Lantern Donuts

519 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Hours

Open Thursday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

208 551 2353

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About

The problem with donuts is that they come with a bad rap. They're known for being unhealthy yet, at the same time, deliciously decadent. While Lantern Donuts can't make a 100% guilt-free treat, they come pretty darn close!

As the first donut shop to ever exist on Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Lantern set out to elevate the donut experience. The brainchild of this epicurean mission is Executive Chef Paul Shields and Coffee Director Daniel Brenneise.

Since 2025, when Lantern Donuts held a soft opening, Chef Paul has combined his 30 years of culinary expertise and passion for desserts. His dedication ensures that every donut is a masterpiece, free from artificial dyes, seed oils, and other unnatural additives.

Rounding out your donut experience is Daniel Brenneise, a coffee aficionado. His dedication to sourcing and small-batch roasting technique unlocks the unique flavors of each bean. The result is a premium coffee that pairs perfectly with the artisan donuts.

Its central location means you can get some donuts before or after a morning of sightseeing. Its proximity to Tubbs Hillmakes it ideal after a hike or get there when it opens at 8:00 AM for a box of donuts and coffee to enjoy on any one of the Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises.

While Lantern Donuts may be the new kid on CDA's culinary block, it is off to a roaring start. From its handcrafted frostings and glazes to its in-house roasted coffee, every detail provides an unparalleled dining experience.

Vibe

Occupying the space next door to Crafted Tap House + Kitchen, Lantern Donuts is the end unit of a stretch of businesses. The modern design pays homage to the building's earlier use as a muffler shop and gas station. Large glass roll-up doors reflect its past and enhance the indoor-outdoor dining experience. It's the perfect blend of history with cutting-edge contemporary architecture.

Inside, the decor blends contemporary and rustic elements. Warm wooden accents, sleek countertops, bright tilework, and greenery create a cozy yet sophisticated space. Additionally, the open layout allows you to watch the donut-making process, adding to the experience.

Dining areas range from the bar-style seating near the coffee counter to tables by the roll-up garage door. No matter where you sit, you'll smell the fresh-brewed coffee and donuts!

Whether you grab-and-go or sit to visit, the ambiance at Lantern Donuts complements any Idaho vacation.

Lantern Donuts: Menu & Drinks

To reiterate, this shop creates what they describe as elevated donuts. When you peruse the showcase, you'll note the craftsmanship showcasing the gourmet flavors. In some ways, these look too good to eat, but don't let that stop you!

While the menu rotates with the seasons, ingredients, and the chefs' creativity, there are some classics to highlight.

The Black and Grey is a raised brioche donut with Earl Grey icing, black sesame seeds, and caramel. The sesame seeds are caramelized and dehydrated in-house, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

Another favorite is the Sacherdonut, inspired by the classic Viennese treat, Sachertorte. Like its famous predecessor, this donut features a made-from-scratch rich chocolate cake filled with apricot jam. Combine this decadent donut with a cup of coffee, and you'll swear you're in Austria.

A seasonal must-try is the Crème Brûlée. Chef Paul creates a classic, thick vanilla bean custard that fills a brioche dough. Next, it is dipped in caramelized molten sugar and set aside to cool. The result is a thick, crunchy, hard sugar topping that pairs perfectly with the vanilla bean custard.

On the beverage side, Lantern Donuts offers an array of premium coffee options. The cold brew is crafted from micro-lot, small-batch beans, making it a refreshing choice. When you need a caffeine jolt in the morning, nothing beats the house-roasted espresso. From lattes to cappuccinos and drip brews, there's a cup of Joe with your name on it at Lantern.

On your CDA vacation, be sure to visit Lantern Donuts and let their gourmet treats elevate your Gem State vacation.

Local Tips

Arrive early to beat the rush!
Order ahead of time for grab-and-go.
Check their social media for seasonal flavors and specials.
The house-roasted coffee beans make a great souvenir.

Location

519 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane, WA?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) sits less than 40 minutes away. The drive is smooth and scenic, leading from city bustle to the calm of lake and mountain views. Coeur d’Alene feels close enough for easy travel yet far enough to hold its small-town charm.

What is the weather like in Coeur d'Alene?

