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South Swell Donuts

4.6 (127 reviews)
InexpensiveBakeries
Closed 5:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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Recommended Reviews - South Swell Donuts

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Lindsey R.

I wish we lived here, we'd be here weekly. The owners are the sweetest, they have a large selection and the donuts are delicious! Old school donuts just as they should be and a dozen was less than $24!

a bakery counter with a variety of pastries
Mandy F.

This place is a gem! The owner is the primary worker and always has a smile on her face. Seems like there are regulars who come in and she remembers their orders. Every time I bring in donuts from here, I always get complimented for the quality and taste of the donuts. I often get the dozen for about 20 dollars. It's cute because she will add donut holes to the side for no extra cost. It always surprises me each time that happens :) Definitely a local and beach vibe. Located on PCH by Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. Be careful parking on the street but it seems like the drivers are more mindful if you are getting out and getting back in.

Adrian L.

I got 2 maple bars, 2 chocolate bars, and 2 glazed donuts. The bars are soooo good!!! They have a slight crunch that makes them really good!! I loved the maple donut bar here. The service was good too. The parking here is a hassle, I parked at the 7- Eleven for a few minutes just to get my donuts. 5 STARSSSSS:)

South Swell Donuts - Excellent service and delicious donuts from Jackie!
Wendy L.

Pho and donuts? Sure, why not! Two of some of my favorite things can be found at South Swell Donuts: Pho and donuts! And it is especially comforting on a rainy day for someone visiting from out of town like myself. It was a rainy afternoon when I turned to my trusty Yelp app to look for a pho spot in the area. Surprisingly, South Swell Donuts popped up on my feed and I began perusing this shop's Yelp photos and reviews. I was sold after reading a few reviews and I knew I had to try it out. South Swell Donuts is located in Laguna Beach on PCH between 2nd and 3rd. There is limited street parking in front of the shop, as well as up the hill from the corner of the street. After snagging a parking spot, I walked in with my mom and we were welcomed with a friendly, "Hello, sweetheart!" This friendly owner was Jackie and she was the sweetest lady! We asked about their pho but, with our luck and Mother Nature, Jackie told us they had sold out of pho earlier in the day due to popular demand and the rainy weather. No worries at all because we were able to take back some donuts. Jackie recommended we try their Cronut, which we got 2, as well as some twists and Apple fritter. We also picked up some milk to drink with our donuts. For a family donut shop, their twisted donuts are on the smaller size; however, they tasted unbelievably delicious! There is something about them that tastes a lot milkier or creamier with a fluffier batter. It is definitely not like the hollow raised donuts with just sugar -- South Swell Donuts are a step above mom-and-pop donut shop donuts. Their Cronut is definitely a MUST here! It is so dense, crispy yet fluffy and overall just good! Their donuts are not overly sweet like Krispy Kreme but they have that same melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Their donuts are not complex in flavor like Side Car Donuts but are classic in their flavors. I was really pleased with their donuts and I definitely will stop by again the next time I'm in the area! Jackie's customer service is enough to make you return for another visit and, hopefully, next time I'll be able to grab a bowl of their pho (rain or shine)!

Donut selection
Jen T.

Was super craving pho and excited to find a local donut shop with such a divergent menu. Sad to learn the pho was not available for the near future as the owner was recently hit by a car . But even thru the injuries she sustained, their donuts keep on coming.. fresh every day. Please come and continue to support this shop. BTW, the maple old fashioned was ! Will have to try the apple fritter, cronut, and steamed buns next time.

bbq pork banh mi
Regina G.

Best shop ever. There's just no question. Service: amazing Food: amazing It's like going to your aunties house and being fed. Pull up here to get some quality food by the coolest lady.

Chocolate twist donut

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6 months ago

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2 months ago

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3 months ago

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8 months ago

First try-While she is very nice, the donuts are quite average. I got up at 6am to buy donuts-they did not taste fresh.

