At least 225 sugar shacks purveying doughnuts glaze the state of Rhode Island. Home to numerous indigenous foods worth braking for along our highways and back roads, many a right or left turn “blinker” signals our fixation with doughnuts. Doughnut domination precludes the natives to view each ring-shaped cake as a life preserver no less essential than the ring-shaped flotation devices stowed away on our Block Island and Newport ferries for emergencies. Doughnuts are the object of our confectionery affection.

Sugar shacks dotting Rhode Island’s landscape by the dozens are primarily large chain franchises, with Dunkin Donuts fronting as the undisputed doughnut dynasty. In fact, the capital city of Providence has a civic center named “Dunkin’ Donuts Center” referred to as “The Dunk.”

Of all the sugar shacks in Rhode Island, why would you walk into Allie’s Donuts?

Located at 3661 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown, on the old Rte. 1 parallel to Interstate 95, Allie’s might have easily been forgotten and joined the ranks of boarded up American icons. However, year-round, word-of-mouth sweet talk along with beachgoers diving for doughnuts before hitting the grainy sand, has made Allie’s the doughnuts-to-dive-for.

Established in 1968, current estimates indicate this low-key, ramshackle building—a small store front with an addition for the kitchen—earns an annual revenue between $500,000 and $1 million!

One of Allie’s customers, I can attest to its popularity as the state’s premier doughnut shop off the primary primrose path. I’ve waited in one of the long lines extending to two separate counters in the small waiting area to place an order before heading to the beach—all the better to get a panoramic view of the sinkers.

What variety! Sugar-dusted, honey-dipped, glazed, coconut-sprinkled, and frosted; plain with assorted icings and jimmies; crullers, jelly sticks, cinnamon sticks—all behemoth-sized!

As there is no available seating inside Allie’s, and the few outdoor picnic tables cannot possibly accommodate all of the doughnut cruisers who patronize this establishment, it’s bagged or boxed Rhode fill to go. Of course, there’s always the dining car at rest or in motion where you can nibble.

Of all the sugar shacks in doughnut dominated Rhode Island, walk into Allie’s Donuts for a sticky situation you won’t regret.