Stan's Donut Shop

Donut shop · Meridian

Stan's Donut Shop

Donut shop · Meridian

2

2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Photos

Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null
Stan's Donut Shop by null

Highlights

Acclaimed fluffy donuts, cash only, old-school charm  

Placeholder
Placeholder

2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Get directions

stansdonutshop.com

$1–10 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Get directions

+1 408 296 5982
stansdonutshop.com
stansdonutshop

$1–10 · Menu

Features

payment cash only

Last updated

Sep 6, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@postcardnews

Family-run since 1959, this counter-service classic turns out warm glazed donuts that Bay Area food writers regularly celebrate. Featured by the San Francisco Chronicle and local TV, it’s pure Santa Clara nostalgia.

https://www.stansdonutshop.com/
Things to Do in Santa Clara (2025)
View Postcard for Stan's Donut Shop
@postcardnews

A 1959 institution run by the founder’s family, beloved for hot glazed rings and maple bars. Celebrated by the San Francisco Chronicle’s guide to the Bay Area’s best doughnuts.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/best-doughnut-sf-bay-area/
Best Restaurants in Santa Clara (2025)
View Postcard for Stan's Donut Shop

Han Mai

Google
I really like Stan's Donut Shop. Their donuts are super fluffy and always taste fresh, which makes a big difference. You can tell they make them fresh daily. It's not a fancy place, but the quality of the donuts speaks for itself. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area and craving something sweet. On sunday, they also serve banana buttermilk donuts which taste like banana bread! It is also cash only! If you don't have enough, they have an ATM in the shop for you to withdrawal cash.

auria

Google
I think these are more of dessert-leaning donut than a breakfast donut! I’ll be coming here for every special occasion, or if I want a sweet treat :) The original glazed donuts are soft and dense. Even though ours weren’t fresh they could’ve fooled me, even room temp they were almost squishy soft. They were a bit more oily than other donuts. Honestly, I think one donut per person (maybe even half for those with a small appetite) is all you need because these donuts are so intense: they’re not super rich and heavy, but they are dense (yet still fluffy, I don’t know how they pulled that off). Service is fast and to the point. Cash only!

David Famero

Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Glazed Masterpiece at Stan’s Donuts – Santa Clara If you're anywhere near Santa Clara and haven't been to Stan’s Donuts, you're seriously missing out on one of the Bay Area’s greatest treasures. While everything on their menu is worth a try, the real magic happens the moment you bite into one of their cake-like glazed donuts fresh out of the oil. These aren't your average donuts—they're warm, rich, and a smooth glaze on the outside, giving way to a moist, tender interior that melts in your mouth. The glaze is pure perfection: very sweet, just enough to highlight the freshly fried dough. It clings beautifully to the golden crust, creating that dreamy crackle when you take a bite. There’s something almost nostalgic about it—the kind of donut that transports you straight to childhood but with a gourmet-level execution. The staff is always friendly, and the place has a welcoming, old-school charm that only adds to the experience. Pro tip: get there early or when a fresh batch is coming out—you’ll never look at another donut the same way again. Stan’s isn’t just a donut shop—it’s a Bay Area institution. 🍩🔥

Catherine Truong

Google
The best glazed donut in the Bay Area is at Stan’s. Don’t let the long line scare you. They move fast. It’s cash only but there’s an ATM in the back. It was $19 for a dozen. We got the glazed, chocolate glazed, and maple. Fresh out the fryer, soft as a pillow, with the perfect amount of sweetness, heavenly.

