1. Donut Factory

0

San Diego, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

Donut Factory

4.3 (194 reviews)
InexpensiveDonuts, Sandwiches, Bagels
Open • 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Donut Factory Photos

Business Info

DONUT FACTORY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Quiet
Dogs allowed
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like Donut Factory

Recommended Reviews - Donut Factory

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

The peppers add a nice kick to the breakfast sandwich
Katy K.

One of my favorite family-owned donut shops in San Diego. Has all your classics, as well as a HUGE breakfast and lunch sandwich menu. They'll make any variation of sandwich you want. Service is quick and friendly every time. Great locally owned business to support!

Ari J.

The cronut is the star. Glazed, crunch or blueberry, it hits that New York standard where the outside cracks and the inside feels like pastry silk. It's the one thing here that makes you stop and admit they know exactly what they're doing. The old fashioneds never survive the drive home. They vanish in my car! My family now calls me Mr Copperfeild because I can make them disappear like it's a magic. They're not wrong. The kids get sucked in by the oddities. Plastic toys jammed into the top of the doughnuts like bait. They never eat those doughnuts. They just want the toy, then they circle back and eat whatever I bought for myself. It's a long con and I fall for it every single time. The only thing that kills the mood is the parade of "therapy" animals people drag inside. If you have a dog you think it's a person. My two year old disagrees. To her it's a giant unpredictable creature. To me it's something that just stuck its nose in another dog's backside and is now sniffing around my breakfast. I'm trying to enjoy a cronut, not run a petting zoo. Paws off, flea bag. Take a hike.

Luis M.

Had the chance to try the donuts from here and I didn't think they were anything particularly special, just a decent donut from your local shop. You know? The kind that you aren't really mad at when your coworker brings them but also you wouldn't really go out of your way for? The best one I tried was the blueberry one.

Alex S.

$6.29 of happiness! The iced coffee is a Vietnamese iced coffee -- strong, sweet and irresistible. There's a charge for credit cards. So bring cash if needed.

Donut options
Armando F.

I walked in with the most boring, responsible plan imaginable: buy a water bottle. That's it. Quick in-and-out. No plot twists. But then I saw the menu. Not a normal menu. A "you could study for finals off this thing" menu. Like... why does this place have so many options? And why do I suddenly feel emotionally attached to them? So I left... but the menu haunted me. Like a snack-related intrusive thought. I came right back and ordered a toasted everything bagel sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheese, and I'm telling you right now: it was unreal. The bagel had that perfect toast, the bacon was doing what bacon is meant to do (carry society), and the whole thing tasted like somebody in the kitchen actually cares about your happiness. Also: this sandwich was massive. Like "this isn't breakfast, this is a full side quest" massive. And I'm a big guy, so if I'm saying it was huge, it's not a joke. Then the wild part: it was ready in five minutes. Five. I've waited longer for my brain to load a single thought in the morning. I took one bite and immediately thought, Oh no... I have to bring one home. So yeah, I ordered a second one for my significant other because this is the kind of food you don't keep to yourself unless you want bad karma. Each sandwich was about $10 +tax + tip, which was about $13 and honestly for the size and quality? Worth it. Easily. But what really made me smile was the vibe: the owner was incredibly kind, and the walls had photos of patrons over the years plus pictures celebrating her Cambodian heritage. You can tell this place has been here for a while and has that "neighborhood gem" energy, like it's been quietly making people's days better for years. So yeah. I came in for water. I left with a new obsession. Do yourself a favor: go get the bagel sandwich.

Bacon egg and cheese on a jalapeño cheese bagel +avocado
Laura R.

I have lived in north park for a year and was looking for a good breakfast bagel and I think I hit the jackpot with this place !! The bagel was so delicious it was so crisp and I believe it had cream cheese as well !! I have tried other spots in north park and this is in my top 3 fsss ! Went around 9:30/10 and I was the only on there ! Waited less than 8 mins ! The lady was very quick to take my order and send it to the back !!

Donuts
Gabriel B.

The donuts were great and so was the service! The shop is small but very nice. They have a lot of options for coffee and food. The breakfast sandwiches were great I definetly recommend making a stop here. This place is bussin!

#26 croissant tuna sandwich
Marc M.

The people here are amazing! They are so nice. The food is 10 out of 10 as you can see my sandwich is on chunk perfect! 10 out of 10 recommend!

Front façade of Donut Factory; photo stolen from Yelp.
Mauro A.

