Apple fritters we're hard and overcooked. Coffee was ok. Bagels looked strange but I didn't eat one

It had been on the heels of a camping trip that we wandered into this shop. We had seen it on the way to the camp site and decided that it would be the perfect breakfast spot for our last day. We went in at around noon and people were lining up for either donuts, croissants or bagels. Considering the name of the shop, I swore there had to be maple bars iced like surfboards but alas, there were not! Owners: please consider a surfboard-themed donut! I had a turkey, egg and cheese bagel, which tasted like absolute heaven. The coffee selection was pretty good, with I think seven coffees to choose from. I wanted a cup of Black Tiger (caffeine was necessary) but they had just run out so I opted for a Huehuetenango, which was quite nice. Four stars because my friend hoped for a better old fashioned donut and I wished for a Black Tiger, which I could have waited for but needed food. The bagel deserved five stars by itself though. I will make my way down again. It is super far from me but hopefully, I'll be able to cart home a box of surfboard donuts! read more

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Awesome donuts and friendly staff. Great stop after a good surf. One of the best donut and breakfast sandwich spots in San Clemente

Went here on a busy Saturday morning and was a bit surprised at the super small parking lot and the little bit of a line out the door. That told me I was in the right spot. Walked in and was greeted with a smile. Got three donuts - glaze, chocolate glaze, and chocolate cake donut with nuts. All of them were filling and delicious. Picked up two orange juices and eh...they were good but really sweet. Not sure if it's the natural sweetness or if they add sugar but it was really sweet. Overall, it was a great little shop. I'm really glad they were close to our hotel, though they weren't close enough to drive. They were fast and efficient with great donuts! I can see why they're so popular! read more

Delicious and great service! The outside seating area was very cute as well, we will definitely be back!

Outstanding donuts! Family owned and operated, with great service. You can smell the donuts a block away. Also, they make a ham, cheese, and jalapeño stuffed croissant that delicious. read more

The donuts are soooo good! Really fat, doughy and delicious! The bathroom outside was nice and clean too. Too bad we don't live here anymore but next time we're back visiting, we'll stop here again. read more

The donuts are so good but they are definitely on the pricey side. Nice and clean spot. Fresh OJ! read more

Family-owned local shop with fresh pastries & food. The place was clean & the server was friendly. We stopped by on the way to San Diego, having a pillowy glazed twist, raspberry danish, cinnamon roll, & a nice grape & raisin roll. They have a great patio area adjacent to the parking lot. read more

We ordered a dozen donuts. My favorite was the chocolate custard donut - custard is not too sweet and tasted great. Apple fritter is pretty sweet, need to have it with milk or coffee. The customer service was fast and professional. Would come here again. read more

Surfin' Donuts - Chocolate chocolate, twisted donut, chocolate croissant, glazed donut, chocolate and custard cream donut, etc - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Clemente, California

Donuts are yummy, super yummy. The line was out the door when we arrived around 10:30 on Saturday morning, but the variety and selection were good. Chose 6 different round, sugary, fluffy treats to share... Smiles all around. read more

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We happened to be in the area and, for whatever reason, we were craving donuts. We came upon this place and so happy that we did! It is conveniently located right off of the freeway. This donut shop is its own building with its own little parking lot. There are a few tables to sit at inside. The staff was very friendly and recommended a few of their donuts and croissants. However, once we saw one particular donut, we knew what we were getting... We both ended up getting the BLUEBERRY CAKE DONUT. It was lightly glazed with a bit of a crisp outside, with a nicely moist inside. Not too sweet. We could definitely taste the blueberry... and we savored every bite. Be careful! They could possibly get addicting and easily eat more than one or two at a time. Luckily we only got one each and left... otherwise we would have been in trouble... They have a variety of donuts and croissants and, of course, have coffee available, as well. Their prices are very reasonable. There's no doubt that we'll be making more stops here whenever we're in the area. read more

Surfin' Donuts - Blueberry Cake Donuts! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Clemente, California

Stopped on our way to LA because we liked the name and knew this place was legit when there was a cop parked in the lot. We got 3 donuts and loved them all. My favorite was the blueberry cake. One of the best donuts ever! Definitely worth the 2.5 second pit stop. read more

Solid donut/coffee spot not too far from the beach. Staff are friendly even in the early hours!

