Julie Darling Donuts

Julie Darling Donuts
121 Frazier Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 591-3737

When I was a kid my mother would occasionally take us to the donut shop for a treat. At that time donut shops were bright, white places with beige-tiled floors, gold-flecked Formica counter tops, and stainless steel diner stools. The staff wore starched white aprons and paper hats. There was always a group of about three old men sitting at the far end of the counter with Styrofoam cups of coffee. (I don't think they ate donuts, they apparently just drank the coffee.) I remember staring into that long glass case effused with fluorescent lighting and being overwhelmed with the possibilities. We didn't go to the donut shop often, but scene is etched into my mind. Mom was patient with us. When you're a child, selecting just one donut is an agonizing process.

Fast forward to the to the donut shop of the present, Julie Darling Donuts. What a treat! Even as an adult I'd find it difficult to pick just one.

The almost clinical-looking donut shops of yesteryear (which were strangely hospital-like in their sterile formality) have been replaced by warmth and 50's kitsch. There's a cozy leather furniture nook next to a fireplace where a Gold Suit Elvis presides. It's a fun place.

And then there are the donuts. Julie Darling's has a broad range of gourmet donuts, including the infamous pancake and bacon donut, as well as classic glazed, filled, and cake donuts. A key lime donut is great and all, if that's the kind of eating experience you need to have, but for me the classics are where Julie Darling's really shines. Even the simple glazed donut, which is the baseline of the confection, is leaps and bounds above the Krispy Kremes that fundraisers have accustomed us to. There's no need to pick favorites when there are so many, but I couldn't live with myself if I left without at least one blueberry cake donut, and the other day I got a raspberry-filled that made me rethink the entire genus.

The pricing is something or other. I'm so preoccupied with mentally future-eating the bag I just bought that I barely notice the receipt, and they hand out free donut cards pretty regularly, but as I recall a glazed will set you back 89c, with a regular donut being around $1.09 and a gourmet around $1.19. Throw in a coffee and you've got a treat that I'm sure you've earned somehow (I've got your back on this one--go ahead, you earned it!).

When Julie Darling Donuts moved into their shop on Frazier I wasn't sure what they would add to the area. But the truth is they offer a community service. Everyone, I don't care who you are, deserves a donut from time to time. Several weeks ago I stopped by around 8 and the staff were excited--this was the closest they'd ever come to selling out before close. I don't know if they sold out that night, but it wouldn't surprise me. I can't speak for cupcake fads or ice cream trends, but a good donut will always be in demand. Here's hoping Julie is here to stay.