I've gotten donuts from many places in San Diego and I think Donut Factory is my favorite donut shop, hands down. First off -- I only get donuts on Sunday. Don't ask why because I don't know. Sometimes I skip a week or two. But I like to go on Sunday and the last time I went to Donut Factory I went late and didn't realize they closed at 3. It was a few minutes past 3 but the nice lady let me enter. I always get two different types of donuts and then split them with friends. Sometimes the nice lady puts free donut holes into my bag without my knowledge. It's a sweet surprise when I get home. The lady who works there is super nice. I like going to Donut Factory because I want to support their business. On top of that, they make delicious donuts! The chocolate glazed donut is perfection. I also get a large apple fritter and even eating just half of it is enough. Thank you Donut Star! I appreciate you.

The Fitness
Grace S.

I love little donut shops like this. You know it'll be good when there are lucky cats on display. For the area, very reasonable prices, especially for the large size of the sandwiches. Donuts were lovely and there was still a lot to choose from late in the day. My croissant sandwich with turkey, egg and tomato was really good. I also had a Thai tea smoothie with boba. The tea flavor was excellent and I can tell the boba was made skillfully. The boba was silky soft and still warm from just being cooked. There was a great diversity of items to choose from in addition to donuts, including croissant/bagel sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and a fridge of drinks. I'm very glad I visited this place.

Breanna K.

i've only tried a few of their donuts but i went 2 days in a row because i was so impressed!! definitely fresh, and amazing!!!

#8 Croissant Egg Sandwich

See all

Photo of Mohammed N.
21
1028
1266

11 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

14 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

26 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ari J.
1960
628
2994

8 months ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 2
Love this 6
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 month ago

Best donuts, best coconut smoothies, awesome breakfast sandwiches, incredible staff. This shop is wonderful.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of James B.
152
11
2

8 months ago

Great donuts ! Fresh donuts with great variety of chilled beverages or hot coffee! Nice owners, so helpful!

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Grace S.
0
122
187

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Liann S.
51
126
1

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Gab L.
0
17
0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ili R.
0
12
27

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex H.
26
100
40

1 year ago

Bought donuts for a work event and everyone loved them! Would recommend these donuts.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

They have good sandwiches and donuts. There is usually plenty of parking, and the owners are friendly to their customers.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great donuts, great service. No frills and just what you want in a neighborhood donut shop.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rhonda H.
154
38
29

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K S.
0
42
16

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Hands down best donuts in San Diego for anyone in search of a gem. You all need to try it. The quality of the food is impressive.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 5

Ask the Community - Donut Factory

You might also consider

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels

4.3(1.2k reviews)
3.2 mi•Gaslamp
•$$

Super cool ambiance with the coffee shop sharing the space with the bar next door. Country music…read moreand football is viewable through the mini divider between the spots The cold brew is solid and there's plenty of seating. Fun "pot head" themed merch available as well. There's a couple locations around San Diego but this is one of the better ones

‼ DISCRIMINATION! RACISM! ‼ I had an extremely uncomfortable…read moreand upsetting experience here while picking up a large coffee order for a wedding. When I arrived, there was a very long line, but because my order had already been placed, I went to the designated pickup area. While waiting, I watched the employee behind the counter speak politely and normally to other customers. When it was my turn, I turned my phone around and politely said, "Hi, I'm here to pick up for" Before I could even finish my sentence, the employee looked at my phone, rolled his eyes, turned away from me, and went to retrieve the order. There was no greeting, no acknowledgment, and no basic courtesy. He handed me the order while staring at me, rolled his eyes again, and immediately returned to the register. The interaction was so noticeably hostile that I looked back at him and asked, "What's your problem?" He immediately turned away and began helping someone else. I then asked another employee whether there was a manager available and explained what had just happened. Her response was essentially that there was "a lot going on" and that they were busy. Being busy does not excuse treating a customer disrespectfully especially when I had just watched other customers receive normal, courteous service. What made this experience particularly concerning was what happened next. While I was still making sure my large order was complete, another customer approached the pickup area. The same employee who would not even allow me to finish my sentence immediately greeted this man with, "Hello, how can I help you?" and proceeded to speak to him politely and professionally. That was the exact basic courtesy I had been denied only moments earlier. As a Black woman, I cannot ignore that difference in treatment. I watched this employee demonstrate that he was perfectly capable of greeting customers, communicating professionally, and being courteous. He simply chose not to extend that same treatment to me. Based on what I personally witnessed, the disparity felt prejudicial and discriminatory. I then walked to the neighboring sister establishment to ask how I could contact management because I had not been provided helpful management information inside the coffee shop. Ironically, the employee I spoke with there was also Latino, and he treated me with complete respect. He listened, offered to get a manager, asked whether I was okay, and apologized that I had experienced something uncomfortable. That interaction is important because my complaint is not about anyone's ethnicity it is about the specific behavior of the employees who dealt with me at the coffee shop. What was also strange was that the coffee shop employees who had just explained that everything was so hectic suddenly had plenty of time to stand at the counter and watch me while I spoke with the neighboring business. They continued watching me until I got into my car. There had been an enormous line of customers, yet somehow the "too busy" explanation disappeared when it came time to watch what I was doing after I asked about management. That made an already uncomfortable situation feel even more hostile. The Smoking Gun needs to seriously evaluate who it places in customer-facing positions. Customers should not have to wonder whether their race affected the basic level of dignity and courtesy they received. If an employee is overwhelmed or having a bad day, take a break, ask for help, or work away from the front counter. What you do not do is selectively discard basic manners with one customer and then immediately demonstrate those same manners to the next. I came in to pick up coffee for a wedding. I was polite. I was there to collect an order and leave. There was absolutely no reason for me to be treated with hostility. I will be filing a formal complaint with management regarding this incident. I hope management takes it seriously, reviews what occurred, and provides its staff with appropriate customer-service and anti-discrimination training. No paying customer should be treated as though basic respect is optional. And yes, they can run the cameras back it'll be in there ! Then to ice the cake, they literally got the order wrong and didn't give me all the items for the party that I was taking it to! Could look me up and down but not look the orders up and down !

