Stan's Donut Shop

I can never get enough of this place. I love going there on a Saturday morning to enjoy some coffee and the best donuts in the Bay Area. My personal favorites are the chocolate bar and glazed donuts but you honestly can’t go wrong with any. Picking up is sometimes a challenge because of the long line but it moves fast so not a big deal. They have a few seats to eat there so that’s what I always do.

Known for there original glazed donuts. Best when it comes out of the fryer. If you like Krispy Kreme, this is 10 times way better. There dough recipe is top notch and of course they also make various types of donuts. We went on a Friday also tried there apple fritters. They make them on Mondays and Fridays only. I don't know if my taste buds have changed or Stan's had an off day but there original glazed donuts were super sweet just as there apple fritters. I could only have a few bites from both before I had a sugar coma. Stan's probably number five on my doughnut list. I would rank #1 Bernie Beigne in Montreal, #2 Round Rock Donuts in Texas, #3 I'm Donut in Japan, #4 Doughnut Plant in New York City.

This place has some of the freshest old-school donuts around. I’d been craving a donut for a couple of days and finally gave in today. The line was out the door, maybe about a dozen people, but it moved fast. I got a couple of chocolate-iced donuts and the legendary cinnamon roll. Honestly, that cinnamon roll is a meal on its own. Cash only. They pack everything in a nice big box so nothing gets smashed. Very delicious, hot, and soft. I think the secret is the sheer volume and fast turnaround during their limited hours. Definitely worth a trip if you can get out here. I’ll be back.

The glazed donuts are amazingly soft and delicious. There's a reason there is always a line here. Make sure to go early. Even though they may be open until 2pm, they stop making donuts much sooner. I went at 1pm on a Saturday, and there were no glazed donuts left.

Stans is the one and only donut shop! Their donuts are always hot and fresh i wish I could give more stars!!! AMAZING!!! Absolutely the best place to go for a hot donut made fresh right in front of you. This place is always packed but SOOOO worth the wait and line will go fast so don't leave!!! Also bring Cash they only take cash!

The BEST donut shop on the west coast -without question - especially if you are looking for taste and texture, not gimmicks. Glazed and cinnamon twists are excellent; even the old fashioned donuts are tasty (and they will keep surprisingly well over night). Bring cash and arrive early- even better, preorder and pickup without the wait or get a fresh donut served at the sit-down counter.

Forever obsessed with the glazed and chocolate donuts here. But ngl, the cinnamon one was low-key way too sugary for me. Also the jelly one found not so fresh and was okayish. They accept only cash.

Best donuts I’ve ever had! Made fresh everyday, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid! Highly recommended

Does Stan's need another review? No. But I'm gonna write one anyway because it's Stan's and it deserves all the stars. Come early. Bring cash. Be prepared to wait in a fast-moving line, and don't be the problem when it's your turn and you don't know what to get. It's all good. When they have fritters, get that. There are some stools if you wanna eat your donut(s) there with some coffee and yak it up with some other locals, or just people watch the line. Most people just take it to-go so they can secretly have one or two or ten in the car before taking it to the office. Maybe that's just me. Stan's is a legend and I hope he never dies. Even if there never was a Stan, that's my dearest wish for this place.

Stan's is donut perfection. Cash only and absolutely worth it. These are hands down the best donuts I've ever had. You must get the glazed. Having a warm glazed donut straight from the fryer is truly game changing and will ruin other donuts for you forever. Their seasonal buttermilk flavors are also delightful and always fun to try. The ambiance is part of the magic. It has an old school diner feel, and sitting at the counter is a total staple of the experience. The line can definitely get a bit crazy, but people are orderly and it moves along. It's worth the wait, though weekdays aren't too hectic. I'd recommend avoiding Saturday mornings if you're not into lines. Great service and so fun to watch them make the donuts fresh right in front of you. An iconic spot and a must visit for any donut lover.

