Donuts are the ultimate comfort food little rings of happiness that brighten up any day. From their ancient roots across cultures to the frosted, hole in the middle treat we know and love today, donuts are an American classic, and Los Angeles takes them to a whole new level. This city’s cultural melting pot and perpetual creativity spew out donuts that are as nostalgic as they are strange. I’ve searched high and low throughout L.A. to deliver to you 14 shops that’ll curb every craving, from retro favourites to strange new treasures. Pour yourself a cup of joe, and let’s take to the streets for a sweet adventure!
1. SK’s Donuts and Croissants
Hidden in Hancock Park, SK’s is the sort of spot you happen upon and fall in love with immediately. Open Wednesday to Sunday at dawn (5:30 a.m.!), it’s a morning tradition for residents. Their maple bars and old fashioned cake donuts are a hug from childhood, but that’s not all. Ever had a vegan black sesame donut? Or a strawberry cheesecake one? They taste as great as they sound. And they make breakfast sandwiches with runny eggs and crispy bacon. The atmosphere’s no frills imagine plain decor but the donuts are the stars of the show. Heads up: check their hours online, since some people have reported mismatches.
2. Trejo’s Donuts
Imagine this: Danny Trejo, the tough guy actor, owning a donut shop. Unusual, no? But Trejo’s Donuts is an absolute gem, full of L.A. pride and homey charm. Their raised donuts and cake include a twist, such as the “Da Berry Bomb” bursting with berry jam or the “Lowrider” sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Vegan offerings and seasonal specials mix things up. Arrive early popular flavors sell out quickly. It’s not the most elegant place, but the love and passion that goes into it make every bite a high five from Trejo himself.
3. Daily Donuts
Los Feliz’s Daily Donuts is all about heart. Operated by Cambodian immigrants who started over in L.A., this shop’s tale is as uplifting as its donuts are familiar. Warmly baked standards such as glazed or jelly donuts are stacked along the counter and served with coffee in those retro Styrofoam cups. It’s not a matter of wacky flavors here just authentic, hand forged goodness that feels like home. The ambiance is plain, but the care and devotion in each morsel make this spot a community gem.
4. Bub and Grandma’s
Bub and Grandma’s is L.A.’s legend for bread, but donuts? Oh boy, they’re special. After decades at farmers’ markets, they brought the operation indoors with a Glassell Park storefront in 2025, and their yeast raised donuts are no less lovingly made than their revered sourdough. Think flaky, melt in your mouth goodness alongside pastries and sandwiches. It’s not a donut only spot, but if you’re craving quality over flash, these bakers deliver. Swing by for a treat that feels like a labor of love.
5. DK’s Donuts
DK’s in Santa Monica is a 24 hour donut paradise, and it’s practically an L.A. institution. With over 120 varieties, you’re spoiled for choice think classic glazed or the “O nut,” a croissant donut mashup in flavors like Oreo or Nutella strawberry. They also dish out savory bites like bacon egg cheese burritos and bagels, plus smoothies and Vietnamese iced coffee. Fun fact: their ube donut inspired a local brewery’s porter! It’s a lively spot where there’s always something new to try, day or night.
6. Bob’s Coffee and Doughnuts
Bob’s at the Original Farmer’s Market is L.A. history on a plate. Since 1947, they’ve been serving jelly donuts and maple bars that taste like pure nostalgia. Their cinnamon rolls are gooey perfection, and the New Orleans style beignets? A mini trip to the French Quarter. Snag their early bird deal coffee and any donut for $2.95 if you’re up with the sun. Open until 9 p.m., it’s the ideal pit stop before strolling through the market stalls. It’s a love letter to the good old days.
7. Randy’s Donuts
You’ve seen that giant donut sign in Inglewood Randy’s Donuts is L.A. royalty. Since 1952, it’s been a cultural icon, popping up in movies and even hosting a Snoop Dogg DJ set. Their glazed raised donuts are light as air, and the sprinkle dusted cake donuts scream classic. With 21 locations worldwide, Randy’s is a global star, but the original spot’s magic is unmatched. It’s not about cutting edge flavors just a perfect, nostalgic bite that’s worth the trip.