Photos
Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - Inside the coffee shop

Inside the coffee shop

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - Dirty horchata and Mc Lovin'

Dirty horchata and Mc Lovin'

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - Cappuccino | Cinnabee | Blondie

See all

Cappuccino | Cinnabee | Blondie

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels

3.9(307 reviews)
2.1 mi•Mission Valley
•$$

Super popular spot! We came around 9am on a Saturday and it was about a 45 min wait. With two…read moretoddler boys, it felt LONG lol. The service actually seemed pretty fast once we ordered, I think people just took a while deciding what they wanted and asked a lot of questions, which I don't blame them because they have so many cool things on the menu. We got the La Vida Mocha and it was pretty strong, which I liked. For bagels, we got the Jalapeño Cheddar with cream cheese, Shallot & Chive cream cheese, and the McLovin. The McLovin was HUGE! We definitely didn't finish the two bagels between our family of four, which honestly surprised me. There is parking, which is a huge plus. I'd definitely come back, just maybe not with two toddlers if there's another 45 min wait lol.

Adore this location and its employees…read more Really enjoyed my food & next time I want to try the oatmeal or add the vegan sausage to my thighmaster! The chia pudding also looked so good Busy Saturday morning and ran into issues w/ a gift card but Enrique was v accommodating and beyond helpful. Amanda at the front is bubbly and patient and answered my questions about the chaga latte and food options All the employees look ICONIC and I enjoyed each of their unique styles :) (BOH employee with the eyebrow slits was FINEEE) This place & the employees are stellaaarrrrrr humans

Photos
Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - Pick up area

Pick up area

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - The San Dieggo breakfast sandwich

The San Dieggo breakfast sandwich

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels - I'll have the usual VOL

See all

I'll have the usual VOL

Spill the Beans - Basic Sitch

Spill the Beans

3.9(458 reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

Food/Coffee: The bagel sandwiches are what keep me coming…read moreback! My favorite is the Thighmaster, add sausage, on the serrano habanero and jack cheddar bagel. The bagel alone is delicious, but that combination is SO good! It's also HUGE and definitely worth splitting. The McLovin is another flavorful option. The Cado Toast was just okay and not particularly memorable. I've had better avocado toast elsewhere, so I stick with the bagel sandwiches. The coffee is okay for me. I've tried the cold brew, iced Basic Sitch, iced Cinn-Bee, and iced dirty chai. The Basic Sitch is too sweet for my taste, and I like adding an extra shot to the Cinn-Bee. The iced dirty chai is probably my favorite, but I'm definitely coming for the bagels! Service: Always friendly and happy to answer questions! Lines can get long, but once you order, the food and coffee usually come out quickly. Ambience: We've been so many times, and this is my favorite Spill the Beans location! Right on the water with a beautiful view, it's a regular stop during our walks along the bay. Being near the convention center, it gets busy on weekends and some weekdays, but the sandwiches are worth the wait. A little pricey, though the generous portions and waterfront setting make it worth it!