Stan's is the GOAT of donuts, the GDOAT if you will. I've visited Stan's for the better part of a decade now, which is a pittance of time in comparison to its lifespan. I am convinced that there is no other donut on this planet better than Stan's, and this is not a matter of opinion. The texture and taste of a fresh (and even not fresh) Stan's Donut is soft, chewy, amazingly not squishy, and always teetering on the edge of being too sweet but never quite getting there. It's like a brioche...nut. A brionut? There's a reason Stan's is likely older than you and will remain that way. This place owns. It's going to be the best donut you have, and that's okay. And people from orher places will say they have their favorite donut shops, and you will always have Stan's in your back pocket to go to. As for the mood - the place was founded in the 1950s and has that 1950s American diner feel. Fallout fans will enjoy. On weekends and holidays, prepare for a quick-moving line to be present BEFORE the place opens and for bustling service as you're surrounded by the wafting scent and pounding percussion of donuts being rolled and created before your eyes. Last but not least - cash only. Cash only!! There's an ATM in the back. Thanks Julie and all for keeping the dream alive.

We're here often to do a run in the area and finally, after 10+ times of not having cash, we finally had cash for stan's donuts! We got two glazed donuts from the fast counter! That's a pro tip if you're buying 1-2 donuts. There's an express line at the counter closest to the entrance. The hype has been met, as these are the fluffiest and doughiest donuts we have ever had. They are so satisfying and I really want to get a dozen next time!

I'd heard the lines here can get pretty long, but when I went on a Thursday morning before noon, there was no line at all--just two people ahead of me. The donuts were some of the best I've ever had: super moist and fresh. The price is very reasonable too--$13 for six good-sized donuts. The only downside was that my clothes and hair smelled oily after being inside for just five minutes. The only takes cash only

A staple donut shop in San Jose. Any time I'm up early in the morning, my first thought is Stan's donut shop. You gotta have it if you haven't already!

The truth is in the lines!! The lines that are alwayss out the door since the 1950's! Stan's is a Bay Area gem that everyone needs to visit! Don't forget to bring cash! Customers remain loyal because this humble small business continues to bake with love and stay true to its recipes. The bakery is small with limited seating but customers can enjoy their treats at the counter if they choose. The service staff are speedy and friendly! Quick tip- if you don't see chocolate, simply ask for it! They will happily make more!! Glaze and chocolate raised donuts are our go-to. Every fresh and fluffy bite brings nostalgia!

The original glaze is perfection, especially when it's fresh and warm! So soft and chewy!! There are a few seats inside if you want to dine in and they also serve coffee and other drinks. You can order ahead for pickup but I believe it has to be placed the day before. Lines can get long but they move fast. They're cash-only so don't forget to bring some.

Delicious donuts! I have co-workers who bring in donuts from Stan's from time to time. They are always enjoyable. Good quality, good flavor. That being said... it's a donut. Would I stand in a crazy long line for it? Probably not. It's not THAT good. My only negative is that ahead of a holiday they seem to limit options considerably. A co-worker went on Christmas Eve and said she was limited to 1 box of glazed and 1 box of mixed glaze, but couldn't make a custom box or pick what went in the mixed box. That seemed odd. Yes, it's busy... but everywhere is busy. Doesn't seem a reason to not let people get what they want. All in all, a solid choice for donuts.

This place never disappoints! LOVE their famous glazed donuts. Been going here for years. If you want to guarantee getting glazed donuts, place a phone order or stand in line at 5:55 am. I like how they have a separate from the regular line. Their signature brown box is no longer.

Definitely my go to for some fresh hot glaze donuts! Lines are long but it moves really fast. You can also dine in.

