Feature: Darn Donuts

Darn Donuts [8723 4th Ave] brought us in to sit down with the owner, Daniel, to talk about the long awaited opening we mentioned earlier last month (November).

Not long ago, he had contemplated about the state of donuts in Brooklyn, and in particular, Bay Ridge. The best word that Ridgeites can best describe that is "stagnant" and it's been that way for years.  As most everyone knows, besides Dunkin' Donuts there were, and still are very few choices to be had.  In fact, Dunkin' readily admits most of their donuts are not made onsite but prepared at a central facility to be trucked to franchisees.  Fast-forward a few years later, a space that suited their needs opened up and the rest is history. Thus, the first gourmet donut shop in southern Brooklyn that it could call its own, was born.

Selection of donuts

Here, they prepare donuts hourly, or as needed as they begin gauging consumer demand for their unique eye-popping flavors. There's ample seating to accommodate 15-20 customers comfortably.  Already, the big sellers so far are the Strawberry Cheesecake, a donut topped with fresh strawberries, frosting, and filled with a layer of decadent cream cheese, the Chocolate "Moose", Key Lime Pie, and the "Brooklyn Cream".

Donuts to go

By comparison, Darn Donuts compares more favorably to the likes of Doughnut Plant's yeast-based doughnuts, in terms of creativity & availability, not so much Dunkin' Donuts.  While we're on the topic of comparisons, donut shops run synonymous with coffee and they answer the call well with their own offering of regular, decaf, medium roast, dark roast, and espresso-based drinks. Add that to your list of spots for your daily coffee intake.  Down the road, WiFi will be offered, and a new donut (special) offered monthly.

Seating area and donut cutout for picture-taking

The environment, by comparison, would be considered fun, and definitely meant to attract the attention of kids as well as adults.  Light, and airy, the location being on 4th Ave draws in all walks of life.  If you've driven by at night, you simply can't miss the green & pink signage pulsing away.

They can be found on Facebook and their upcoming website.