Mary's Donuts & Coffee

Donut shop · Santee

Mary's Donuts & Coffee

Donut shop · Santee

1

8959 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071, USA

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Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by Mary’s Donuts.
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null
Mary's Donuts & Coffee by null

Highlights

Known for its apple fritters, this nook with limited picnic seating offers donuts, bagels & coffee.  

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8959 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071, USA Get directions

@marysdonuts

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8959 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071, USA Get directions

+1 619 749 2871
@marysdonuts

$ · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"Mary’s has been an East County — and, really a San Diego County — institution since it was opened in 1984. Plentiful flavors (plus sandwiches and muffins — they have a broad menu) and a 24/7 schedule means no doughnut emergency will go unaddressed." - Roxana Popescu, Candice Woo

18 Delightful Doughnut Spots in San Diego
View Postcard for Mary's Donuts & Coffee

Diana Cervantes

Google
Soo good! The bacon donut and the donut holes my fav. Friendly service. It seems they always making donuts. They are always so busy. There are tables inside to enjoy your donut with a coffee, if you’d like. We had no problem finding parking. It was my first time here and I’ll be coming back.

Bridget Smith

Google
Hands down the best donuts I’ve ever had. The glazed donuts are so light and fluffy and the chocolate glaze is divine. These will be the standard by which I judge all future donuts. The atmosphere is just a nice donut shop where you can sit and chat with friends or other new people you meet and bond over your love of donuts. We met Mary and she was lovely and took our picture for the wall. A great excursion for our trip to San Diego.

Odette Nudera

Google
Are you in Lakeside, right near the rodeo grounds? You have to stop in at Mary's Donuts which is right on the next block. We always make it a point to stop in at Mary's Donuts! I'm simple - I truly enjoy the good ' ol plain glazed Donuts, as my Hubby opts for the "Chocolate Glazed" ones. Of course, we didn't just get a couple of items, we always try something we've never had before! Mary's Donuts by far is the best choice for one's Donut cravings. We've tried the "big name" Donut stores.. they're either too sweet or too small. Some deli sandwiches have been added to their menu at Mary's as well n as a fresh cup of coffee. Our definite stop in Lakeside, CA.

Bobby Patterson

Google
We love MARY’S!! We’ve been going since they were in their stand alone building by the gas station. They have the best donuts! When you go you have to get a blueberry donut! We will always go to Mary’s!

Dean Letzring

Google
Mary’s has GREAT donuts and a wide variety of donuts as well. The worker there seemed like he didn’t like his job but that’s all right. Donuts were GREAT!!

Lei Raiza Zervoulakos

Google
Was craving donuts and contemplated to go to dunkin but they had a lot of negative and/or low reviews and saw that this place had a lot of good reviews and was nearby. There was a small line but it didn't take that long. We bought a half dozen and I got a chocolate chocolate sprinkles donut and it was amazinggggg. Definitely craving satisfied plus their donuts aren't too sweet that it hurts your mouth which is PERFECT. Would definitely come back and try their hot chocolate and coffee next time! 15/10 recommend 👌

k lawrence

Google
Mary's is always a rocking place. My only go to for donuts. They are usually pretty well stocked but didn't have the buttermilk ones i wanted. Service is polite and friendly. They have an area where you can sit if u want bu it's really a take out. The store is clean and well maintained. If you are up for a giant bear claw then this is the place.

Natalie

Google
Service was horrible! Cashier was rude to say the least! Dark hair male teenager with sweatshirt on and hoodie on his head. Bad attitude , literally said 2 words! Acted like I was an inconvenience coming in! Donuts were average at best! They used to be so delicious! This place used to be my favorite donut shop! Sad! 😢 Time to find a new donut shop!

Shonte' M.

Yelp
Very nice staff! I had a custard filled chocolate iced donut, will likely come back again during lunch break.

Anne C.

Yelp
Came here on a weeknight... there were a few other customers coming n going. Clean and casual, kind lady behind the counter was so sweet. Hehe. The donuts are classic and tasted fresh. So many to choose from, even at 8pm on a weeknight. We purchased a box, mixed selection, and they kept well enough for a couple days. Definitely a local spot to check out if in the area.

Billie S.

