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These Made-From-Scratch Donuts In Clarksville Might Be The Best You’ll Ever Taste

  • Attraction: Mari’s Donuts
  • Location: 1477 Dover Rd, Clarksville, TN 37042
  • Industry: Donut Shop
  • Website: Facebook Page

Every morning before the sun fully rises, something magical happens at a small shop on Dover Road.

While chain donut stores are reheating yesterday’s batch, Mari’s Donuts opens its doors at 5 AM with trays of donuts so fresh they’re still warm to the touch.

This mom-and-pop bakery in the Woodlawn area has become the kind of place locals drive out of their way for, and once you taste what they’re creating, you’ll understand why.

What sets this shop apart isn’t just the quality—it’s the authenticity. You won’t find mass-produced donuts here. Everything is made from scratch daily, giving you that classic “pink box donut” experience that reminds you what real donuts should taste like.

Donuts Worth The Drive

Cake Donuts: These might just be the best cake donuts you’ll find in the greater Clarksville area.

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Incredibly moist with a tender crumb, they’re nothing like the dry, dense versions you’ve probably tried elsewhere. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and richness that makes you reach for another.

Apple Fritters: Massive, golden, and absolutely fantastic. These aren’t your average fritters—they’re generously sized treats packed with real apple pieces and just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. The exterior gets delightfully crispy while the inside stays soft and flavorful.

Blueberry Donuts: A standout that locals consistently rave about. Loaded with real blueberry flavor, these donuts showcase how simple ingredients done right can create something absolutely delicious. They’re proof that you don’t need fancy toppings when the base is this good.

Butter Rolls: Don’t sleep on these! They’re outstanding—soft, buttery, and with just enough sweetness to satisfy without overwhelming. Think of them as the perfect companion to your morning coffee.

Custom Filled Donuts: Here’s where things get fun. You can order jelly-filled donuts customized with your choice of filling—Boston cream, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or lemon. Each one is generously filled, so you’re getting real value and flavor in every bite.

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Kolaches: Savory breakfast lovers, this is your jam. The kolaches here are fresh, fluffy, and filled with quality ingredients. They’re perfect for when you want something substantial but still portable for your morning commute.

Traditional Classics: All your favorites are here—chocolate covered, plain glazed, donuts with sprinkles, and more. But here’s the thing: even the simplest glazed donut tastes exponentially better when it’s made fresh daily from scratch. The glaze alone is perfection.

The Vibe

Fresh Is The Standard: Walk in early enough, and you’ll find donuts still warm from the fryer. That alone changes the entire experience. The smell hits you before you even open the door, and everything tastes like it was just made—because it was.

No Frills, All Quality: This isn’t a trendy Instagram bakery with elaborate displays. It’s a straightforward donut shop where the product speaks for itself. The focus is entirely on delivering exceptional donuts, not on fancy decor or gimmicks.

Quick And Convenient: The service moves fast, so you’re in and out quickly even during busy morning hours. Perfect for those grabbing breakfast on the way to work or picking up treats for the office.

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Worth Knowing

Pricing: Here’s the beautiful part—the prices are incredibly fair, especially considering the quality. Regular donuts start at just $1.59, big donuts at $1.99, and kolaches at $2.99. You’re getting authentic, made-from-scratch treats at prices that rival the chains, except these actually taste amazing.

Value Assessment: The combination of freshness, size, and quality makes these donuts an exceptional value. When you compare them to Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’, there’s simply no contest—Mari’s wins on both taste and price point.

Early Bird Gets The Donut: Open from 5 AM to 2 PM daily (Sundays until noon), this is definitely a morning destination. If you want the best selection, arrive earlier rather than later. The most popular varieties tend to sell out, especially on weekends.

Call Ahead Option: You can phone in your order at (931) 378-7000 if you want to guarantee you get what you’re craving. This is especially smart if you’re buying for a group or want specific varieties.

Hidden Location: The shop’s location means it’s not immediately visible from major roads, which is why some locals lived in Clarksville for years without knowing it existed. But once you find it, you’ll become a regular.

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Perfect For: Early risers, donut enthusiasts, anyone tired of chain donuts, families looking for weekend breakfast treats, or office heroes bringing in goodies for the team.


Mari’s Donuts
📍 1477 Dover Rd, Clarksville, TN 37042

Writer: June Holloway
Click to read bio

June Holloway is a lifelong Tennessean who grew up in the shadow of the Smokies and now writes from her home just outside of Gatlinburg. She has a deep love for winding mountain roads, American barbecue joints, and stories passed down on front porches.