- Attraction: Level 5 Donuts
- Location: 2086 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://www.level5donuts.com
Welcome to Level 5 Donuts, where the magic happens five days a week on Madison’s vibrant Atwood Avenue.
This fully vegan donut shop has been quietly revolutionizing what plant-based treats can achieve, proving that you don’t need animal products to create donuts that rival any traditional bakery.
Owners Caitlin Rockey and Aaron Mooney started their journey as ShantyTown Biscuits, a food truck in Walla Walla, Washington, before returning to Madison in 2019 and rebranding as Level 5 Donuts. After years of building a devoted following through coffee shop partnerships and festival pop-ups, they finally opened their brick-and-mortar location in 2025, sharing space with Fortune Favors candied pecans in an innovative retail partnership.
Donut Perfection in Every Bite
Classic Favorites Done Right: The foundation of Level 5’s success lies in their masterful execution of traditional flavors. You’ll find their vanilla glazed donuts strike that perfect sweet spot with a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The chocolate glazed variety features a rich, decadent coating that doesn’t sacrifice any of the indulgence you’d expect from a premium donut shop.
Filled Donuts That Steal the Show: Their Boston Dream puts a vegan twist on the beloved Boston cream, featuring house-made custard that’s impossibly smooth and creamy. The powdered jelly donuts burst with bright, fruity fillings that complement the tender dough beautifully. These filled varieties showcase the technical skill that sets Level 5 apart from typical vegan bakeries.
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Keep Exploring →Creative Seasonal Selections: Each week brings exciting new flavors that keep regulars coming back for more. You might discover a strawberry rhubarb crisp donut with tangy fruit and crumbly topping, or perhaps a mango con chile creation that adds a subtle kick to tropical sweetness. The mixed berry cheesecake variety captures all the richness of the classic dessert in donut form.
Sunday Special Treats: Cinnamon rolls take center stage every Sunday, offering a weekend indulgence that’s worth planning your visit around. These aren’t your average grocery store rolls – they’re oversized, perfectly spiced, and topped with generous amounts of glaze that creates the ideal sweet-to-dough ratio.
Savory Surprises: Level 5 ventures beyond sweet territory with everything bagel bites that deliver all the savory satisfaction of your favorite breakfast bagel. These unique offerings are filled with vegan chive or garlic cream cheese and topped with that addictive everything seasoning blend.
Atmosphere & Experience
Bright and Welcoming Space: The Atwood Avenue location radiates the sunny, optimistic energy that defines this neighborhood. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and comfortable. The shared space with Fortune Favors adds an interesting dynamic, allowing you to browse premium candied pecans while waiting for your donut selection.
Community-Focused Vibe: This isn’t just another retail transaction – Level 5 has cultivated a genuine connection with their customers that you can feel the moment you walk in. The enthusiasm and passion of the owners shine through in every interaction, creating an experience that feels more like visiting friends who happen to make incredible donuts.
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Discover MoreInstagram-Worthy Presentation: Each donut is a small work of art, with vibrant glazes, creative toppings, and perfect proportions that make them irresistible both to eat and photograph. The attention to visual detail reflects the same care that goes into taste development.
Other Considerations
Pricing That Reflects Quality: You’ll find Level 5’s pricing falls into the premium category, similar to other artisanal donut shops, but the quality and generous size justify every dollar. These aren’t mass-produced treats – they’re handcrafted confections that deliver exceptional value for the experience and taste.
Timing Is Everything: Arrive early for the best selection, as Level 5 regularly sells out before closing time. Their Wednesday through Friday hours run from 7am to 3pm, while weekends start at 8am and continue until they’re sold out. This popularity is a testament to their quality but requires some planning on your part.
Limited but Strategic Hours: The shop operates Wednesday through Sunday, giving the small team time to perfect each batch while maintaining their high standards. This schedule also builds anticipation and ensures that every donut you purchase is absolutely fresh.
Street Parking Logistics: You’ll need to plan for street parking along Atwood Avenue, which can be competitive during peak weekend hours. The good news is that the neighborhood is walkable and bike-friendly, making alternative transportation options viable.
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Keep Exploring →Dietary Accommodations: Beyond being 100% vegan, Level 5 regularly offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. This commitment to inclusivity means more people can experience these exceptional donuts regardless of their dietary needs.
Level 5 Donuts
📍 2086 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
