Solid donuts here, definitely a spot I keep coming back to. What I really appreciate is that they're a bit lighter on the sweetness compared to a lot of other places nearby. I've reached that point where overly sugary donuts just feel like too much, and these hit a nice balance. They're still satisfying, just without that overwhelming sugar rush that leaves you regretting it halfway through. They also offer a lunch special that's pretty hard to beat for the price, a burger, fries, and a drink all bundled together. It's nothing fancy or over-the-top--just straightforward, classic comfort food done right. Sometimes that's exactly what you want, and they deliver on that without trying to reinvent anything. read more

For years, I've always said that Donut Time has the best donuts in the East Bay. And I still stand by it 100%! My wife and I used to live just across the street and we'd start out mornings by strolling over and enjoying some freshly made donuts. The husband and wife owners were always so friendly and welcoming too! It's been 10+ years since we moved away but I was in the neighborhood yesterday and decided to visit the old spot. Lots of changes in the plaza and surrounding area, but Donut Time has persevered. I walked in and the glorious display of donuts was same as it ever was! This time, I was greeted by a very cool young gal and she was chatty and patient while I figured out what I wanted. I got my wife a chocolate raised and chocolate twist. And I chose my favorite maple bar and maple filled. Btw one of the reasons why Donut Time is the best is that they don't skimp on the frosting like some unnamed local spots. I would've taken pics but we kinda scarfed em down already. read more

Donut time is such a staple here in El Cerrito. It's my go-to for donuts that are fresh. I usually grab some for coworkers or little treats for the kiddos. What I get for myself... their ham and cheese croissants. OMG it is sooo good lol... Another plus is that there is plenty of parking available out front. read more

Been one of my go-to spots since high school for a yummy breakfast sandwich. Parking is easy since it is within a plaza area. It's family owned and they NEVER skimp out on any ingredients. I like to get their croissant breakfast sandwich with eggs, cream cheese, and cheese. Sometimes I will add ham, but usually I get the same thing. They always fill it up with warm and fresh ingredients. They make the eggs right there and then and they also make their own croissants. One breakfast sandwich usually keeps me full until dinner time since the serving size is big for me. read more

Donut Time is the best! Such a classic atmosphere with super friendly staff. The donuts are by far some of the best in the entire Bay Area. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Come support this place!!! It was a hot day and a group of 4 boys came to get a drink. 3/4 boys had enough money but one boy didn't. They gave the young boy a free drink anyway. How kind of a business. Shoutout to the workers!!!! read more

My Fiance loved their smoothies & Super great customer service. Johnny and his wife are one of the nicest people ever !!! And they also had the best bacon egg and cheese croissants and Mango and Ube smoothies. read more

Donut Time - Mango & Ube smoothie the BESTTT smoothies we've EVERR tried !! - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Who knew this place was here in El Cerrito this whole time? Friendly owner, delicious donuts, great prices! My dad had a craving for a plain old fashioned. We stopped by Donut Time which is literally blocks away from their house, where I grew up. What? I cannot believe this El Cerrito treasure was so close by and so good. I am definitely adding this to my rounds every month when I visit my folks! Can't wait to introduce my dad to a buttermilk bar which is a bigger and more delicious version of the old fashioned. read more

See all

My alarm just went off & it's DONUT TIME..no but really, it's always time for Donut Time in El Cerrito. Located conveniently next to Marshalls, Donut Time may be called a hidden gem to most, but they actually have been servicing the local community for 38 years and is now a gathering spot for locals! Owners May & Johnny took over the business in 1985 from Johnnys parents and he's now coined El Cerrito's Donut King! From the most fresh and classic donut and coffee pairings you crave, to hot off the grill fried egg breakfast sandwiches, you truly can't go wrong. Don't sleep on the massive apple fritter, their most instagramable item, and don't be ashamed if you miss the alarm because their mid day cheeseburger & tuna melt most definitely hits the mark. Fun fact: If you happen to make it at 7am you can see Johnny and the crew making the donuts & glazing them fresh, which is really a fun experience! They also sponsor on the second Sunday of every month a classic car show for hungry & local car enthusiasts. For great value, service and all the cozy donut shop feels, be sure to bookmark this spot in El Cerrito. read more

See all

I've never put out a review, but the donuts here are so amazing that I had to give them 5 stars!!! The staff is also very friendly!!!

