ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats in Chatham
Master Critic Review
Dat Donut
8.4
A South Side donut counter built on Texas-style oversized rings and a steady rotation of classics that hit best when they’re fresh and warm. It’s a quick-stop sweet fix with real value—go early, mix sizes, and leave with a box that feeds more than one craving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Dat donut, Apple fritter, Glazed donut
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Texas-style oversized donuts that make a $ box feel generous.
Who should go: Anyone needing an easy shareable sweets run
When to visit: Morning before the case gets picked over
What to order: Big Dat donut, apple fritter, glazed donut
Insider tip: Buy one Big Dat plus smaller classics for the best variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking nearby; usually manageable for a quick in-and-out stop, but it can tighten up during peak morning rush. Best move: park close, grab your box, and go—this is built for speed, not lingering.
Dress code: Ultra casual—anything goes (hoodie-and-sneakers friendly).
Noise level: Low to moderate—more counter-service chatter than dining-room noise, and most guests aren’t staying long.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait or a very short line; this lane is faster than a sit-down spot, with brief spikes if locals are doing a big box run.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick service with occasional short lines around mid-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most donuts and sweet pastries are vegetarian-friendly by default (classic glazed, cake-style donuts, fritters).
Vegan options: Limited—donut shops commonly use dairy/eggs in dough and glazes, so expect few (if any) reliably vegan options unless you confirm with staff that day.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—traditional donut counters usually do not offer true gluten-free donuts and cross-contact risk is high.
Best For
Better for: Big value-per-dollar sweets and oversized Texas-style donuts that feel generous—especially when you mix one Big Dat with smaller classics for a balanced box.
Skip if: You need vegan/gluten-free certainty or want a true cafe hang with drinks and seating—this is a grab-and-go donut counter first.