Yelp
Thank you for the awesome service and the delicious fresh donuts. A shout out to the young lady at the front for making my husbands 60th Bday very special.

Mary W.

Yelp
Sooooooo good. We get the crullers and it's always fresh. It's our favorite. Service is always great and friendly. Some seating inside.

Eva G.

Yelp
An iconic donut shop in Santee. As we have family visiting town we bought some donuts to share in the morning to enjoy with their coffee. Of course they enjoyed the sweet deliciousness!

Rick C.

Yelp
Not Allergen Friendly...All Donuts made with Eggs. If you have Egg Allergy or Anaphylactic to Eggs be careful.

Shirley F.

Yelp
My favorite place for donuts and coffee. The best donuts in town. A cute little shop with a home town feeling. Service is quick and easy. Ambiance is friendly and the best.

Erica C.

Yelp
3/5/24 - we dropped by around 10am. There was no line. The display cases were full. I took 1 star off for the service because the employee was rushing us to order and select our items. We are here about every 6 months and there is a lot to choose from. PLEASE don't rush your customer. I took another 1 star off because we were asked by another employee if my spouse was with us. Please don't be bias in making verbal questions if someone you see talking and helping to select items is with my group or not. Obviously we are together. A total of 3 stars for the food it self. I'm not posting any photographs of this place. The items we ordered were good. The 2 employees on the other hand I will not come back here based on my personal experience if my group doesn't look like we should be together.

Enrique M.

Yelp
Mary's Donuts is a San Diego institution. Hands down the Best donut shop in San Diego. Have been picking up donuts at Mary's for work meetings for years and will keep doing it for years to come. The staff is always friendly and ready to get your fresh donuts!

Olga F.

Yelp
They always have great service and the donuts are better than anything else in santee

Katie A.

Yelp
Best donuts around! You can order ahead or just walk right in. I've seen some reviews where people complain the donuts they got weren't fresh... I think that could happen anywhere. Every time I've gone, I've truly enjoyed my donuts. Husband loves them too! Staff is always nice and friendly. Sometimes they are a little young... but adds to the mom and pop shop vibe they got goin on here.

Jennifer P.

Yelp
2.5 I have had the "donut cake" from the Mary's in Lakeside at a party and decided to give their regular donuts a try. Below is my experience. Stopped by on a Friday morning and the inside was busy with people sitting down (having already for donuts) but the line was short. I promptly ordered a chocolate long john and blueberry donut, my husband got a cinnamon twist and maple bacon, he also added some donut holes (glazed and sprinkle-he thought they had powdered sugar but they were raspberry filled). A coffee was also ordered. Total for all was $14.44. Since there was no indoor seating we sat outside. The outdoor seating is in under the facade of the building so it is shaded (probably nice on not days) not so much on a chilly morning. Tables were not clean and was hard to tell if they had dirt on them or if it was just cigarette burns. Staff was brusque. No chit chat, no asking if you need help. On to the donuts. First of all the chocolate long john was small and light on chocolate. The donuts were also very greasy tasting, not light and fluffy like the donut cake. The blueberry donut was very dense and also heavy tasting. I was worried I would have bathroom issues later in the day (as sometimes happens when I eat greasy food) but I was ok. Overall these donuts weren't anything good or special. I wanted them to be as good as the donut cake I tried but they didn't live up to it. I am sometimes in Lakeside and will try that location as that is where the donut I tried came from but I wouldn't come back here. It wasn't the worst donuts I have ever had in San Diego but definitely not the best.

Christina M.

Yelp
Hidden gem in Santee. Open 24/7. Maple bacon bar was my favorite. Sadly nothing gluten free, so I can't indulge anymore!

Peter D.

Yelp
Awesomeness Stalgia place homemade family owned donut shop that's open 24 seven what? My wife and I left eastbound bar and Grill and headed over to Mary's donuts. To my surprise I was recommended a strawberry cheesecake, flavored doughnut, from who I'm assuming was the owner which was music to my tastebuds Got a bunch of mini ones. I forgot the name not the holes but the bear claw type of looking thing but in a small version it made me wanna get out my BMX bike and could do some jumps at the curb out. Front place was so damn good I don't think I took any pictures besides the Community cleanup at the lake side pond, which I will be attending the clean up at the lake! Amazing taste of donuts. Can't wait to go back again never been to this place wife has but since she's been there, nobody else needs to go because she tasted them all already lol.

