13 California Doughnut Shops That Consistently Rank Among The Best In America
California has earned its reputation as a doughnut lover’s paradise, with shops from San Francisco to San Diego churning out everything from classic glazed rings to wild flavor experiments that push the boundaries of what a doughnut can be.
Across the Golden State, family-run bakeries and innovative newcomers have created a doughnut culture so vibrant that national rankings consistently feature California establishments at the top.
Whether craving a traditional buttermilk bar at early morning hours or a gourmet creation topped with unexpected ingredients, California delivers experiences that turn a simple morning treat into something memorable.
Here are thirteen California doughnut shops that have consistently earned their place among America’s finest.
1. Rocklin Donuts & Cinnamon
Family ownership often translates to recipes perfected over years, and this Rocklin establishment demonstrates exactly that kind of dedication.
You’ll find it at 4845 Granite Dr ste. b, Rocklin, CA 95677, where the aroma of fresh cinnamon and warm dough greets visitors before they even reach the door.
Yelp crowned this spot California’s top doughnut shop in 2023, recognition that reflects both consistency and quality that regulars have enjoyed for years.
Warm, freshly frosted cinnamon rolls stand as the signature offering, with frosting applied while the pastry still radiates heat from the oven.
Classic doughnuts cover all the traditional bases – glazed, chocolate, maple bars – executed with the kind of care that makes simple flavors shine.
The family atmosphere extends beyond ownership to the experience itself, where staff often remember regular customers and their usual orders.
Early morning visits guarantee the warmest cinnamon rolls, though the shop maintains quality throughout operating hours.
2. Munchkins Donuts Shop
Variety becomes the defining characteristic at this Covina bakery, where the display cases seem to stretch endlessly with options.
The address 902 N Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91722, marks the location where Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Donut Shops list found a worthy representative.
Beyond standard doughnut offerings, the shop expands into cinnamon buns that have developed their own loyal following and croissants that add a French pastry dimension to the selection.
Popular items tend to sell quickly, particularly on weekend mornings when families arrive looking for breakfast treats that please multiple palates.
The diverse menu means even picky eaters or those with specific cravings can usually find something that hits the spot.
Pricing remains reasonable despite the quality and variety, making it feasible to sample multiple items without breaking the budget.
Staff knowledge about which items are freshest at different times of day can help guide choices for first-time visitors still learning the menu.
3. The Jelly Donut
Specialization can be a powerful strategy, and this San Francisco institution has built decades of success around perfecting one core concept.
Operating since 1987 at 3198 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, this family-run bakery has watched neighborhoods change while maintaining its focus on jelly-filled excellence.
Mango, apple, lemon, raspberry, and pineapple flavors provide tropical and traditional options that showcase fruit-forward fillings rather than overly sweet jams.
The doughnut-to-filling ratio leans generous, ensuring every bite includes that burst of jelly that defines the experience.
San Francisco’s fog-laden mornings pair particularly well with a warm doughnut and coffee from this neighborhood spot.
Longevity in San Francisco’s competitive food scene speaks volumes about consistency, as trends come and go but quality keeps customers returning.
The shop’s modest storefront belies the care taken with each batch, proving that flashy décor matters less than what comes out of the kitchen.
4. Stan’s Donut Shop
Operating continuously since 1959 means surviving changing tastes, economic shifts, and countless competitors, yet this Santa Clara institution endures.
Located at 2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051, the shop represents old-school doughnut craftsmanship that prioritizes technique over trends.
Glazed doughnuts serve as the benchmark here, with a light, airy texture and glaze that sets properly without becoming too thick or cloyingly sweet.
Other classic offerings round out the menu – chocolate bars, French crullers, apple fritters – all executed with the confidence that comes from decades of practice.
The atmosphere carries a nostalgic quality that transports visitors back to mid-century America, when doughnut shops served as community gathering spots.
Regulars span multiple generations, with grandparents bringing grandchildren to share treats they themselves enjoyed as kids.
Morning visits capture the shop at its busiest, when fresh batches emerge regularly and the energy of a beloved neighborhood spot fills the space.
