Marty's Donut Land

8 Central St., Ipswich, MA - (978) 356-4580

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Posted By Michael Stern on 8/25/2007 11:28:00 AM

Marty’s makes big, hefty donuts. They include the Yankee classic, a “honey dew,” which is a simple raised, glazed sinker with a substantial sweet cake texture that is perfect for dunking, as well as a “honey dipped,” which is a airy raised round of which we easily eat half a dozen with a few of cups of coffee. Chocolate frosted donuts are weighty and crunch-skinned; and there are jelly-filled and powdered and coconut-spangled, too. Many regular customers come for big goopy coffee rolls.

A simple storefront with scarcely any decoration other than a wonderful oil portrait of Marty hanging on the back wall, Marty’s has a counter where take-out dozens are sold and where customers sit and converse as life comes in and out. And there are counter seats in the front window that afford a view of passing traffic on Route 133. It is a true local hangout; one Cape Ann native told us that when he or his friends go on a ski trip, they stop by Marty’s long before the doors officially open to get boxes of hot donuts to go. Although the donuts are ready – and especially delicious while still hot! – the counter gals haven’t yet arrived, so the boys help themselves to what they need and leave their money on the counter. (Not a recommended strategy for out-of-towners!)

As we hoisted ourselves to the register after a really satisfying Marty’s breakfast, we asked the cashier if she had a business card she could give us with the address, phone number, etc. of the establishment for our records. “This is Marty’s, hon’,” she informed us. “We don’t do business cards.”

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

"Size matters not in this bout, as this little chocolate-covered raised donut dominated over the doughy monster of a cinnamon roll."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Not a particularly big selection to choose from, but what Marty's does make is top-notch!"
Cliff Strutz

"Marty's is small, comfortable and the ideal place to relax while drinking coffee."
Cliff Strutz

"Early morning at Marty's. Through the glass, you can see customers eating donuts, drinking coffee, and smoking cigarettes at window seats. (This photo was taken 4 years ago, when smoking still was allowed. No more.)"
Michael Stern