Obsessed with this place! Came to visit San Clemente and stayed in the hotel right across the street, we would walk over every morning to get donuts and a ham and cheese croissant (I would HIGHLY recommend). Now that I am home I am dreaming about those croissants. Must try! read more

My favorite donut shop! Savory Croissants are made to perfection, similar to French bakery. Donuts are just as amazing!

We ordered a plain croissant, blueberry cheese croissant and two coffees. The croissant's texture was a bit hard, good flavor though. The cooler was excellent. Great service read more

I came here last week, I am a south OC local have been coming here for many years. Unfortunately this was my last time. I know they don't care I been write this l but damn when you pay 29.00 for a dozen donuts you would hope to get a smile or a better attitude. Sadly I have put up with the attitude for several years. I am done, no longer an Surfin Donuts customer. The mom and daughter are costing this place business, You know who you are. Good luck read more

Growing up in Michigan, I had easy access to the best donuts. When we travel, I'm always searching for donuts that come close. This place came close. The chocolate icing wasnt too sweet but just right. The glazed and cinnamon were perfection. read more

Surfin' Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Clemente, California

DON'T GO HERE!!!! The owner is a total JERK! I came in last week on my way to golf and when I pulled into the crammed parking lot, 2 cars trying to get out, one was backing out of the spot and the other just exiting. Once I pulled in, I was trapped and could either back out into oncoming busy traffic off El Camino, or pull into the open spot, which was a handicap spot, which I did. I looked around and didn't see any other spots, so I just parked and ran in and got a donut and coffee and quickly returned to my car to make my golf tee time. To my surprise, the owner of the coffee shop had pulled right new to my bumper and trapped me in the handicap spot. He then went on to lecture me about parking in the handicap spot and didn't care about my reason for parking there and would NOT let me leave until he went in and got a donut and a coffee. I then told him to move so I could get to my golf tee time and he laughed and said "what are you going to do....you are on camera". If I didn't have anything else to do, I would have called the cops and what he did was illegal, but honestly I do have better things to do in life. I do regret not taking pictures of him blocking me in so I could have posted it. It was sad that I was patronizing his place of business and he was mad that I had taken his probably unusual parking spot. (Being the owner, he probably thought he had special privileges' to park in the Handicap) I honestly thought this guy had to be lying about owning the place so I asked the workers and they confirmed he was, no mistake. I am sure I am not the only guy this person has been a jerk to, I hope if you read this, you will think twice before going to this jerks donut shop. Not to mention his donut and coffee prices are about $1 higher per item then anywhere else. read more

Donuts are good. Been going here for years. The only negative is the younger girl behind the counter just seems miserable all the time. A simple smile or just looking like you like your job a bit would go a long way. read more

Most consistently undercooked donuts ever.. prepare for a dough ball not my style poor belly ache

Great donuts! Always fresh and a good selection. In and out quickly. Owner is so nice

Stopped by for a quick coffee and breakfast. Service was both fast and helpful. Coffee was delicious but the real stars were the donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The donuts were fresh and full of flavor. It was clear that all breakfast treats were made in house. The bacon egg and cheese inside a croissant was fresh out of the oven and would definitely make me come back again. Would recommend Surfin' Donuts if looking to grab something before a trip to the beach or just looking to grab some quick and delicious breakfast right near the highway. read more

We love stopping here on our way up to LA! The donuts are delicious and warm if you get there early. The ham and cheese croissants are amazing! The jalapeño ham and cheese one packs a punch, so watch out. Coffee is good and the service is fast and efficient. Cute little patio area to the side that's nice to sit at near a beautiful tree with a fun mural to look at. My only wish is that they had a bathroom for their customers, because the one across the parking lot is always busy and stinky. read more