Such an unexpected little gem. I was in the neighborhood shopping and came across this little hole in the wall donut shop. Now I know what you're thinking, burgers at a donut shop....and I was skeptical. I went in and was surprised to see they had hot food as well. Open grill and all. So I told myself, when in Rome! I tried a cheeseburger topped with condiments and onions and it was so good! Freshly grilled, flavored well and cooked nicely. I doubled down and got a milk tea flavored with honeydew and it was amazing too! Perfect amount of sweetness. Prices were very very reasonable and much less than a fast food joint. read more

Donut Time - Cheeseburger - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

See all

This spot is so local that I heard about it on Nextdoor. The post was about Marshalls, Donut Time's neighbor, closing and asked what would become of this small family shop when it closed. We came here for their famous breakfast sandwich, which was better than expected. I especially liked their "Bagel" sandwich. I put bagel in quotes because they call it a bagel, but it tasted more like a Kaiser roll, which just so happens to be my favorite NYC breakfast sandwich. To contribute to their survival, I will continue to patronize this business. Service is a bit slow, so be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. BB read more

Love their donuts as well as breakfast sandwiches and burgers/french fries. This place makes you feel nostalgic with its interior. It feels very small town homy. Johnny and all the staff are super friendly and always make you feel like they're glad to see you. read more

I visited Donut Time today after hearing how good it is. I selected three donuts to purchase only to discover I didn't have my wallet with me. The woman behind the counter - perhaps the proprietor? - told me I could come back to pay, but I don't live anywhere near the shop, so I asked her if I could send her a check. She graciously agreed, and I'm about to mail it. I have no doubt the donuts will be delicious, but I'm just as impressed - and moved - by her trust in me, a complete stranger. This is the way local merchants in America used to be, and it's heartening to see that small-town community feeling is still alive - at least at Donut Time. Stan H. read more

Very nice establishment. I walked in and ordered 2 dozen donuts to take to an event in school. They packed it in 2 spears boxes and doubled the bag per my request as I am riding BART. Super friendly staff and their price is $$ very reasonable. I would recommend this place. Ample parking outside. Thank you for the good service! read more

Donut Time - Donuts selection - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Although they have nice donuts they have terrible costumer service, the lady argued with me about what drink that I order/wanted, nothing about her demeanor or tone was acceptable, it was extremely rude, and when I asked for my money back they in fact started arguing with me about the refund that I wanted. Then proceeded to call me a names as I'm walking out the door. Please take this time to learn to treat all costumers in a professional matter even if you are upset!!! read more

Bought the Donut time cullers. Very tasty. Thank you for using a good glue for the label. Removed it so easily and container works great as a seed starter for my garden. Your cullers will be on my shopping list every week. Thank You. read more

Listen: this place is the real deal. Fresh donuts, hot coffee, family owned. Come take a break in a classic donut spot. You won't be disappointed. read more

Best croissant I've ever had, The head of the family that has owned this family business for at least 40 years is the best Baker I've ever seen, met and had the privilege of having his croissant and his turnovers etc. the donuts rock too plus they have a car show there like every third second read more

must. get. CINNAMON TWIST!!! Their cinnamon twist is in my top 3 best donuts ever. IT IS SOOOOO FLUFFY. And the flavor is just delicious. I still dream about the cinnamon twist. We ordered a couple other donuts as well, and they were all good. My boyfriend enjoyed their old fashioned ones, and I liked trying a cruller for the first time! I love that this place opens late and has fresh donuts throughout the day. Came here after work and it was such a treat! The workers are super nice, and the lady who I think is the owner gave me an extra free donut as well! Their donuts are already cheap and worth the price, but a free donut made it an even better deal! Will definitely be stopping by again in the future! read more

Donut Time - Yummy donuts! You HAVE to try the cinnamon twist! Half of it in front plate, half of it in back (split it in half before this photo) - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I come here as a halfway point for my day off bike rides...these are the best donuts in the East Bay (I've tried all of the shops, no joke, from Richmond to North Oakland). There are a couple of other good places, but this is my go to. Part of it is because the donuts are always fresh and warm at 6 AM, part of it is the owner who I banter with for a moment, and his wife, who tries to keep him in line, all in a playful way. I hope they stay around for as long as they wish to, they have me hooked on their terribly fantastic creations...see you on my next day-off bike ride DT family! read more

Fresh and fluffy donuts. They are also very sweet. I typically don't like things that are overly sweet, so it took me some time to finish my donut. Got the glazed and chocolate long John. Will be coming back to try the apple fritter! Side note, be ready for a little wait. 5 to 15 mins. read more