8. California Donuts
Koreatown’s California Donuts is a 24 hour wonderland, dishing out magic since 1982. You’ll find classics like glazed donuts, but the real fun is in their creative twists think strawberry matcha swirls or lemon berry crumbles. Their decorated donuts, shaped like pandas or unicorns, are almost too cute to eat. They also offer muffins, croissants, and coffee, plus custom orders for parties. Parking is a pain, so perhaps try carpooling, but the carefree atmosphere and intense flavors are well worth it.
9. Voodoo Doughnut
Portland born Voodoo Doughnut brings its free spirited energy to L.A. with wait times out the door. The yeast raised doughnuts are topped with everything from Fruit Loops to bacon, and don’t even get us started on the voodoo doll donut (complete with a pretzel “pin”). The guava colada flavor is a tropical getaway in one bite. Lines can be overwhelming, but the wacky designs and flashy toppings make it a must stop on the bucket list. It’s not so much a donut it’s a vibe, a statement, and a lot of enjoyment.
10. Mochinut
Mochinut is redefining the donut playbook with its mochi donuts, a South Korean export with a crunchy exterior and chewy, gummy center. Made from rice flour, they come in flavors like black sesame, mango, or yuzu, shaped in signature rings of dough balls. Beyond donuts, you’ll find Korean hot dogs, boba tea, and soft serve. With locations across Southern California, it’s easy to dive into this textural wonder. If you’re ready for a donut revolution, Mochinut’s your spot.
11. Fantastic Donuts
Koreatown’s Fantastic Donuts is where donuts are art. This 30 year old bakery is open 24/7 and makes yeast raised and cake donuts that are adorned as pastel animals or cartoon characters. Each is a miniature masterpiece, too cute to consume. Arrive early specialty designs sell out quickly. They also offer custom orders for parties, making your design come to life. It’s a happy place where creativity meets flavor, and every bite puts you in a good mood.
12. Blue Star Donuts
Blue Star Donuts in Venice Beach is all about “donuts for grownups.” Their 18 hour brioche yeast donuts and buttermilk cake donuts are on another level, with flavors such as matcha lime crumble or blueberry bourbon basil. L.A. exclusive flavors such as strawberry mojito ensure the offerings stay new. They also ship nationally through Gold belly, so everyone gets their fix. With an emphasis on quality and killer coffee, Blue Star’s upscale treats are for the donut connoisseur who wishes to have a donut with sophistication.
13. Primo’s Donuts
Since 1956, Primo’s on Sawtelle (now Westwood) has been a family owned favourite. Their glazed buttermilk, cherry sprinkle, and vanilla sourdough donuts are all winners, but the “tiger tail” a chocolate vanilla variation wins hearts. Holiday themed donuts and a catered donut wall sweeten any party. Primo’s does what it does best: new, high quality donuts and coffee. It’s like a warm visit to your grandma’s kitchen, if she were a donut genius.
14. Dot and Dough
Dot and Dough is riding the mochi donut wave, bringing Japan’s crispy chewy treat to L.A. Made with rice flour, their donuts (rings or filled) burst with flavors blending Asian and Western notes. They also serve malasadas, Portuguese style filled donuts. Fresh batches hit the counter daily, ensuring a delightful experience. If you’re craving something new and exciting, Dot and Dough’s innovative textures will blow your mind.
L.A.’s donut shops are a tasty blend of tradition, innovation, and love. From Randy’s legendary sign to Dot and Dough’s mochi miracles, these 14 shops tell the tale of a city that cherishes sweets. Each shop has something special whether it’s a throwback morsel or an innovative new flavor. So, gather your crew, hit these places, and let L.A.’s donut scene sweeten your day!
