Mel-O-Cream Donuts – Springfield, Illinois

Mel-O-Cream Donuts. This location on Laurel Ave is just a few blocks from the office. Many early morning runs, (not literally), were made here to put a smile on someones face. Notice the fine camera work, as if I didn’t mean to capture the corner of the truck door in the bottom right. It’s like I was in such a hurry to get in the store I didn’t have time to shut the truck door.

An early morning must stop for any Springfield visit is Mel-O-Cream Donuts.

On a recent trip to Springfield, I found some of the favorite local food places of my past are still making their way in this world of autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries. It did my heart good, but not my cholesterol level, to see my favorite donut shop still in operation feeding the hungry masses good old fashion flour and sugar. Breakfast of Champion donut eaters.

Mel-O-Cream Donuts has been in Springfield as long as I remember. Though there have been up and comer donut makers in town, these donuts are still my favorites. The jelly filled with white icing is my preferred donut above all others.

Just the other day my lunch time dining partner Jim was telling me that donuts are healthier than bagels; and that jelly filled donuts are healthier than the cake donut. Obviously my instincts are on target since I started eating the healthy jelly filled donut from a young age. Not sure where my well informed friend got his information, but if it was from the internet I can only assume it to be true.

*Back in the Day Alert*

I recall three Mel-O-Cream donut locations we visited back in the day. One on North Grand; another in a parking garage at 4th and Adams; and the Laurel Street location.

Mom would sometimes punish herself and take me shopping with her at Myers Brothers downtown. Our regular parking location for such a jaunt was the 4th and Adams Parking Garage. At the first floor, before we would exit the stairs to the sidewalk was a small coffee shop that I believe was a Mel-O-Cream donut shop. I could be wrong since I was not very old at the time and was focused mainly on the donuts. The place looked huge from my young vantage point, but when I returned at the end of the 90’s it was Tiny’s Chili and it was very small place, even for a guy named Tiny.

These donuts take a nice picture, and I am sure they are just as good as the regular shaped glazed donut, but I don’t typically eat them since there is no jelly filling or a smothering of icing. Not saying I haven’t ate them. Just not my donut of preference. Did pick up some for the office as part of my assorted dozen selection. All donuts were gone before 10am, so a dozen wasn’t really enough. I would even venture to guess that these donuts were gone before the healthy snacks, eaten by my co-workers, looking out for the welfare of their fellow employees. We have very considerate and caring employees.

More donuts loaded and ready for purchase. I believe these to be cream filled. My favorite jelly filled has the little teaser of jelly placed on top of the white iced donut.

I selected a couple of these for the work dozen, but left them for my fellow employees. A work of art the chocolate iced donut with peaks of whipped cream and a splash of color. Almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat… or so I’ve been told.

Before you visit the Lincoln sites and before your family has awakened, and before you have considered a healthy breakfast, take that 15 minute drive to the Laurel Street location (there is counter service), sit down and have a donut (I recommend the jelly filled) and a coffee or milk (your preference). The shop opens at 7am, so maybe its not that early, but hey, your family is on vacation so its early for vacationers and they will still be asleep. After a couple donuts and a coffee or milk, get a dozen boxed for your trip back to the family. You will be the hero. Then have another from the box.

Happy Valentines Day!