Jeff B.
Yelp
(Snacked 02/15/24 TH @ 4:00pm): Donuts (apple fritters, to be exact!) were always stars in my eyes!
I ended up at Donut Star in search of an apple fritter to enjoy with my dad on what would've been his 89th birthday. This pastry was one of his favorites, so I especially wanted to share one with him in spirit to commemorate this special day. If you knew me, my love for an apple fritter had no bounds, so whenever I saw a donut shop, I was always intrigued to stop in for a look. Would my dad and I consider the fritter found here a star among donuts!?
PURCHASE
16floz Thai Iced Tea w/Boba ($5.95): A muddy brownish orange silty color with lots of ice and ample amounts of small chewy boba balls, this was slightly sweet with some viscosity. I generally enjoyed this liquid meal, but I wished there was less ice because I felt it took up more space than the tea itself. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8opy9euU8Qke9icLb3pF5Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
THE "APPLE FRITTER IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD TOUR" CONTINUED...
Apple Fritter ($2.50): 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 less than the comparable going rate of $3.00. 2nd, it was round shaped, the thickness and density was closer to what I liked, and more the size of my hand rather than my face (an ode to the great Goldstar Donuts in Van Nuys). 3rd, there was a noticeable amount of apple bits. 4th, the overall darker brown color was good with several burnt ends (I loved it burnt!), and the medium/high glaze was good and made for a messy cracking effect. There were many crunchy odd crannies, corners, and nooks which I liked to break off into small little morsels. 5th, it was at room temperature with minimal hints of oil pockets and no gooey apple juices that leaked into your mouth nor dripped down your throat. Overall, it had very good value - 4.0 STARS. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rXGx7xv6GCGLPDxCF-RnsA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
10pc Almond Cookies ($2.05): I inexplicably bought this item whenever I saw them. Whether or not they were actually homemade or simply taken from a box, each cookie was fresh and crumbly, and paired well with some tea the next day. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7Y5l9DjMGsgQSLyF8yMgTA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Glazed Buttermilk Bar ($1.65): A short and stout medium-glazed creamy bar of goodness I had for breakfast the following morning, twenty-five seconds in the microwave softened it up as it easily fell apart while it slightly burned my mouth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1yDYQFRr8kJ_WLvXGLhESQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Colored Sprinkles Strawberry Frosting Cake Donut ($1.50): A sweet treat that always puts a smile on my face. I enjoyed this as a dessert after I nuked it for 10-seconds. It was airy, light, and sugary goodness. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LStbGQ7Ur6tUOPzkQ_KFEg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Kindly greeted by a friendly woman, she easily took my order (I was the only customer at the time), I grabbed a seat to rest my bum, and relaxingly enjoyed my bob drink and apple fritter as I watched the world pass me by. All was good and calming - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
They shared a small-sized lot with several other businesses within a strip mall. Otherwise, there were plenty of spots along the main drag of Figueroa St. and other surrounding roads - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A standard donut shop with a main display case, price menus up on the wall behind the order counter, several promotional posters hung on pistachio-colored walls, and a handful of tables/chairs to enjoy your food onsite. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cTlvMsmvQfxpcvLLjBsO_Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Plenty of natural lighting came through the large glass windows and door while soul-sucking fluorescent electric ceiling lights covered the rest. There was one TV (turned off) while pop music played in the background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ui2URt6nna8tYU5wfHLiHw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Donut Star was a peaceful place and would definitely return if I were in the area again. Everything was very good, the prices were generally comparable across the board, and the service was quick and easy. They also sold coffee/drinks/juices/tea, sandwiches, various snacks, lottery tickets, and more! Plus, it was always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $14.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS