nyc-etc: underwest donuts

I typically don’t post on Mondays, but this was kind of an emergency.

Simply put: get yourself to Underwest Donuts. As soon as humanly possible.

I think we can all agree that I love doughnuts. And New York City. And unusual locales.

Welcome to a doughnut shop. In NYC. In a car wash.

underwest donuts

underwest donuts

Cue angels singing.

I don’t even know how this came on my radar – all I remember is bookmarking the site and channeling my inner Liz Lemon.

I met  Annie (always game for an NYC adventure, that one) at one of the oldest still-in-operation car washes in the city. I didn’t know what to expect but, as best as I could document it, here’s what I found:

underwest donuts

It’s a legit car wash – servicing a seemingly never-ending stream of cars (mainly of the taxi and town car variety). You need to walk through the doughnut shop to get to that part of the car wash where you simultaneously track your car’s progress while marveling at the vast array of air fresheners (Sunberry Cooler?).

underwest donuts

underwest donuts

But I digress. It’s really about the doughnuts.

Don’t let the location fool you – Scott Levine is an accomplished chef with some impressive stints (Chanterelle and il Laboratorio del Gelatoto, to name a few) to his credit. A serious sweet tooth doesn’t hurt either.

He installed a Belshaw Adamatic Donut Robot to help turn out consistent, perfectly cooked doughnuts in his tiny shop.

underwest donuts

Right – the doughnuts.

In the name of “research” I consumed, over the course of the day, four amazing doughnuts (two on the spot and two – uh – later). Brown Butter, Espresso Bean, Coconut Lime and my very favorite – Halvah.

underwest donuts

photo credit: Bobby Doherty for Grub Street

And they were all stellar – on a par with my two very bestest shops, Doughnut Plant and Dun-well.

Scott was super nice too (he even posed for a picture!), and I hope he is as successful in this venture as his delicious doughnuts deserve to be!

underwest donuts

What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever eaten?

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4 Comments

  1. Adrian on December 15, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    WAIT A MINUTE! Is that the car wash next to H&H Bagels? Across from the Intrepid? My Texas parents had their first NYC bagel at H&H a few years ago (both were already 80 years old!). I had NO IDEA there were donuts at the car wash! I promise to sample and report back on the authenticity of their chocolate offerings. Also, wondering: Is Scott single?

  2. annie on December 16, 2014 at 8:02 am

    Sheri,
    Can’t stop thinking about those donuts! That was the most fun meeting you at a car wash for a donut (oh who am I kidding…3 donuts)! Seriously worth every calorie!
    xo
    annie

    • sherisilver on December 16, 2014 at 8:18 am

      You make a good “partner in crime” (and calories)! xo

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!