The best doughnut shops in L.A.

What is it? A family-run 24-hour doughnut shop on the outskirts of Los Angeles famous for its seasonal fruit-topped doughnuts. 

Why we love it: Every doughnut at the Donut Man is delicious and made with care, but lines form around the clock at this tiny shop in the San Gabriel foothills come spring and summer for the beautiful, glistening doughnuts topped with fresh strawberries or peaches doused in simple syrup. The strawberry version isn’t just one of the best doughnuts in Los Angeles—it’s one of the city’s finest desserts, period. Founded by Jim and Miyoko Nakano in 1972, the Donut Man also maintains a smaller outpost inside Grand Central Market that has brought L.A. County’s very best doughnuts just a little bit closer to all of us. Our favorite year-round offering is the Donut Man’s enormous cinnamon-braided tiger tail, and the winter offerings (usually pumpkin and apple spice) are no slouch either. You’ll also find standard yeast-raised varieties like chocolate and maple, options stuffed with jelly or custard and a handful of cake options.

Time Out tip: Buy more than one fruit doughnut—you’re going to wish you had an extra one of these tomorrow morning.

Address: Glendora: 915 E Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740; Downtown: Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway #155, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Glendora: Daily 24 hours; Downtown: Daily 8am–9pm

What is it? An artisan chain originally from Costa Mesa dedicated to making “the world’s freshest doughnut.”

Why we love it: Despite its roots down south in Orange County, Sidecar has become the biggest, most consistently excellent player in L.A.’s flourishing gourmet doughnut scene. Five outposts in Santa Monica, Fairfax, Manhattan Beach, Torrance and Culver City make it easy for much of the city to access these small-batch, freshly made treats in unique flavors like huckleberry, blueberry pancake and Meyer lemon. Sidecar commits to frying doughnuts throughout the day, which means you’re basically guaranteed a great product, no matter what time it is. Cake doughnut lovers will enjoy the Saigon cinnamon crumb and sprinkle-covered celebration cake, but if you’re more of a yeast-raised person, order the butter and salt, which combines luxurious brown butter with fleur de sel.

Time Out tip: Check Sidecar’s Instagram for menu specials, such as a recent Dubai chocolate malasada available only on Mondays. 

Address: Multiple, incl. Santa Monica, Culver City and Beverly Grove

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6:30am–7pm; Fri, Sat 6:30am–9pm; Sun 6:30am–7pm

What is it? A North Carolina-founded multinational corporate behemoth with the most delicious, mass-produced melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts in the game. 

Why we love it: Sure, there are other flavors you could choose from—chocolate, powdered jelly, frosted—but fans of Krispy Kreme know that the classic glazed variety is what keeps the brand top of mind among sugar-starved Angelenos, even in a doughnut-rich city like L.A. Simple, sweet and to the point, they’re the perfect antidote to all of the city’s fancy-schmancy doughnuts—and better yet, students can get up to six free for every A on their latest report card. You might be able to track these babies down at your nearest 7-Eleven, but for the freshest doughnuts, you’ll need to head to South Pasadena, Gardena, Burbank, Long Beach or the L.A. outpost on Crenshaw Boulevard, where you can gape through the glass at the enormous conveyor belt of glistening, freshly glazed doughnuts.

Time Out tip: If you happen to come in when the "HOT" sign is on, certain locations even let you score a freebie.

Address: Multiple, incl. South L.A., Pasadena and Burbank

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A family-run doughnut shop inside the Original Farmers Market that has been frying cake and yeast rounds each morning since 1947.

Why we love it: Taken over—and subsequently renamed—by namesake owner Bob Tusquellas in 1970, Bob’s serves a solid variety of mostly traditional flavors, including an enormous, cinnamon-heavy apple fritter and an outstanding old-fashioned that pairs well with the inexpensive, no-frills coffee. Everything is made fresh each morning, and while the classic flavors can’t compete with the creativity on display at the Sidecar Doughnuts location across the street, Bob’s is still one of my top everyday doughnut choices in Central L.A. Stop by before 9am for the early bird special, which includes any doughnut of your choice and a cup of coffee for just $3.50, plus the added bonus of easy parking in the market’s usually deserted parking lot. The same deal is also offered from 6 to 8pm, though the doughnuts obviously aren’t as fresh at that point.

