My Happy Donut
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It was new to me back then ..got more money and enjoyed stopping at donut north Beach Chinatown ..fun simple
I am a donut lover and was staying near Chinatown on a recent trip to San Francisco and found this gem. It's not fancy but serves up solid donuts and basic diner style breakfast. I had an apple fritter one day and a vanilla frosted raised the second day and both were delicious. The fritter was crispy on the outside and soft with a great filing on the inside. The vanilla frosted was pillowy fresh donut with the perfect amount of frosting. I had a solid eggs/hashbrown/sausage dish and my husband had the eggs and bacon. My husband went back the next day for the same breakfast while I tried out another place which was fancier and I'll review separately. If you're looking for a variety of classic, old school donuts and basic breakfast in downtown San Francisco near Chinatown--look no further!
When it comes to things that are slept on in San Francisco, I take pride in uncovering many of these places for myself. But let me say this, we've been in a coma next to My Happy Donut. I mean it's right there in plain sight. Right in your face! I mean if you live anywhere near north beach or China town it's right in your face and you've never even been here! This is a rugged, get your lotto ticket, get a bunch of donuts, breakfast sandwiches/burritos, all for a fair price type of place. I've had the BB twice. Both times I was pleased. The best you can get in the city? No, but it's reliable and substantial in size. The donuts all legit. You will have no complaints. Just classic and solid items. I don't dabble in their pastries often (I don't think they excel there). Oh and the donut holes? Super underrated and slept on in a place that's already slept on! I know that's crazy. This place is equally as close to me as bob's. So yes there will be comparisons. Bobs has more interesting offerings as far as donuts are concerned. The basics at bobs might be slightly better but maybe not by much. The menu at My Happy Donut is more extensive. But you can sit inside and play the lotto or whatever. Or just read your paper and take it slow. This is that kinda place. Set an alarm, and wake up and quit sleeping on MHD. (4.5 Stars)
Confidently located right in Chinatown and near our hotel - grabbed a few glazed donut holes and they did not disappoint! Paid $1.75 can't beat that! They also have a selection of other items / sandwiches etc. would go back to try other donuts!
PERFECT food after a night out. Everything was so delicious. We ordered at the counter and it was ready pretty quickly and so good. Croissant was fresh, as were all the ingredients. I was so full off half a sandwich. I wish i had room to try a donut!
They've got a lot more than just donuts! Order at the register and they either give you your order immediately if pre-made, or bring it to you when ready. Mainly indoor seating, but a table or two outside as well. Casual atmosphere with friendly staff. I found it odd and disappointing that there was no way to add a custom tip when paying with a credit card. All I could do was give either fixed percentage tips or no tip at all. Other than my breakfast sandwich (which comes with hashbrowns) taking forever to prepare, I enjoyed what I tried. That also included a vanilla sprinkle donut and small iced Vietnamese coffee.
I stopped in on my way to work one morning. This is such a cute little spot! The lady at the front counter was so sweet and you could tell she has a great relationship with her regular customers. I ordered an apple fritter and a glazed twist. The apple fritter was delicious; the glaze was smooth and not overpoweringly sweet, the inside filling was soft and had a hint of caramel. There were thin ribbons of glaze in between layers of the twist along with sprinkles of cinnamon. So yummy!
I came in to sit down and eat some takeout dim sum I got. I was asked if I needed any help, the people are super nice! There is plenty of seating, natural light, and the whole place is super clean. When I had finished eating my dim sum, I ordered a chocolate glaze and tucked in. Wonderful. Great frosting ratio, the dough not greasy, perfect salt level, satisfying chew. I've begun to base my donut shop reviews off this one donut. Maybe because the light to dark ratio of the donut reflects my identity, but I do feel that the chocolate provides a nice contrast to the actual donut, allowing one to experience the two flavors separately. A chocolate glaze often can feel forgotten next to an original, so when the chocolate glaze is good, I know the place has good attention to detail! Great spot.
This donut shop looks and smells bummy sometimes. You try to enjoy your breakfast and cigarette smoke starts rafting in from people smoking outside. Now they have tons of donuts here including jelly filled donut holes! Plenty of hot and cold coffees and drinks, deli sandwiches, breakfast platters, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. You can also get your lottery tickets here. I asked and they do not have Wi-Fi. Was gonna chill on my laptop for a bit so definitely not laptop friendly, better off a a cafe somewhere else. I ordered a Chai tea latte and their healthy breakfast plate (scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes). It was a wet, sloppy mess. Hash browns tough. Toast was rough.
