Dallas has a delicious secret - one that’s every bit as much a reward for your LimeBike ride as it is a reason to take one in the first place.

Welcome to the quirky, decadent world of Hypnotic Donuts.

Launched in 2010, the shop is the answer to owner James St. Peter’s nagging question: why, in a city of over 1.3 million residents, is it impossible find a high-quality donut? Apparently, he wasn’t the only one interested in the topic. In the 7 years since it opened, Hypnotic Donuts has achieved something akin to cult status in the world of Dallas sweets. As one 5-star reviewer on Yelp recently wrote, “This place is really dangerous, but incredibly good for your mental health.”

So what accounts for the stellar reputation? According to James, it all starts with the basics. “When you use real ingredients, it enables you to open up the recipe book,” he says. “You can go way beyond your typical donut shop. We have three culinary chefs on staff and they are always coming up with ideas.”

That’s not hyperbole, either. From classic favorites like the Evil Elvis and Canadian Healthcare to bracket-style tournaments to determine the next permanent flavors, there’s almost always something new and unique to sample. The menu has even expanded to include chicken biscuits - a Texas specialty for anyone whose sweet tooth leans more to the savory side.

Beyond the donuts themselves, however, the shop benefits from another, more practical advantage: its location. Nestled near the eastern banks of White Rock Lake, its easy accessibility is matched only by its gorgeous surroundings.

“White Rock Lake is a Dallas oasis,” James admits, noting the pristine natural environment and multi-use trails all lying within view of the city skyline. It’s not an image one would necessarily pair with this sprawling Texan metropolis. “Pop into our shop and you get the another escape: a laid back atmosphere with great food and great people.”

And at the heart of it, that’s what Hypnotic Donuts is all about: the people. Through donations and events like the Hypnotic Polar Plunge, James’ entrepreneurial venture has established itself as an active community partner in East Dallas. It’s a reciprocal relationship whose appreciation is evidenced by the near-perpetual queue of hungry patrons lining up to satiate their Hypnotic fix.

Which can’t help but beg the question, why not ride out and taste what all the buzz is about for yourself? “You can literally go out of our shop, down a side road, and be at the lake in 30 seconds,” says James.

Waterside LimeBike and Sin’namon Roll, anyone?