Time Out tip: Remember to get your parking validated if you park in the lot—and make sure you actually parked in the lot for the Original Farmers Market, not the one for the Grove.

Address: 6333 W 3rd St #450, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6am–9pm; Sun 6am–8pm

Time Out tip: Remember to get your parking validated if you park in the lot—and make sure you actually parked in the lot for the Original Farmers Market, not the one for the Grove.

What is it? A perpetually busy sandwich shop and bakery in Glassell Park that also happens to make amazing doughnuts. 

Why we love it: Bub and Grandma’s does many, many things well, including freshly fried doughnuts, which often sell out hours before Bub and Grandma’s closes at 3pm. The flavor selection is limited (anywhere between two and four), but these fluffy, lightly sweetened deep-fried treats are just as satisfying, if not more, compared to many other L.A. doughnut specialists. On my visits, I’ve liked the maple, passion fruit and blueberry varieties, but since the selection varies based on season and the day, you’ll usually have to settle for whatever you happen to find when you come in. Don’t worry though—everything’s great.  

Time Out tip: The key lime pie here is also phenomenal, as are the sandwiches. 

Address: 3507 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Opening hours: Mon 8am–3pm, 5–10pm; Tue–Sat 8am–3pm; Sun 8am–3pm, 5–10pm

What is it? Chef Sang Yoon’s modern reboot of a historic Culver City(ish) bakery—complete with café, deli and specialty market.

Why we love it: The dizzying variety and a handful of menu standouts have made this modern reimagination of Helms Bakery one of L.A.’s most interesting new lunch destinations, but it’s the doughnuts that keep me coming back time and time again. Stop by earlier in the morning for a spectacular, ever-changing array of deep-fried options. On my visits, I’ve enjoyed the passionfruit cruller, strawberry sprinkle twist and vanilla brown butter. More recently, Helms Bakery teamed up with See’s Candies to produce a limited-edition Toffee-ette doughnut, which I absolutely loved. Since the selection is always changing, I can’t guarantee that my favorites will be available, but I can assure you that if you follow your heart when it comes to ordering, you won’t be disappointed by the doughnuts at Helms Bakery. 

Time Out tip: Peruse the large selection of specialty food and unique home goods before heading out.

Address: 3220 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 8am–5pm

What is it? A vegan doughnut shop in Highland Park, Downtown and Silver Lake that’s come under fire in recent years for union-busting. 

Why we love it: If you can excuse the union-busting from a few years back, Donut Friend serves the most delicious plant-based doughnuts in the city. Founded in 2013 by music industry vet Mark Trombino, the punnily named creations include the Polar Berry Club (lemon glaze with fresh berries), Green Teagan and Sara (matcha glaze with black sesame seeds) and the Yo La Mango (mango glaze with cayenne pepper and lime zest). Even for non-vegans, we’d still consider Donut Friend our favorite place in the city for zany, over-the-top flavors like the Youth Brulée, which seals in a Bavarian cream center with crispy, crackly burnt sugar. 

Time Out tip: For the widest selection of doughnuts, arrive here early in the day—the most popular varieties sell out fast.

Address: Highland Park: 5107 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042; Silver Lake: 3534 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; Downtown: 543 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Highland Park: Mon–Fri 7am–9pm; Sat, Sun 7am–10pm; Silver Lake: Mon–Thu 7am–9pm; Fri, Sat 7am–10pm; Sun 7am–9pm; Downtown: Mon–Thu 7am–9pm; Fri, Sat 7am–10pm; Sun 7am–9pm

What is it? An Inglewood doughnut shop known for its giant doughnut-shaped sign with 10 satellite outposts scattered across Los Angeles County, plus several franchises around the country and even the globe.

Why we love it: Dating back to the heyday of programmatic architecture, you’ll find many roadside shops topped with—or in the case of La Puente’s Donut Hole, inside—giant doughnuts scattered across Southern California, but none offer as consistent and delicious a product as Randy’s Donuts. It’s always fun to visit the 24/7 Inglewood flagship just off the 405, but you can also find Randy’s signature apple fritter and other budget-friendly doughnuts in Santa Monica, El Segundo, Torrance, Downey and Burbank. I’m also partial to the maple Long John and powdered sugar cake varieties, if you’re looking for the ultimate sugar rush.

