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Donut Bar & Bakery

4.3 (5.5k reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 1:30 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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Halloween-themed donuts. Very pretty and they taste just fine but nothing spectacular.
Craig W.

It's been a looong time since I have had these donuts. In fact, the last time I had them, they were at a completely different location in downtown San Diego. There is no question that these are gorgeous donuts. If appearances counted for everything, they would get 10 stars from me every time. They are also large. But what's that you say? Taste matters, too? Yes, taste matters, too. There is nothing wrong with the taste of these donuts. In fact, the Nutella Overload was delicious. The Cake donut was fine. But for $5 each, I want every donut to taste fantastic and not just good. That has always been the issue with these donuts. Taste takes a backseat to looks. These are beautiful donuts for sure but you can find much cheaper, tastier ones elsewhere. The counter gal was very pleasant and knowledgeable.

Donuts
Magda G.

We were walking to Little Italy when we happen to walk by this spot. The place is really cute inside. It's has a nice updated Donut shop touch. They sell merchandise, to go drinks, snacks and treats. They were a few minutes from closing, at 2pm. I decided to go to a classic chocolate, glazed donuts. I believe he said it was Nutella, but it didn't taste like that to me. They're pretty fat and have a good weight to it. I feel like it was too dense for my liking and it didn't really have a unique taste to make me want to go back.

Big Poppa Tart Donut
Chanel Y.

A donut lover's heaven. I'm serious, everything is so delicately put together and so so so so good. Like, if my ex told me he wanted me back, I'd easily say no. But if he came back with a box from Donut Bar and said he wanted me back, I'd jump into his arms and say yes and take the box of donuts, and then kick him to the curb, and say just kidding, and close the door on his face. But that's something I'll talk about with my therapist. Anywayyyyyyy, the donuts from here are top tier, and you know that it's quality stuff because it tastes like it. There's plenty of parking within walking distance. And the staff is great, always very sweet and they provide excellent recommendations. The store is always clean and has cute merch, and art on the walls that are one of a kind. If you like donuts, you'll LOVE donut bar!

Jack M.

A bar that offers baked goods and doughnuts? I am in! For a coffee bar that is and those baked goods of course. I picked up a pistachio scone and iced coffee during my visit and are on the outside patio. The pistachio scone was quite good and came not only drizzled with creamy chocolate, but came with an abundance of chopped pistachios. It was delicious and had a very good texture. The iced coffee was pretty good. It had a slight bitterness towards the end, but other than that it was smooth and tasty. The young ladies working the business were very nice and informative. They had good senses of humor, too. The patio outside was clean for the most part except for a few crumbs on the tables left by customers. They offer a large amount of skillfully made doughnuts and baked goods.

Donut bucket hat
Nat A.

This donut shop downtown is unlike any other! What a wide variety of delicious breakfast dessert delights! They also have a special donut smash burger... and now even serve delicious mimosas! The staff is so sweet and the shop is absolutely adorable and interactive decor. Besides the lack of parking due to location, it's very walkable! Don't miss DONUT BAR when in SD! It's my #1 fave donut shop here. 3 words... CREME BRÛLÉE DONUT.

Looks better than it tastes :/
Sabi M.

OUTRAGEOUS BURGER & FRIES, cooked to PERFECTION!!!!! It's pretty unusual for me to give another review so soon, but I just tried their double patty burger with thick cut bacon and onion rings --OMGoodness, it's a MUST HAVE! Just thinking about it now has me drooling again. And when the menu lists 2 pounds of fries, they're not kidding. Even though the burger was a substantial size, the picture makes it look like I ordered fries with a side of burger, LOLOL! Service is always on point --Jaime is just the best (over the top friendly, helpful, great suggestions, & eager to please). If you're a germaphobe, like me, you'll appreciate how clean this place is. I had an opportunity to poke around the kitchen and it's immaculate! Whenever I can, I look around kitchens (even under things), and I've never seen a working kitchen this clean before. Even the machinery looks new after use -mind blowing. If anything, usually the kitchen is where I'm shocked and scared to return. If my body could handle it, I'd be eating here daily! As for the donuts, you've seen the reviews, they're BIG, BEAUTIFUL, and DELICIOUS. Yum! If you're looking for a caffeine kick and not your usual cappuccino or latte, I highly recommend the DIRTY CHAI. It's my new fave! On top of being clean, friendly, & delicious, the owner is a joy. He's always walking around with a megawatt smile & joking around no matter where I catch him around town. If you want to know how a boss treats people, just look at their employees. A man like this deserves our patronage. I've sent so many people to the store because I believe in the product AND everyone who is a part of this establishment. Enjoy!

