(Tookout 05/07/23 SU @ 10:00am and one earlier visit): I went big and ordered several donuts, an…read moreapple fritter, and boba!
I had no idea if Big Jim's Donuts' East Hollywood location was associated with the one in nearby Glendale, but I was surprised I didn't frequent it due to its proximity to my hipster 'hood crib. Plus, I've been to the other surrounding businesses (e.g. It's Boba Time, Que Ricos!, Yoshinoya) multiple times. Now that I've visited and reviewed it, would this be the big opportunity for me to grab donuts and more in the future!?
PURCHASE
16floz Thai Iced Tea w/Boba Smoothie ($5.00): A meal in itself, the flavor wasn't overly sweet, the consistency was more on the thin side and flowed smoothly, there could've been more boba yet perfectly chewy but not gooey, and it was all topped with a dollop of flat whipped cream. Aside from the lack of boba, this was a relatively good deal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=L2_p7hHhbPEp_PCx1j4vyg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
THE "APPLE FRITTER IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD TOUR" CONTINUED...
Apple Fritter ($2.75): 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 less than the going rate (how I longed for fritters less than $2.00). 2nd, it was round shaped, the thickness and density was exactly what I liked, and more the size of my hand rather than my face (an ode to the great Goldstar Donuts in Van Nuys). 3rd, there was a noticeable amount of apple bits. 4th, the overall dark brown color was nice with several burnt ends (I loved it burnt), and the medium glaze was just enough and didn't make for a messy cracking effect. There were several crunchy odd crannies, corners, and nooks which I liked to break off into small little morsels. 5th, it was still fresh based on its temperature and morning time with some hints of oil pockets and 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=4aVMwSvjEhFxRFVAdZrZZg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Glazed Buttermilk Bar ($2.00): A short and stout heavy-glazed creamy bar of goodness I had for breakfast the next day, twenty-five seconds in the microwave softened it up as it easily fell apart while it slightly burned my mouth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1EPfogDFbTv9Whz65attgA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Blue Sprinkles Pink Frosting Cake Donut ($1.69): A sweet treat that always put a smile on my face, I enjoyed this for dessert, it was still fresh, thick, and sugary goodness. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=zM28ZAqbymTO7REUW53trA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Kindly greeted by a friendly woman, she quickly took my order after she finished with an earlier customer, took time to make my drink, and less than five minutes later my entire order was ready. All was good with no complaints - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
They shared a relatively small lot within a little strip mall with four other restaurants, so finding a spot was difficult at times. Thankfully, I lucked out and pulled right in front. Otherwise, there was metered and timed parking along the main drag of Vermont Ave. and timed parking on all surrounding streets until 6pm daily.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A standard shop with multiple donut display cases, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=f8mW7-9jO5HSDY0Jm1RNNw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Lotto & Scratchers, easily legible drink and food menus/prices boards, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6sX0bd3M6AbX7hQTq6XZ0Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw a few tables and chairs to enjoy your food onsite, and a ton of visuals that covered the entire inside. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lLvgCImaItMruVZ-lUZVGA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Plenty of natural lighting came through the large glass windows and doors while soul-sucking fluorescent electric ceiling lights covered the rest. There were no TVs nor any background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
East Hollywood's Big Jim's Donuts location fulfilled all my needs and would definitely return. Everything tasted generally fine, the prices were very comparable, and the service was quick and easy. They also sold coffee/drinks/juices/tea, Lotto, sandwiches, various snacks, and more! Plus, it was always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $13.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS