Donut World

Donut shop · Inner Sunset

Donut World

Donut shop · Inner Sunset

2

1399 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

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Donut World by Ricky Rodriguez
Donut World by Ricky Rodriguez
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Donut World by null
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Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
Donut World by null
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Highlights

Classic old-school donuts, open late, family-owned neighborhood spot  

Featured in The Infatuation
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1399 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 Get directions

$1–10

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1399 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 Get directions

+1 415 665 4240

$1–10

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Donuts In SF - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Donut World is a small shop in the Inner Sunset with greasy-spoon-diner feels—just without the seats, or the diner food, for that matter. Instead, this place has a wide selection of donuts available until 11:30pm (or 12pm on the weekends)—and in the somewhat-sleepy Inner Sunset, that's worth a ton. The old fashioned donuts are the way to go—the thick cake-like batter melts in your mouth. Out of all of the donuts, the maple old fashioned is a nutty hit, but you’ll always leave happy with a plain glazed or anything covered in sprinkles." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-donuts-in-sf
View Postcard for Donut World
@infatuation

Donut World - Review - Sunset - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"Donut World is a small shop in the Inner Sunset with greasy-spoon-diner feels—just without the seats, or the diner food, for that matter. Instead, this place has a wide selection of donuts available until 11:30pm (or 12pm on the weekends)—and in the somewhat-sleepy Inner Sunset, that's worth a ton. The old fashioned donuts are the way to go—the thick cake-like batter melts in your mouth. Out of all of the donuts, the maple old fashioned is a nutty hit, but you’ll always leave happy with a plain glazed or anything covered in sprinkles." - Ricky Rodriguez

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/donut-world
View Postcard for Donut World

Ray Santiago

Google
This is one of my go-to places for donuts. I'm a simple donut eater, mainly relegated to just either sugar or chocolate donuts, none of the sprinkle stuff or the curls, but the basics are what keeps me back over and over again. It's my favorite in the city and I've tries a bunch. I also love the fact that Cam and her mom own and run this joint, the proverbial mom & pop store, except it's a mom/son combo. And they are always in good cheer. The only bummer is that they don't let you eat in the shop. This is a neighborhood enterprise so worth supporting.

Matt B

Google
Really good caky donuts from a local Sunset spot. Located right where the N Muni line turns from Irving to Judah, this donut shop has some long hours and is open late night.

J

Google
Checked out Donut World for their old school donuts. Open till midnight Friday/Saturday! Regular donuts are $1.95 USD, while specialty donuts are $1.95-$3.75 USD. - Apple fritter ($3.75 USD) - not the best I've had but decently sized. - Regular donuts ($10.50 USD for 6) - two buttermilk, two old fashioned, coconut cake and chocolate coconut cake. Favourite was the maple buttermilk. Decent donuts at DW. 3.5 stars.

Han the man

Google
3 donuts $11.70 ?? My big lunch cost less than that. I think that place is overprice, most likely never go back there. I'd rather buy a quality hearty breakfast from doordash.

Charlotte Li

Google
Best donuts in the city! I think their donuts are better than Bob’s (there, I said it). The cake donuts are my favorite. These stay fresh even the next day. I just moved to the neighborhood 2 months ago and I come here once a week!

Berenice Arguello

Google
I get a donut every other week from here. I keep coming back. Fluffy donuts. No frizz. No fancy donuts. They do donuts the right way. Fluffy and classic. Not too expensive either. The donut holes with pudding are divine. Getting a donut from here on a Saturday morning is such a treat for me. I look forward to it every weekend. Every time my gf visits me she specifically demands we go to donut world. Also they have the coolest sign outside. The owners are also so sweet. I hope this place stays open for many years to come

Alissa C

Google
I love that they are open until midnight! They accept both card and cash. But if your total is under $7, there is a fee for using credit card. (If your total is over $7, no credit card fee.) Very convenient location because they are right on the 9th and Judah stop. The star-shaped donuts are so cute and delightful! They also have chocolate donut bars with custard inside (rectangular Boston cream donut).

Jose “El Explorador” Cx

Google
This is the Cutest stop for Fresh Doughnuts. Super 🤩Delicious, the service is great and very quick. They do have a charge if you want to pay with Card or Wirelessly so take cash.
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Long C.

Yelp
Great local shop to pick up a couple dozen on the way to work. I usually call ahead and it's ready. If you come early enough there's usually parking right in front.
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Samantha L.

Yelp
Solid donuts that you can't go wrong with, but still not the best. They also make sandwiches and have chocolate donut (the dough is chocolate) which is rare to find. Donuts: -chocolate dipped donuts -chocolate twisted donut -donut holes Logistics: -some indoor seating -accepts cash and card
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Arvey S.