Katie C.

5/5 all around. The ninja turtle themed donuts were a hit for my son's 5th bday party! Wendy was extremely helpful in the process of ordering and picking up the donuts! I would recommend donut bar for your special themed bday!

Creme brulee
Taelyr V.

Every time I try Donut Bar I swear it gets better and better. Today I came with my fiancee to grab a coffee and some donuts and it was the perfect start to our day! Staff is always so friendly and kind, puts me in a good mood just walking in the door. Today we got a dirty chai, raspberry cheesecake donut, the chocolate euphoria donut, the creme brulee donut, and old fashioned! My favorite was definitely the chocolate euphoria! The donut itself is always so buttery delicious and soft, the icing and presentation was amazing as well. I am a sucker for chocolate, so it was a no brainer to try this one. I also loved the creme brulee! It had that perfect crunch and shatter, and the filling was so smooth and divine. The raspberry cheesecake was also so good, the filling was real raspberry and not an overly sweet substitute. One thing about The Donut Bar is after eating their donuts, I don't feel sick or have a sugar rush. They're just so fresh and well made. Definitely come check them out and save time to look around the shop! They have really cool AR murals and art around the store that you can scan with your phone. I'm already planning to come back and we haven't even left the store yet.

Maple bar and apple pie
Nick And Dee D.

We had the maple bar and the apple pie donuts. There are definitely much better places for donuts than this place. I do not understand why so many high ratings

9.0 on the Richter scale.
Panda K.

The donut bar is not afraid of you. The donut bar does not count calories. The donut bar is a bar. just think if they were donut bars back in the western times we'd all still be riding horses as our main state of transportation . Do not sleep on the donut bar look at what they've done with a cinnamon roll. What do you think they're gonna do with a maple bar, unspeakable things things said in whispers and legend. check out the photo and look at the weight the actual weight of this admiral has a gravitational field. Don't come here and stand in front and just look no - just order everything and move on. Thats right 9 ounces of gooey, frosty baked bakery .

Heart Donut
Jenny V.

Best Donuts in town!! Yummm every time I come here I must buy a couple of donuts. They are super big and very delicious!! The place is always chill and the staff is super patient explaining what each donut is filled with. Every time I come here I want to take them all. Donut bar xoxo

Building directly across the street
Margaret A.

First off, hat's off to creating a truly unique one of a kind donut! To me it's like a combination of a croissant, biscuit and traditional donut. All of the best qualities of each. Stopped by in the late afternoon for a donut fix! Parked across the street and walked inside the huge shiny building. Whilst walking through the lobby of the first floor I noticed a beautiful Christmas tree. Donut Bar has some tables in the lobby and directly outside. My cinnamon roll was delicious with the cream cheese icing! I loved how moist it was with plenty of icing for each bite. My pumpkin spice latte went well with my roll. Next visit perhaps I will try out the donut smash burger with grilled raspberry onion relish! Looks like two meals for me.

Donut selection
KayAnna S.

Absolutely delicious donuts! Honestly most of the donuts and the store are experiences themselves. I love the attention to detail in everything they do here. From look to taste to cohesive designs. My husband and I ordered some lattes and two donuts. I had the pistachio dream latte and he had the French toast latte. While we enjoyed both, the winner was the French toast latte! I liked the pistachio dream but it was hard to taste the pistachio as the espresso was a little burnt and overpowered the total flavor. Would absolutely be down to try it again! We did order the lemon pistachio donut and the creme brûlée donut. We devoured both of them! I will say the brûlée donut tasted more like a cake than a donut but nonetheless we loved it! We will definitely stop by next time we are downtown. Such lovely food and vibes!