I TRULY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE HYPE OF THIS DOUGHNUT SHOP... THIS PLACE IS OVERRATED, in my opinion. I've been here 3x and my opinion has not changed since my first visit. I've been here once on my own and 2 other times because other people wanted to try Stan's. Here is my logical reasoning behind my statement: Their doughnuts are just like an other mom and pop doughnut shop except they get so many customers coming in that they are able to keep making "fresh glazed warm doughnuts" throughout their hours of operations. If other mom and pop doughnut shops are able to generate just as many patrons to produce fresh doughnuts hourly.... they would be the same as Stan's. ____PARKING____ - Parking is plentiful. It's located in a plaza that other restaurants does not open until a later time therefore parking is abundant. ____PAYMENT____ - CASH ONLY! - You can get cash back from the Safeway that is located in the same plaza ____WAIT TIME____ - Go there as soon as they open or else the line will be about 20-30min. - Patience is a virtue - If you don't like long wait times, go somewhere else. You're not forced to stay in line or buy doughnuts from here LOL ____DINE IN____ - If you don't want to wait in line and if there is a seat available, your able to to dine in. - It's self seating and they will take your order. - Be aware that seating is tight and the line will be right behind you so if you're claustrophobic, this is definitely not for you. ____FOOD____ - They have a special flavor of the day for their old fashioned doughnuts in addition to having plain old fashioned doughnuts and others - Dripped Coffees that you pour yourself: Medium roast, Dark Roast or Decaf are the options - They have burgers/sandwiches listed on their wall menu inside but I'm not sure if that is up to date because I've never witnessed anyone ordering those items BANANA OLD FASHIONED DOUGHNUT - The taste reminded me of the smell of BANANA BOAT... yes, the TANNING OIL LOL. The banana was an artificial flavor. I wish that they used real bananas. My boyfriend got this and I tried a small piece... LOL dodged that commitment to this flavor. LEMON OLD FASHIONED DOUGHNUT - Tasted like a normal store bought lemon pound cake, not too bad. I tried this on a different day from the Banana one. (Not pictured... It was in my boyfriends box of doughnuts and I forgot to take a picture of his) GLAZED DOUGHTNUT - It was hot and fresh since this is one of their top doughnuts purchased. - Nothing special other than it was fresh... tastes just like any other mom and pop doughnut shop STRAWBERRY GLAZED DOUGHNUT W/CUSTARD FILLING - My daughter was worried that this would have too much filling but it was perfect. - There was a perfect amount of custard filled inside and it wasn't over powering. ____THINGS THAT COULD BE IMPROVED____ - Where their coffee thermos's are located, it blocks the line a bit. It seems like putting the coffee AFTER the registers would make more sense so it's less congested right before the register since others are trying to pay while people are trying to fill up their coffee after they have paid... LOL I was getting stressed out because I felt like I was in peoples way while filling up my coffee. It doesn't make sense to go backwards in line for the coffee when we all should be making our way to the exit... not swimming up stream like salmons... HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA ____RESTROOMS____ - No restrooms available ____CUSTOMER SERVICE____ - The employees work quick and are efficient. ____MY REASONS FOR 3 STARS____ - Their doughnuts are ok, not bad but nothing special - Their flavors are artificial and nothing special, maybe if they used actual bananas for their old fashioned, that would be amazing or homemade real strawberry frosting - Customer service is great

There's always a line at Stan's, and I can see why after trying their glazed donut. It's soft, fluffy, fresh, and coated with a light glaze that's not too sweet and not greasy at all. It's an old-school donut shop that keeps things simple and does it right. It's sure worth the wait.

Simplicity at its best! Glazed, Chocolate with peanuts, and Maple Bar: the surfaces of these donuts were slightly crisp, while the interior were buttery and pillowy. The textures and flavors are similar to Randy's Donuts, 5/5 stars! Cinnamon Roll: crispy exterior with extra glaze while being fluffy on the inside, 4/5 stars. Strawberry Buttermilk: medium strawberry flavor which was fine with the crispy and dense cake, 5/5 stars! Twisted Cronut: this was massive in size and the quality was just as impressive. The glazed was unevenly coated on the flaky croissant that allowed for a contrast of sweet and buttery bites, 5/5 stars!

If you're in the Bay Area, who doesn't know Stan's Donuts? It's always my go-to donut spot for celebrations, treats, and gatherings--definitely the original and the best. Nothing really compares. Other donut places are good too, but this one just hits differently. Love this place!

These are the best donuts in San Jose, and they've been around since 1959 for a reason. Soft, light, and perfectly chewy, they have a balanced sweetness that's never overpowering. The glazed and sugar donuts will always be my favorites. Inside, the shop has a classic diner vibe, with counter seating, retro touches, and a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you're stepping back in time. The service is great, too! : )

After living in the South Bay for so long, decided to finally try this staple for donuts. It absolutely Iives up to the hype! These delicious treats may turn me into a donut fan! Light, fluffy, and most importantly, not too sweet classics. They even have plain cake donuts for less sweetness. The powdered sugar cake donuts are so moist, they melt in your mouth. Thought only the best donuts were in the East bay and San Francisco until I found STAN's! Reasonable prices and nice service as well.

