California Doughnut Shops That Rank Among The Best In America

California has become a dreamland for doughnut lovers, with creative shops popping up in every corner of the state. From classic glazed rings to wild flavor experiments, these bakeries have earned national attention for their quality and innovation.

Whether you’re craving something traditional or totally unique, the Golden State delivers delicious options that keep people coming back for more. I’ve gathered the top spots that truly stand out among America’s best doughnut destinations.

1. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Have you ever tasted a doughnut made from scratch every single morning? Sidecar Doughnuts started in Costa Mesa and quickly became famous for using top-quality ingredients like Madagascar bourbon vanilla and European chocolate. Their seasonal flavors change regularly, so you’ll always find something new and exciting to try.

What makes this place special is their dedication to freshness and creativity. The huckleberry doughnut has become a fan favorite, combining sweet and tart flavors in perfect balance. Each bite feels like a small celebration, with textures that range from crispy edges to soft, pillowy centers.

If you’re visiting Orange County, this shop should be at the top of your list. They’ve expanded to multiple locations across California, but the quality remains consistently outstanding. You’ll understand why food critics nationwide consider them among America’s finest.

2. Blue Star Donuts

Originally from Portland, Blue Star brought their brioche-based magic to California and instantly won hearts. Their dough takes eighteen hours to make, creating an incredibly light and buttery texture that melts in your mouth. This isn’t your typical quick-rise doughnut experience.

Their flavor combinations sound almost too creative to work, but trust me, they absolutely do. The blueberry bourbon basil might seem unusual at first, but it balances sweet fruit with herbal notes beautifully. They also rotate seasonal offerings that showcase California’s fresh produce throughout the year.

When you visit their Los Angeles location, prepare for a line because word has definitely spread. The wait is completely worth it, though, especially when you bite into their chocolate almond ganache. These doughnuts prove that patience and quality ingredients create something truly memorable.

3. DK’s Donuts & Bakery

Sometimes the best things come from family recipes passed down through generations. DK’s opened in Santa Monica back in 1968, and the same family still runs it today with the same commitment to quality. Their doughnuts represent everything wonderful about traditional American bakeries.

Walking in feels like stepping back in time, with classic flavors done absolutely right. The buttermilk bars are legendary among locals, with a tender crumb and sweet glaze that never feels too heavy. They also make fantastic croissant doughnuts that combine French pastry techniques with American sweetness.

It’s open twenty-four hours, which means you can satisfy cravings anytime day or night. Late-night visitors often find fresh batches coming out of the kitchen, filling the air with irresistible aromas. This place proves that sticking to basics with excellent execution never goes out of style.

4. Donut Friend

Did you know vegan doughnuts can taste just as amazing as traditional ones? Donut Friend in Los Angeles proves this every single day with their completely plant-based creations. The punk rock atmosphere adds extra personality, with music-inspired names that make ordering half the fun.

Their menu lets you build custom doughnuts by choosing your base, glaze, and toppings. I recommend trying the “Blondie” with vanilla glaze and rainbow sprinkles, or going bold with the “X-Ray Spex” featuring chocolate and peanut butter. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and indulgent without any animal products.

Even if you’re not vegan, you’ll appreciate how delicious these treats are. The texture is perfectly fluffy, and the flavors are bold and satisfying. This shop has changed many minds about what vegan baking can achieve when done with skill and passion.

5. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts

How does a tiny neighborhood shop become a citywide sensation? Bob’s did it by focusing on quality over quantity, making small batches throughout the day. Located in Los Angeles, this family-run spot has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth and consistently excellent products.

Their doughnuts showcase creative decorations that look almost too pretty to eat. The maple bacon bar combines sweet and savory perfectly, while their seasonal pumpkin spice version arrives every fall to massive excitement. Each doughnut is hand-decorated with obvious care and attention to detail.

What really sets Bob’s apart is the friendly atmosphere and personal service. The owners often work the counter themselves, greeting regulars by name and recommending new flavors. You’ll feel like part of a community rather than just another customer passing through.

6. Psycho Donuts

If you enjoy doughnuts with a side of humor, Psycho Donuts delivers exactly that. This San Jose shop embraces a mental health theme with tongue-in-cheek names and wild flavor combinations. The atmosphere is playful and irreverent, making every visit feel like an adventure.