Yelp
This is one of my go-to places for donuts. I'm a simple donut eater, mainly relegated to just either sugar or chocolate donuts, none of the sprinkle stuff or the curls, but the basics are what keeps me back over and over again. It's my favorite in the city and I've tries a bunch. I also love the fact that Cam and her mom own and run this joint, the proverbial mom & pop store, except it's a mom/son combo. And they are always in good cheer. This is a neighborhood enterprise so worth supporting.
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Elena N.

Yelp
Monday, July 24th, 2023 Time: around 5pm Why: Doughnuts of course! The hubby and I just picked up food for dinner in the area. Since we are both donut fiends, we decided to stop by Donut World. I honestly can't remember what we got, but I'm guessing probably the usual - glazed raised, old fashioned, custard filled maple bar, vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles, lemon filled, cruller. If memory serves, they were all tasty. Some were probably too sweet for me, like the maple old fashioned since it has all that maple icing. But normally the lemon filled is fluffy and has that tartness to counteract the sweetness. Nice local donut shop. REVIEW #3442
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Mike L.

Yelp
Look, I love donuts. Sprinkled or iced, filled or unfilled, twisted or round, hole or no hole - they're always a tasty treat. And now that there are more and more shops sprouting up with different styles and flavors, it's safe to say I'm a pretty happy camper! As appealing as the likes of Krispy Kreme, mochi donuts, and unique flavors like creme brulee may be, though, I'll always have an affinity for classics, like a chocolate old fashion. And so, even after all of these years and regardless of the fact that they may not be the best SF has to offer, I still find myself coming to Donut World more often than anywhere else! Every time I come here, not only do I end up leaving with a donut or two, but I get a healthy serving of nostalgia as well. For just about as long as I can remember, this place has been my go-to donut shop and I love how it hasn't changed all that much in that time. In fact, the only real difference is that they still haven't reinstated indoor dining, which probably isn't that big of a deal wince most folks, like me, just order and go. Similarly, the donuts here have been incredibly consistent in both offerings and taste. For better or worse, not much has changed in their range of offerings, save for some in different shapes and toppings, but their array of old fashion, raised, twists, jelly filled, sprinkled, and donut holes in classic flavors are just as good as the first time I ever had them! Despite how many times I've been here over the years, I've only tried a half dozen or so things here - their CHOCOLATE OLD FASHION, MAPLE OLD FASHION, APPLE FRITTER, CINNAMON TWIST, and the GLAZED DONUT HOLES. Even then, I usually stick with the first three (the latter two aren't bad, they just don't stand out). The Chocolate Old Fashion and Maple Old Fashion are pretty much the best I've had in SF - the donut itself isn't heavy or dense and the icing is flavorful without being insanely sweet. As for the Apple Fritter, it's not as good as Bob's, but these aren't far behind. it's just as good texturally (the outside has a nice crispness while the inside is soft), but I wish the cinnamon apple flavor was stronger and not quite as sugary. While nearly everything about Donut World is just as good as it was before, the one thing I do miss about them from long ago is how late they used to stay open. There was a time when this place was open 24 hours, but I would gladly settle for anything past their current midnight closing hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Not that I really need it to be any easier for me to stop in when those pesky cravings strike... FOUR AND A HALF STARS rounded up for the sake of nostalgia.
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Shannon C.

Yelp
Inner Sunset gem. Local and family owned business. Mom and pop's diner vibes inside with the decor. Fair pricing. Fresh donuts. Open reasonable hours. Donut world has very kind, patient and helpful employees. My favorites are (as pictured) sprinkle, old fashioned maple, maple bar, chocolate glaze, chocolate filled donut holes, glazed donut holes. I often order in bulk for my students (I work in education). The donuts are standard and common fluffy and delicious. They have some fun flavored and designed donuts but the best are the old fashioned classic donuts. Some inside seating although I always take to go. They have sandwiches, breakfast and simple coffee options as well. I ordered ~30 donuts for $28!! Highly recommend!
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Jonny M.

Yelp
Checked out Donut World for their old school donuts. Can't believe they're open till midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. We dropped in on a Saturday morning (9:15am). The inside is no frills; reminds me of an 80's diner. Regular donuts are $1.95 USD (raised, cake and old-fashioned) while specialty donuts are $1.95-$3.75 USD. They also have pastries and bagels. - Apple fritter ($3.75 USD) - not the best I've had but decently sized. - Regular donuts ($10.50 USD for 6) - two buttermilk, two old fashioned, coconut cake and chocolate coconut cake. Favourite was the maple buttermilk. Decent donuts at DW. 3.5 stars.
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Trixxi T.