Scheduled my day to make sure I could stop by their anniversary celebration before heading to the…read moreairport. Left, extremely disappointed... When I arrived a few minutes before opening the lights were off, turned the corner to find things still being unloaded. Waited, until 6, nothing, waited 5 more minutes, some movement but still not open. Finally ask what the situation is and they said they were running behind and needed maybe 15 more minutes. I didn't have confidence that would actually happen, and left hungry to fend for food at the airport. Not worth waking up early and planning for.

Photos
Spill the Beans - Fendi and the Ube Bagel w/ Ube cream cheese

Fendi and the Ube Bagel w/ Ube cream cheese

Spill the Beans - Spill The Beans Seaport Village is beneath that lookout tower

Spill The Beans Seaport Village is beneath that lookout tower

Spill the Beans - Hot Blondie Latte and Sugar-free Vanilla decaf latte were great! More people need to talk about their quality roast!

See all

Hot Blondie Latte and Sugar-free Vanilla decaf latte were great! More people need to talk about their quality roast!

Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen - Veggie Sandwich

Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen

4.6(371 reviews)
4.5 mi•Rolando
•$$

The fact that an all-vegan Jewish deli exists means that dreams really can come true. Ben &…read moreEsther's is doing it right, keeping the spirit of the deli alive in an era when few of the old guard manage to persist. As much as I hate the word "authentic" when used to describe any type of cuisine, they are absolutely doing it right, honoring the classics with more modern recipes eschewing animal products. That means you've got your lox, pastrami, egg salad, matzo ball soup, latkes, knishes, and all the bagels a baker can roll. Many of these are rarities for the average vegan to encounter and a true luxury to have them all under one roof. As a Jewish person who's been vegan for almost 25 years, I've never had many of these specialties made by anyone other than myself. Sinking my teeth into the rye bread-flanked meatless corned beef in my New Yorker sandwich, I honestly started getting a bit verklempt. I truly hope locals know just how lucky they are to have easy access to such delicacies whenever the craving moves them. Please, have another half-sour pickle on my behalf.

Consistently good food every time I come. I usually get a veggie schmear and variety pack of bagels…read morefor the week plus a veggie sandwich. It's small inside and awkward on where to wait for your food, but there's some outside seating and always good vibes from the staff. Every time I'm in the area I stop by for my schmear and bagel fix. Maybe I'll venture outside my normal order and try a burger or hoagie!

Photos
Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen - Inside

Inside

Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen - Turkey-Bacon Club

Turkey-Bacon Club

Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen - Lox Bagel

See all

Lox Bagel

Izola - Our Brown Butter Caramel Knot is one you won't want to share...House made caramel, with a light sprinkle of sea salt. Hot from the oven!

Izola

4.7(2.3k reviews)
3.1 mi•East Village
•$$$
Family-owned & operated
LGBTQ friendly

Phenomenal, the baked items are all FIRE, and the customer service is TOP TIER, super attentive and…read morefast ! My guy Will took care of me and my date, my man thank you ! Definitely coming back here soon!

Food/Drinks:One of the best bakeries I've tried! After a few weekend visits, the bibimbap croissant…read moreis the standout for me. Such a unique combination of flavors, with beautiful presentation. Absolutely a must-try! I also tried the carnitas croissant when it first joined the menu, and it was okay, but the bibimbap is the one I'd order again. The mini croissants are adorable and absolutely delicious. Both the minis and the signature croissant are so light and airy! Highly recommend grabbing the minis if they're available because they do sell out. When they're gone, I happily default to the full-size signature croissant. If you have a sweet tooth, the s'mores croissant is another must. They torch the handmade marshmallow right in front of you, so you get to watch it melt before digging in. Such a fun presentation! The iced coconut cream latte is small but tasty and on the sweeter side, so a good choice if you like sweet coffee. Personally, the pastries and treats are what keep me coming back. Service:We've gotten lucky with fairly short lines on our weekend visits. On our first visit, a Saturday, the owner stopped by each table to ask how everyone liked their food and hear their thoughts. That personal touch really stayed with me. You can tell how much care goes into this place! Ambience:Lots of seating, both indoors and outdoors, plus live music on Saturdays! It's a lovely spot to sit and enjoy your pastries. I live nearby and walk over, so I can't speak to the parking. An easy five stars and a must-try when you're in San Diego!

Photos
Izola - Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

Izola - IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: 
A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

Izola - IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

See all

IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

Donut Factory - donuts - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...