Doughnuts at Blackbird are creative and sometimes whimsical, such as the strawberry-rhubarb jelly-filled, and the rainbow-frosted doughnut in honor of Pride month. Its cake doughnuts, such as the signature Blackbird, are moist and lightly battered. The Boston cream is a subtle blend of chocolate frosting, creamy custard, and dough (though it could have more filling).

This is where you go when it’s midnight and you really, really need a doughnut (warning: It closes earlier on weekends). Doughnut-making is even geared toward night owls, starting at 5 p.m. every day. The cake doughnuts will fill you up and take some chewing. Don’t miss the glazed ones though — light and airy and best consumed as a precursor to the dawn.

Doughnuts are larger than average and old-fashioned types are among the best sellers: yeasty glazed honey rounds, moist Maine blueberry cakes, and chocolate-coated Boston cream-filled. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free versions are also sold. Note: Sometimes one Kane’s doughnut per day is enough. Sometimes.

A cheeky riff on the unofficial Massachusetts state dessert, these cleverly composed doughnut holes are orb-only fever dreams with more ingredients than Market Basket, with varieties including crushed potato chips, candied lemons, churro chunks — why not? Here, no flavor is off-limits, and each one is aptly named for a local landmark.

There’s no shame in visiting this authentic and charming farm stand inside Boston Public Market solely to buy apple cider doughnuts. They’re made fresh year-round on-site at the market from a secret mix combined with its pressed apple cider. Soft and with a distinctive apple flavor, they’ve been perfected over multiple generations. There are other doughnut flavors available but, sometimes, simplicity is best. Available in mini and full sizes.

Whichever location you visit, Union Square has the doughnut formula down pat: the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and doughiness. Beyond the basics, it also thrives on singular flavors that aren’t just a menu gimmick. Ever had a Vietnamese coffee doughnut? What about espresso martini or maple bacon? They also sell cinnamon rolls and an assortment of teas and coffees.