Doughnuts in L.A.: Where to celebrate National Doughnut Day
What's the one holiday that can bridge all divides, bring together all Americans regardless of race, color, gender, age or favorite college football team? National Doughnut Day. Celebrated the first Friday of June -- that's TOMORROW -- it's a great excuse to treat friends, co-workers and most importantly yourself to a few dozen doughnuts. (Heck, who's counting?)
The perfect marriage of starch, sugar and fat, the doughnut is the quintessential working man's snack. Perhaps that's why nearly every doughnut shop in the city -- Magee's, Spudnuts, Winchell's, Krispy Kreme, Yum Yum or any of the thousands of strip mall vendors -- offers a passable version. As long as they're not horribly stale, I'm happy to eat these miraculous deep-fried concoctions anytime, anywhere. But as a self-proclaimed doughnut aficionado I do have a few favorites. While I still weep for the demise of Frittelli's, here are 9 Los Angeles doughnut shops worth the drive. (And if you buy from Randy's Donuts, you'll be helping the Salvation Army. BakeMark will make a donation to the Salvation Army for each doughnut sold on June 5, 2009 at participating shops.)
[Got a favorite doughnut shop? Let us know in the comments.]
-- Elina Shatkin
Photo: Turkish doughnuts with rosehip syrup at Susan Feniger's Street. Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times.
I was born in San Francisco but grew up in Pasadena/Glendale/Hollywood/Los Angeles. I seem to remember eatingt at" Cooper's" Doughnut shops back in the early 1960's. I also seem to think they had multiple locations in the Los Angeles area. Anyway, they hade great doughnuts and I wonder if anyone knows what happened to them. Would enjoy hearing from anyone with information about them. Thanks
Posted by: John Gilroy | June 04, 2010 at 07:21 AM
I *love* Champion Donuts on Roscoe in Sun Valley. It's a teensy, free-standing shop on the corner of Lankershim or Laurel Canyon (can never remember which) with amazing, fresh donuts. I am particularly fond of their crumb, but it's one thing that isn't consistent: every now and then, it's not cooked through on the inside. Maybe part of the appeal is the gamble.
Posted by: Lisa Blackwell | June 05, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Donuts for a cause! Love it. So nice of BakeMark to donate funds to the Salvation Army! Oh and if you want to give some "dough" to the Salvation Army, there's tremendous need right now ... 800-SAL-ARMY.
Posted by: D. W. | June 05, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Eric Hanson's got nerve. Donutland forever.
Posted by: Michael | June 05, 2009 at 11:47 AM
A few years ago, my dad & I were on a trip across California and toured the state's best donut shops. We stopped at a shop across from AT&T Park in SF, Donut World in SF, Donut King in Santa Monica, Yum Yum Donuts near Tijuana, Donut Touch in San Diego, Winchell's Donuts in Pasadena, Tastee's Donut & Burger in Pasadena, Stan's Donuts in Westwood, Tom's Donut Shop in Santa Monica and Randy's Donuts near LAX. It was a magical trip. I only wish the rest of my familly was able to enjoy those doughy rings of greatness. Do-nut fear... we enjoyed every bite for them!
Posted by: Eric Hanson (#1) | June 05, 2009 at 07:48 AM
The fresh strawberry dounuts at Dounut Man in Glendora.
The PB&J at Blinkie's in Woodland Hills
Posted by: Teresa Tonai | June 04, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Actually BakeMark makes a donation to The Salvation Army for donuts sold at any donut shop that displaying the special poster created for National Donut Day!
Posted by: shanshan | June 04, 2009 at 04:30 PM