The BEST donuts in San Clemente, not to mention fresh brewed coffee & flavored coffee as well. Donuts are fresh every day & served with a smile. Don't like donuts come in for a croissant or ham&cheese croissant. Family run & the BEST quality. read more

we got donuts from this place it was quiet and cute the donuts were great they were a big hit while we were camping on the beach. Thank you we will visit you again. read more

Great donuts! Always a must when we're in town. It's right off the freeway, with a small parking lot. Usually haven't had any issues with finding a place to park. They hustle through the line too, so it's not much of a wait. Exactly what I'd expect for a beach-town donut shop. read more

Let me start this review with the positive, which is that the donuts here are delicious. The texture is superb: fluffy, fresh, soft on inside, crisp on outside, and the icing is tasty. I have no qualms with the donuts here. I've been here 4 times before this visit, but I'm officially done coming here and recommending this place to anybody. I came here and there was an elderly couple ahead of me order their donut. Other than that, I was the only other customer in there waiting to order. As they were ordering, the wife in the couple said "we're all together", referring to herself & her husband. As the wife announced that, a young girl working there comes to help and another customer (a gentleman) walks in alone. The young girl working looks at both of us and proceeds to help the man who came after me. I'm kinda surprised she didn't ask who was waiting first, but I shrug it off. Maybe she didn't notice. After she helps the gentlemen, she goes to take my order. As she is ringing me up for my donuts, the gentleman who ordered before says sorry to me and that he didn't know I was waiting first. Of course, I tell him no worries- it was just a mix up. What bothered me was the girl working there witnessing the apology never bothered to mention it... even though it was her mistake. She just ignored it and continued on with the transaction coldly. Accident or not, the decent thing to do would be to acknowledge it. Even if she acknowledged it briefly, that would be fine. I've always gotten subpar customer service here, but I figured who cares because donuts are kind of a grab-and-go experience. Also, the location was convenient for me. This time I feel this obvious negligence is incredibly distasteful and off putting. I don't expect a** kissing service and I'm not trying to be a Karen, but the attitude I consistently get coming here and finally this experience has ruined the joy of getting their delicious donuts. read more

Best apple fritters in town. And blueberry fritters on Sunday! Donuts made fresh everyday. I love the ham, cheese, and jalapeño croissants. The service is friendly, they've slipped in extras for the kids before. Right outside is a shady area next to a giant tree to eat. read more

Just stoped I'm on a drive from San Diego to LA. It's located right off of the freeway and has Really fast service! And the ham cheese jalapeño croissant is super good and they offer a large selection of coffee. I'll definitely be back again. read more

Some of the best donuts/croissants we've ever had! Will def be back. Customer service was great as well!

No frills donut spot, but a hit with the locals. Lines can get crazy here and it seems to always be a bit of a wait. Prices are a bit high, but they still seem to be doing well. I went with a ham and cheese sandwich to fuel me through a long morning and not only was it overpriced but also just nothing to rave about or return for. My son got a donut which was better, the coffee also just your average drip coffee. Not much of a selection left, maybe I just got the wrong thing, but not worth rushing back to. read more

Ok, so if I'm coming here on regular basis, it's only fair that I give an assessment on this place. Very nice staff. Reasonably priced donuts. They close early though. Convenience off the 5 freeway. Accepts both cash and credit. I like the murals on the walls. Gives you the sense that you're at the beach, even though you're literally 2 minutes from the beach anyway. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fyKEfwID7q2QZr-jvYJZwg?select=xXh_gyzPS32rSsoRC2gdEQ Donuts are nice, sweet, fluffy and it will get you where you need to go! read more

