Guest Post - Rocket 88 Doughnuts

Hi all, here's a post from Gwen, who wrote a post about General American Donut company this summer when my wrist was broken. She's back to update you on another doughnut place--Rocket 88. I have not been great about going to the doughnut places myself, so I am happy to have her specialty voice on the subject. 

Cheers, Erin

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Mmmmmm…donuts.  If you read that in your best Homer Simpson voice, you’re no doubt cheering the arrival of Indianapolis’s newest craft donut spot, Rocket 88 Doughnuts.  It’s located at 874 Virginia Avenue in the heart of Fountain Square. 

Opening on December 5^th, 2014, Rocket 88 claims to put the “ough” back in doughnuts with all-natural, organic ingredients, time-honored baking techniques, and creative flavor combinations.  The shop features its own special blend of coffee from Indy’s own Mile Square Coffee Roastery as well as organic teas, juices, and milk. Their menu includes classic favorites like Old-Fashioned and flavored yeast varieties, an assortment of vegan donuts, and specialty and seasonal flavors like Earl Grey Vanilla, Chocolate Potato Chip, and Brown Butter Pumpkin.  And let’s not forget the “crown jewel” of their menu—the waffle donut.  This gem is only available on the weekends and sells out quickly, so plan to get there early if you want to try this unique breakfast creation.

There’s no doubt that Rocket 88’s success is due in part to its location.  Located just steps from the Cultural Trail, the shop was filled with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists stopping in for breakfast on the unseasonably nice Sunday morning I visited.  With its whimsical, post-modern décor and varied seating options, Rocket 88 encourages customers to savor their creations in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.  For folks in a hurry, they’ll box your treats for safe travels.  

I wanted to try all of Rocket 88’s unique flavors, but even the most dedicated doughnut lover can only stand so much sugar, so I enlisted the help of two friends.  I purchased an assortment of eight doughnuts: two Salted Caramel Pretzel, two Maple Pecan, a Cinnamon Sugar Yeast, an Earl Grey Vanilla, and two Almond vegan doughnuts.  Add a large “Dirty Chai”—a chai latte with a shot of Mile Square espresso—and my total came to just over $18, served up by two smiling staff members.  Pricey for donuts and coffee?  Yes.  Worth it?  We would soon find out.

As we bit into our sweet confections, it was apparent that these were not your run of the mill, convenience store donuts—the textures of both the cake and yeast doughnuts were light, chewy, and airy.   The flavors were light and subtle—but almost too subtle in some cases.  The doughnuts were all delicious, but we yearned for more salt and crunch from the Salted Pretzel Caramel and the floral punch of a strong cup of Earl Grey Tea.  The vegan Almond donut ended up being one of our favorites, which surprised this group of omnivores.  

Though my first trip to Rocket 88 Doughnuts didn’t send me to the moon, their commitment to small-batch baking techniques, out-of-this-world flavors, and quality beverages will keep me coming back to explore their universe of craft doughnuts.

Rocket 88 Doughnuts

874 Virginia Ave

Indy  46203

317/737-2614

http://rocket88doughnuts.com/