Pretty busy here at 7am on a weekday, but line moved pretty quick. I got a couple donuts to share: glazed donut, raspberry jelly filled and maple custard donut. Glazed donut - freshly made, I have never had it warm here before, but it nice and fluffy. So good and definitely my favorite. Raspberry jelly filled - it is a glazed yeast donut with raspberry jelly. It wasn't too sweet for me which I liked. Maple custard donut - the maple glaze was a little too sweet for my liking, but the custard wasn't too sweet. Overall, delicious donuts especially the fresh made glazed ones

Imagine biting into a cloud. That's the texture and bite feel. Stan's donuts is the best donut I've ever had. I never knew the donut dough could/should be made this way. I now only eat donuts from here. There is no need to eat any other donut.

I'm a total stan for Stan's donut shop. When my boyfriend and I first got there on a Sunday afternoon, we were slightly annoyed by the long line. When we got to the front, we discovered they only take cash. Not wanting to pay exorbitant ATMs fees, we went on a 20-minute trek around the shopping center to find a place that would give cash back (the grocery store will do it if you check out with a cashier). Grumbling all the way, we wondered what kind of place doesn't take cards in this day and age. We finally made it back to Stan's with our cash and understood what the hype was about. I'd gotten used to $9 donuts at pretentious shops, but this is not what Stan's is about. They make really traditional donuts in a diner-style atmosphere. The line is long, but they work fast, or you can sit at the counter. It was also nice to get recommendations from the other people in line, who were clearly passionate about this place. With $20 in hand, I was shocked to find that my glazed old fashioned donut was only $1.25. Seriously, what costs $1.25 these days? I can't even be mad about the cash-only policy, since it makes sense not to deal with swipe fees at these prices. And it was among the top donuts I've had. They were out of the regular glazed donuts because it was close to closing time. My boyfriend and I came back the following weekend with empty stomachs so we could try more items. The traditional glazed donuts are heavenly, and they give you the hot ones if you're dining in. The coffee was pretty awful, as you would expect from this type of place, but everything else was so perfect it didn't detract too much from the experience. This is going to be one of our go-to places. I'll make it a point to come back on a Wednesday to try the blueberry donuts, but I expect everything here is great.

The donuts were mediocre, it did not taste anything out of the ordinary. Customer service needs improvement. I was standing in line when a customer cut in front of me. The female employee who was taking orders saw what happened and still asked "who was first?" Obviously I was ahead, but she still helped the person who cut in line. Plenty of parking. Limited indoor seating. The establishment is well maintained.

Tiny shop in the plaza with amazing, melt-in-your-mouth donuts! If you have them, you must have them fresh and you will not be disappointed! I thought the hype was too much after trying donuts brought to work but when I went to the shop, patiently waited on their long line, I finally understood. Perfect softness, gooey and sweet but not overly done, it was a great donut. Be sure to go early or order ahead since the sell our fast! Definitely recommend.

THE best donuts in the Bay Area!!! Get your cash, wake up early. These donuts are worth it!! If you come later than 8am on a weekend you will probably need to wait 15+ minutes in line. But it will be worth it! The donuts are soooo fresh, melt-in-your mouth, amazing. My favorites are the glazed donuts and there is truly nothing better than eating them directly after purchasing (when they are still warm)! Very affordable (6 donuts for about ~$10) and they NEVER miss! Once you go to Stan's, you won't be able to settle for another donut shop again.

The donuts are so delicious and super fluffy! The staff are very kind and their service is really fast. I definitely recommend this place!

Today I had the banana buttermilk, and it was one of the greatest donuts I've ever had. It was light, yet perfectly crispy. Not heavy or greasy. It was incredible - perfectly cooked. The size of the donut was generous too! Pretty great value as well. Four donuts + small coffee for under $10. Can't wait to go back. Cash only. Pretty hectic line. Damn though...that donut was... bananas.

