The standard cake donuts are made fresh to order, and smothered in flavored sugars such as strawberry lavender and vanilla spice. These hot and fluffy flavor bombs charm my taste buds, and pair perfectly with the house fried chicken.

Leveling up to the “fancier” donuts, for a purely decadent experience, the raspberry balsamic donut always hits the spot. Federal’s fancy donuts are glazed exquisitely with bold colors and original garnish combinations. An array of flavors include mango coconut, pomegranate Nutella, spicy peanut butter & jelly, grapefruit brûlée, and blueberry mascarpone. These specialty donuts go quickly, so arriving early to secure a dozen is paramount.

Federal Donuts also administers a proprietary house blend coffee, and some of the best fried chicken in Philadelphia. Their chicken comes Korean fried, either naked, glazed, or dry seasoned. I suggest going dry, and my hands down favorite is the dry buttermilk ranch. All chicken orders come complete with a cup of tangy ginger pickles and a divine honey soaked donut.

As one of the best sweet and savory combinations around, Philly’s Federal Donuts helped activate my love for fried chicken and fresh donuts. The place is a must stop every time I find myself at a Phillies game, but the experience is better at their stand alone locations.

Five locations are positioned throughout the city:

South Philly- 1219 South Second Street
North Philly- 701 North 7th Street
Center City- 1632 Sansom Street
West Philly- 3428 Sansom Street
Ball Park- Citizens Bank Park-Sec. 140