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Donut Bar & Bakery Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Donut Bar & Bakery

Hi! Do you have any vegan or gluten-free donut options available daily? Also, do you usually sell out early in the day?

Do they still make the Pokémon card (Charizard) donut?

Does anyone know how much a dozen is priced at? or do they charge you per donut.

Donut Bar can be bought by the dozen and the 13th donut is free. Donut Bar often throws in donuts for free too.

What oil is used to fry the donuts?

That was a valid question! If the person has a peanut allergy, they deserve a real answer!

Do they have any gluten-free options?

I believe they had two or three but I don't remember specifically which ones they were.

Is the Pacific Beach Donut Bar associated with this one?

No.

Can you skip the line if you have an online preorder?

YES!

Do you have gluten free donuts?

Do you guys use coconut oil or any coconut ingredients in your donuts?

Hi Aj, We don't use coconut oil. We do have a donut called Coconut Dream and it is topped with coconut shavings. Have a great day and we will see you here!… Read more

Are the vegan donuts nut free?

YES! We have several Vegan donuts each day and most do not contain nuts.

Is this place pet friendly?

YES! We even have FREE treats for the doggies when they come in!

Is it easy to find parking closeby?

We went on the weekend and right at opening and were able to easily find parking across the street.

Do they serve any gluten free donuts?

No, my co worker is gluten free. We called and they said they don't have the correct facility for it.

Are these donuts considered vegan? I don't eat meat and some places use shortening that have traces of animal fat that the donuts are fried in. Do you know if this place does the same thing?

We never use animal fat to make our donuts at the Downtown Donut Bar location. Always plant based shortening.

Do they make letter donuts?

I'm sure if you special order them they would make them.

Are they cake donuts or yeast donuts?

I think there is both, but for the most part they are yeast donuts. so delicious :D

Are there any gluten free donuts?

No I don't think they do. Just vegan.

Are kids allowed in?

Yes, but it's a super small place and they only have 3 sitting areas.

Is there already a line before it opens?

This depends on the day of the week. The line goes by very quickly for the many different options that are present.

View All 56 Questions

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee - Seasonal Passionfruit Pavlova

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

4.3(1.3k reviews)
16.7 miCarmel Valley
$$$

This place has to be one of my all time favorite doughnut shops! Located in Del Mar, it's the…read moreperfect spot to grab some coffee and delicious sweets before getting the day started! Every Sidecar doughnut is made from scratch and fresh every hour! And they only use the finest ingredients! Highly recommend the huckleberry 10/10! You can never go wrong with an old fashioned 9/10! But my all time seasonal favorite is the passion fruit 11/10! Pure deliciousness!!!! I also tried the banana iced latte for the very first time- so good! Prices are high, but totally worth every penny! The quality of ingredients and service is absolutely amazing! The vibe is sleek, quaint and colorful! And the staff are so friendly and welcoming! It's about a 25-30 min drive from my house, but totally worth it for the freshest doughnuts in town!

You know what's a great way to end a busy night? Grabbing some sidecar donuts…read more My friend and I arrive pretty late after dinner and yet there was still a good amount of donuts available to choose from. The small shop was busy and had a decent crowd, but the service was so good that everyone was taken care of relatively quickly. I got a variety of donuts and so did my friend, everything looked mouthwatering (despite us being full from dinner). I really want to come back again soon, all the donuts were really really good, fresh, and lasted me over the span of a couple of days (assuming stored well). Overall rating: Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Menu: 10/10 Shop: 10/10 Price to Overall Dining (POD): 10/10

Photos
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee - Seasonal flavor

Seasonal flavor

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee - Sidecar!

Sidecar!

