Southern Living names a longtime Kentucky doughnut shop one of the best in the South
Things haven’t changed much over the years for Red’s Donut Shop, a family-owned business and Paducah success recently recognized by Southern Living as one of the best doughnut shops in the South.
It was in 1955 when Howard “Red” Clark first opened the doughnut shop, then called Nunn Better, in an old Dairy Queen across from the Paducah Drive-In Theater.
More than 50 years later, Clark’s three sons still carry on his legacy, and according to a May 28 write-up from Southern Living magazine, they’ve done an admirable job. The magazine recognized Red’s Donut Shop among its list of the 14 best doughnut shops in the South.
“The doughnuts continue to be hand cut every day, and the prices have remained somewhat stuck in time,” the magazine wrote of Red’s. “A single yeast one—whether filled with cinnamon apples, jelly, or Bavarian cream—will set you back only 90 cents, and you can take home an entire dozen for $10.”
Along with the classic yeast and cake-style varieties you’d expect, Red’s Donut Shop has a few in-house specials you aren’t likely to find anywhere else, from the cinnamon apple filled to its own take on honey buns.
What to know if you go
Red’s Doughnut Shop has one location at 2800 Jackson St. in Paducah. It’s open every day of the week from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m, according to its website.
Southern Living’s best doughnut shops in the South
The best doughnut shops in the South, in no particular order, according to Southern Living magazine include:
Twinkle Donuts - The Colony, Texas
Sandy Pony Donuts - Multiple locations
Gibson’s Donuts - Memphis, Tenn.
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken - Multiple locations
Vincent Van Doughnut - St. Louis, Mo.
Hole Doughnuts - Asheville, N.C.
The Salty Donut - Multiple locations
Good Company Doughnuts and Cafe - Multiple locations
The TatoNut Shop - Ocean Springs, Miss.
Hero Doughnuts and Buns - Multiple locations
Five Daughters Bakery - Multiple locations
Sublime Doughnuts - Atlanta, Ga.
JR’s Donut Castle - Parkersburg, W.Va.
Southern Living often features Kentucky restaurants and businesses among its “South’s Best” awards, including Lexington’s Syers Browning and Moonlite BBQ in Owensboro.
Do you have a question about food in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.
This story was originally published June 17, 2024 at 3:47 PM.