Stan's is hands down the best donut spot in the Bay Area. I'm not a huge donut person but this is the one place I will never pass up on. Their glazed donuts are the best - they are pillowy soft on the inside and even better if you manage to get them fresh. But they do sell out around 11am so you have to get there a little early and make sure to bring cash because they are cash only. The inside is a little small and there's limited seats so don't count on being able to eat there - but don't be intimidated by the line because it moves quickly.

In San Jose for a graduation!! My daughters decided to get donuts. I thought it was going to be the ordinary stand alone donut shops. Stan's Donut shop is in a strip mall. Parking is generous. The store looks nostalgic. This establishment has been around since 1959. You enter the store and proceed to the back where the line begins. They have counter seating that you see in the old movies. This shop smells amazing!! So much to see!!I've never seen cinnamon rolls so humongous! I was just looking but my family ordered a dozen of goodness! I got a cinnamon twist as it would take days to finish the cinnamon roll. I will definitely come back when in town again.

Nothing better than a fresh donuts from Stan's. Every one is so good it's hard to choose. Service is exceptional Clean and fresh with plenty of parking. Get there early for the best selections.

I grew up on stans but hadn't had it for about 10 years til today,I happen to be in Santa clara amd thought I would treat myself and what a treat!!! So frickin good,just so far better than probably 99.9 % of the other donut shops out there. Doesn't matter what u order just great donuts!!!

I can't believe I haven't tried this place until recently but it's def a great local donut shop! Prices are still very reasonable esp for the quality . I got to try their blueberry buttermilk donut and it was so memorable I went back to the store with my family to get more donuts. This time I tried the strawberry cake donut (they ran out of buttermilk ones by around 11 so keep that in mind) and the strawberry cake donut was sooooo good. Perfectly sweet and for me the perfect size. Lines are long but moves fast fs! Cash only but there's an ATM in the back!

Always the freshest donuts in town! When you see a line, you know you're in for deliciousness. Cash only, atm in the establishment. Line moves fast and doughnuts are still frying because inventory moves! This is a great place that's been here for decades. Try it, you'll love it. 5/5

Hands down. The best donuts. Period . Cash only . But there is an ATM inside . Lines are out the door on the weekends. Get there early

A Family Favorite with Sweet Memories! We first came to Stan's just days after our daughter was born--exhausted, running on little sleep, and soaking in new parenthood. I still remember sitting in the car, sharing fresh, warm donuts while she peacefully slept in the backseat. It instantly became one of our favorite spots. Now our daughter is 2 and lights up at the mention of Stan's! These donuts are always soft, fresh, and totally worth the early-morning line. They do limit how many you can get (because yes, they do sell out fast), but the quality and experience never miss. A forever family favorite.

The glazed donuts are my favorite here. Always worth the 20 minute drive. Best place to get donuts.

If you're into classic, old‑school donuts that hit just right, Stan's Donut Shop in Santa Clara is a must. This place has been a local staple since 1959, and you can feel that history the minute you step up to the counter and see fresh donuts coming out of the fryer right in front of you! Been going here for years, since I was a kid, and finally got a chance to write them a review! My personal favorites are the glazed and sugar - always fresh, warm, and satisfies my donut cravings! The donuts here are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, with just the right pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. The classics: glazed, chocolate frosted, and jelly-filled are all top-notch, but don't sleep on specialty flavors like maple bacon, crullers, or seasonal creations. Everything is fresh, light, and never too greasy, and you can tell they make them with real care. I've had them all! What makes Stan's extra special is how much it feels like a local hub. Everytime I stop by, the shop is always filled with longtime regulars grabbing their morning donuts, families picking up treats, and people chatting with the friendly staff. The community really supports this place, and that energy makes every visit feel warm and inviting. Coupled with great coffee and consistently delicious donuts, it's the kind of spot that locals keep coming back to and newcomers instantly fall in love with.

omg the hype is real :o Best glazed donuts I've ever had and super fresh. I got the custard maple, custard powdered sugar, and chocolate old fashioned as well to try for my family but the original glazed is definitely the star of the show. 1000/10. It's so warm and fluffy and surprisingly not too sweet. The old fashioned was also pretty good surprisingly and not too greasy. I came in around 12pm on a weekday and there was a good amount of glazed left but they were selling out fast. Apple fritters are only on mondays and they sell out so fast sadly. Cash only and if you see a line, it goes pretty quick. The workers are nice and efficient. Pretty small inside with minimal bar seating. If you can, eat it right away while it's still fresh!