Their “Cereal Killer” doughnut comes topped with Fruit Loops and marshmallows, bringing childhood breakfast nostalgia to pastry form. The “Massive Head Trauma” features chocolate cake, peanut butter, and Reese’s Pieces for serious candy lovers. These aren’t subtle treats they’re bold statements of sugary excess done right.

Beyond the fun names, the actual doughnuts taste fantastic with creative flavor profiles. They’ve earned national media attention for their unique approach to a classic American treat. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Silicon Valley, this stop offers memorable experiences.

7. Randy’s Donuts

You’ve probably seen Randy’s giant rooftop doughnut in movies and TV shows without even realizing it. This Inglewood landmark has been serving Los Angeles since 1953, becoming an iconic piece of California roadside architecture. The building itself is worth the visit, but the doughnuts keep people coming back.

Their classic raised glaze represents everything great about traditional American doughnuts. The exterior has just the right amount of crispness, while the inside stays soft and airy. They also offer filled varieties, with the Boston cream being particularly popular among longtime fans.

It’s a piece of living history that continues serving quality treats daily. Tourists and locals alike line up for photos and doughnuts, creating a constant buzz of activity. When you want authentic California doughnut culture, Randy’s delivers both nostalgia and deliciousness.

8. Dynamo Donut + Coffee

San Francisco’s Dynamo Donut brings sophisticated flavors to the doughnut world with surprising ingredient combinations. Their maple bacon apple doughnut sounds complicated but tastes absolutely harmonious, with each element complementing the others perfectly. This shop thinks of doughnuts as culinary creations rather than simple breakfast treats.

What impresses me most is their commitment to local and organic ingredients whenever possible. The seasonal fruit flavors change based on what’s fresh at California farmers markets, ensuring peak taste and quality. Their spiced chocolate doughnut uses real spices for warmth and depth that artificial flavoring could never achieve.

The Mission District location attracts a diverse crowd of doughnut enthusiasts and coffee lovers. You’ll find people savoring their treats slowly, appreciating the craftsmanship in every bite. If you appreciate food made with thought and care, Dynamo absolutely delivers.

9. The Donut Man

When strawberry season arrives in California, doughnut fans make pilgrimages to The Donut Man in Glendora. Their famous fresh strawberry doughnuts feature whole berries piled so high they barely fit in the bag. This isn’t a strawberry-flavored doughnut it’s a fresh fruit experience wrapped in fried dough.

The shop has been family-owned since 1972, building a reputation on quality and generous portions. During peach season, they switch to fresh peach doughnuts that are equally spectacular and messy in the best possible way. The fruit is always ripe, sweet, and perfectly complements the simple glazed doughnut base.

Lines can get long, especially on weekend mornings when word spreads that fresh batches are ready. Bring patience and maybe some napkins because these treats are wonderfully messy. It’s a seasonal treasure that represents California’s agricultural bounty in pastry form.

10. SK Donuts

Sometimes you just want a reliable, delicious doughnut without any fuss or fancy ingredients. SK Donuts in Santa Monica delivers exactly that with classic flavors done exceptionally well. This Cambodian-American family business represents the many immigrant-owned doughnut shops that have become California institutions.

Their buttermilk bars are legendary for good reason, with a tender texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. The chocolate raised doughnuts have a deep cocoa flavor that tastes like real chocolate rather than artificial flavoring. Everything comes out fresh throughout the morning, ensuring you get the best possible product.

Prices remain reasonable despite the prime location near the beach. Locals know to stop by early for the best selection, though they restock regularly until early afternoon. This shop proves that mastering the basics creates something special that fancy innovations can’t always match.

11. Trailhead Coffee

Originally focused on coffee, Trailhead added doughnuts to their menu and quickly became known for both. Their San Diego location offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy high-quality treats with expertly brewed beverages. The doughnuts complement their coffee program rather than competing with it.

What makes their approach special is the emphasis on balance and not overwhelming your palate. The cinnamon sugar doughnut is simple but executed with precision, featuring just enough sweetness to enhance your morning coffee. Their seasonal flavors incorporate California ingredients like Meyer lemon and fresh herbs from local gardens.

