I've been coming to this doughnut spot for years now.... so this was way over due! I recently came by during SIP as we were getting some dinner close by. I just want to say when they got that HOT doughnuts ready sign on... those lines are out the door! IF the sign is off, the coast is clear and you should be in and out of there in no time. But let me just add that those hot & fresh doughnuts are the ONES!! Taking a step away from the hot & fresh doughnuts... they also have a great selection of flavors and doughnuts to your heart & tummy's every desire! I love their different maple flavored ones! & the weird cluster looking ones are the ones I love best LOL sorry for not knowing what to call them ya'll You can DEF say I'm a fan and will continue to be a customer to this doughnut shop! They have a huge and great selection and friendly staff! be back again real soon! read more

King Pin Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

We love King Pin Donuts. They are a solid donut shop with really tasty donuts. Their cake donuts taste like cake donuts and their yeast donuts taste like yeast donuts. Their apple fritters are filled with apples, cake, and yummy glaze. You might think that sounds normal but you'd be surprised how often the basics are overlooked. You won't find a bunch of "trick" donuts here. Instead you'll find donuts the way they are supposed to be made. FOOD: Donuts done right. We've been here about four times and every time the donuts are consistently good. I keep meaning to branch out but they have such a solid chocolate buttermilk and old fashioned that it's hard to veer away from it. Although I did enjoy the apple fritter. My daughter has tried the twist, the glaze, and I think the Long John and liked them all but the simple glaze is her fav. I always appreciate they have a good selection available any time of day we go. That can't be said about many donut shops. And they never taste greasy or oily or anything except good. SERVICE: Solid like the donuts. The gentleman who runs the place is quiet but always willing to answer questions and does his work efficiently. COST: A little on the high side. But I'm willing to pay for good donuts. These are classic donuts done right and although I could pay less elsewhere, I wouldn't get the same quality. It is what prevents it from getting a five though. We will and have returned many times! read more

King Pin Donuts - See what I mean? Solid and delicious selection of classic donuts! Cake Donut, Glazed Raised Donut, and tons of others! - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

[Out of Towner Review] Holy heavenly fried dough deliciousness... We pre-ordered these for work and picked them up quickly and without any issue. I had NO IDEA what I was in for. As my coworker handed me the box, I almost dropped them with the weight of a dozen donuts. It was at that moment I knew these weren't your average donut. And to no surprise, when I opened the box, I had to swipe some drool that showed up out of nowhere. They even packaged them individually wrapped with within the box, very COVID friendly for the group. I ate the maple bar. I'd never imagined I'd find a maple bar I couldn't devour in a couple of minutes. But alas, I me my match with King Pin! These aren't the air fried doughy style donuts I'm used too. These are thick, cake-like donuts and larger than life. Their size in itself is crazy, but the quality is very superb as well. They come at a hefty price, which as an out of towner, I'm not sure if it the quality or the going price in this city, but they are pricey. Or from what I'm used too. I didn't go inside the establishment, but I did eat what they serve and I felt it was worth a review. Not like they need another review, it's obvious they are doing well and loved by many...me included. They live up to the 'King' in their name! read more

Omg I loved this donut! I don't even know what kind it was but it had frosting and maybe creme! I can't believe I never tried this place before such a little charming hidden treasure. If you can find parking please try this place ! read more

King Pin Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I was with friends craving fresh cooked doughnuts, so off to Berkeley we go. The ride was 20 minutes. As you approach the street the business is on you will see a flashing yellow lights and illegally doubled parked cars. Yes, your at the right place on your left side. It's flooded with people in this store area. The guys behind the counter are not for friendly chatter, order your delights and quickly move on...lol The doughnuts are okay. I guess it's that they are open late. read more

King Pin Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I think the donut holes have grown on me quite a bit as they're super unique, and prices aren't that bad if you order on snackpass. Late hours are a plus as well and the owner is very friendly :) read more

King Pin Donuts - Donut Hole - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

I'm all for supporting local businesses, which is why I decided to visit this place. However, I was shocked by the prices. I went in the afternoon and bought a dozen donut holes, only to be charged $7 plus an additional credit card fee. It's frustrating to pay double what I would at any other donut shop, local or not, especially for donuts that tasted old and stale. read more

Back when I was in high school, we'd stop late at night at Top Dog and then, "The Pin." There was a young guy making Cinnamon Swirls using chopsticks. He didn't speak much English. Said his name was Quan. Them hot donuts we just dripping with icing and so good. Through college and many years to follow, I'd stop in and Quan was there. My son loved the special donut holes he would make and squirt a bit of custard in each one. Now over thirty-years later, Quan accomplished the American Dream. He found a wife, opened three donut shops, put two daughters through Cal, and recently opened a sushi store in the "Asian Ghetto." And now, Quan still makes donuts six days a week. Says he never will retire. I stopped in and had to have a freshly made donut with my dear friend. Still delicious. read more