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1 year ago

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9 months ago

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2 months ago

The friendliest, most gracious Staff! And the best food! The ham cheese croissant warmed is absolutely amazing

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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8 months ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Donuts were pretty good. Pricey for what they are but what do you expect at this location. Great location for a walk & donuts.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

A must stop in S Laguna, Jackie's doughnuts are legendary in OC. She also does PhO & Breakfast burrito. No better way to start your day!

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6 years ago

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Ask the Community - South Swell Donuts

Do they make vegan donuts?

Yes they are vegan friendly--just ask to make sure that particular donut is dairy free but i recall a lot being vegan friendly!

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Such a cute café--I really appreciate the freshly made sourdough! I don't live super close, but I…read morestill find myself coming by at least once a week. I almost always order the avocado toast, and the avocado-to-bread ratio is spot on (which a lot of places surprisingly get wrong!). I also love their matcha latte--the matcha tastes high quality, and I really appreciate that their almond milk is free of gums and oils. I wish I could give this place 5 stars, but I have to knock one off for inconsistent customer service. I've met some genuinely kind and friendly staff, but almost every visit I also encounter someone who comes across as rude or unwelcoming. I also had a confusing experience recently when I ordered my usual iced matcha with maple syrup and was told they couldn't make drinks with maple syrup. I'm not sure if that was a misunderstanding, but it caught me off guard since it's something I've ordered there before. I'll probably ask again next time.

What I liked The…read moreambience, the fact that it's located by the beach and makes for a perfect weekend breakfast spot. One of the coffees we had was decent and overall taste was fine! Cons: Parking and getting any availability on busier days. The fruit granola bowl is basically a rip off - mine came with 6 slices of apples :/. Therr was more fruit on the ricotta toast than the seasonal fruit bowl. Service is fast but interactions lacked friendly warm vibes. Expensive. Not worth it.

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Rye Goods - Assorted Breads

Assorted Breads

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What a cute little coffee spot! There is plenty of seating outdoors and indoors. Bright umbrellas…read moreand tables as well as a charming mini kids play area with outdoor connect four. It beach close and located on PCH within walking distance of the Laguna Art Museum. I had the cronut covered in ganache and the specialty rose strawberry chocolate latte. Both delicious. It's good to know that they serve coffee and pastries and few other ready to eat bites. Inside can be a moderately loud - only because it is a small space and the coffee machine is going. Staff is so nice. You really feel like you are part of a community even if it is your first time there. When we were there at 2pm it was not busy, I was surprised by 3:30 it was packed and there was a line. Would go again and get an iced latte or maybe a pour over.

Finally got to try Jedidiah yesterday (5/10) while I was in the area. It was a bit busy because of…read moreMother's Day, but still manageable. The shop has a very homey, family-friendly feel and the decor/aesthetic was really cute. The staff looked busy and overwhelmed but they did well. The location is also a huge plus since it's right across from the beach. Unfortunately, the matcha was a miss for me since it lacked flavor. I had read similar reviews before but still wanted to give it a try myself. I'd still be open to trying their coffee next time, though it seems more suited for people who enjoy lighter coffee or matcha flavors. If you prefer rich and bold flavors, this spot might not hit the mark for you. Hopefully they'll look into using a higher quality matcha in the future because the shop itself has a lot of potential and such a nice vibe.

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Jedidiah Coffee - Gluten Free banana walnut muffin

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We popped in over the weekend just to see if they had any new flavors. One of my favorite was the…read morestrawberry Keylime and the raspberry, but I also love their tiramisu. Macarons They have some other treats there as well, ice, creams, etc., and chocolates. But I absolutely love coming here for the French Macarons.

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Le Macaron French Pastries - Pistachio Ice cream Macaron sandwich. Yummy !!!!

Pistachio Ice cream Macaron sandwich. Yummy !!!!

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Laguna Coffee Company - Morning bun was delish.

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South Swell Donuts - bakeries - Updated May 2026

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