Came her after a post on Nextdoor recommending this place. It is sad to see small businesses suffer because of big companies, in particular when they serve donuts as good as the ones here ! I particularly loved the chocolate old fashioned ! The good thing is that they also have cookies and other pastries, if you're like me and one person of your family doesn't like donuts, you can still come here ! There are lots of chairs and table available so you don't have to eat in the go either, it is private too. The service was great, the lady helping us couldn't have been nicer ! read more

Upon walking in, I smelt the familiar aroma of fresh coffee and the whole place gives me a friendly neighbourhood diner feel. I didn't know they served Vietnamese coffee, but if you do like some strong coffee to start off the morning I would recommend. Although it is not as in your face strong and bitter as I have liked, the pricing is very appealing :) Maple glazed donut and apple fritter was a delight. Owner was also very kind to threw in some donut holes to try. I put them in fridge for a couple hours and they did not go hard, and inedible like some other donuts I've had. Outer glaze was slightly crunchy and sweet while the inner dough is fluffy and soft. I'm sure they'll taste even better when fresh with a good cup of coffee. read more

Donut Time - Vietnamese coffee with maple glaze and apple fritter - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I've been visiting this place for over 20 years now! It's a small family run business with very warm and friendly service. I can always count on them when I need my donut fix. My go to favorites are a simple yet delicious sugar raised donut and the chocolate old fashion. The raised donut is soft and fluffy and it goes so well with their coffee. Highly recommend. read more

Date: 7/18/2020 Time: 2:00 PM 72° Sunny I usually don't do much business and/or visit El Cerrito too often. However, my visit was initially to Batteries Plus Bulbs for a calculator battery. My calculator has died on me. The gentleman assisting me couldn't get the calculator to work with a replacement battery. (Corrosion in the unit.) Since I happened to be in the area, I noticed Donut Time and decided to get something from them before heading home to Alameda. Location of Donut Time is in a strip mall and across the way from Batteries Plus Bulbs. Most donut shops usually have the same assortment of donuts (cake, old fashioned, French cruller, apple fritter), baked goods (croissants, muffins, cookies), huge breakfast croissant (ham 'n cheese, sausage 'n egg). Eats: French cruller, apple fritter and a hookup of three donut holes. I was shocked at the cost of the two items. Wow! $3.65?!? Surely, the lady made a mistake. I thought I was gonna pay more, as in a little over $5.00. It's cash only. The cruller was a tad too sweet, so I only had 1/4 of it to satisfy my craving for something sweet. My husband enjoyed the apple fritter, which is a favorite of his at just about any donut shop. I don't know when I will be back in the area, but I want to check out their sandwiches and burgers. I believe a few more times visiting Donut Time may have me up the rating to 4 stars. I shall see and decide. read more

See all

** The following review reflects my takeout experience DURING the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** In a world gone mad with an endless pandemic, systemic racism, and a lunatic Commander-in-Chief, sometimes you just need a doughnut to get you through. Luckily, Donut Time provides that momentary balm in a modest, retro setting in a less than vibrant strip mall anchored by a plastics store since Marshall's is still closed. But who cares 'cause Donut Time is here. It makes me wanna sing with the Platters... Heavenly shades of carbs are falling, it's Donut Time Out of the mist a cruller is calling, it's Donut Time When maple frosted fritters mark the end of day I'll see you, my dear, at Donut Time Jamie W. and I walked down here because we were wondering how Johnny and his wife were doing during shelter-in-place. Our impression was "pretty good" as there were at least three customers ahead of us. Jamie and I agreed to get a doughnut each and leave a ten spot to support them. Jamie got a Chocolate Glazed, and I went for my Plain Old-Fashioned. When I refused the change, she instantly grabbed a Cinnamon Bun, an extra Glazed Doughnut, and a half-dozen Doughnut Holes and put them all in two little bags. We were touched by the gesture even though we sure as hell didn't need the calories. Good people run this place. They closed their shop a few months ago to help their daughter move to college. Come support them. You know you need a doughnut. DOUGHNUTS - 4 stars...let's bump up the score here 'cause who can refuse a doughnut hole? AMBIANCE - n/a...who cares? SERVICE - 5+ stars...good people TOTAL - 5 stars... together at last at Donut Time RELATED - Exploring El Cerrito? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18 read more

See all

Everything that is pastry (doughnuts, fritters, croissants, more) is made fresh throughout the day. Sandwiches made to order with newly made fillings every day. Great prices, great service, clean establishment, nice people. Top of the line! read more

