Duck Donuts: Donut chain delivers, even when peanut butter dominates | HHJ Eats

4.75/5

BYRON — Usually, a new chain in Houston County doesn’t catch my attention. Another breakfast spot rarely interests me either.

I consider myself set in my ways. I’m a loyalist to Dunkin’. It’s on the way to work, it’s relatively cheap, and their wake-up wraps are delicious.

It takes a lot to shake up my routine, but Duck Donuts was unique enough to make me try it.

My husband and I drove from Warner Robins to the edge of town for opening day. He was more excited than I was, mostly because I was up earlier than I’d like to be on a weekend.

The first thing we noticed was the vibe.

Despite being a chain, it didn’t feel cold or corporate. The crowd, bright colors, and duck-themed merch made it lively. Unlike other chains, this place felt more local.

We made our way up to a kiosk and placed our order. Points for convenience: it was easy to just scroll through the menu and make our selections from the huge variety of options. We were also able to pay at the kiosk.

We ordered breakfast, drinks, and six donuts for later. We both chose sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches; my husband got hot chocolate, and I chose a mocha frappuccino.

My husband went all in on peanut butter: PB&J (peanut butter glaze and raspberry drizzle), Peanut Butter Fluff (peanut butter glaze and marshmallow drizzle), and Peanut Butter Paradise (peanut butter glaze and chocolate drizzle).

My choices were varied: Cinnamon Bun (cinnamon sugar and vanilla drizzle), Bacon in the Sun (maple glaze, caramel drizzle, bacon crumbles), and Chocolate-Covered Strawberry (strawberry glaze and chocolate drizzle).

We waited about 10 minutes, but I hardly noticed. I was busy browsing merch and watching the crew make our donuts to order.

We got our order from the nicest person I’ve met at a food place—she made everyone feel so welcome.

We took our order home. The whole drive, my husband couldn’t stop talking about how excited he was. Duck Donuts also earned points for presentation; the donuts were Instagram-worthy.

On the way, we tried our drinks. My husband enjoyed his hot chocolate, and after a wife tax, I did too. He eyed my frappe and wanted to trade, but I held firm.

Back home, we were ready to eat, starting with the savory. The sausage, egg, and cheese were sandwiched between donut halves and tasted great.

The donut was warm and soft, and the sweet and savory flavors balanced well. It was like a McGriddle with culinary flair. I’d order it again.

Next, the donuts. I didn’t have room for all three, so I cut them up to sample. No complaints—each flavor was balanced and enjoyable.

Duck Donuts doesn’t do subtlety with peanut butter. My husband’s choices were intensely flavored—delicious if you like peanut butter, but could be too strong if you expect other notes.

For six donuts, two drinks, and two sandwiches, we paid $33. That matched our expectations: $11 for two sandwiches, $9 for drinks, $13 for donuts.

A typical breakfast—sandwich, drink, donut—comes to about $13, about the same as Dunkin’, but honestly much better.

We went to Duck Donuts expecting something sweet. We left with a newfound appreciation for peanut butter, and a minor marital dispute over a mocha frappuccino I refused to share.

Will it break my routine? Probably not, but I’ll consider it when I want something sweet. I suggest giving this place a try.

Duck Donuts is located at 6011 Watson Boulevard suite 300. They are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.