Time Out tip: I also recommend the matcha tea and Nutella raised options, available as part of the “premium selection” menu.

Address: Multiple, incl. Inglewood, Santa Monica and North Hollywood

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? The original home of the elaborate bruléed cream doughnuts available at popular Koreatown coffee shops Memorylook and Cafe Upper.

Why we love it: Forget Century City’s Cafe Knotted—these homegrown South Korean-style doughnuts are the real deal. While Flour Donut’s treats first went viral at trendy coffee shops, you can also find them at their bright pink flagship location inside Koreatown’s Rodeo Galleria, where an entire pastry window is filled with cream-filled doughnuts topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream or, in the came of the creme brulée flavor, a wonderfully crackly torched sugar crust. Flour Donut also sells them in coffee and matcha flavors, for a touch more intrigue, but I like the strawberry milk cream flavor best. The shop also sells misugaru, sweet potato and black sesame flavors. If you’re ordering more than one or two, choose from a yellow box (four doughnuts) or pink box (nine doughnuts) to put together an eye-catching array of deep-fried sweets.

Time Out tip: To avoid the busy weekend lines in Koreatown, head to Flour Donut’s smaller satellite in Mid-City.

Address: Koreatown: 833 S Western Ave, Ste 38, Los Angeles, CA  90005; Mid-City: 1290 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Opening hours: Koreatown: Mon–Sat 8am–5pm (or until sold out); Mid-City: Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 8am–5pm (or until sold out)

What is it? A family-run shop along Sawtelle Boulevard that’s been making buttermilk doughnuts and other classic deep-fried treats since 1956.

Why we love it: This is one of the best old-school doughnut shops on the Westside, with a mouthwatering mix of classics, including Primo’s signature buttermilk bars and colorful selection of cake doughnuts. There are also vegan doughnuts, gluten-free doughnuts, and pastries on the menu, if you’re not in the mood for doughnuts or buying a variety box for a crowd. More recently, Primo’s has expanded to the San Fernando Valley via Westfield’s Topanga Social, making it easier than ever to get a taste of these deep-fried buttermilk beauties. 

Time Out tip: Primo’s also delivers nationally through Goldbelly.

Address: West L.A: 2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064; Canoga Park: 6600 CA-27 #1M Canoga Park, CA 91303

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 6am–3pm; Sun 7am–1pm; Daily 11am–9pm

What is it? An excellent pink box doughnut shop in Eagle Rock and a worthy Northeast L.A. doughnut destination. 

Why we love it: Like any good old-school pink box shop, Eagle Rock’s Colorado Donuts sells lottery tickets, but you’ll already feel like a winner after a bite of one of their colorful, candy-topped creations. Seasonally decorated doughnuts for the holidays make any celebration feel sweet, but you can also find doughnut-croissant hybrids (in the style of Dominique Ansel’s world-famous cronut) and more classic flavors at this tried-and-true spot in Northeast L.A. For special occasions, Colorado Donuts will even make lettered doughnuts to spell out a message of your choice; the shop also does a brisk business selling seasonally decorated creations celebrating the Dodgers, Halloween and more. Build your own box to bring home or to the office—the dizzying variety is sure to please a crowd.

Time Out tip: On the weekends, Colorado Donuts sells a Dubai chocolate doughnut stuffed with pistachio butter and shredded kataifi. Of course, these sell out early, so come in the morning or risk disappointment.

Address: 1578 Colorado Blvd #14, Eagle Rock, CA 90041

Opening hours: Daily 4am–11pm

What is it? A retro-themed South Korean doughnut shop with locations across Southern California that perpetually sells out early.

Why we love it: The bright orange and blue branding and retro-chic look to every location has translated into near-unbearable levels of social media virality and weekend popularity, but if I’m ever in the vicinity of an Old Ferry Donut location and I don’t see a line out the door, you best believe I’m ordering at least one or two doughnuts to take home. While the custard-filled crème bruleé and Boston cream flavors are among the most popular options, I personally like the raspberry ring and mascarpone-stuffed tiramisu flavors. The butter pistachio runs a bit too rich for my taste, but you can’t go wrong with one of the original glazed doughnuts, or perhaps the lemon poppyseed. If you’re craving even more sugar, Old Ferry Donut also sells pouches of cold milk in flavors like strawberry, banana and mint white chocolate—the likes of which I’ve yet to see outside of Koreatown grocery store shelves. 