Yelp
Paid for 6 got 5 after tipping 25% Lesson learned. There were no other customers so no one was being rushed.
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Tara B.

Yelp
The donuts were good and they have an amazing selection to pick from! They have the standard collection as well as filled standard donuts, and donuts in fun shapes like stars and hearts. They also have a lots of variations in brewed coffee from regular to hazelnut to French vanilla. The guy working the counter was very friendly and efficient in getting the few of us through the process. The store décor is no frills whatsoever and they don't have indoor seating, so it's to go only right now. Is what it is, but if you are from out of town you are eating them in the car or driving the few blocks, and looking for parking at Golden Gate Park. If back in this area and accompanied by donut eaters, I would totally stop in again!
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Michael Y.

Yelp
Exactly what I was looking for, especially when many bakeries were already closed! So many to choose from! The traditional, classic American taste lives on here! I am also happy to support the local, family-owned business! Recommendations: all of it. Also: the custard filled donut holes! Prices are very good considering many of the upscale baked goods elsewhere
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Jennifer O.

Yelp
Fantastic, fresh, heavenly donuts! It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, perhaps a mental boomerang after buying heaps of healthy, little gem lettuce, kale, basil, beets and other organic produce at the Inner Sunset Farmers' Market? Plus, I was parked right outside the entrance; I simply couldn't resist. I was greeted warmly when I walked in and the shop was spic 'n' span, nary a fingerprint on the donut cases. They had a good selection and the donuts were delicious with that dense chewiness that you only get when they're freshly baked. Four donuts were $13, about average, more than justified in this highly expensive city with above average taxes. There are lots of donut shops in this Cool, Grey City of Love: Get your donuts *here*!
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Michael E.

Yelp
They have pretty good donuts here. The staff is nice. I like that they sell buckets.

Mya V.

Yelp
$35 for a dozen donuts??? crazy :/ wasn't expecting to pay more than double the price compared to other places for regular donuts
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Stacy A.

Yelp
This glazed donut was everything I didn't know I needed! We stumbled upon this donut shop and didn't have any expectations and were very pleasantly surprised. We just got the glazed donut shown in the photo and it was really light and airy, but crispy at the same time. The lady was also very friendly! I would recommend this place and come here again :)
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Karen Y.

Yelp
Sometimes you just want a donut. No craft donut. No extra frills or "exotic" flavors. A donut. A good fluffy donut. If that's the mindset you find yourself as you're near 9th Ave in the Sunset, drop on by to Donut World. I'm not even sure how long Donut World has been in that corner but in my memory riding the N Judah, Donut World has always been there. Their hours do kind of change depending on their staffing or sometimes they'll be closed for certain reasons. The mood of Donut World is definitely 80s-90s diner-decor. The glass display shows all the available donuts for the day. You can't go wrong with a regular glazed donut. Or if you're feeling a bit more peckish, the maple bars and chocolate donut with sprinkles can't steer you wrong.
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Amanda C.

Yelp
{Overall: 5; Food: 5} I'd always passed this store over the years, but never thought to go in until I saw the tons and tons of great reviews on Yelp. The donuts here are awesome. They're fresh, soft, moist and the perfect amount of sweetness. They don't taste fake or artificial. It's the perfect baked good. I've tried many different types - glazed, strawberry, maple, chocolate old fashioned - and have been impressed by all of them. I've had a lot of "fancy" donuts, but these are the perfect good old fashioned type, and taste way better than most fancy ones I've had. They're also really affordable! I got 3 donuts for ~$5.50. They have a $7.50 credit card minimum.

H L.

Yelp
Good fresh tasty donuts, unfortunately the coffee sucks. It's basically colored water and zero coffee flavor.
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Linda L.

Yelp
Love coming here. All donuts and bagel sandwich are made fresh! It's so delicious and soft. My second niece makes me come here every other Tuesday. She goes to school near so it's a quick pit stop for us. She always gets a dozen donut holes. I get half or dozen as well, or their custard donut holes (they're soooooo good) And some times a bagel sandwich. It does take some time to make as they only use a microwave to heat up every thing. But it still tastes good.
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Andrew V.

Yelp
In all seriousness the best donut shop in San Francisco. Old school, consistent, fresh, delicious... my happy place in Inner Sunset. Although it's not open 24 hours it's still open pretty late 11:30. The sandwiches are so good too! Club sandwich is delicious!! Thanks donut world for being apart of my entire inner sunset life
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Patty O.

