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This Buffalo Cafe Serves Donuts So Good That You’ll Want To Make A Special Trip

Published: July 17, 2025

  • Attraction: Moon Donuts & Cafe
  • Location: 9 State Highway 55 W, Buffalo, MN 55313
  • Industry: Bakery
  • Website: Facebook Page

Forget everything you think you know about small-town donut shops.

This family-owned gem tucked into a strip mall off Highway 55 has earned a devoted following that extends far beyond Buffalo’s borders. You’ll find travelers making special detours just to experience donuts that have been described as absolutely irresistible.

The combination of freshly baked pastries, authentic Asian bubble tea, and hearty breakfast options creates an unexpectedly delightful experience that keeps customers returning week after week.

What started as a local bakery has evolved into something truly special. You’ll discover an impressive selection of both classic American donuts and unique fusion offerings that reflect the owners’ creativity and commitment to quality.

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between cozy neighborhood cafe and efficient grab-and-go spot, making it ideal whether you’re settling in with a coffee or picking up treats for the office.

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Donut Perfection & Sweet Treats

The Famous Maple Bacon Long John: This signature creation has achieved legendary status throughout the Twin Cities area. You’ll taste crispy, fresh-baked dough topped with rich maple frosting and perfectly crispy bacon pieces that add a savory contrast to the sweetness.

The combination creates an addictive flavor profile that has customers comparing them to “crack donuts” because they’re impossible to stop eating.

Fresh Daily Selection: You’ll find an extensive variety of both raised and cake donuts made fresh every morning. The cinnamon rolls are particularly impressive – not just good, but genuinely large and generously filled with cinnamon goodness.

The old-fashioned donuts achieve that perfect texture with a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, cake-like interior.

Specialty Filled Options: The lemon-filled bismarcks stand out for their generous filling and bright citrus flavor. What makes them special is the willingness to customize – you can request extra filling if you’re a true lemon lover.

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The Boston cream donuts come loaded with real custard that tastes homemade rather than artificial, making them a cut above typical chain offerings.

Scones and Pastries: Beyond donuts, you’ll discover freshly baked scones, croissants, and other European-style pastries that complement the American classics perfectly.

The quality remains consistently high across all baked goods, with that crucial “light and fluffy” texture that separates great donuts from mediocre ones.

Unexpected Boba Tea Excellence

Authentic Asian Bubble Tea: Surprisingly for a Minnesota donut shop, Moon Donuts serves genuinely excellent boba tea that rivals dedicated bubble tea shops.

You’ll find flavors like brown sugar with tapioca pearls and mango milk tea that are sweet, thick, and authentically prepared. The tea quality has genuinely shocked first-time customers who weren’t expecting this level of expertise.

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Specialty Coffee Drinks: Beyond bubble tea, you’ll enjoy expertly crafted lattes, espresso drinks, and traditional coffee that pairs perfectly with the pastries. The drink menu is more extensive than you’d expect from a small-town donut shop, offering everything from iced frappes to milk tea variations.

Full Breakfast & Lunch Options

Hearty Breakfast Sandwiches: You’ll find substantial breakfast sandwiches made with fresh eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese on your choice of croissant, biscuit, or English muffin. The portions are generous and the ingredients taste fresh rather than pre-made.

Panini and Deli Selections: The menu extends into lunch territory with paninis featuring combinations like turkey and provolone with pesto, or the popular three-meat burrito that provides serious value. The BLT sandwiches have earned particular praise for their quality and freshness.

Kolaches and European Options: You’ll discover kolaches – a sweet Czech pastry that’s uncommon in this region – along with other European-influenced baked goods that add international flair to the menu.

Atmosphere & Comfort

Clean and Welcoming Space: You’ll appreciate the cafe’s spotless interior with plenty of comfortable seating for dining in. The decor strikes a charming balance between modern cafe aesthetics and hometown warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels both polished and approachable.

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Family-Friendly Environment: The space accommodates families well, with room for children and a relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t feel rushed. You’ll notice the genuine care that goes into maintaining a clean, pleasant environment for all customers.

Outdoor Seating Option: During pleasant weather, you can enjoy your treats at outdoor tables, making it perfect for a leisurely morning coffee or afternoon boba tea break.

Other Considerations

Exceptional Value: You’ll find the pricing remarkably affordable for the quality received. Most items fall well under $10, with generous portions that provide excellent value compared to chain alternatives.

The quality-to-price ratio consistently impresses customers who expected to pay more for this level of freshness and taste.

Convenient Location and Parking: The strip mall location provides easy access right off Highway 55, with plenty of free parking available. You won’t struggle with downtown parking hassles or limited spaces, making quick stops effortless.

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Early Bird Advantage: You’ll want to arrive early in the day for the best selection, especially on weekends. The most popular items like maple bacon long johns tend to sell out, so morning visits ensure you’ll have the full range of options available.

Family Ownership: This is a genuine family-owned business where you’ll experience personal attention and care that corporate chains simply cannot match.

The owners also operate a second location in Monticello, demonstrating their commitment to bringing quality baked goods to central Minnesota communities.

Limited Hours: Keep in mind they’re closed Mondays and operate until 2 PM on weekdays, 1 PM on weekends. You’ll need to plan accordingly, but the limited hours ensure everything stays fresh and the small team can maintain their high quality standards.


Moon Donuts & Cafe
📍 9 State Highway 55 W, Buffalo, MN 55313

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.