My friend took me to this popular donut shop close to her place. Apparently always expect a decent line since it's a very popular grab for breakfast. They accept cash only! The trick is if you're only coming here to try 1-2 donuts, you can just go straight to the left counter (the one you see as soon as you walk in) for the fast checkout lane instead of waiting in the long line. We didn't have to wait long at all. We tried the original glaze as well as the old fashioned. The donuts were good but it wasn't anything special to me. My friend's favorite item from there is the twisted cinnamon but they were out while we were there.

This Vintage donut shop in Santa Clara is known for their doughy pillowy-soft glazed warm donuts. Depending on how early you get here the line can extend out the door and down several stores. We arrived early Sunday morning and waited 10min before our order was taken. They are pretty efficient with processing your order with someone at the cashier and a few behind the counter filling it. You can watch the entire donut making process while waiting. In the front and back large dough balls are being shaped, rolled and hand cut into donuts and then dumped into the fryer. As they turn golden brown they're manually flipped and eventually evenly coated with a warm sugar glaze. It's a well orchestrated process and made fresh in front of you. It's best eaten fresh and warm from the hot fryer with coffee or cold milk so grab a seat at the counter.

UFC 420 (get it?): Donut Wheel vs. Stan's Donut Wheel might get dethroned by Stan's. We didn't just think they were good. We were literally amazed. My wife continued our new tradition of getting post-surgery donuts, but the change in venue meant changing the donut supply. Now I'm considering more surgeries. After a quick review, she found Stan's to be the highest rated, not only in San Jose, but ranking Top Ten in USA. Agreeing with Yelpers, Santa Clara Living, Dining with Derek, Santa Clara News Online, San Jose History, Silicon Valley Living, RestaurantsWorld, Try Bay Area, San Jose Inside, Discover Santa Clara, KPIX (CBS) and a website that advises trips ranked it #1 bakery. Even ChineseGrandma says no others compare. It's a website (for now, thanks Trump). The exoskeletons in the huge old-fashioned, pulpy apple fritter, massive cinnamon twist, and cake donut were all crispy, crispier than an Influencer finding out her campground has no Starbucks. But the guts were all soft and fluffy. And just one of these dense donuts was enough to make me full. So full that I could only eat two more.

Stan's is a neighborhood classic. It's cash only with limited counter seating. They can be pretty busy early mornings, but I was pleasantly surprised to find no like around 10 AM on a Saturday. Parking is easy which is a plus and ordering is super fast at the counter where you can also watch employees sling and fry dough fresh. It's about 2 bucks a donut and delightful every time. Glazed Donut (4.75/5): If you imagine the ideal glazed donut, that's what they sell here. It's THE fluffiest dough with huge air pockets and the lightest crunch from the sugar glaze. Cruller (4.25/5): Also insanely fluffy, but a little eggier which isn't my preference. Same great texture, but because of the shape ends up just a tad sweeter than I'd prefer.

It was my first time swinging by Stan's last Saturday. We went around 9:30am and there was a line out the door! We ordered a dozen of assorted donuts. We got glaze, lemon buttermilk, some chocolate bars, chocolate custard, lemon cream and blueberry. We were looking forward to getting a cinnamon roll too, but they were sold out so that was a total bummer. The blueberry glaze donut was extremely sweet and that's coming from someone with a sweet tooth. I was hoping that one would be my favorite, but it ended up being my least favorite due to the overwhelming sweetness. My favorite was either the classic glaze or the lemon buttermilk. We only spent $20 which I think was a pretty good deal! All of the workers were so sweet and they got down the operation to a T to ensure efficient and nice service.