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee - Right inside

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Right inside

Mochi Dough | Premium Japanese Donut - Self-Help Ordering Kiosk

Mochi Dough | Premium Japanese Donut

3.8(86 reviews)
6.2 miGrantville
$$

What a cute boba spot. So happy they finally have one in San Diego and so close to my house…read more I love the ambiance of the place. It's super cute, pink and clean. There is no customer service as everything you order is through the kiosk, which is fine. The drinks come out quick which is a plus. I did pay extra for the cute surprise toy. I can't wait to come back and try other drinks and their mochi dough. Thanks Mochi Dough for a fun first time.

FOR THE WIN!!! (4.75 stars)…read more I love donuts. And I tend to stick to basic classical donuts. And therefore I am late to the trend with the mochi donuts! This location is inside Bober Tea and Coffee. There is a glass casing with several flavors to choose from and they sell at $3 a piece. The one that stood out to me was the chocolate with sprinkles. Upon receiving it in a paper pocket bag, the icing was rubbing off on the bag. That immediately told me this is super fresh! I could already feel the softness of the donut. The little sectioned off ball looking segments of the donut are also a game changer when it comes to eating - easier to eat without making a mess! The texture was bouncy, soft, lightly chewy and a little stretchy... the texture was fun and I found myself wanting another afterwards. I do wish they had offer other flavors that don't sounds too sweet because the other flavors didn't really catch me. Until the next review...

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Mochi Dough | Premium Japanese Donut - So cute!

So cute!

Mochi Dough | Premium Japanese Donut
Mochi Dough | Premium Japanese Donut - Sign above the service counter

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Sign above the service counter

Parlor Doughnuts - Chocolate, mini apple and glaze donuts.

Parlor Doughnuts

4.1(188 reviews)
3.0 miNorth Park
$$

The coconut cream pie stuffed doughnut. Enough said. I tried this place for the first time after…read moreeyeing it for a while, I got the coconut cream pie, the strawberry shortcake for my husband, the bacon and maple, and then I got a raspberry jelly mini, cinnamon sugar mini and coconut cream pie mini. Our favorites we'd recommend is the coconut cream pie and the strawberry shortcake. The bacon maple still had an amazing texture and we loved how fluffy and satisfying the dough is made but I wasn't a fan of the bacon fat taste with the maple even though I usually like a sweet+savory combo. Over all we're gonna buy again on Mother's Day morning!

Special Mother's Day treat! I was happy to see they still have a wide selection so late in the…read moremorning. I was great within seconds of walking in. She was helping someone else but quickly wrapped up to take my order. The space was clean with plenty of seating. It was so hard to decide so I grabbed a few to share: Maple Bacon, Coconut Cream, Lemon and Horchata. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them and appreciated that they were not overly nor greasy. The fluffiness reminded me more of a beignet and brioche. Will be back to try more flavors! 5/13- We returned for more. These were made to order and topping to dough ratio was too much. Maybe they were being generous, but they were overly sweet today. Bourbon Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon, Blueberry Hill, Mango Margarita and Turtle Cheesecake. All great flavors, just too much of it.

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Parlor Doughnuts - Inside

Inside

Parlor Doughnuts - Showing off the layers of the cronut!

Showing off the layers of the cronut!

Parlor Doughnuts

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Barrio Donas

Barrio Donas

4.6(567 reviews)
8.2 miClairemont
$

My favorite donut place. They also have breakfast tortas and burritos. However, the true star of…read morethe show is their vegan horchata, where they use oatmilk instead of regular milk. Great from anyone who is lactose intolerant. I'm not but I think it tastes better than the regular horchata. They have also recently expanded to a matcha menu called Sana Sana bar. The menu is based on a Spanish nursery thyme to comfort kids who are hurt or upset. The staff is always nice and helpful and their donuts are also delicious.

