George’s Donuts & Merriment

"To find George’s Donuts & Merriment in West Portal, you just need to follow the steady pilgrimage of pink-box-toting customers and the wafts of sweet dough. This daytime cafe specializes in—of course—several types of donuts alongside plenty of wines and beers (the “merriment”). While there’s a tight selection of solid savory items like sandwiches and salads, you should be locked in on the donuts. The brioche versions are the best, but the daily hour-long lines means they do sell out fast, so get there early or ask for a doctor’s note that says you’re medically required to have key lime pie donuts at all times. While most people grab their fried dough to go, we suggest sticking around—the bright, airy space with natural light, high ceilings, and exposed brick cutouts is perfect for lingering. Plus, the fried-to-order donut holes with chocolate fudge dipping sauce are a dine-in-only perk. video credit: Patrick Wong Food Rundown video credit: Patrick Wong Key Lime Pie The brioche donuts are our favorite at George’s—they’re pillowy and border on cotton candy with how quickly they melt in your mouth. And the key lime flavor is the best one. It’s inflated with a thick glob of citrus curd and topped with a torched swirl of meringue. video credit: Patrick Wong Bacon And Eggs This ring donut, like the other brioche donuts, is also filled—this one with a maple cream. It’s also topped with crispy slices of bacon. A must-get if you enjoy a little sweet and savory moment. Apple Fritter The only brioche donut letdown. It’s dry and doesn’t have much apple flavor. video credit: Patrick Wong Crullers For something slightly less rich, the vanilla or chocolate-glazed crullers are just as light as the brioche donuts and just sweet enough. photo credit: Patrick Wong King’s Chocolate Chip Cookie For anyone who likes a chewy and soft cookie, this one’s for you. We wouldn’t let this take the place of a donut, but it’s a great add-on. photo credit: Patrick Wong Turkey Club A perfectly fine sandwich. But you’ll be able to find one just like it anywhere else in the city. photo credit: Patrick Wong Heirloom Tomato And Mozzarella Sandwich The focaccia is chewy and tender, but we wish there was more green goddess spread and that the mozzarella was more moist. The whole thing ends up dry. photo credit: Patrick Wong Harvest Chicken Salad Our favorite main. This big salad is shareable and tossed with just the right amount of honey dijon dressing. photo credit: Patrick Wong Fries For A King If you only have room for just one savory dish, you should absolutely get these. They’re served on a mini silver stand and come with a fantastic garlic aioli." - Patrick Wong