(Tookout 08/07/20 FR @ 11:00am): I didn't see Sam, but donuts were definitely fresh!
I was in the area checking on a rental property when I craved for an apple fritter (this was always the case!), so lo and behold Sam's Fresh Donuts caught my attention as I quickly turned into their shared parking lot. The name held a very high standard for itself, so would this in fact be the case!?
PURCHASE
THE "APPLE FRITTER IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD TOUR" CONTINUED...
Apple Fritter ($1.75): 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 very comparable to the now going rate. 2nd, it was generally round, I liked the thickness and density, and not nearly the size of my face (an ode to the great Goldstar Donuts in Van Nuys). 3rd, there was a mass amount of apple bits. 4th, the overall dark brown color was extremely nice with some burnt ends (I loved it burnt), and the heavy glaze made for an incredibly good and messy cracking effect. There were minimal crunchy odd crannies, corners, and nooks which I liked to break off into small little morsels. 5th, it was fresh based on its temperature with slight hints of oil pockets or 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=orenwMhqPhOsJYBlHhfLDQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Large Blended Mango Boba Smoothie ($4.50): Perfect for a hot day, a ton of chewy boba, mildly sweet but kind of fake-tasting mango flavor, and a nice consistency to slurp - this was a meal itself https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ZOc5DN9JnBw_kf_-Zo1toA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Guava Strudel ($1.75): Hot, flaky, and filled with guava jam - Porto's had some competition https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cbaU7ivrhB224kNLyxEyCA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Buttermilk Bar ($1.00): A beautifully-fat heavily-glazed creamy bar of goodness - just how I liked it https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xF1EQ3sNEKtZAvKxqSWKaw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Rainbow Sprinkles Donut ($1.00): Plenty of colorful sprinkles with a thick chocolate frosting and fresh moist donut - yummy https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Nx3SR2aBlqgVzDJ8zgfLSg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
I was greeted by a friendly middle-aged woman who gave me her undivided attention since I was the only customer at the time. She quickly collected my donut order and then carefully created my boba drink. In less than 10-minutes time, I was out of there to enjoy my drink on my drive home - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
Located within a small strip mall with a handful of businesses, parking was limited. Otherwise, there was plenty of parking along the main drag of Glenoaks Blvd. and nearby side streets where I parked.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A really clean well-stocked small donut shop with one donut display case https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sewYTBbepGi5ikiLzRfWnw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, one ice cream case https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=U17opHSqkE79pigr1xMg2A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, plenty of bottled/canned drinks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wJSwHONiJN2gxYM6m0K1UQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, easily legible drink https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uq9cVjrZiJHWJcBAcO3vhQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and food https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1hSLN_t93r478AaAyXDxoQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw menus, a couple indoor tables/chairs (none outside) currently blocked due to COVID-19, but no separating Plexiglass between you and the salesperson. Plenty of natural lighting came through the front glass walls (although semi-covered by some pictures and signs) and door while soul-sucking electric fluorescent ceiling lights covered the rest. I didn't notice any TVs while music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Sam's Fresh Donuts was a complete surprise and hit all the required high marks! Oddly enough, I've driven by this strip mall many times when I decided to take Glenoaks Blvd. back into Glendale and was very close to a nearby rental property. Everything was truly fresh and tasted wonderful, the prices comparable, and the service exceptional. They also sold coffee/drinks/tea, pastries, various breakfast items, ramen, ice cream, sandwiches, and Lotto - everything! Plus, it's always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $10.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice ($5.00 minimum)... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more