5. Simone’s Donuts
Around-the-clock availability transforms a good doughnut shop into a Long Beach lifeline for shift workers, insomniacs, and late-night snack seekers.
Open 24/7 at 6400 E Stearns St, Long Beach, CA 90815, this spot earned the No. 9 position in Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Donut Shops while serving customers at all hours.
Custom orders allow for personalized creations, whether for special occasions or simply indulging a specific craving that standard offerings can’t satisfy.
Cronuts represent the shop’s nod to innovation, blending croissant flakiness with doughnut sweetness in a hybrid that satisfies multiple pastry desires simultaneously.
Late-night visits reveal a different clientele than morning rushes, with the shop serving as an informal gathering spot for night owls across the community.
Quality remains consistent regardless of hour, a remarkable feat considering the challenges of maintaining standards across continuous operations.
The ability to call ahead for custom orders means celebrations can include personalized doughnut creations without the limitations of pre-made selections.
6. Marie’s Donuts
Sacramento’s late-night food scene benefits enormously from this establishment that understands the value of quality doughnuts when most bakeries have closed.
The shop operates at 2950 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818, claiming the No. 17 spot on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Donut Shops through consistent execution.
Late-night hours cater to those finishing shifts, studying through the night, or simply craving something sweet when conventional meal times have long passed.
Traditional varieties dominate the menu, focusing on doing familiar flavors exceptionally well rather than chasing every new trend.
The doughnut texture strikes that ideal balance between substantial enough to satisfy but light enough to avoid heaviness, even during late-night consumption.
Pricing reflects the neighborhood location, remaining accessible for regular visits rather than positioning doughnuts as occasional splurges.
Staff friendliness during odd hours adds to the appeal, creating a welcoming atmosphere whether visiting at dawn or midnight.
7. Milkbomb Ice Cream
Pushing boundaries often means combining elements that seem incompatible, and this San Francisco innovator makes ice cream-filled doughnut buns work brilliantly.
Find this creative spot at 1717 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, where Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Donut Shops ranked it No. 20 for reimagining what doughnuts can be.
Doughnut buns serve as vehicles for ice cream, creating handheld desserts that satisfy multiple cravings while challenging conventional pastry boundaries.
Rainbow mochi and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal appear as toppings, bringing playful textures and unexpected flavors that appeal to adventurous eaters.
The concept works particularly well during San Francisco’s warmer months, though fans visit year-round regardless of fog or sunshine.
Portion sizes lean generous, making these treats substantial enough to share or serve as a full dessert rather than a small snack.
Social media appeal runs high with these visually striking creations, but the taste backs up the Instagram-worthy appearance with genuine flavor innovation.
8. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Artisan approaches to doughnuts have elevated the form in recent years, and this Costa Mesa establishment helped lead that movement in Southern California.
Located at 270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, the shop combines serious coffee credentials with doughnut craftsmanship that respects traditional techniques while embracing creativity.
Seasonal flavors rotate regularly, keeping the menu fresh and giving regulars reasons to return and discover what new combinations the kitchen has developed.
Ingredients lean toward premium choices, with real fruit, quality chocolate, and carefully sourced flavorings that distinguish these doughnuts from mass-produced alternatives.
The coffee program receives equal attention, ensuring that both elements of the shop’s name deliver experiences worthy of the artisan label.
Weekend mornings see lines forming before opening, a testament to the following that quality and consistency have built over the years.
Space inside allows for lingering over coffee and doughnuts rather than forcing a grab-and-go experience, though takeout remains popular for beach-bound visitors.
9. DK’s Donuts & Bakery
Santa Monica’s doughnut scene gained a landmark when this 24-hour operation opened, serving beach-goers, locals, and late-night visitors with equal enthusiasm.
Operating at 1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, the shop has become a destination for those seeking both classic and creative doughnut interpretations.
Colorful decorations and bold flavor combinations attract attention, while solid execution of fundamentals keeps customers returning beyond initial novelty visits.