I came here on a Sunday a little before closing, so my selection was a bit limited since they mainly do fresh batches in the morning. There were mainly glazed donuts left, so I grabbed 3 for some friends and a banana buttermilk donut. Despite getting the remaining donuts of the day, the donuts still tasted fresh and delicious. I was intrigued by the banana buttermilk donut and it literally tasted like banana bread, which I love. The glazed donuts are also a classic and have great texture. Make sure to bring cash because they're cash only! They do have an ATM on site in case you forget. One thing to be wary of is cross contamination. Some of the donuts with nuts were very close or touching other donuts without nuts. I decided to avoid those during my visit even though they looked good because one of my friends who I was gifting donuts is allergic to nuts.

Excellent as always! My fav is the glazed then cinnamon roll then anything else! But you can't really go wrong here - so pick your go to! I'd recommend going before 9am. There may still be a line but it moves well. After 9am, you may have a bit more of a wait, but the donuts are worth it! (Also it's cash only so bring cash!!)

If you've heard that the best donuts are at Stan's Donut Shop, then you've heard correct! Once you get in, you're welcomed with the smell of freshly made donuts. It's $17 a dozen of your choice with glazed donuts being $1.75 and $1.25 per cake or old fashioned. Their donuts options include: glazed, sugar frosted cake, decorated care and old fashioned with cinnamon rolls. Even coming here at 6:30am expect to have a line out the door. They're fast and get you on your day MORE IMPORTANTLY! They accept cash only! I made the mistake of thinking they accepted cards and the panic i felt! They do have an ATM inside the shop, so don't you worry :)

Stan's is always a favorite when it comes to donuts. We stopped by on a Sunday to try out their banana buttermilk glazed donut. I'd highly recommend trying it at least once if you like a thick or cakey donut. You can never go wrong with a regular glazed donut or a cruller though!

Stan's Donut Shop is an absolute gem and truly one of a kind. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the history and character that make this place so special. It's not just a donut shop--it's an experience rooted in tradition and community. The donuts are nothing short of amazing. Every bite is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. There's something about Stan's donuts that sets them apart from anywhere else--they're classic, comforting, and unforgettable all at once. Anyone we've introduced to Stan's has seemingly had an out-of-this-world experience and instantly understands why it's so beloved. On top of the quality and history, the prices are incredibly reasonable. You get amazing donuts at great value, which makes the experience even better. Stan's is the kind of place that keeps you coming back.

Chocolate and maple bars are the best. Long lines but it's worth it. Will be back. Look forward trying the other donuts.

Donut Change Since 1959, Stan's has been making *the best* donuts I've ever had and their secret is doing things the right, old-fashioned way by properly yeasting their donut batter. This creates an unbelievably soft and fluffy texture that all those other donut shops couldn't replicate if they tried. And the funny part is they've had all this success at the most random hole-in-the-wall spot in a nondescript strip mall. They say never judge a book by its cover and nothing about Stan's appearance says it's superlative, except for one thing: the line. Yes, the dreaded line. The line is both foe and friend to foodies, as it's the #1 way to know a place is the shit is if there's always a line. And when you come to Stan's--there's almost always a line to get in. Thirty minutes before opening? Line. 1:30 p.m. on a random Sunday? Line. And don't even think of coming here after church or on a Sat, unless you donut (haha) value your time. The good news is you *can* skip the line, if you want--but where's the fun in that? 0_o The secret is to preorder a day or more ahead of time, per the website: "All phone orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. For busier days (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun), we require more advanced notice. We recommend placing your order as far in advance as possible. Please call 408-296-5982 between 6a-3p daily." So there ya go. One of life's few cheat codes is right at your feet. For me, however, I'm gonna do things the old-fashioned way like Stan's and just get in line and enjoy the wait. P.S. Don't forget they're CASH ONLY, so grab some green before you hit the scene, daddy-o. P.P.S. There's actually an ATM in the back so don't worry if you forget to grab cash ahead of time.

Wow Stan's is the best! So 40+ years ago went there before school and it was amazing and now 40 years later and even better in some ways. The flavor is amazing it's always busy it seems and a Santa Clara staple forever!!! Thank you Mr. Lucas for making me get them for you !