Great place to pick up donuts, not too expensive, just get there early before they're all gone. They also serve coffee for a few bucks as well. It's where I go when I want something sweet and some coffee without having to pay 20-30 bucks. read more

My kids who went to school here told me about Helen's, raved about it. I went there for the first time yesterday. I was shocked at the way it looked inside. Full on hoarder situation going on there. I didn't want to get a donut once I saw the mess but I was there so I did. It was just ok, but I couldn't help thinking about what the kitchen behind the wall must look like. I will never go back. City of Chico should go in there and see what's going on. read more

Used to go here in college days in the 70's when Helen was the owner. Much has changed- u cannot sit there and enjoy your food. Table area blocked off with pink boxes and flea market quality pictures and paintings- don't know if they r for sale or storage. Makes me wonder if that mess in the front is also reflective of the cooking area? It's no longer a late night munchy place as it closes at 2:00pm But let's get to the donut. Sunday morning, 8:30, ordered 4 apple fritters. Hot and greasy- Something hot, crusty and fried that early was good. But on further inspection by splitting open and dissecting, these apple fritters do not have apples in them. Helen's used to have huge chuncks of apples. The current ones should be relabeled cinnamon fritters or just fritters! Probably will not return. We gave it a whirl, but like me from the 70's, things have changed. read more

Chocolate Donut Holes Chocolate cake with maple glaze And they are open late at night...so I need say more? This place is amazing Oh! And ask for a chocolate bar filled with cream! They keep them in the fridge cold! Be sure and eat right away :) read more

I want to give the best review possible because these are seriously the best donuts in Chico, if not one of the few really good donut places in Chico. But why is the store such a mess? It's uncomfortable being there. I wish the place was cleared up so you could have a fresh and nice atmosphere. Just a little tidying up and this place could be perfect. People might want to come sit down. read more

Tasty donuts at a great price. Been trying all the donut joints and I think this one was second from top. Decent selection but missing some favorites like the cruller. But can't beat the prices and location if you're downtown. But, parking can be annoying. read more

I'm really sad to write this review, but I think this needs to be shared. In the 1990s I was a student at Chico State - and I even briefly worked next door to Helen's at Pullin's Cyclery - and was a semi-regular customer at Helen's. The donuts were amazing and the place was classic donut shop with the pink formica booths. I think they were open 24 hours per day at that time and also supplied apple fritters to Chico State's cafeteria in the BMU. Today, however, the donuts are incredibly oily and really lack the crispy sweet exterior. The fritters, which had been loaded with cinnamony, gooey, apple pieces back the day, have almost zero apple. The fritters will really be disappointing if you remember how they were in the glory days of Helen's. Additionally, as others have noted, the interior is just a mess. There is all sorts of dirty, dusty junk and paperwork stacked on the counters and booths; about 80% of the seating is unavailable because of the piled debris. Really a very sad story. read more

Helen's is open daily from 6am-2pm. It's a small donut shop however she's a nice lady who makes great donuts. I especially like her apple fritters ($2.50 includes tax) and unlike some other donut shops ALL her fritters are fresh each morning and not that some are still being sold as if they're fresh however are a day old. I recommend that you try Helen's Donut before going anywhere else in Chico for donuts. Get there close after 6am and you'll be able to experience still warm delicious donuts. read more

Do yourself a favor and come here. Donuts are fresh especially in the morning, take a seat and have a morning coffee before work.

Great donuts! Great spot come in and pick up a few! Big size taste amazing. Parking limited on street.

Quite possibly the best donut in the world. The glazed chocolate dipped can't be beat. I would not get a donut anywhere else.

As a student living in Shasta Hall in 1975 I would penny-pinch all week so I could "splurge" and get either a Bear Claw or Cinnamon Roll on the weekend. It is one of those places I will always remember as a young 17yr old just out of his parents house and starting my "independent" life-style! It is now 40-some odd years later and my son has just graduated from Chico State. And along with Madison Bear Garden, The Senator Theatre and LaSalle( re-boot in about 2017 I believe), Helen's Donut Nook IS STILL THERE! So cool... I hope everyone who reads this has a chance to experience it. For me, Helen's was/is the stuff fond memories are made from! Stephen Kline read more

I love Helen donut bakery in Chico California, when I first had one a large square one with chocolate in the middle I fell in love so I usually go every morning with my 2 daughters, or my husband goes with our kids I love it it's number #1 in Chico to our family and we continue. Like now I'm headed over there lol there delicious read more

Not impressed. Got a glazed Maple, glazed old fashioned and a chocolate cake. The glazed donut was extra greasy.

When I first moved to Chico my mom brought me here before going to Pullins to get a new bike. I have yet to find another place as good. I now live in Pennsylvania and frequently travel into New York where "the best bakeries" are and they all pale to nothingness compared to Helen's!!! Can't wait to get back for a visit and have a REAL donut!! read more

Excellent donuts best on this side of town. I don't know how she does it always by herself A+

My family has been coming here since me and my sisters we were toddlers! I'm now 28! Every time I'm in town, I make sure to get some donuts from our favorite donut shop! The owner is super sweet! I seriously can't find any other donut shop that compares to this one! read more

I went here today because there were no donuts at farmers market. My son wanted a donut so I took my boys over to Helen's. There was a very small selection of donuts in the case. I ordered four donuts.. two bars and two old fashioned and headed to the car with the boys. On my way home I tried a old fashioned.. one bite was all I could stand. As it turns out.. all four donuts were stale and clearly day old donuts being sold as fresh. I was in the shop at 8:30 am. Stale donuts at eight AM is not acceptable. This will be my last visit as this clearly shows a lack of respect for your customers and the product you are serving. read more

Grabbed an assorted dozen and an apple fritter during my visit here. Wonderfully fresh donuts, the yeast ones were light and fluffy, and the fritter was great too. Service was quick and friendly. Definitely would go back if I'm in town again. read more

I like the traditional donut shops with donut holes. I will say this was my first time going here but the donuts tasted like they were fried in old oil.... didn't taste very fresh :( bummer cuz it's a cute shop and the lady was really nice. read more

Great place. Never noticed a donut shop in downtown decided to try it on a whim. Ended up having some good doughnuts. The old fashioned were really good. Like other reviews said there was not a huge selection but what was there was really good. read more

I went here twice on my lunch break for a doughnut. Both times I had excellent doughnuts and the lady behind the counter was really nice. I gave 4 stars because I only went there twice and never tried anything besides the doughnuts (i.e. coffee, etc.) But if you're just looking for a doughnut, this place is the best! read more

Best in Chico!!!! So fresh and so yummy!!! Not overly sweet like most donuts!!! Reminds me of same ones Mom would surprise us with on special days growing up on East Coast!!! read more