The bakery component extends offerings beyond doughnuts, providing cakes and other sweets that make it a one-stop destination for various dessert needs.
Location near Santa Monica’s beach and pier means tourist traffic mixes with neighborhood regulars, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout operating hours.
Late-night availability serves the area’s active nightlife, offering sweet options when savory late-night spots have closed their kitchens.
Quality control across 24-hour operations requires dedication, and this shop maintains standards whether visiting at dawn or midnight.
10. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts
Los Angeles doughnut culture embraces both tradition and innovation, and this shop manages to honor both approaches without compromising either.
The address 6333 W 3rd St #450, Los Angeles, CA 90036 places it in a neighborhood parking lot where food quality expectations run high and competition stays fierce.
Gourmet doughnuts here mean thoughtful flavor pairings and quality ingredients rather than simply piling on toppings for visual impact.
Coffee receives serious attention, with brewing methods and bean sourcing that satisfy Los Angeles’ demanding coffee enthusiasts.
The interior aesthetic leans modern and clean, creating an environment where the doughnuts and coffee remain the stars without distracting décor.
Weekday mornings attract a professional crowd grabbing breakfast before work, while weekends bring a more leisurely brunch-style clientele.
Seasonal specials appear regularly, showcasing the kitchen’s creativity while maintaining the core menu items that regulars depend on for their favorites.
11. JD Flannel Donuts and Coffee
Earning Yelp’s top spot as California’s best doughnut shop in 2024 doesn’t happen by accident, and this San Juan Capistrano gem proves why accolades matter.
Located at 31878 Del Obispo St #122, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, the shop brings a craft approach to doughnut making that feels both innovative and comforting.
Brown butter sea salt doughnuts showcase how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary when technique meets creativity.
Puffy bear claws arrive stuffed with cinnamon-packed apple jam that tastes like autumn in every bite, while the coffee program complements rather than competes with the pastries.
Morning visits tend to offer the fullest selection, though the shop’s popularity means favorites can sell out before noon on weekends.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between cozy neighborhood bakery and modern coffee shop, making it equally suitable for a quick grab-and-go or a leisurely weekend breakfast.
Parking can get tight during peak hours, but the quality of what awaits inside makes any wait worthwhile for serious doughnut enthusiasts.
12. Donut Friend
Vegan doughnuts once meant compromise, but this Los Angeles shop proves plant-based versions can match or exceed traditional offerings in flavor and texture.
Located at 5107 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, the establishment brings punk rock aesthetics to the doughnut world while maintaining serious culinary standards.
Creative naming and bold flavors reflect the shop’s personality, with doughnut names referencing music and pop culture that resonate with the Highland Park neighborhood.
Customization options allow building personalized doughnuts, choosing bases, glazes, and toppings to create combinations that match individual preferences.
The vegan approach attracts those with dietary restrictions, but quality keeps everyone coming back regardless of whether they typically seek plant-based options.
Texture achieves that crucial doughnut lightness without relying on eggs or dairy, a technical accomplishment that required extensive recipe development.
The shop’s success has helped normalize vegan desserts in Los Angeles, proving that ethical choices and delicious food aren’t mutually exclusive concepts.
13. Randy’s Donuts
Few doughnut shops achieve true landmark status, but the giant rooftop doughnut makes this Inglewood institution instantly recognizable to millions.
Standing at 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301, the building itself has appeared in countless films, TV shows, and photographs since opening in 1953.
Classic doughnuts remain the focus, with glazed, chocolate, and other traditional varieties executed with the consistency that decades of operation demand.
The giant doughnut sign draws tourists and photographers, but locals return for quality that backs up the iconic imagery with substance.
Location near Los Angeles International Airport makes it a first or last stop for visitors wanting to experience a piece of California doughnut history.
Early morning hours see the most activity, when fresh batches emerge and the line moves quickly despite the shop’s popularity.
The building’s mid-century architecture represents an era of American roadside design, making the entire experience feel like stepping into California’s past while enjoying thoroughly fresh doughnuts.
