World’s FairDonuts
An open box of a dozen donuts from World's Fair Donuts: powdered cake rings, glazed, cinnamon sugar, chocolate long johns and chocolate iced rings
World’s FairDonuts

Cake donuts, long johns, fritters and the gooey butter cake, out of the case at 1904 S Vandeventer. Open every morning of the week and gone by two in the afternoon.

Open

Every day, 6am - 2pm

Paying

Cash only

Google

4.4 from 1,054 reviews

Shaw, St. Louis

Classic Donuts Forever

Fifteen kinds in the case, and eleven of them cost a dollar twenty-five. Nothing on the board is over $3.25. Bring cash, come before two, and take a box away.

The painted window band at World's Fair Donuts: the words Classic Donuts in red lettering on turquoise
The display case at World's Fair Donuts, trays of donuts stacked behind glass, with a handwritten sign taped to the front

“Donut tap on the glass. It scares the donuts.”

Taped to the case, in their own hand.

Painted on the wall inside

A St. Louis tradition

Behind the counter there is a mural: a portrait in the clouds, ringed with drawn donuts, and that line lettered across the bottom of it.

The mural inside World's Fair Donuts: a painted portrait among clouds surrounded by drawn donuts, with a banner reading A ST. LOUIS TRADITION

The shop

Have a look

Before you set off

Open seven days, shut at two

Six in the morning until two in the afternoon, every day of the week including Sunday. It is a counter, not a cafe: you come in, pick a box and take it away.

There is a free lot, paid parking, and space on the street. The entrance and the parking are both wheelchair accessible.

Worth knowing

Cash only

There is an ATM at the door.

Opening hours
Monday6am - 2pm
Tuesday6am - 2pm
Wednesday6am - 2pm
Thursday6am - 2pm
Friday6am - 2pm
Saturday6am - 2pm
Sunday6am - 2pm

What people say

4.4, across 1,054 reviews

Left on Google, by people who came in.

These are the best donuts in St. Louis. The owner is incredibly nice and always gives out free samples of donuts. Amazing donuts and even better environment!

Roman Dolinay

... The gooey butter cake is an absolute 10/10! Perfectly buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Every bite was rich, fresh, and full of that classic St. Louis flavor. Honestly one of the best desserts I've had.

Millionairess

... Great little spot for donuts. Glad they were open on a Tuesday when many places aren't. The donuts were so delicious. Bought a 6pk for 3 people and we split them up so we all got a variety. Not an eat-in type of place but quick to run in and pick up a box to go.

Matt Moore

This little place in the Shaw neighborhood is worth a stop! The long john with vanilla icing is perfection, and of course the gooey butter cake is a must. The custard is a recent fave - tastes so fresh!

Matt Cambridge

... Always have such a great experience here. The staff is super friendly with nice light energy. The variety is pretty steady featuring multiple variations of different style donuts so you're not limited to the basics. The signs are soo cute and we ooveee affordable standard pricing.

Caitlin Freund

Find the counter

1904 S Vandeventer

St. Louis, Missouri 63110 / Shaw

Call the shop

(314) 261-4002
The World's Fair Donuts road sign, a white panel in a dark frame beside a tall oxblood blade sign spelling DONUTS in white neon letters

Shaw

World’s Fair Donuts

1904 S Vandeventer Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Every day, 6am - 2pm. Cash only.

Ordering ahead

Need a box for a crowd?

For a big order, or to check what is left before you drive over, calling the shop is the surest way to get an answer the same morning.

(314) 261-4002

Every day, 6am to 2pm.

Every day, 6am-2pm

Cash only

(314) 261-4002