Yelp
Wonderful service. Had a fairly large order for a kid's birthday party. Order was ready on time and staff were very delightful. Donuts were a hit! Definitely recommend.
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Cole D.

Yelp
Had a delicious crumble cinnamon doughnut. The middle is came. YUM. So soft and tasty. If you pay credit card, it costs $0.50 additional.

Money A.

Yelp
Stopped here during a visit some time ago, probably got a glaze. Cool name, hope to see this still around 5/10 years down the line.

Justin N.

Yelp
Really good classic donut shop. I've tried the cinnamon twist, apple fritter, and old fashioned donuts--all were fresh and hit the spot. If I could be granted one request I wish the place would open up for in-person seating, just so that it would have a more welcoming vibe.

Sharon C.

Yelp
Donuts are nothing special. Went on a Saturday around noon. Bakery down the street had a line out the door so we opted for donuts to fill our sweet tooth. It was a big place but with no seating. You had to take your donuts to go. Got buttermilk, chocolate old fashioned, an apple fritter and a dozen donut holes. The donut holes didn't taste fresh. Not fluffy. They tasted like day old. Apple fritter was heavy Maybe I need to warm it up. The glazed icing had a strange taste to it. My opinion it left a slight greasy residue in my mouth. We are a huge fan of Stan's donuts in Santa Clara. They set the donut standard. This place was just meh.

Jason B.

Yelp
By far one of my favorite places in the city. The donuts are fresh, the ham egg and cheese croissants are just so good. Honestly I'm very sad to have moved away because I find myself missing Donut world and the inner sunset.

Azucena C.

Yelp
Really good donuts.!! I went in the morning, and they felt so fresh. One of the best stops here in Tulare
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Raquel A.

Yelp
5/5 delicious donut. No wait. Friendly lady at counter. Clean and seats available. They take cash or card.
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Yih R.

Yelp
Donut World is simply delicious, affordable and quaint! A mixed variety dozen was only $17- a very competitive price. The donuts were delicious and tasted fresh. Feels like a classic old school donut shop that does both cash and card. Highly recommend!
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Rebekah T.

Yelp
This Donut place has been here for as long as I can remember. Back in my high school days, it was fun to get coffee and donuts, stay out late and drive around town. However, my friend introduced me to the best little donut on the planet here at Donut World - the cream custard donut hole and the raspberry jelly filled donut hole. Little bite size donuts with all the sweetness and flavor of a big filled donut. We intended to order just a dozen of these filled donut holes, ordered two dozen just to be safe and then promptly ate the whole bag without any willpower. Not sorry ;)
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Emily M.

Yelp
Increasingly it is the case that those of us who thrive in a no-frills environment brace ourselves before crossing into the city of San Francisco. Donut World is where I uncoil. Excellent old fashioned donuts. Muffins are OK. Service is brisk but friendly. I used to like sitting at the low counter along the window to people-watch, hopefully they bring it back soon.
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Cheri L.

Yelp
If donuts is your choice for "breakfast of the champions" then this a great place to go to. Their donuts are super soft and made fresh every day. For a box of 6 donuts it was about $12, so more or less $2 each. The lady helping was super nice and patient while we were deciding on which ones we wanted. Service was quick and not crowded (approx 9am at the time). There is a minimum of I believe $7 for card. The area can be pretty difficult with parking so keep that in mind. Golden Gate Park area has some spaces if you go early in the morning. Definitely stop by if you're need of a sweet treat! (Might have to go back for their heart shaped donut haha)
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Laura T.

Yelp
I popped into Donut World randomly today because I was in the area for a dentist appointment. I saw someone walking down the street with a bacon maple donut log and knew I had to get my hands on one. The shop itself was organized and clean. I ordered one which came out to a pricey $4 but it was worth every penny. The donut was light, airy, fluffy with the perfect amount of sweetness. I can honestly say this is the best bacon maple donut I've ever had. To top it off, you can tell it was made fresh. I'll be back!
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Jeff W.

Yelp
The time was 930PM, After hanging with a buddy, he told me about Donut World. Now both of us are classic and classy donut regulars and this place brought me back to my Childhood. I mean look at the sprinkle photo!! Nestled in the heart of the sunset, this donut shop is classic, fresh, and just has nothing fancy, just really Good donuts! Nothing hipster, mmkay! Ran by a sweet Asian couple, and yes they take card, but minimum is 5, coffee is dinner status, but that's all you need when you try their amazing donuts! Also, they even have the little Classic barstools so you can chat and eat your dinner and dunk it into coffee while watching peeps roll by. I had the Maple Fashioned and hit ALL the satisfaction, along with a coffee. They also sell breakfast. sandwiches. Go check it out and Donut be late ;-) TIP** If you're a coffee never but want a classic donut, go to Snowbird Coffee* down their street first.
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Denise C.