King Pin Donuts - With my friend, Quan. The King of King Pin for over 30 years! An American success story. - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great early morning or late night. Get down to Kingpin Donuts and you won't be sorry.... Until you get on the scale. Here is my review https://youtu.be/72nfzwcTSKg read more

See all

I wanted to get myself a donut for breakfast before work. So I gave them a chance. I ordered a glazed and a chocolate donut. Both of which came to 8.50 in total. This place opens up at 7am daily, I came by around 7:15 as they had just opened. Why did all the donuts look cold, like they'd been sitting for hours? Anyways, without all the extras I then try each donut...and maaaan I'm so disappointed. These donuts are not good at all. The bread they use isn't that good. They taste kinda oily...their just not very good. First and last time coming here. Not worth the price gouging, each donut is $4.50 right now....insane I guess the college kids don't mind, since their parents are paying for it. read more

A local, family operated donut shop run by the most generous, warmest and friendliest of folk. There's a wide variety of donuts on offer and each one is as freshly made and as scrumptious as the next. A must-visit when in the neighborhood! read more

King Pin Donuts - Yumminess! - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

When I walked in and saw the prices, I almost walked right out. Many of their donuts, except for the boring ones, are $3 to $4 which I thought was pretty ridiculous, but I decided to still give it a try. The donuts here are actually pretty good but they are super sweet, like jaw achingly sweet. The custard bar was really good. It was like a cream filled donut except with more cream and rectangular. The donut was light and fluffy but still had a nice chew. The butter milk donut on the other hand was completely different. It was dense and crumbly almost like a biscuit. The donut itself was really nice, but there was an extremely thick glaze of chocolate on it that gave it a sweetness that rivals no other. If you like your donuts super sweet, then you should come to this place; however, if you're like me and don't like extremely sweet foods, I don't recommend this place. If you do come here though, get something that's light on the glaze so it won't be too sweet. read more

It had been a while since I went to KingPin but I have come here for four years now and developed a taste for their donuts. I don't particularly crave or eat donuts at other spots but when I do I like them from King Pin. They have a very soft cake-like texture on the inside and the expected crunchy type of exterior. Their donuts are massive and usually hard to finish in one go without sharing with someone else. The soft fluffy inside of their donut isn't something I've ever tasted at most other shops and is what makes King Pin so well known. read more

Nice folks, good coffee and fresh donuts. I came in early and they are one of the few places open. Tried some other places for coffee and they try too hard. This is your old fashion donut place with reliable coffee. And donuts are soft, taste good! read more

11/21/21 Wandering a little farther away from our new house now, we ended up in Berkeley today... I believe 1 block away from the university? Anyway, street was surprisingly busy and lively this Sunday night, nearly 90% of those wandering around being college kids. We had passed this doughnut shop on the way to dinner, and walked back to the car I spied it again..... I HAD to..... So, I got... well, I dunno what to call it. I spent waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy too much time googling this, and I'm not 100% sure but I think it's technically called a "Buttermilk Bar Donut". Well, anyway, it tastes like an Old Fashioned, but it has no hole and is popular around places in California. Funny thing is I almost never buy these, but the selection here is kinda odd. They don't have too many "normal types" of doughnuts, you know... glazed or bars, etc., but they do got some special ones like this. And it looks especially craggy and awesome so I nabbed one. HOLY MUTHA F'FA you'll never have one like this! Think a crisp and fresh buttermilk biscuit dipped in butter, then refried, then dipped in glaze. That's this. OH OH OH.... even better.... think the cheese biscuits from Red Lobster but instead of cheese you got sugar. I mean, I took this baby and pulled off a chunk, and you can see a 1cm ring of oil and butter soaking through all around the perimeter. And OMG does it fill your mouth with happiness!!!! Oh yeah, and it was warm, fresh, and the outside slightly crunchy. Best "Buttermilk Bar Donut" I've had in my life. ($3 each though was NOT the best... but whateverz.) 5/5 #berkeley #doughnuts #donuts #buttermilkbardonut #bardonut #bardoughnut #bestever read more

Ok they stay open until 3 am a plus. When I walkes in it smelled like Heaven dresh clean and donut aroma!. The lady was cleaning she stopped immediately and helped me 2 stars for that. She gave me a ton of free samples. But the bacon donut so delish bacon crispy no fat! Dinut so moist at 7:15pm wasnt expecting it ti be fresh out the oil. My to go place now. King Pin Donuts your customer service A pkus donuts AA plus. read more