Aly Q.

Yelp
You know they're fresh when you see them rolling the dough and glazing the donuts right behind the counter! Went here after my mom recommended it to me when I was in Santee. There was a short line but the staff is quick and friendly! I got a 1 dozen and I asked for a split in two boxes- accommodating. I'm a sucker for donuts- I had a classic sprinkles donut, the size was a little smaller than I've seen but it tasted fresh and not a day old.

Michael B.

Yelp
I eat donuts regularly and try as many different donut places as possible. Bought about seven donuts here today just after 7:00 AM and two of them (chocolate bar and raised glaze) tasted very old. I threw away my chocolate bar after about two bites. The person who ate the raised glazed donut took a bite and complained that it wasn't fresh. I guess being a place that is open for 24 hours means that even if you get there early in the morning that you are not necessarily receiving a fresh donut. I'll stick to the places that are open for 6 to 10 hours per day and hope that I at least get a doughnut made early that morning.

Dell B.

Yelp
Is it me or is their quality going down hill. Went back after the hair in the donut issue I had figuring, why not. Well the old fashioned donuts I got wasn't that great. Old fashioned has a little crunchy shell on the outside. Mine didn't, it was softer than a roll of charmin toilet paper.

Denise H.

Yelp
Great donuts! We bought a dozen plus 2. My husband, I and our family enjoyed the donuts very much! Old fashioned, maple bars , and Apple fritters were delicious. I especially enjoyed the Danish with apple filling. The filling almost seemed like it had a creamy, and with the apples it was wonderful!

David W.

Yelp
Over the years, Mary's Donuts have never disappointed. Great selection and excellent service.

Michelle M.

Yelp
Tracy is awesome here! She is so warm and friendly! You can tell Tracy really loves her job and is a people person. My husband and I were craving cinnamon donuts one early morning and it was something not on the menu so Tracy took plain donuts and rolled them in sugar and cinnamon. Wow so good! We warmed them up for 15-20 seconds in the microwave that is at the donut shop and they were the most amazing donuts ever! We branded them Tracy's Signature Donuts!

Ed M.

Yelp
Came by after getting some wings next door. Seemed like a locals place and was pretty busy. I bought a cream filled chocolate donut. It had a distinct flavor with the batter. Service was good. Saw it was a 24 hour operation so the locals can get their fix any hour of the day or night. Would like to try the other donuts here when I am back in the area.

Matt L.

Yelp
Me and my girl friend come here all the time the staff is always so nice and generous I could not be more happy with the experiences we have had at this donut shop every single donut is one of the best I have ever had they blow me away every single no one time I go and they are making fresh ones! Must try!!!!!

Amy B.

Yelp
Probably the BEST mom & pop donut shop in San Diego county. So so so good! Always fresh and a big variety. Quick service too. I'm so sad I just recently found out about this place.

Christopher T.

Yelp
I was searching Google for some of the best donuts in San Diego and Mary's Donuts came up.. why on Earth they did is beyond me! The place is unremarkable and bland which reflects the lack of quality of their products. I will never return here again and I could definitely find better Donuts closer to home.

Vic K.

Yelp
I love their blueberry donuts! I've been coming here for a while. Sometimes they have good service and sometimes they seem irritated. The shop is nice and clean and there is ample parking.

Kyle F.

Yelp
Mary's Donuts has been an East San Diego County staple for decades. The business is located in a strip mall and can be difficult to locate if you've never been there before. Given their popularity, the line can be long but generally goes quickly. There typically isn't more than a 10 minute wait, even if the line is out the door. The donuts always seem fresh and are never hard or stale. They have a plethora of options. I have noticed if you do not eat the donuts within a day or two they do typically go stale at home fairly quickly. The one thing I could note for improvement is there never seems to be any variety with the donut choices. It'd be nice if they experimented with different donut flavors occasionally, even if it was one flavor as a "donut of the week" type special. Overall, I've been coming here for decades and I'd suggest you do too.

Tina R.

Yelp
Delicious fresh donuts! Staff was really nice. They offer alot of condiments if you order coffee. And they really are open 24 hours.

