Nothing can help get your ready for a long day of visiting distilleries around Kentucky better than a heavy breakfast. If you are hankering for an amazing doughnut, you won’t have to go too far Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to find some of the best anywhere.
Located just east of downtown Louisville is the up-and-coming, historic, and hip neighborhood of Butchertown. Aptly named, Butchertown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Louisville, and became home to many meatpacking warehouses and butchers in the 1800s. Today, many of the aging warehouses and buildings have been renovated and are home to numerous distilleries, shopping, art galleries, and a wide assortment of dining options.
Originally started as a local food truck by owners Annie Harlow and Leslie Wilson, Hi-Five Doughnuts now calls the bright yellow storefront along East Main Street home, located in the heart of Butchertown. Don’t let the small, yellow cake colored building mislead you, Hi-Five is busy virtually every hour they are open. Doughnut popularity has had a resurgence in the past several years, from artisan designs, local favorites, and the celebration of gluttony with over-the-top creations. The Ladies of the Morning, as they are self-declared, embrace all of these with their delicious seasonal and daily creations.
At first glance the menu may appear to be overwhelming and complicated, but once you get the hang of it, the variations are almost limitless. With all the options you can come up with, you may need to come back several days in order to try each of them. Grab a dozen pre-made options or try one of their specialty items including the Breakfast Doughnut Sandwich for $6.50. This farm fresh egg, white cheddar cheese, applewood bacon and mayo in between a glazed doughnut may be the perfect way to your day on the Bourbon Trail. Of course, nothing says Kentucky and doughnuts more than their KY Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich. This local favorite is served on a doughnut with sweet and tangy hot sauce for $8.50. If your arteries are not nearly clogged enough or you’ve participated in one too many barrel selections already, the Mini Widoughmaker is the perfect choice to get your heart racing before you need an afternoon nap. For $13.50, this meal consists of a Farm fresh egg, applewood bacon, and fried chicken sandwich smashed between 2 doughnuts, then topped with sausage gravy, corn flakes, and a grape drizzle. Just take a moment and ponder this with me.
Now if any of these don’t make your mouth water, then you can always design your own doughnut. First, pick your glaze from strawberry, sinnamon, bacon, (yes, bacon can be a glaze!), bourbon caramel, peanut butter, or chocolate. For just $.50 more add extra glaze or get nutty and go for multiple glazes. Next, pick your toppings, at this point, the sky is the limit. Choose from mini chocolate chips, coconut, sinnamon toast crunch, Fruity Pebbles, rainbow sprinkles, Oreo, or even more bacon. For your extra special elaborate creation, add one of their premium add-ons like even more bacon, cheese (because you can never have too much dairy), an egg, or mixed nuts.
Now, get Off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and visit Hi-Five Doughnuts. You won’t go away hungry and your idea of an amazing doughnut will be forever changed.
About Jeremy Schell