with full seating or a café-style place to linger.