Nico L.

Yelp
The best kind of donut is a donut served warm with a great cup of coffee. This is the place to do that. Service is friendly and warm. Never had a bad experience here. Old school atmosphere with great small town vibes. Highly recommend!

Jesse B.

Yelp
I ordered the donut cake for my daughter's birthday and it did not disappoint. The cake was ready for pick up on time, was fresh and absolutely delicious. We had friends over who've never had the pleasure of eating donuts from here before and they said it was one of the best donuts they've ever had. Such a great alternative to a standard cake, at such a reasonable price. This will certainly become a birthday staple in our household.

Bobby T.

Yelp
Honestly the best donuts in San Diego! No frills! Want a good donut. Come here! It's always busy.. for good reason. Everything is fresh.. FRESH!!! Whenever we go there is always someone in the back making donuts. 7am.. fully stocked and making donuts.. 12pm... fully stocked and making donuts.. 3pm fully stocked and making donuts.. 7pm.. you get my drift! One day I'll come at 3am and I'm sure they will be fully stocked and making donuts. The pick up orders are insane!!! Always a table with orders ready to pick up! The donuts are always delicious and you can never go wrong with any of them. Our go tos are the apple fritter. Always crispy edges and soft moist. Chocolate donut holes on weekends. Custard filled donuts. Old fashions!! And all the cream puffs! When I bring them to work.. they go mad for them. When we try other donut shops.. we are always disappointed and follow up by going to Mary's to satisfy our donut cravings.

Joshua D.

Yelp
Mary's is the best Siri fresh donuts, delicious favor not too sugary not too plain just write in a great price from the service and open 24 hours. You can go here anytime and get donuts. Not good for my diet but great clean place are always making donuts are we serving them and people are always coming in and out the

Adam C.

Yelp
Was our first time at Mary's Donuts and we were helped by Laurie, Treycie and Gonzalo. We had an amazing experience and the donuts were great and fresh. We can't wait to come back again - thank you!

Tony C.

Yelp
This place is amazing. Donuts are made with the highest quality ingredients and the service is outstanding. Big shout out to Laurie, Tracy, and Gonzalo. First time coming here and your amazing service has made us lifetime customers. Can't wait to be back!!

Theodore U.

Yelp
Probably one of the BEST donut shops in San Diego area!!! Once a year I attend a conference in the El Cajon area and one of the things I look forward to each year is that they bring in Mary's donuts for everyone to enjoy during the morning registration. I live about 25 minutes away from Mary's so it's not always my go to place. But this weekend we were in the area and we had an idea for treats for "Teachers Appreciation Week". I stopped by on Sunday after noon and picked up 9 dozen donut holes. The staff was so friendly and they really have a hometown feel when you walk into the shop. Tons of pictures of customers on the walls. I also loved that their windows were hand painted which you don't see often. While we were packing treats a few of the donut holes were "taste tested" Long story short...they were SOOOO good, that we decided at 6pm on a Tuesday night to make the drive back to Mary's for more!!! This time we also got Apple Fritters which were amazing. Really love Mary's donuts. As much as I wish there was one closer to me, it's probably best there isn't. I'd probably be there way to often!

Caroline S.

Yelp
Without question the best donuts in the county!!! Bacon, maple, apple, fritter and the small holes filled with jelly and or custard are all amazing. Regardless of what you get it will be fresh, and having you want another.

Rosemary A.

Yelp
Friendly, yummy, fully stocked. Did I mention yummy? I would drive the extra miles for these donuts.

Anna U.

Yelp
LeManuel was very friendly assisting me when ordering 2 dozen donuts! He was very quick and got me in and out of the place within minutes. I only wish they would have two more people like him helping out. When I arrived there were 4-5 people waiting after me. The donuts were delicious and my coworkers enjoyed it! Thank you so much for everything!

Caden C.

Yelp
Absolutely love coming to this place and visit every time we're in San Diego. It's absolutely affordable, and the donuts are great - particularly the pastries like fritters and donut holes. The staff can be quirky sometimes but have always seemed well intended and helpful. Cannot beat their prices.

Michael C.