We were vacationing here and our hotel was charging an insane amount for a single persons breakfast. Talking 34 bucks for eggs, English muffin, and potatoes. So I was trying to find something close by that was reasonable and good. They were really nice and I think we might have paid 34 bucks total for both of us. I got the basic breakfast and my SO got a breakfast burrito of which I had a bite. Everything was good, it came out fast, and we left fat and happy.
Reviews are generally positive. People praise the fresh and flavorful donuts, enjoy the well-liked breakfast options, and note the friendly and attentive service.
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2 months ago
Best fritter I've had - I went blueberry. Chewy amazing texture. Coffee was solid too. Nice quick service even if it's not much to look at. read more
San Francisco has its own version of a local donut chain. These chains were usually open 24/7 and some would be found at different places around city. This would be the place to recover after partying until the break of dawn. This would also the first place you would go in the morning for an early pick me up. This also the place you grab a quick lunch or sweet treat. A week away from the start of Chinese New Year the donut shape ring is considered good luck which symbolizes coming full circle. These donut shops have Happy in their namesake like in Happy New Year. The place for these donut rings is called My Happy Donut. On a Winter stroll in the border of Chinatown and North Beach where you can find a croissant as flakey as most in SF. Stepping inside My Happy Donut you feel transported to an old San Francisco vibe which was carefree. This place has one pastry which is one of my favorites and that is a fritter. Apple fritters are sold all around the city but my new favorite is the Blueberry fritters. They were not too sweet and the blueberry balances it out with the thick savory dough. I also like getting eating the donut holes. They also serve Vietnamese coffee along with cheesy breakfast sandwiches. After 10 pm you will see the city "critter" in SF like raccoons going through the Super Bowl week "litter"and donuts are sweet and coffee like some can be "bitter" in SF a great place to grab a Blueberry "fritter " You should come "here "after you had a few glasses of wine or "beer" with a spirit full of "cheer "which means My Happy Donuts is the place to grab donut rings for good luck for the Happy Lunar "New Year" read more
9 days ago
3 months ago
I am a donut lover and was staying near Chinatown on a recent trip to San Francisco and found this gem. It's not fancy but serves up solid donuts and basic diner style breakfast. I had an apple fritter one day and a vanilla frosted raised the second day and both were delicious. The fritter was crispy on the outside and soft with a great filing on the inside. The vanilla frosted was pillowy fresh donut with the perfect amount of frosting. I had a solid eggs/hashbrown/sausage dish and my husband had the eggs and bacon. My husband went back the next day for the same breakfast while I tried out another place which was fancier and I'll review separately. If you're looking for a variety of classic, old school donuts and basic breakfast in downtown San Francisco near Chinatown--look no further! read more
3 months ago
When it comes to things that are slept on in San Francisco, I take pride in uncovering many of these places for myself. But let me say this, we've been in a coma next to My Happy Donut. I mean it's right there in plain sight. Right in your face! I mean if you live anywhere near north beach or China town it's right in your face and you've never even been here! This is a rugged, get your lotto ticket, get a bunch of donuts, breakfast sandwiches/burritos, all for a fair price type of place. I've had the BB twice. Both times I was pleased. The best you can get in the city? No, but it's reliable and substantial in size. The donuts all legit. You will have no complaints. Just classic and solid items. I don't dabble in their pastries often (I don't think they excel there). Oh and the donut holes? Super underrated and slept on in a place that's already slept on! I know that's crazy. This place is equally as close to me as bob's. So yes there will be comparisons. Bobs has more interesting offerings as far as donuts are concerned. The basics at bobs might be slightly better but maybe not by much. The menu at My Happy Donut is more extensive. But you can sit inside and play the lotto or whatever. Or just read your paper and take it slow. This is that kinda place. Set an alarm, and wake up and quit sleeping on MHD. (4.5 Stars) read more
Confidently located right in Chinatown and near our hotel - grabbed a few glazed donut holes and they did not disappoint! Paid $1.75 can't beat that! They also have a selection of other items / sandwiches etc. would go back to try other donuts! read more
6 months ago
Love their apple fritter, but don't know why they don't use 'pastry paper sheet'. My paper bag was all greasy. read more
