(Tookout 09/21/20 MO @ 2:00pm): Donut "gallery" but not "galore"!…read more
In the area to deliver a payment and select some refurbished appliances, I came across Donut Galore as I made my way to the freeway on the way home. Truly a split-second decision when I saw the storefront sign, I made a quick turn into the strip mall they were located in and hurriedly entered; after all, it was around lunch time and I still hadn't eaten anything. Would this abrupt diversion be a good one!?
PURCHASE
THE "APPLE FRITTER IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD TOUR" CONTINUED...
Apple Fritter ($1.40): Not that I was an apple fritter snob - eff it...yes I was! - but there was a certain way I liked mine. 1st, the price was the cheapest comparable to the now going rate. 2nd, it was generally round but more jagged and misshaped, I liked the thickness and density, and basically the size of my face (an ode to the great Goldstar Donuts in Van Nuys). 3rd, there was a mass amount of apple bits. 4th, the overall medium dark brown color was extremely nice with many burnt ends (I loved it burnt), and the heavy glaze made for an incredibly good and messy cracking effect. There were many crunchy odd crannies, corners, and nooks which I liked to break off into small little morsels. 5th, it was probably a couple hours old based on its temperature with barely any hints of oil pockets or gooey apple juices that leaked into your mouth and dripped down your throat. Overall, it had complete value - 5.0 STARS https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FvOAqRCy-LoB96fDahyk1Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Almond Cookies 7pc ($1.00): I simply loved these Chinese cookies and thought it odd whenever I found them at a donut shop but always bought them nonetheless. These were fresh as they dissolved in your mouth - yummy https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-jCmHcHsdcvWgJPf2t4QxA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Rainbow Sprinkles Cake Donut ($1.00): Plenty of colorful sprinkles with a vanilla frosting and fresh moist donut - it just made me smile https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Z7zwLTdl2OHRiHoH8txxSA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Buttermilk Bar ($1.20): A beautifully-fat and round heavily-glazed creamy bar of goodness I had for breakfast the next day, fifteen seconds in the microwave softened everything up and simply melted and slightly burned my mouth https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WamoXdZyayqPgjBM2dWkoA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
I was greeted by the owner a friendly middle-aged Asian man named "Thomas" or "Tomas" who gave me his undivided attention since I was the only customer at the time. He gathered my order quickly enough, but then we ended-up chatting about this-and-that for the next 30 minutes before I realized I had to leave. I had a pleasant time there.
PARKING (FREE)
Located within a medium strip mall with several businesses (e.g. laundromat, Mexican restaurant, liquor store, etc.), parking actually was actually easy as I parked directly in front of the shop. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of parking along the main drag of Alexander Ave., Tweedy Blvd., and nearby side streets.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A spacious shop https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nPtnEQ7gPR8EQdW4pcmMCg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with one donut display case highlighted by the apple fritters https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=hHBIpGJxHP_sPQQitjfNJQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a killer day-old donuts deal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pJsKz3EhBfkn6ETcsqWEMQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a separate ice cream cooler case, packs of cigarettes behind the counter, fairly legible drink/food menus/prices board https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HH6Z0tdZhzhuYwSzl1Xsdg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, tables/chairs were restricted due to COVID-19, and a separating Plexiglass between you and the salesperson. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front glass walls and door while soul-sucking electric fluorescent ceiling lights covered the rest. There were no TVs nor background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Donut Galore was a surprise to say the least with an amazingly cheap and fabulous apple fritter and would definitely return for more! Everything was generally fresh and yummy, the prices comparable if not cheaper, and the service exceptional. They also sold bagels, coffee/drinks/tea, and snow cones! Plus, it was always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $4.50 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, although I paid with cash, they accepted my credit card of choice ($0.50 transaction fee https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6yiJTNsoC6kpFzlPylnZ-g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw)... AMEX! 5.0 STARS