Yelp
Mary's has been in Santee as long as I can remember and the donuts are the best. When other donuts shops came in, I have to admit I tried them but I always went back to Mary's. It's just something that keeps me going back for more. The softness of each and every bit no matter what donut you get. The old fashioned brings back memories of the ones my Grandmother used to make. The creamy bits filled with creamy filling are epic. So so silky and creamy that they melt in my mouth. Go and try it and I know you won't be disappointed.

Taylor S.

Yelp
Good donuts! Open at all hours! Nice service! The line out the door proves that the donuts are worth the wait.

Lisa D.

Yelp
Came in with my kids today, such an unfriendly staff who always feel like they are trying to rush you. They are like robots. God forbid you are indecisive about which donut you want. I had to say hello and thanked her. While she just stared at me with a blank look. Imagine being rude to someone who pays for your living. Especially in times like the ones we are in. Even the quality has gone down big time. Word of mouth is everything I will definitely be making a review on social media about this location.

Lindsay C.

Yelp
If you ever get lucky enough to experience their breakfast Turkey and cheese croissants, do it! Trying to obtain one of these god-like creations are like trying to snag the last ultra HD TV at a Best Buy Black Friday sale back in 2003. If you're lucky enough to find one, take it (pay for it) and run! They're sooooooo good as is but a microwave for 10sec puts it over the top. Bring one into work, pop it into the microwave, and make your coworkers jealous. They'll revise their microwave policy just because you made them all more hungry than their lunches could handle. But donuts... okay so you're coming for donuts. Let's be real now. Mary's is the pinnacle of amazing donuts on this side of the 78. If you get super lucky and happen to come on a day where they have chocolate crumb donuts. Snag one and thank me later. I've gone from being addicted to cruellers to crumb donuts with that heavenly donut creation. I'm almost inclined to order a birthday donut as a chocolate crumb just so I can make a whole day out of the experience. I've yet to ever be disappointed by a single thing coming out of that small little kitchen. Between the mythical Turkey cheese croissant and the heavenly chocolate crumb donut.... This place is always a winner. Not to mention the entire staff are my absolute favorite people. Not just because I'm there almost daily, but because they're just amazing.

Emma S.

Yelp
Donuts are good and reasonably priced. Love the cake donuts especially. They have a good assortment of options and workers are always friendly. Good rewards/bday program.

Maria L.

Yelp
Every time I go to Cali, I need a donut. Mary's is THE place. Customer service is as tasty as the donuts. My cousins love them too. It's hard just to have one...!

Chris O.

Yelp
As good as they get! Fresh!!!! that is the key. Great selection of donuts and drinks that go with. And if you are into that, ask for a free decal with purchase. I rock one on my ice chest to give free advertising. Easy location, plenty of parking and convenient hours.

John C.

Yelp
Was in the mood for a sandwich and not a donuts and it really hit the spot as I was ravenous and turkey sourdough just sounded great. No complaints and for sure will be back when in the area.

Carolynn H.

Yelp
Ordered 10 dozen donuts for a work event. They had the donuts prepared and ready for me when I walked in the door. I put them on a donut wall and everyone talked about how good they were.

Anna O.

Yelp
Marys really is the best. If you are in East County 10/10 should definitely check it out!

Robert W.

Yelp
Good glazed donuts, incredibly rude employee. To the owner of Mary's, I highly recommend you conduct customer service training for your business. Last Tuesday, while my wife was purchasing doughnuts, a Mary's employee was verbally rude to my wife. When checking out, my wife pointed her order wasn't correct. To her surprise, the employees response was," your order is wrong, because you don't know what the f#%k you want. Unbelievable!!. I emailed, who I was told was the owner, but have never received a response. Fortunately for us, there are other shops in Santee that make great doughnut and employ intelligent respectful people. That's where we'll Be going .

Lisa M.

Yelp
Just moved to Santee 2 months ago. Mom came to visit and we stumbled upon Mary's Donuts at 6:00 pm. The place was packed with families and people. We ordered a dozen assorted Donuts. Normally, at thatvtime donuts are dry and stiff. Not at Mary's! Price was great and the donuts were warm, soft, moist and delicious! My mom (age 69) says they are the best she ever tasted. Way to go! Now I know where to go to get amazing donuts.