PERFECT food after a night out. Everything was so delicious. We ordered at the counter and it was ready pretty quickly and so good. Croissant was fresh, as were all the ingredients. I was so full off half a sandwich. I wish i had room to try a donut! read more
3 years ago
They've got a lot more than just donuts! Order at the register and they either give you your order immediately if pre-made, or bring it to you when ready. Mainly indoor seating, but a table or two outside as well. Casual atmosphere with friendly staff. I found it odd and disappointing that there was no way to add a custom tip when paying with a credit card. All I could do was give either fixed percentage tips or no tip at all. Other than my breakfast sandwich (which comes with hashbrowns) taking forever to prepare, I enjoyed what I tried. That also included a vanilla sprinkle donut and small iced Vietnamese coffee. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
I stopped in on my way to work one morning. This is such a cute little spot! The lady at the front counter was so sweet and you could tell she has a great relationship with her regular customers. I ordered an apple fritter and a glazed twist. The apple fritter was delicious; the glaze was smooth and not overpoweringly sweet, the inside filling was soft and had a hint of caramel. There were thin ribbons of glaze in between layers of the twist along with sprinkles of cinnamon. So yummy! read more
7 months ago
I came in to sit down and eat some takeout dim sum I got. I was asked if I needed any help, the people are super nice! There is plenty of seating, natural light, and the whole place is super clean. When I had finished eating my dim sum, I ordered a chocolate glaze and tucked in. Wonderful. Great frosting ratio, the dough not greasy, perfect salt level, satisfying chew. I've begun to base my donut shop reviews off this one donut. Maybe because the light to dark ratio of the donut reflects my identity, but I do feel that the chocolate provides a nice contrast to the actual donut, allowing one to experience the two flavors separately. A chocolate glaze often can feel forgotten next to an original, so when the chocolate glaze is good, I know the place has good attention to detail! Great spot. read more
2 years ago
This donut shop looks and smells bummy sometimes. You try to enjoy your breakfast and cigarette smoke starts rafting in from people smoking outside. Now they have tons of donuts here including jelly filled donut holes! Plenty of hot and cold coffees and drinks, deli sandwiches, breakfast platters, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels. You can also get your lottery tickets here. I asked and they do not have Wi-Fi. Was gonna chill on my laptop for a bit so definitely not laptop friendly, better off a a cafe somewhere else. I ordered a Chai tea latte and their healthy breakfast plate (scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes). It was a wet, sloppy mess. Hash browns tough. Toast was rough. read more
We were vacationing here and our hotel was charging an insane amount for a single persons breakfast. Talking 34 bucks for eggs, English muffin, and potatoes. So I was trying to find something close by that was reasonable and good. They were really nice and I think we might have paid 34 bucks total for both of us. I got the basic breakfast and my SO got a breakfast burrito of which I had a bite. Everything was good, it came out fast, and we left fat and happy. read more
Is it the nostalgia of an old fashioned donut that brings joy? Or maybe it's the excitement of seeing that pink box knowing that it's filled with an assortment of cakey donuts, cruellers, donut holes or perhaps even a bear claw. These are all things you wouldn't find at Krispy Kreme - all the kinds I grew up with that I still enjoy to this day. Was strolling through the city and stumbled upon Happy Donut at the corner of a busy intersection and, with a name like HAPPY DONUT - do you really just walk away?? They had cream puffs, red velvet and ube donut holes - all of which we enjoyed. Had an egg sandwich on a bagel as well and it was the perfect breakfast-on-the-go. The ladies working here were lovely as well. A combination of the smiling employees and good ol' fashioned donuts = HAPPY. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
I was very happy with My Happy Donut. It was a pleasant surprise. I was heading up to have drinks with friends in North Beach and thought, hey I should have something in my stomach, preferably protein. I looked around and spied My Happy Donut. Big plate glass window, filled with advertisements for breakfast/ breakfast sandwiches. I got the egg & cheese breakfast sandwich on a croissant (other choices include white, sourdough, wheat, bagel.) And of course you could have other of more ingredients--bacon, ham, avocado, etc. The woman behind the counter asked me if I wanted hash browns with my sandwich. Well heck yeah! It was a real tummy pleaser. The hash browns were just as they should be, crispy & golden on top and creamy underneath. The sandwich was buttery & cheesy. The service was good and the space was clean. Most of the patrons ordered breakfast or breakfast sandwiches. About 50% of the business was to go. The big windows provide a light and airy feeling, plus great people watching. I will most likely go again. It's a good, comfortable place to have a rest and and a meal or a snack. And yes, they have donuts. read more
