Glazed and confused about where to find the best donuts throughout Los Angeles and Los Angeles County? This is the list for you. Whether you’re craving the classics, unique creations (ever heard of a crinkie?) or extravagant confections, the West Coast is where donut dreams become a reality.
Check out these must-visit donut shops the next time you’re in LA.
Blinkie’s Donuts (Woodland Hills)
A neighborhood favorite and home of the famous crinkie – think a cross between a flaky croissant and a doughnut – Blinkie’s has served up sweet confections in Woodland Hills since the 1960s. Bite into pillowy donuts topped with maple and crispy bacon. Try the famous crinkie stuffed with fresh bananas and drizzled with Nutella. Or, go wild with one of their more extravagant creations, like a donut piled high with cinnamon toast crunch and toasted marshmallows!
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (Santa Monica)
What’s delicious and just a few blocks from the Santa Monica Pier? The answer is Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. Take a break from the beach and grab a dozen delicious donuts, from the citrus-infused lemon pound cake to banana-cream pie malasada (a donut filled with banana custard and fluffy vanilla whipped cream). Known for their pie-inspired creations and utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients, Sidecar’s menu is ever-evolving and features unique flavors like huckleberry and basil eggs benedict. Vegan? No problem. The apple pie donut is delicious and cruelty-free!
Holey Grail Donuts (Multiple Locations)
It’s all about the taro root at Holey Grail Donuts. Originally started in Hawaii as a food truck, it has thankfully made its way to the mainland with shops in Santa Monica and Larchmont Village. Uniquely crafted from taro root flour and fried in coconut oil, Holey Grail’s made-from-scratch donuts bring a taste of the islands to LA. Try dazzling flavors like strawberry match, saffron snickerdoodle or the original sin – a glazed donut with a blend of Hawaiian vanilla bean and salted maple. Pair any of their donuts with a house chai latte (the cashew milk is made on-site), and you’ve got the perfect breakfast!
Cafe Dulce (Little Tokyo)
Located in Little Tokyo, Cafe Dulce serves up a little something sweet for every type of donut connoisseur. Sit underneath one of their yellow umbrellas outside and dig into fun flavors like the green tea donut or the colorful fruity pebble-encrusted donut. In the mood for something savory? Watch their Instagram for the famous sausage donut drops (sausages wrapped in donut dough and deep-fried). They’re so popular that they must be preordered and always sell out!
Foster’s Donuts (La Crescenta)
You can satisfy your donut cravings around the clock at Foster’s Family Donuts, a neighborhood landmark in La Crescenta for over 20 years. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this local favorite is always serving fresh donuts around the clock, like the classic old-fashioned chocolate (it melts in your mouth), glazed twists and coconut. The menu also features apple fritters and a delicious ham and cheese croissant!
Big Jim’s Donuts (Glendale)
This mom-and-pop shop is open 24 hours a day and is all about no-frills classic donut flavors, from glazed to sprinkles, chocolate and powdered. There are a few unorthodox creations in the mix as well, like the vanilla coconut cake and tiger tails – a fun take on a twist with chocolate and cinnamon. And if you’re hungry for breakfast, they have an excellent selection of breakfast sandwiches. Ham, egg and cheese? Yes, please!
Sweet Retreat Donuts (Long Beach)
Whimsical and delicious best describes Sweet Retreats in Long Beach. Cutely decorated with drawings of cartoon coffee cups and donut-inspired quotes, it’s a must-visit spot for delicious gourmet donuts, espresso and boba tea. And the flavors? You can’t go wrong with the strawberries and cream or the donut stuffed with M&M’s! Or, try elevated flavors like green tea, passion fruit or hibiscus. If you really want to spike your blood sugar – order the donut ice cream sandwich.
The Donut Man (Glendora)
Located on historic Route 66, The Donut Man has been drawing in crowds since the 1970s! Open 24/7, the shop is known for its famous fresh strawberry-filled donuts. Imagine a mammoth glazed donut stuffed with a heaping handful of glazed strawberries. It’s sweet. It’s messy. It’s absolutely delicious. In fact, folks will drive hours to grab these donuts when they’re in season (prepare to wait in line on the weekends). Besides the strawberry donut, they also serve a peach-stuffed donut and traditional flavors.
