MJ Donuts: Old school atmosphere, best donuts in town

The facts

Krispy Kreme might be the king of doughnuts in the Carolinas, but MJ Donuts has the market cornered in Pineville.

The MJ’s experience

Outside: You’d miss it if you ever drove down Polk Street in Pineville. It’s in a small strip shopping center near the Food Lion. Totally unassuming.

Inside: You feel like you’ve stepped into any coffee and doughnut joint in Queens or Philly or Detroit. A working class, no-frills type of place. Faux wood tables, black and white checked floor, cooler of drinks. The TV even has rabbit ears.

The owners: Soncha and Soon Lee have owned MJ’s since 1996. It’s their only business and they run it like real pros. No machines, either. All homemade.

The doughnuts: Check out this spread. Terrific. You’ve got the double chocolate cake. The buttermilk with sprinkles. A totally unique raised cinnamon crumb. An incredible apple fritter. And donut holes – get a dozen free when you order a dozen donuts.

Going, going, gone

Here’s one Saturday morning’s order at our house: Dozen donuts, donut holes and an apple fritter.

Here’s after about 20 minutes

Make a trip to P-Diddyville: I don’t know if anybody calls Pineville P-Diddyville. Nevertheless, get yourself down south to check out these doughnuts. Well worth it.

MJ’s is located at 325 S. Polk St. It’s a morning business, so call (there’s no website) for hours: (704) 889-5427.

This story was originally published February 18, 2015 at 12:51 AM with the headline "MJ Donuts: Old school atmosphere, best donuts in town."