The Donut Friar
- Address: 634 Parkway, #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Phone: (865) 436-7306
- Website: thevillageshops.com
- Type: Sweets
- Alcohol: No
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Pricing: $ (cash only)
- Delivery: No
- Take-Out: Yes
- Hours: Daily | Opens 5:00 AM (call ahead for closing time)
A Timeless Treat in Downtown Gatlinburg
Tucked away inside The Village Shoppes, The Donut Friar has been a Gatlinburg favorite since 1969. As the longest-running business in The Village, this small, cozy bakery has built a big reputation by doing one thing exceptionally well: making fresh pastries from scratch every single morning.
The shop’s old-world charm pairs perfectly with the smell of warm donuts drifting through the brick-lined courtyard. It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged in the best possible way, a comforting stop whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
What You’ll Find on the Menu
While donuts are the star of the show, The Donut Friar offers more than just a quick sugar fix.
Popular menu items include:
- Classic glazed donuts with a light, airy texture
- Twisted crullers with a satisfying crunch
- Cream-filled eclairs and other pastries
- Famous cinnamon bread, baked fresh and often sold out early
- Hot coffee, espresso drinks, lattes, cider, and cocoa
Everything is made fresh daily, which explains the early opening time, and the lines that often form shortly after sunrise.
What Makes The Donut Friar Special
The Donut Friar’s appeal goes beyond great pastries. Its location behind the iconic Village fountain gives it a hidden-gem feel, offering a quiet break from the busy Parkway just steps away. The European-style setting adds to the experience, making a simple donut stop feel like a small event.
The shop is cash-only, with an ATM conveniently located on-site, and arriving early is strongly recommended, especially if cinnamon bread is on your list. Seating is limited, so most guests grab their treats to-go, making it an easy stop before exploring downtown Gatlinburg.
What Visitors Are Saying
Guests consistently rank The Donut Friar among the best donut shops in Tennessee. Reviews often highlight the soft, fluffy interiors, perfectly balanced glazes, and the unbeatable freshness. Many visitors also love the 5:00 AM opening, calling it the perfect way to start a Smoky Mountain morning.
For travelers looking for an authentic, no-frills Gatlinburg experience, this bakery is frequently described as a must-stop.
Insider Tip
If cinnamon bread is on your list, go early, very early. It’s one of the first items to sell out, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Address: 634 Parkway, #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Phone: (865) 436-7306
- Website: thevillageshops.com
- Type: Sweets
- Alcohol: No
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Pricing: $ (cash only)
- Delivery: No
- Take-Out: Yes
- Hours: Daily | Opens 5:00 AM (call ahead for closing time)
A Timeless Treat in Downtown Gatlinburg
Tucked away inside The Village Shoppes, The Donut Friar has been a Gatlinburg favorite since 1969.
As the longest-running business in The Village, this small, cozy bakery has built a big reputation by doing one thing exceptionally well: making fresh pastries from scratch every single morning.
The shop’s old-world charm pairs perfectly with the smell of warm donuts drifting through the brick-lined courtyard.
It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged in the best possible way, a comforting stop whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
What You’ll Find on the Menu
While donuts are the star of the show, The Donut Friar offers more than just a quick sugar fix.
Popular menu items include:
- Classic glazed donuts with a light, airy texture
- Twisted crullers with a satisfying crunch
- Cream-filled eclairs and other pastries
- Famous cinnamon bread, baked fresh and often sold out early
- Hot coffee, espresso drinks, lattes, cider, and cocoa
Everything is made fresh daily, which explains the early opening time, and the lines that often form shortly after sunrise.
What Makes The Donut Friar Special
The Donut Friar’s appeal goes beyond great pastries. Its location behind the iconic Village fountain gives it a hidden-gem feel, offering a quiet break from the busy Parkway just steps away.
The European-style setting adds to the experience, making a simple donut stop feel like a small event.
The shop is cash-only, with an ATM conveniently located on-site, and arriving early is strongly recommended, especially if cinnamon bread is on your list.
Seating is limited, so most guests grab their treats to-go, making it an easy stop before exploring downtown Gatlinburg.
What Visitors Are Saying
Guests consistently rank The Donut Friar among the best donut shops in Tennessee.
People often highlight the soft, fluffy interiors, perfectly balanced glazes, and the unbeatable freshness. Many visitors also love the 5:00 AM opening, calling it the perfect way to start a Smoky Mountain morning.
For travelers looking for an authentic, no-frills Gatlinburg experience, this bakery is frequently described as a must-stop.
Insider Tip
If cinnamon bread is on your list, go early, very early. It’s one of the first items to sell out, especially during peak travel seasons.
Disclaimer
My Smoky Mountain Guide aims to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, using reputable sources. However, details about events, attractions, trails, or businesses may change without notice due to factors like weather or park policies. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of our content. Visitors should verify details with official sources, such as the National Park Service or local businesses, before planning. My Smoky Mountain Guide is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences from using this information. You are responsible for your own decisions based on our content. For feedback or corrections, please contact us.