Time Out tip: If you try to drop by in the evening, don’t be surprised if the store is completely sold out of doughnuts.

Address: Multiple incl. Koreatown, San Gabriel and Torrance

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A Cambodian-owned pink box shop in Santa Monica with a large selection of doughnuts. 

Why we love it: While DK’s Donuts has been around since 1981, this Cambodian-owned pink box shop rose to local fame in the early aughts for its innovative, highly photogenic croissant and waffle hybrids and popularity on social media. Second-generation owner Mayly Tao has since sold DK’s Donuts, but new management has kept up the creativity, quality and sheer variety by maintaining the shop’s famously large selection. Think doughnuts topped with sprinkles and cinnamon roll crumbs, plus brightly colored homages to the Cookie Monster, unicorns, pandas and more. Heavy hitters like the Double Decker O-Nut still taste great today, and even the classics are done well here, which explains why, long after the hype has died down, this Santa Monica doughnut shop still delivers the goods.

Time Out tip: DK’s Donuts also serves breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bagels and smoothies, if you’re looking for a cheap breakfast.

Address: 1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

What is it? A longtime Cambodian American doughnut shop wedged into a tiny Koreatown strip mall.

Why we love it: For adorable panda doughnuts and other Instagrammable treats, California Donuts is ready to serve you at all hours of the day. You’ll find all the classics here, but the specialty rings topped with cereal, candy bars and even Girl Scout cookies are the best reason to visit. Start off your box with a couple of California Donuts’ now-iconic pandas and unicorns, then fill the rest up with other colorful ones for a delightful array of doughnuts that’s sure to put a smile on your face. 

Time Out tip: Parking here can be tough—we recommend trying street parking on New Hampshire Avenue if the tiny lot is visibly full.

Address: 3540 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

What is it? A “healthier” gluten-free doughnut shop and bakery that bakes their doughnuts instead of frying them and offers vegan options.

Why we love it: Baked, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, this health-conscious doughnut shop with Studio City and West Third Street locations has built a cult following for its lighter, celiac-friendly treats. Through the magic of almond and rice flour, the chewy, slightly cakey texture is just as tasty as a traditional cake doughnut. Beyond classic glazed vanilla and chocolate, Fonuts also offers fun, gourmet-leaning flavors like black and white (like the cookie), pancakes and maple syrup, and blueberry Earl Gray. There are also mini “fonuts” if you’d like to try more than one or two flavors, plus gluten-free bread, cakes, bagels and cookies. 

Time Out tip: Fonuts’ most popular flavor is churro, which coats the entire doughnut in a cinnamon glaze. 

Address: Beverly Grove: 8104 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; Santa Monica: 709 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 8am–5pm

What is it? An artisan plant-based doughnut shop originally from Kauai, Hawaii. 

Why we love it: Siblings Hana and Nile Dreiling first started serving fried-to-order taro doughnuts made with locally sourced ingredients back in 2018. Now, Holey Grail has made it to the mainland with two L.A. outposts: Santa Monica and Larchmont Village. While I wouldn’t recommend these pricey, smaller-than-average vegan doughnuts over, say, Sidecar or the Donut Man, the unique texture—somewhere between a mochi doughnut and a cake doughnut—and high-quality ingredients like single-estate dark chocolate make Holey Grail noteworthy enough to merit inclusion in this guide. Rotating flavors and collab doughnuts with high-profile chefs keep things interesting for those inclined toward novelty, but manage your expectations: Holey Grail, while tasty enough, doesn’t really live up to the hype.

Time Out tip: Eat these fresh, right out of the fryer, or not at all. Holey Grail Donuts don’t travel well.  

Address: Santa Monica: 2441 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405; Larchmont: 148 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004; Long Beach: 4803 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

Opening hours: Santa Monica and Larchmont: Mon–Wed 7am–7pm; Long Beach: Mon–Wed 7am–8pm, Thu–Sun 7am–10pm