Spring hillsides wake in green. The average high climbs to roughly 55 °F and the low holds near 36 °F, with lengthening days and the first warmth of spring returning to the lake. Precipitation in April averages around 2 inches, signalling the slow return of gentler weather.
Summer brings clear skies and long, warm days. In July, the average high reaches about 84 °F and the low settles near 55 °F. The skies stay clear roughly three-quarters of the time, with more than thirteen hours of sunshine each day and less than half an inch of rainfall on average.
Autumn days shorten and the air cools, the hills shift to gold and crimson. By October, the average high falls to around 58 °F and the low to about 38 °F. Rain collection for this month averages around 1 inch.
Winter arrives quietly, bringing an average high near 37 °F and a low around 26 °F in January. Precipitation accumulates to about 3 inches, with significant snowfall in the nearby mountains.

When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is a four-season destination, and each time of year offers its own kind of wonder.

Spring breathes color back into the hills. Trails open, golf courses green up, and wildflowers scatter across the shoreline. The days feel light and full of promise
Summer hums with life. The lake sparkles under long daylight hours, boats trace silver wakes, and the town moves to the rhythm of music, markets, and festivals. Evenings stretch lazily into starlit nights by the water
Autumn slows the tempo. The forests flare in gold and crimson, and the air carries the scent of pine and cool earth. It’s a time for quiet hikes, scenic drives, and sunsets that feel like good endings.
Winter softens everything. Downtown glows with lights, cafés steam with warmth, and the surrounding mountains call skiers to fresh snow. The calm of the lake in winter feels like a secret worth keeping

When are the high and low seasons in Coeur d'Alene?

The high season begins around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. This period draws the most visitors: lakeside activities, hiking, golfing and festivals all hit their stride.

The low season takes hold in the fall and winter months. The crowds thin and the pace becomes calmer. Yet the region still welcomes travelers thanks to excellent skiing nearby and the holiday charm downtown.

What are the biggest main events in Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene fills its calendar with moments that bring the whole town to life.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (end of June) – The city wakes early and cheers loud. Athletes from around the world test themselves against lake, mountain, and road while crowds line the shore in the summer sun. The air hums with determination and pride.
Car d’Alene (Father’s Day weekend) – Engines rumble and chrome gleams under the streetlights. Downtown becomes a parade of classics and customs, live music spills from every corner, and the whole weekend feels like a rolling celebration of motion and nostalgia.
Fourth of July Celebration – Begin the day with a classic small-town parade filled with flags, music, and hometown pride. As daylight fades, the lake turns glassy and still before the fireworks begin. Reflections dance across the water, echoing cheers from beaches and boats gathered to watch one of the Northwest’s most dazzling displays.
Art on the Green (1st weekend of August) – The lakefront becomes a garden of creativity. Artists, musicians, and chefs fill the air with color, sound, and the scent of local food. It’s a festival that feels handmade and full of heart.
Oktoberfest (mid-September) – A lively weekend downtown with local brews, food, and music that celebrate the turn of the season.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Day after Thanksgiving) – When winter settles in, the city glows. More than a million lights wrap the downtown waterfront, the parade winds through streets lined with cocoa cups and mittens, and the night ends with the lake shining under its holiday crown. From the resort docks, cruise across the water to the “North Pole”, where children meet Santa and the shoreline sparkles with wonder.

What are must-sees in Coeur d'Alene?

Lake Coeur d’Alene: Glide across the wide blue surface of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the mountains lean in and the water carries light like a mirror. Boats trace gentle wakes, kayaks cut through stillness at dawn, and the shoreline invites slow strolls and quiet reflection. Step aboard one of the scenic lake cruises from The Coeur d’Alene Resort to see hidden bays, forested hillsides, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Tubbs Hill Natural Area: Right beside downtown, this 2.2-mile loop blends forest, granite cliffs, and lake views. You’ll find hidden coves, clean water, and the quiet that comes when nature is only steps from the café.
Downtown Sherman Avenue & Lakefront Boardwalk: Wander from art galleries to coffee to waterfront benches. Walk the floating boardwalk around the marina at dusk and watch the lights shimmer in the water. The town feels alive without being rushed.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Floating Green): Even if you’re not big on golf, this is a spectacle. A green that floats on the lake! It captures the spirit of the place; water, lush grass, and an unexpected twist of fun.
North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Set your pace to discovery. These trails stretch past the lake, along rivers, through forests, and into open sky. Whether you’re walking, biking, or breathing the air, it offers a way to explore without getting lost in busy-town energy.
Silverwood: Just north of Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood brings a jolt of excitement to the region’s easygoing pace. Roller coasters rise above the trees, and the air fills with the sound of laughter and rushing water from Boulder Beach Water Park. Spend the day chasing thrills, then return to the lake for a quiet sunset. Two sides of summer living in perfect balance.