Alex S.
Yelp
I think the one thing that has perplexed me the most since moving to Los Angeles is the plethora of doughnut shops that seem to populate every street corner. I mean, how is one to choose?? While I don't have the answer to that question, I can assure you that Big Jim's Donuts will supply you with the satisfying insulin spike you are craving along with a few other hidden goodies.
The first thing you'll notice when walking in is that the overhead menu seems a bit disorganized. While it's not impossible to figure things out, it was a slight annoyance that had to be noted. However, your attention will be immediately drawn to the vast array of doughy goodies. Most of the standards are present and as expected, they taste as good as they look. All the doughnuts I've tried were quite rich and decadent but to be fair, I don't think I've ever bitten into a doughnut and not been on the verge of tears. So on the doughnut side, we have no stars lost.
However, there are two other Big Jim offerings that compelled me to give 4 stars instead of 3. The first is their croissant ham cheese and egg sandwich. Other than a very buttery, crisp croissant, I can't put my finger on what makes this sandwich so good but at 7 in the morning when your stomach is rumbling and you just need something to satisfy you, this is your savior. Everything just tastes so well together and they even offer it with jalapenos if you want a little kick. Just make sure you ask him to microwave it cause I had it cold once and suffice it to say, I died a little inside. The second is ice cream. It might not be kosher to eat ice cream in the morning but when they offer a large cup (and I mean pretty large, not those dinky "large" cups you get at ice cream chains) for $2.50, certain traditions and social laws must be broken. The ice cream itself is nothing really special (I think it might be dreyers or some general ice cream brand) but the fact that they give you so much for so little is a huge plus in my book. And when you rip up a doughnut and mix it in with the ice cream . . . forget about it.
This is a nice family owned business that faithfully serves the Boyle Heights area and deserves a little love. Overall the staff are very friendly. They are attentive and make sure you're taken care of even when there are a lot of people around. Just be sure to bring cash because plastic will do you no good here.