Union Square Donuts Owner Josh Danoff's Guide To Boston

If you didn't think that "professional doughnut eater" was an occupation, Josh Danoff will make you think again. As the brains and tastebuds behind Boston's Union Square Donuts, it's no surprise that this doughnut expert lives by the motto, "Doughnuts. Coffee. Repeat."

Aside from devouring doughnuts, Danoff has an extensive resume that includes stonemasonry, teaching writing workshops to incarcerated youths and founding a variety of trendy food companies selling kombucha and fresh-fruit popsicles. Now, he strives to push the creative boundaries of doughnut flavor pairings while still remaining true to the traditional and timeless pastry.

So what's his favorite part of Boston? "In a great way, it really is like a small town— especially in the food community," says Danoff. "It is not only incredibly supportive, but also motivates you to always bring your best." (Which is why he takes making the best doughnuts in Boston very seriously!)

Whether he's grabbing a casual truck-style lunch at Mei Mei Street Kitchen or exploring the Museum of Science with his daughter, here are Josh Danoff's must-visit spots around Boston:

What neighborhood do you live in? Union Square, Somerville

What’s your occupation? I eat doughnuts professionally. I am a stonemason by trade and operated a stonemason business in Amherst for a numbers of years [before founding Union Square Donuts]. Among other things, I have also taught elementary school and ran writing workshops in juvenile detention facilities in Los Angeles. I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to be smarter than rocks, kids and donuts, not necessarily in that order.

What’s your favorite overall Boston restaurant? Bronwyn in Somerville

Best sushi: O Ya, Ebi Sushi

Best dessert: Anything made out of doughnut.

Best spot for a quick lunch: Anywhere I can get some really good katsudon.

Best food truck: Roxy’s, Bonetown Burgers, Mei Mei Street Kitchen

Best spot for a romantic date: Going to hear live music with my wife.

Best Sunday brunch: Home with the family, although I work most Sundays.

Best cup of coffee or tea: 3 Little Figs

Best gym or fitness studio: I have to be honest, I haven’t exercised in approximately 10 years. And although I do feel like I have a well-balanced diet, I need to maintain my street cred, so I try not to be seen eating fruit or vegetables in public.

Favorite charity event or organization: The Pan Mass Challenge. My brother and sister, both partners in Union Square Donuts, have been riding in the PMC along our mom for the past five years as part of the Pook's Pedalers team. They ride in memory of our dad, grandfather and aunt, and for all those whose lives have been altered by cancer, those battling cancer now and for those whose loved ones have passed away.

Favorite cultural event: National Doughnut Day

Favorite cultural institution: The Institute of Contemporary Art

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Boston? My 4-year-old daughter loves the Museum of Science. And I like going also because neither one of us needs to tell the other one not to touch anything.

Best historic or iconic Boston landmark to see or explore: Union Square Donuts

The best aspect of Boston is: In a great way, it really is like a small town — especially in the food community. It is not only incredibly supportive, but also motivates you to always bring your best. And at Union Square Donuts, that is what we strive to do every day. We take making the best donuts in Boston very seriously!

Image Credit: Josh Danoff