For years and years, I have heard nothing but amazing things about this donut shop. I thought it…read morewas OK but nothing earth shattering. I decided to stop in at 11:30 AM on a Wednesday morning after a Pilates class nearby. They donuts selection was kind of sparse. I should've taken a picture of the rack because most of the places were empty. There is also a Matcha bar that looks like it's supposed to be set up off to the side, but was not open. We picked out two beautiful donuts, the Chocolate Abuelita and the Cajeta. The Cata looked really nice, but was very plain tasting. The Chocolate Abuelita was definitely better and I liked the Mexican hot chocolate cream in the center. I would give this donut shop one more shot, just because of all the great things I've heard about it from people whose opinions I respect. Honestly, though, there are so many donut shops in town that if I don't find it better the next time I probably wouldn't return.

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Barrio Donas - Inside.

Inside.

Barrio Donas - Gansito donut, yum!

Gansito donut, yum!

Barrio Donas - Arroz con leche

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Arroz con leche

Nomad Donuts - 11/12/23 Cinnamon Sugar Cruller

Nomad Donuts

4.0(1.4k reviews)
3.1 miNorth Park
$$

The zaatar bagel with pimento cheese spread is the best! 10/10…read more They always have unique donut flavors.

Oh Nomad Donuts how I love you. This place is a local gem that offers craft donuts, breakfast…read moresandwiches, and fun rotating drinks. My favorite part of the start of a new month is checking their monthly drink and donut specials. This month nothing really called my name but they did have a weekend special that really appealed to me. I have had some of their bagel style sandwiches before and ohhhh goodness they are good. This time it was my favorite style of sandwich, a bahn mi. I had high hopes because of the picture they posted on their social media and just the level of creativity they usually bring. Considering it's North Park, I knew ordering online would be the best option and picking up. My estimated time was 15-20 minutes but it only took them under 10. I got an order ready notification before I even left the house. I got there and it was dead, maybe one other person in and out. There's a lot of seating inside and some outside on their patio. They also have different counters for ordering and pick up which helps speed things up. My experience with service was very transactional, nothing bad just nothing to really highlight. Let's talk about this bahn mi. It's promoted as marinated and charred pork shoulder, house made sweet aioli, nuoc cham compound butter, pickled carrot and daikon, mint, cilantro, and jalapeño on a locally sourced Paris baguette. First off, nuoc cham compound butter?? YES. That is the kind of creativity I love to see. I got my sandwich and the wrapper was pretty oily so the sandwich itself looked kind of glossy. The whole thing felt a little rushed, like everything was just thrown on. I will say I wasn't expecting a generous amount of meat but they delivered in that aspect. I first wanted to try the compound butter on its own and it had a slight nuoc cham flavor, but in the sandwich it didn't really stand out past all the bolder flavors. Now if you've seen my other reviews, the best part of a bahn mi to me is the pickled daikon and carrots. These might be the best I have ever had anywhere. They are exactly how I prefer them, sweet with a slight acidity and THICK CUT. The crunch on these... please let me buy a whole jar. The bread was alright, they mention they source it locally so it's not made in house, but mine leaned a little old and I could tell through the texture. The pork was marinated really well, I do wish some of the pieces were more charred because you could see where some of it didn't hit direct flame. This also came with a side of what tasted like a hoisin vinaigrette. I liked the creativity but felt like the sandwich didn't need it. It was way too acidic and strong and there's not much need for that sharp vinegar hit here. I paired my bahn mi with a miso caramel matcha latte. This was expensive, a 12oz for $8 is steep even for matcha. It was good but not amazing. It leans more sweet than matcha forward. The miso caramel actually surprised me though. At other cafes it usually comes off more like a salted caramel, but here it had more depth, slightly savory, and when mixed with the milk it came out really creamy and smooth. The matcha was a little grainy though. Overall I will definitely be back and will keep my eye out for more specials because that's where they really shine. And seriously, if they ever let me buy those pickled carrots and daikon by the jar, I'm there immediately.

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Nomad Donuts - Ube Coconut donut

Ube Coconut donut

Nomad Donuts - Island boy bagel sandwich

Island boy bagel sandwich

Nomad Donuts - Ube Donut & Vietnamese Cold Brew

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Ube Donut & Vietnamese Cold Brew

Donut Bar & Bakery - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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