Really fresh donuts every single time, even if you arrive a little later in the day. Pretty sure they're open all the way till 7pm. Perfect fluffiness and friendly service. Cash only, but that's most donut shops. No foul grease taste and it's nice that the door is open for Covid safety. A++ read more

Owned and run by the same family in my lifetime. I'm in my 40s and this place has been a constant in El Cerrito. Fantastic variety of donuts and if you want to get some warm food they have breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, and fries. Cash only but they have an ATM machine inside. Guilty pleasure but I'm always happy when I stop by this place. EDIT: They accept VISA now. read more

Best Bear Claws In The Bay! Also, don't sleep on the Fresh Made Breakfast Sandwiches(my favorite is anything on a croissant)! read more

Donut Time - Best Bear Claw in the WORLD! - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Delicious burger and fries at great price. Sometimes they throw in a couple donut holes. Definitely an El Cerrito staple.

This mom and pop donut shop is where you can find fresh delicious old school donuts without all the frills. Service is great! May always greets us with a smile and remembers my kids favorite. Surprisingly, because I'm a boba fan, I never thought to try it here; but it turns out they have delicious brown sugar boba (the only ones we've tried so far). My daughter and her best friends favorite drink to get here. The boba is soft and sweet and the brown sugar have a toasty taste and the milk is fresh (not powdered milk). read more

Decided to stop here because I was starving after the gym -- I am SO glad I did! The BLT sandwich is absolutely delicious, and they had the best Thai iced tea that I've ever ordered in the east bay. Not only was the food amazing, but the owners were so kind and had great service. It has a nice retro ambiance with LOTS of seating! read more

Donut Time - Thai iced tea - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Great service from staff friendly environment from all customers.Donuts on hit!!!! Food great all around good place

I decided to try a donut from here since a coworker mentioned that the donuts are really good. And her friend, a foodie, said she would only buy donuts from here. My coworker recommended any of the French cruller donuts. I bought a chocolate covered French cruller donut and took it home. I reheated the donut at home and bit in. I was surprised how light and airy the donut was. I was not expecting this. What a surprise. The dough was sweet to the taste and the chocolate added added a nice indulgence to the donut. Overall a very good donut. I notched star from the review to the uncertainty of the cleanliness of the establishment. While in line, the customer in front of me poured the wrong coffee into her cup and asked what she should do to the counter person. The customer explained that she just poured it in and realized it was the wrong brew she wanted, what should she do? The counter person was uncertain. The person in back of me said she should pour it out, as that is what a restaurant would do. I agreed with him. The cook then came and after explaining the situation to him, he said that she can pour it back into the pot, since she did not drink from the cup The customer in back of me looked at each other and he said, "it's not what I would do, but this is not my business". read more

The best donuts in the Bay Area. I go every time I have a community event! The owners are very nice and the hours of operations are reliable! read more

I found out about this El Cerrito jewel from my good buddy Dan H. It's like an episode of the Transformers, it's more than meets the eye. To the naked eye, it is an innocent looking donut shop with great looking donuts that are totally hand made by its owner Johnny, who along with his wife May, has owned this place for 36 years and has maintained most of its original construction, features, and fixtures, which gives this hidden gem it's anachronistic "Hot Tub Time Machine" sex appeal :-). If the donuts and nostalgia of my childhood years in the 1970s was't enough, it is also a cook it as you watch grill that makes out of this world tasty burgers and sandwiches. I had the Special Lunch Cheeseburger with fries and a choice of soda. I picked the Aloe Pineapple drink for $7.25 + tax and $1 extra for the Aloe. This totally hit the spot and made my week. The place itself is a time warp back to simpler and kinder time. Johnny and May are great down to earth people who are shining examples of immigrants who come to the US for opportunity and a hard work ethic can thrive . They defied the odds anhave achieved the American dream. They have struggled like anyone and was affected. Covid has affected them as any businesses. read more

See all

Best donuts in the Bay Area. Yes I said it! They are consistently fresh and the dough is spongey. My family asks me to bring them down to San Diego each time we go to visit family--they looooovvvwee them. My co workers have said "these donuts hit differently." All of this is to say, each time we want to treat our family and friends, we bring them these donuts. Thank you to the owners for creating such delicious treats. read more

Great donuts. Good people. Reasonable prices. A nice local establishment anchoring the plaza. read more

Donut Time - Donuts from Donut Time (Johnny's Donuts) - Donuts Near Me - El Cerrito, California