My girlfriend and I were pulling a road trip to San Diego. Prior to departing I did a little research via Yelp to find a little coffee shop along the way when I came across Surfin Donuts Coffee House. If you are traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego or San Diego to Los Angeles this place is a MUST stop. Surfin Donuts was located right off of the freeway but even being close to the freeway you were immersed in a Beach community. The staff at Surfin Donuts was super friendly, super nice and their donuts were out of this World. I ordered an Old Fashioned, my girlfriend ordered a chocolate long john and they were the best donuts I have ever eaten. I am a retired Police Officer and I know me some donuts=) In most donut shops when they place a donut in that white paper bag you can guarantee that you will see some evidence of grease seep through but not at this place. I cannot get over how amazing these donuts were. This is place that you are stoked that you found but not sure you should of found based on how many more donuts are going to enter your diet. This donut shop served breakfast & had a grill restaurant attached that serves veggie sandwiches and such but we came for one thing and one thing only and were very pleased that we stopped. Surfing Donuts has lots of parking, is super clean and has a bathroom across the parking lot if needed. I look forward to our return. I forgot to mention the prices VERY VERY reasonable. I believe we paid $2.15 for 2 donuts. read more

I came here for TWO things..... Apple Fritter & Pina Colada Fritter..... Unfortunately I didn't make it hear until about Noon and they were out of Apple Fritters, and as for the Pina Colada Fritter, sounds good right?....... well they Stopped making them a couple Years ago! well guess I only have this to look at http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/surfin-donuts-coffee-house-san-clemente?select=gbp3C81t8OKYDy6oxMIPQQ#FmD4NJ-MIL1lBKPrxXF6Ug *(Photo courtesy of John DocSodom S) The Wife got a Croissant and I a Cinnamon Roll. Croissant w/Ham & Cheese - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/surfin-donuts-coffee-house-san-clemente?select=gbp3C81t8OKYDy6oxMIPQQ#gGX4vRlGmSfgtGKuyy2xYA Fresh nice crunch, light and flaky with a nice amount of Ham & Cheese http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/surfin-donuts-coffee-house-san-clemente?select=gbp3C81t8OKYDy6oxMIPQQ#WhYun99dPo17KGsRGcB6qQ Cinnamon Roll - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/surfin-donuts-coffee-house-san-clemente?select=gbp3C81t8OKYDy6oxMIPQQ#lCM7ADP-jH1LlIfG1JofXQ Nice large roll, fresh and soft interior, real nice cinnamon crumble on top http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/surfin-donuts-coffee-house-san-clemente?select=gbp3C81t8OKYDy6oxMIPQQ#mjpmgpwVymIeORCgvz_z-w Great Donuts I'm glad I don't live near this place..... read more

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Best DONUTS ever!!! There is a reason why they win the SC Times award every year. Good quality donuts. I paid $14.50 for 8 huge donuts, though you can get a discount if you buy a dozen. read more

Surfin' Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Clemente, California

Best donut shop in San Clemente. You know this is the best when there is a line out the door everyday. Great selection and friendly staff. If you are in the south end of San Clemente and have a hankering for a donut . Surfin donuts should be your destination. read more

Coming from San Diego I frequent this exit for my gas needs because I can get in and out extremely quickly, but when the pumps are slow as snails I walk over here and grab some breakfast and when I'm in a good mood I'll get some for my co-workers. I get a lot of verbal complaints about how I'm "the worst", but I secretly watch them sneak away with the treats smiling, so I can't be that bad, or maybe their donuts are good enough to make people hate good men. If only they had a drive thru and if only they still sold their sandwiches, pancakes and breakfasts. They are one of my favorite donut shops, but it's hard to call them coffee & tea competitive. Like most buildings in San Clemente, it's a little on the old side with little renovation. They have a stand alone building and parking lot which is great. I'm a fan of their cinnamon twists? I've heard they sometimes will do special requests (blueberry bear claw), but this is rumor. The owners are incredibly nice. I usually get half my dozen with what I like and the rest I go with what they show as popular and I've never had a box go unfinished at my office, so that's a notch for them. It's a small place and perhaps a better location in a busier, newer city would serve them well enough to diversify, but for now it's one of the best in the area. read more

Donuts are VERY good! The reason I couldn't give 5 starts is that the woman who helped us had ZERO personality.