See all

Extremely average donuts here, that are overpriced in my opinion... Given the convenience of grabbing donuts from King Pin (next to campus, open early in the morning until late at night, etc), I've had donuts from here several times during my tenure at Cal. But don't be fooled--this doesn't mean the donuts are good. In fact, I find King Pin donuts to be unsettlingly fried and quite oily. From your initial bite into the donut, you're immediately able to tell that it's over fried. Upon further chewing, you wonder why your mouth can taste the oil that has penetrated the dough... Not a good sign! Will I keep going to King Pin? If I'm craving a donut, and don't want to walk far, then sure. Will I go out of my way to get King Pin? Never. Not tasty enough for that. read more

I love this place. The staff is so friendly and nothing defeats getting donuts here when they are FRESH. I love that they have donut holes and different types too. The old fashioned ones are my favorite though. There are so many donuts here to try and they've been a staple in the Berkeley community for quite some time. Can't say enough good things about them! read more

I was waiting on some other food around the plaza and I saw a simple donut show right around the corner. My friend texted me saying he wanted a donut, so I came here. Luckily, I went in when the line died down. There is only one employee there, a sweet gentleman who was very patient with me when I was still pondering what to order. For my friend, I ordered a chocolate eclair and a chocolate sprinkled donut. My favorite type of donut is the plain cake donut, so I had one order of that. The gentleman rang me up, and I had a pleasant conversation with me. Finally, he wished me a goodnight. Totally stoked to try out my donut, I went back home and munched it all up. The plain cake donut was dense, but I didn't mind it since the taste was good. Overall, great place to go to if you have a sweet tooth late at night! read more

King Pin Donuts - Donuts! -Charlotte Katakuri - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came here with a friend got some donut holes. They are so so so good but highly recommend.

I foolishly wanted to order something other than donuts off of door dash. Unfortunately, they are unable to cope with that complexity. I wanted a slice of chocolate cake and they gave me a coffee instead. They should really fix that. I called to complain. They hung up and refused to take my calls. Order nothing but donuts from them. You'll be disappointed otherwise. read more

Do not go here! Once you get used to their donuts you will never be able to enjoy a donut from elsewhere for the rest of your life. When I would go home during college my parents always requested I bring some home. They are so good! read more

I asked for a dozen donuts and got chicken nuggets they were so dry and the glaze was hard as a rock and the only employee working there is so rude not working the price it is very pricey and not even fresh don't come here waste of time and gas. read more

King Pin Donuts - Asked for fresh 12 DONUT HOLES - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great selection, perfect late-night sugar-fix. Donuts aren't exactly life changing but good enough to put a smile on my face during a midnight adventure! The line is never too long and the guy behind the counter is nice enough. There are enough options to try something new every time you go if you want. Would recommend as a night time snack if you find yourself on or near Durant! read more

The late hours, convenient location, and delicious donuts make this one of my all-time favorite donut places! I remember my friend and I used to grab a quick bite here in between classes and exams. I used to love eating the donut bites! I decided to visit this place after a few years and it's still SO amazing! The donuts taste great! Light, fluffy texture, not too sweet, and no weird aftertaste. They also offer day-old donuts at a discount, and those donuts, while not as delicious as the fresh ones, are still really good! My coworker who was with me said that she found her new favorite donut place after we shared a donut. The place is small and there's no seating inside but there's plenty of outside seating. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a quick, delicious, and cheap pick-me-up! read more

Buttermilk donuts at 7pm on a Saturday!?! Count me in. I love a good fresh donut. You know they're killing it if they're selling donuts at 7pm. They offer the basics here from donut holes, chocolate, and glaze, but they do offer some more intense flavors like Jelly filled (skip this one, the jelly was sour), and maple bacon with real bacon bits! They also had cheese cake for some reason, but hey, it was good so I can't complain! Like others, the donuts are HUGE. You get your bang for your buck. read more

King Pin Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

This is a great donut place for a late night stop. It's located near the Berkeley campus. We went around midnight but they still had many flavors in stock and provided quick and kind service. read more

The lady working at the counter was extremely rude. When I got to the front of the line to order, she decided to service the customer who was behind me in line before me, which is extremely disrespectful. When I ordered my drink, she charged me for a more expensive drink because she said she made "a larger size," which I did not ask for, as there was only one size available. Even after the horrible service and overpriced drink, the drink tasted awful. The coffee was extremely acidic and the almond milk tasted spoiled. I wasted $7.25 on this disgusting drink and negligent service. Do not come here. read more

