There is no better fuel for a fall hike than the spectacularly fresh cake and yeast donuts from Mary Ellen’s Bistro in Northeast Minneapolis. The unbeatable breakfast treats are from the same owners as Sleepy V’s, a beloved donut shop that shuttered earlier in the pandemic.

In addition to its North Dakota-inspired brunch menu, Mary Ellen’s offers a different 🍩 special every weekend. We lucked out with walnut squash, but also ordered a classic lemon poppyseed cake donut and a Homer-approved pink pineapple hibiscus ring with rainbow sprinkles. Other limited-edition flavors have included S’mores, Pistachio Glaze, and The Dream, a heavenly combo of chocolate, espresso, caramel, and sea salt.

As aspiring donut connoisseurs, we’d rank Mary Ellen’s Bistro up there with A Baker’s Wife, Bakery Box, and the doughscuits from Mucci’s. No more sleeping on Sleepy V’s, friends!

Mary Ellen’s Bistro
300 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN; 612-416-1669.