Zebra Donuts at Royal Bake Shop in Centerville, South Dakota, are a local phenomenon. When we asked the nice ladies working the day of our visit how a bakery in such a small town not only survives, but thrives, they joyfully rattled off examples of their popularity. On the previous day, the Turner County Fair bought 48 dozen of the Zebras, sold them all and ordered 48 dozen more. They typically make 300 Zebras on weekdays, 1000 on Saturdays, and are still sold out by mid-morning. We were there early on a Saturday and the one woman said with a knowing smile, “It’s about to get crazy in here!”
What makes Zebra Donuts special? They are a puffy, glazed yeast donut with a thick band of chocolate in the middle. It is topped off with fudgy chocolate icing. There is a freshness that only comes from using the best ingredients, with no oily aftertaste you often get after eating inferior donuts. One bite and we were hooked. Royal Bake Shop is so proud and protective of the Zebra that they have it trademarked.
Everything else we tried was equally dazzling. Custard Bismarks are pillowy soft, have a sprinkling of powdered sugar and are filled with sweet Boston cream. The cinnamon twist has a thin layer of glaze and easily pulls apart for eating on the go. And don’t miss the cinnamon roll: feather-light, gooey, and still warm from the oven.
Royal Bake Shop offers free coffee to its customers.
| Sunday | CLOSED |
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5:00am - 2:00pm |
| Wednesday | 5:00am - 2:00pm |
| Thursday | 5:00am - 2:00pm |
| Friday | 5:00am - 2:00pm |
| Saturday | 6:00am - 12:00pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Tortilleria Hernandez
Sioux Falls, South DakotaTortilleria Hernandez is a tortilla factory that serves tacos on fresh corn tortillas and enormous Mexican hoagies known as torpedoes.
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Meridian Corner
Freeman, South DakotaMeridian Corner is a remote roadside tavern that upholds traditional South Dakotan foodways, nailing every dish.
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The Chislic House
Freeman, South DakotaThe Chislic House is a tasty stop for South Dakota’s signature skewers and other specialties made from local agricultural products.
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Crystal Café
South Sioux City, NebraskaCrystal Cafe is a 24/7 truck stop restaurant at the Iowa-Nebraska border serving hearty meals and high-rise cream pies.
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Tastee Inn & Out
Sioux City, IowaTastee Inn & Out is a drive-in serving the northwest Iowa beef sandwich known as a loosemeats, plus delicious fried onion chips with creamy dipping sauce.
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Miles Inn
Sioux City, IowaIn Northwest Iowa, taverns (loosemeats) are more popular than burgers. They’re at their best at the Miles Inn, which calls them Charlie Boys.