3 years ago
Delicious breakfast at a reasonable price. I got a large coffee and a lox bagel (includes cream cheese, a generous portion of lox, onions, capers and tomato). Total came to less than $15. Took my breakfast up to nearby Telegraph Hill (Coit Tower) for an unbelievable view! read more
4 years ago
If you're looking for a quick breakfast or snack around the Chinatown area look no further than Happy Donut. With an assortment of donut flavors, breakfast sandwiches, and plates, they're sure to meet whatever your cravings desire. They even have ube donuts, which were super soft and flavorful. Prices are also super reasonable, so I would recommend giving them a visit! read more
Sure, it's a donut shop, but we went here for breakfast. Lots of choices from, bagel sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and breakfast combos. I had the lox on a croissant instead of a bagel. Plenty of lox, cream cheese, onion and capers, but I wish that it would have come toasted. Friends had a bacon avo egg sandwich, lox and bagel, and a 2-egg breakfast combo. So filling, we all skipped lunch. read more
1 year ago
I'm not a huge donut fan, but when I do get one it's an apple fritter. I was looking for a quick bite for breakfast in North Beach and didn't want to dine in. So I stumbled in here for a pastry to-go. These guys make a killer apple fritter and they are pretty big. The service was friendly too. They also have coffee and breakfast sandwiches on the menu in addition to donuts. Great find! read more
On an evening walk to meet a friend I was drawn in by the "Happy Donut" sign. The Boston creme donut I selected in lieu of dinner tasted fresh, light and flaky and the creme inside had a delicious pudding like texture that did Boston cremes should have. It's an unassuming store, but there's plenty of space inside and there was a large group of people hanging out in there when I arrived. Good for meeting friends in a casual setting. A bit of a whole in the wall. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Happy Donut is a happy spot for vampires and things that crawl in the night, yes... the drunks, fringe homeless, the party goers, fobs, hookers, and anyone needing to get off the mean streets just for an hour or so. Just remember it's a business so at least buy a cup of coffee or a donut. The greatest draw is the truly 24/7 hours and the location on the cusp of North Beach and Chinatown. I wandered in here a few times when nothing else was open and I give thumbs up! I don't recall coming in as vampire or drunk, but I do recall it was an unusually cold day. If in the area, past Twilight, I'll drop by and pick up a donut or a cup of generic average coffee. No, there's absolutely nothing here that will blow your knickers off, but having a freshly made donut at 2am sure taste good. I also enjoy the bagel & cream-cheese they have - big, toasted, w/ loads of cream-cheese for only $3. Sandwiches seem like a hit with the regulars - all in the $5-$6 range. You'd think the menu is limited to the above, but realize I'm talking vampire hours. For mortals breakfast (5am-10am) is served. Diner burgers are offered during lunch. In the end, I recommend Happy Donuts to all: the vampires & vamps, the wanderers, the mortals and the immortals. Hey, even Highlander needs a chocolate donut sometimes! Just be open minded because tables are communal and you might be sitting next to a dead-ringer for Charles Manson, or if you're lucky a member of the Cullen familia. Good luck! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Although they are donut shop get the steak quesadillas or breakfast burrito. Better than all taquerias in north beach. Yea I know why your thinking a quesadilla in donut shop? That's what I said but trust me you won't be disappointed! The green sauce they have is bomb! read more
Update: I guess the business went back to the former name and using the same yelp listing. Formerly Happy Donut and still opened 24 hours. However, everything remained the same including the down-and-outs, drunks, fobs, and sobering up crowds. Basically, a staff and name change. Located near bars and clubs by Chinatown and not far from North Beach. My favorite item is a chocolate bar, but the donut holes were even better the next day! read more
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More info about My Happy Donut
145 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
Chinatown
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(415) 956-9189
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https://myhappydonut.com/index.html
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