Taste test one of Krispy Kreme's Hot Original Glazed doughnuts against a glazed doughnut from any other chain, and you'll know why Chicagoans and other Midwesterners have fully embraced this southeastern favorite since it began its national expansion in 1999.

After gauging our interest with several suburban locations, Krispy Kreme opened this downtown store in the summer of 2002, surrounded by long morning lines and media fanfare.

The aforementioned Hot Original Glazed is the best reason to trek past the dozens of Dunkin' Donuts locations in the south Loop. On the small side, it absolutely melts in the mouth. Other standouts include anything else glazed. The chocolate frosteds are probably the most ordinary-tasting of the bunch - so for a chocolate kick, go instead for the chocolate-flavored doughnut with plain glaze. And don't forget coffee: It's of higher quality that you might expect from a doughnut shop.