June 03--To truly appreciate National Doughnut Day in all its glazed glory, there's no better place to be than Chicago.
The Salvation Army celebrated the first Doughnut Day here in 1938 to honor the organization's volunteers who supplied American soldiers with complimentary doughnuts and coffee on the battlefields of France during World War I, according to the organization's website.
Food historian John T. Edge even credits the organization with introducing the European-rooted dessert to American taste buds, according to a video produced by The Salvation Army.
The food holiday is now celebrated nationwide the first Friday each June -- this year, Friday, June 3 -- when many doughnut shops feature deals, discounts and special flavors. Find a few below. (Unless otherwise noted, the special offers are good Friday only.)
Bar Siena This Italian eatery is offering a specialty doughnut, cookies-and-cream. 832 W. Randolph St., 312-492-7775
Beavers Donuts The first 500 customers to each of Beavers' three food trucks and store get four mini doughnuts free, as well as free sample-size doughnut milkshakes and Metropolis coffee. 131 N. Clinton St., 773-392-1300
Doodle's Doughnuts If you purchase one of this independent shop's famous doodle doughnuts and post a picture to Instagram using the hastag #DoodleDoughnut, your next one will be free. 1419 N. Wells St., 312-631-3339
DMK Burger Bar DMK and Firecakes are teaming up to show their love for the sweet treat. Doughnut milkshakes will be served Friday through the weekend. Friday's special is a raspberry and blood orange doughnut and peanut butter shake ($10). On Saturday, diners can enjoy an apple fritter with apple cider glaze and salted caramel shake ($9). Sunday's menu features a strawberry rhubarb glazed doughnut and creme fraiche shake ($9). 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-360-8686
Firecakes Firecakes isn't done, though. If you purchase six doughnuts at either of the locations in Chicago, you'll receive a voucher to claim one of the following: a doughnut, coffee, T-shirt, a Firecakes dozen, Firecakes doughnut ice cream sandwich or a hot ham and cheese doughnut sandwich. The voucher is valid June 4 through July 4 and is limited to one per purchase. 68 W. Hubbard St., 312-329-6500; 2453 N. Clark St., 773-666-5277
Porkchop Free bacon maple glazed doughnuts await diners at all Porkchop locations throughout the city. Valid Friday through Sunday, June 5. Multiple locations
The Bedford Looking for something sweet to pair with your late-night cocktail and dancing? The Bedford may be your stop. The Wicker Park bank vault lounge is serving from-scratch doughnuts filled with a strawberry rhubarb jam and covered in a chamomile glaze. 1612 W. Division St., 773-235-8800
Stan's Donuts Stan's is offering customers a free glazed doughnut with the purchase of a beverage or gelato. Multiple locations
Dunkin' Donuts Of course, the national chains wouldn't miss out on this holiday. Get your phones and wallets ready. Guests get a free doughnut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage. You can also display your love for doughnuts with special National Doughnut Day Snapchat filters during the day. Multiple locations