The outdoor seating area creates a relaxed vibe perfect for weekend mornings. You’ll see everyone from cyclists to families enjoying the laid-back San Diego atmosphere. If you want quality without pretension, Trailhead offers exactly that combination with genuine hospitality.

12. Fonuts

Are doughnuts that aren’t fried still doughnuts? Fonuts in Los Angeles says yes, and they’ve built a following by baking instead of frying their creations. This healthier approach reduces calories and fat while still delivering satisfying flavors and textures. The result is something lighter that you can enjoy without the heavy feeling.

Their strawberry shortcake flavor tastes like summer in pastry form, with real fruit and cream flavors shining through. The blueberry earl grey combines fruit sweetness with subtle tea notes for something sophisticated and delicious. Each variety shows that baking can produce interesting textures when done with skill and creativity.

The shop attracts health-conscious Angelenos who still want to indulge occasionally. You won’t find greasy residue or overwhelming sweetness here, just balanced treats made with thoughtful ingredient choices. Fonuts proves innovation can respect tradition while creating something genuinely new.

13. Donut Bar

When you want doughnuts that look like dessert masterpieces, Donut Bar in San Diego delivers spectacular creations. Their Big Poppa Tart is essentially a supersized Pop-Tart filled with real fruit and topped with icing and sprinkles. These aren’t subtle morning pastries they’re celebration-worthy treats that demand attention.

The shop gained national fame after appearing on food television shows, but the hype is completely justified. Their maple bacon bar features thick-cut bacon and real maple glaze for authentic flavors rather than artificial substitutes. Lines form early because they sell out regularly, especially on weekends when everyone wants something special.

If you’re planning to visit, arrive early or order ahead through their app. The selection changes daily, so you never know what creative new flavor might appear. This is doughnut eating as an experience rather than just a quick breakfast.

14. California Donuts

Located in Los Angeles’s Koreatown, California Donuts stays open twenty-four hours to serve the neighborhood’s diverse community. Their selection is massive, with everything from traditional glazed rings to wild creations topped with candy and cookies. Walking in at any hour means encountering fresh options and friendly service.

What sets them apart is the willingness to experiment with bold flavor combinations and decorations. The Fruity Pebbles doughnut brings childhood cereal nostalgia to life with crunchy, colorful topping. Their chocolate peanut butter bar satisfies serious sweet tooth cravings with generous portions of both flavors working together perfectly.

Prices remain incredibly reasonable despite the central location and constant quality. You’ll see late-night crowds mixing with early-morning regulars, creating a unique energy at all hours. This shop represents the melting pot of cultures and tastes that makes Los Angeles special.

15. Nickel Diner

Though technically a full diner, Nickel Diner in downtown Los Angeles became famous specifically for their maple bacon doughnut. They’re often credited with popularizing this now-common combination, and their version remains the gold standard. The bacon is thick-cut and perfectly crispy, contrasting beautifully with the soft doughnut and sweet maple glaze.

Beyond the signature item, their doughnut menu rotates with seasonal specials that showcase creativity and quality ingredients. The red velvet doughnut features cream cheese frosting that tastes homemade rather than commercial. Each variety shows the same attention to detail that makes their regular diner menu so popular.

You can enjoy doughnuts alongside a full breakfast or lunch in their retro-styled dining room. The atmosphere captures classic American diner vibes with modern Los Angeles energy. If you’re exploring downtown, this stop offers both history and deliciousness in equal measure.

16. Devil’s Dozen Donuts

Oakland’s Devil’s Dozen takes doughnuts seriously, treating them as legitimate culinary creations worthy of craft attention. Their small-batch approach means limited quantities but exceptional quality in every single piece. The shop focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative flavor profiles that change regularly based on what’s available and inspiring.

Their brown butter doughnut showcases how simple techniques can elevate familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. The nutty, caramelized flavor of browned butter shines through without being masked by excessive toppings. When stone fruit season arrives, their peach fritter becomes the must-try item with fresh California peaches throughout.

The East Bay location attracts dedicated fans willing to cross the bridge for these special treats. You’ll find a tight-knit community of regulars who appreciate the craftsmanship and care in every batch. This is doughnut making as an art form practiced with passion and skill.