Cons: VERY overpriced, I guess that's inflation for you It was an "OK"-ish donut, more bready than donut-y Safeway donuts probably better Pros: They have a nice and convenient location in that little stripmall The staff are nice Support a local business read more

Nothing like a simple donut and aromatic coffee to perk up your morning, afternoon, and late nights out and about Berkeley. [The location] King Pin in the corner of Asian ghetto. Its a small shop that serves a variety of fresh baked donuts and coffee. I always come here with friends as an after class or late night pick me up. They have such a nice selection of donuts and they are SOOOOOO GOOD! The best way to get there is to walk/bus since there is only street parking or parking lots that charge a fee by the hour. [The donuts] The donuts are really yummy, they aren't my number one but compared to a few other places I've had they are pretty tasty. -Plain maple donut: 2.75 -Buttermilk donut: 2.75 -I've also tried their mini donut holes at some point and I think those were by far my favorite. I feel like the donuts are a bit pricey but at least they are pretty generous in size which makes buying them worth it. read more

See all

Pillowy soft, jelly and custard, glazed, sugar, apple fritter. Huuuge in size, at least twice the size of Krispy Kreme and 1.5 times grocery store. If you are not careful, you will scarf ..nay.. inhale down the first two and the freshman 15 will balloon to a freshman 30. Student crowd, lines on a weekend, open late. read more

So this place is right across from Gypsy's in the food area. You can literally watch them make doughnuts and the smell is sooo intoxicating! The doughnuts were light, fluffy AND totally cheap. read more

See all

I was directed to the nearest donut shop by the tiny human that I'm creating,so I made a beeline to King Pin. No line since school is out for summer, but the donuts don't seem to taste the same. Grabbed 2 glaze donuts. One was only glazed on one side, and the other was hard. This mommy to be just can't catch a break! read more

Wow! We ordered from here last night for a dessert and King Pin did not disappoint. These donuts are crazy flavorful and so rich with every bite. Their donuts are huge also! Holy cow! I'm not sure why we haven't ordered from here until last night but we will definitely make a point to. Other donut places don't even compare in size. They did give me a bit of a stomach ache after but I think it's because I have a weak stomach and these are super rich. We liked that they are open on the later side and not just in the morning. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Greatest discovery of 2021! Had the donut holes here and absolutely amazing!! Not too sweet, not too greasy and the most delicious late night snack. Thanks for being open so late and for the quality donut holes! read more

* warning - biased review* Ok- you get mad love from me just for: 1) having the amazing warm donuts at night. Seriously the best at night !! 2) the owner had mad love for my boyfriends mother (may she Rest In Peace) used to run out and greet/hug her read more

Ordered the Maple Bacon Donut, Cake Donut Maple w/ Chocolate chips, and the Cake Donut Glaze (not pictured). I really recommend the cake glaze if you aren't a huge sugar fan. The cakes donuts were very dense and moist. You could also really taste the bacon flavor in the Maple Bacon Donut. If the other donuts weren't so overly sweet I'd probably give a 5 star. read more

King Pin Donuts - Maple Bacon, Cake Donuts Maple&Chocolate chips - Donuts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great donuts Open late Parking is tough, but double parking is common late at night

King Pin is my go to donut place for donut holes. I mean, old fashioned donut holes? Yes! Make no mistake though, they offer regular glazed donut holes that just can't live up to the hype of the old fashioned ones. The regular donut holes are a bit too dense for me given they're supposed to be like glazed donuts. The old fashioned donut holes are slightly crunchy and sweet and a pretty good size for a donut hole. I can take two bites and maybe eat 3 in a row and feel satisfied. Luckily they are located on the south side of campus on Durant so I don't feel the pull to walk there every day. In the mornings, they generally aren't busy so you could be in and out in 5 minutes if you know what you want and the staff is ready to help you. I've had other donuts from King Pin such as the maple bar (huge but nothing special) and a pull apart cinnamon donut, but I like how the donut holes are small and crunchy with a slight glaze. I normally order a dozen and then bring half of them to my sister who doesn't live in Berkeley. These old fashioned donut holes are definitely a treat and I'm glad that they're normally available when I want them! read more

Oh how I love donuts from this place!! I've been coming to this donut shop for the last 15 years now, and the place hasn't changed a bit! My favorite donuts are the Buttermilk chocolate. The donut texture has a crisp on the outside and fluffy in the inside. Makes you want to say WOW!!! If your not a chocolate lover they also have this same donut dipped in Cinnamon or just plain. As for vouching for their other donuts, the donut holes & apple fritters are a hit!! I'm kind of envious of Cal Berkeley students as its just a hop & a skip away for them to get a quick fix! LOL hours of operation are from 7am-3am read more

See all