No More Donuts at the Donut Shop

There was always room on one of the few red leather stools at the counter in my favorite mini-diner Donuts Coffee Shop. It closed January 2008 and was located at 212 Fifth Avenue at Union.

I went to the Donut Shop when I felt little, lost and blue. When the weather was dark and moody and I’d been huddled in front of a cantankerous computer for way too long. I knew the miniature diner would welcome me warmly into its greasy sweet arms. And Jean would always say, “What can I get you Mommie?” like she has known me forever when in fact, she probably did not.

She smiled knowingly when I answered, “Diet Coke with lots of ice, burger rare, fries extra well.” “Nothing like ice, even when its cold out” she whispered conspiratorially. She would overfill a battered 1950s plastic tumbler with the happy sparkling cubes.

As usual, the food slid down too fast and I was always sad when it was over. On the way out I always noticed the cheerful tray of donut Os and I wonder why I’d never had a donut in the Donut Shop. Now I never will.

Visit the Donuts Section in the 718 Store