Yelp
I decided to try this donut shop after so many years of walking by on Judah. I got a strawberry frosted donut for $1.60. It was good and they have lots of donuts. It's an old-fashioned shop but it's open everyday with lots of donuts.
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Yan Z.

Yelp
their raised donuts are on par with Bob's Donuts. this will probably sound strange, but they are the only donut shop i've ever encountered which makes the holy grail of donuts (IMO): an unglazed unfrosted plain raised donut (pictured below). so if you hate glaze/frosting/powdered sugar on your donuts, this is THE place to get them.
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Jessica T.

Yelp
I am so glad that Donut World is still churning out dreamy donuts. They're a neighborhood institution in this ever changing landscape. It's comforting to know that I can still pop in for a dreamy apple fritter donut and that I will see the same kind-hearted staff working hard in the back to serve up fresh soft donuts for regular customers. They now close at 10 pm, but that's plenty late enough to stock up on some sugary treats to accompany an evening binge of trashy shows. Trust.
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Juan V.

Yelp
This is the spot to get donuts early and late . This was my spot for years and did not even think about doing a Yelp review. Finally got a chance to go in again and it's a blessing to have so much variety of donuts and pastries to choose from. Good place to get a good priced treat in the Inner Sunset. Don't forget to get the famous pink box.

Simon P.

Yelp
Amazing balls. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua."
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Annie S.

Yelp
I had a lot of wonderful childhood memories here. When I was a lot younger, I used to take the 44 bus, get off at Judah and 9th Ave, skip across the street, and come in here for an afternoon snack. My favorites were the chocolate glazed donut and donut holes. Back then, I didn't know what a baker's dozen was. I used to get so giddy when I found 13 pieces of donut holes, instead of 12 (a dozen = 12). I recently came in here for a chocolate old-fashioned donut and maple buttermilk donut. The cakey donuts were so unbelievably airy and soft!! It literally fell apart in my hands as I took a bite. I was so sad when I finished the donuts in less than five minutes :( I totally forgot how tasty the donuts were here. You have to come here and try for yourself! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES :)
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Scott H.

Yelp
The jelly donut was absolutely excellent. The old fashioned was solid. Yet there have been time where I left due to a slow line and minimal selection.
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RJ J.

Yelp
Really good, fresh cake donuts and coffee that reminds me of Dunkin's which I like. Super nice folks run it.
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Dallas D.

Yelp
Very good donuts. Always fresh--at least at night when I go. 95% as good as Bob's Donuts (which is way overpriced) and much cheaper.
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grace k.

Yelp
Since we moved to inner sunset neighborhood, I was hoping that my kiddo wouldn't find out this place. Sure enough, she discovered this donut shop on our way walking from the school. I got the chocolate donut with sprinkles on the top and she devoured it like she hasn't been eating for days . Their donuts are freshly made and I am excited to try different types of donuts !
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Angela I.

Yelp
Was walking back to my car after hanging out in the area and saw the huge apple fritters in the display and had to get one. The shop looks clean and all the donuts look good. I only tried the apple fritter but it was delicious. Apple fritter (as large as your face) $3.15
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Stacy K.

Yelp
Classic no-frills delicious donuts at a reasonable price. I love stopping by here for both their yeast and cake donuts! You can get a dozen donuts for about $17-18. Nice service and open late too, which is a plus.

Alison C.

Yelp
The donuts are pretty good, but the prices are getting too high: $1.95 is the cheapest. Gone are the days when a simple donut cost $.50 each. I guess it's SF where everything is highly overpriced. I mean a croissant runs nearly $6!

Food D.

Yelp
The French Donut is very good here. When they are Fresh the donut is like a sweet custard-- I also recommended the sugar donut--- Usually I get a French Doughnut and a Crumb Cake for$3.75 The staff wears masks!!
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Olive R.

Yelp
Finally!!! a place that has crullers!!!! They have basic, vanilla and maple glazed. I have been looking for crullers all over the city and I finally found this place! There weren't greasy and the staff were professional and sweet. I know it states on the yelp page they don't accept credit cards...but they do (minimum $7 purchase).
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Tricia C.

Yelp
Found this one and as usual it was a must try! Not a overly large selection of unusual donuts but a decent selection of the usual suspects. I loved the shaped donuts. The boys say the maple bacon was so so 3/5. The jelly was not spread throughout the donut so not the perfect jelly to donut ratio. My kids are official donut snobs. ‍ but definitely a nice location and we enjoyed the donuts.