Best Apple Cider Donuts Near Chicago This Fall

My mom is flying in from Ohio this weekend, and her one non-negotiable request is for "real" apple cider donuts. I am car-less in Northalsted, so a two-hour drive out to an orchard in Michigan is not happening. Are there any decent options within the city that are actually reachable via the L? I'm right off the Belmont stop. I'm not talking about a single $7 donut from some fancy bakery in the West Loop. I want the warm, cakey kind rolled in cinnamon sugar that you buy by the half-dozen. I don't want to fail Mom this year.

The Horner Park Farmers Market on Saturdays usually has a great donut stand, but you have to go early. I mean right at opening. Last time I went around 11:00 AM the line was huge and they were already running out. It's a bit of a walk from the Francisco Brown Line stop, but doable. The Montrose bus would also get you close.

You really can't replicate the experience in the city. Part of the deal is going to an actual orchard where they're frying them right there. It feels like fall. You could take the Metra UP-NW line from Ogilvie out to Des Plaines and then take a short Uber to a farm. It's more of a trip, but the donuts are on a completely different level than what you'll find at a city market.

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest is this weekend, that is your answer. It is a straight shot for you on the Brown Line, just get off at Damen or Western. They have a couple different farm stands that set up just to sell donuts. But be warned, it gets insanely crowded, like shoulder to shoulder on Lincoln Ave. The line for the main booth south of Lawrence can be a 45 minute wait. Pro tip: walk north of Lawrence Ave, there's usually another vendor near the music stage with a much more manageable line.

If you don't want to deal with the Apple Fest mob, just go to Jewel. They stock decent ones from local bakeries this time of year. They're not hot out of the fryer, but you can get a dozen for like eight bucks and you don't have to lose half your Saturday standing in a line.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. We decided to brave Apple Fest on Saturday morning since it was so easy to get to on the Brown Line. EdgewaterEddie, your advice was a lifesaver. The main donut line was absolutely ridiculous, just like you said. We found the other stand north of Lawrence and only had to wait about 15 minutes. Mom was thrilled, said they were perfect. The crowds were a lot, but the donuts made it totally worth it. Mission accomplished.