The Donut Friar is tucked away just off the main strip of Gatlinburg, and it's a perfect spot for a sweet treat!
We were on the hunt for coffee in Gatlinburg one morning when we stumbled upon this cute shop called The Donut Friar.
It’s in a picturesque little shopping area that seemed less hectic than the rest of the main tourist corridor. We joined the line, and were soon back outside with our tasty snacks and beverages!
Here's what to know if you're also in search of a fresh donut and cup of coffee in Gatlinburg.
Check the Facebook page for any updates to their hours or offerings.
How to Get There
Gatlinburg is notoriously crowded, and parking tends to be a challenge. You will most likely need to park in a paid garage before you set off to explore town. The one we chose was behind Ripley's Aquarium and was more affordable than all the others we saw.
(We didn't try it, but you could also go to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center just north of town, park for free, and ride the complimentary trolley.)
Once you're on foot along the main tourist strip, look for a brick gateway labeled "The Village." Pass through this gateway and follow the red brick path towards a small fountain area. The Donut Friar is on the other side.
There are a number of other shops in this little alcove that are fun to browse. The buildings have all been given a bit of an "old world" flair.
Making a Selection at The Donut Friar
The first thing you need to know is that this is a cash-only place.
Between three of us, we tried a plain hot latte, a "devil's delight" donut, and a cheese danish.
The coffee was delicious, the chocolate donut was exceptionally chocolate-y and not overwhelmingly coconut-y. And the cheese danish was all that a cheese danish should be.
This was one of our favorite stops in Gatlinburg!
There is upstairs seating available, but if the weather's nice you may just want to head back out to the fountain and sit on one of the benches. With all the flowers, it's quite pleasant.
The Quirky Merchandise
This place has been around for over 50 years, long enough to really lean into its branding. Inside, you'll see The Donut Friar himself, with a platter of his namesake goodies.
There are also donut-themed earrings, stickers, apparel, and other merch available for sale. We even spotted a bobblehead.
If this is the perfect morning stop (and it is), then for an afternoon break we recommend Gatlinburg Brewing Company. We also liked Tennessee Stud Cider for their walk-in tastings of ciders and liqueurs.
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