Jeff Niemeyer

Google
Old timey vibe that serves the best donuts on planet earth. Seriously, the best donuts EVER! The line runs out the door, but moved fairly quickly, and is well worth the wait. These donuts are made fresh all day long right in front of you, and have the perfect amount of sweetness, and the texture is unbelievable. A++++

Danny K (DSKO)

Google
Stan’s Donut Shop is one of those spots like Falafel’s Drive-In that has fiercely loyal customers who will defend it no matter how good or bad it actually is just because it has been around for decades. I find that those kind of customers have their judgment impaired by nostalgia. This morning, I stopped by Stan’s at 6:30am expecting a long line. Instead, there were just three customers inside, and one of the customers was yammering away for ten minutes with one of the ladies behind the counter. I could tell she wanted to help me with my order as she glanced over, but was stuck listening to Chatty Charlie. Eventually after five minutes, I was helped by another lady further down the counter. I quickly ordered a half dozen donuts: four glazed, one buttermilk and one chocolate glazed. I checked out and walked past Chatty Charlie back to my car. So how was the hyped up glazed donut from Stan’s? It was fluffy, airy, a bit crisp and not as overloaded with sugar as the buttermilk donut was. Not bad, not mind-blowing either. Certainly not heads and shoulders above others as some locals have claimed. The buttermilk donut was dense and coated with a ton of sugar. The loony and delusional Stan’s loyalists on Reddit personally attack you while disparaging nationally acclaimed donut shops such as Blue Star in Portland, Sidecar in LA or Dutch Door Donuts in Carmel. If we’re being completely honest, Stan’s glazed donuts is better than but don’t really stand that out much from Krispy Kreme’s fresh glazed donuts. What impresses me are donuts like Blue Star’s Creme Brûlée Donut with a shot of Cointreau or the monthly rotating flavors at Dutch Door, where they don’t start frying your donuts until you place an order at the counter. I am a local, was born and grew up in the South Bay. But I’ve also lived and traveled all over the world. I’m objective enough to judge a donut without sprinkling nostalgia all over it.

AnuReviews

Google
If you’re craving sugar, oil, and fat all in one bite Stand Donuts is your heaven. These donuts are unapologetically indulgent: drenched in grease, overloaded with sugar, and dense enough to count as a workout just lifting one. Forget balance or subtlety this place is a full-on sugar bomb. If that’s what you’re after, they absolutely deliver. If you’re looking for flavor, freshness, or finesse maybe keep walking.

Mia Savannah

Google
So good!! I loved the regular glazed, maple buttermilk, and apple fritter donuts. The glazed old fashioned was a bit sweet but the chocolate was really good. I got 5 donuts for $10. It’s cash only! The regular glazed was my favorite. It was so soft and was collapsing in my hand. Perfect amount of sweetness I can’t go to any other donut shop now.. these were too good.
google avatar

Nicole P.

Yelp
My holy grail of donut shops. I have a short list of must-visit spots whenever I'm in the Bay Area, and this is literally #1. I don't even like most donuts that much (I never touch Krispy Kreme)--only Stan's. The chocolate glazed is my absolute favorite. Bring cash, and order more than you think you need. They're unbeatable fresh, but surprisingly still delicious a day or two later... if they haven't vanished by then. I could go on and on... but honestly, you just need to try them yourself.
google avatar

Stephanie C.

Yelp
I usually love Stan's. The apple fritters and glazed donuts are very very good; super fresh because I went in at 6:10ish. However, today's glazed donuts were not good. I bought a dozen, and 4 of them had literal pockets of oil at the bottoms of the donuts. They were crispy, but biting into it felt like I was just eating oil. Some of the donuts in the dozen were good, but the others were bad. Two hours after eating the donuts, I had probably the worst stomach ache I've had in a long while. It was horrible. My time on the toilet was super rough. I hope the next time I get Stan's, it'll be better than whatever happened this time.
google avatar

Raymond M.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

rhonda s.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Taneko C.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Liz P.

Yelp
I always go to Stan's Donut when I'm in the area, usually for my doctors appointments. I dropped off some things and went to Stan's because my area doesn't make it like Stan's. I was disappointed with today's batch. It was greasy with every bite. My dad and mom love it but I don't remember it being greasy. Service was quick and the place is small. It's not wheelchair friendly so you need a friend to go with you to the donut trenches. They can't really do much wuth the size since it is a takeout place.
google avatar

Rebecca J.

Yelp
A delicious donut treat in a suburban shopping center in Santa Clara. I was visiting family here and looked up the best donut shops in town and this place came up when you walk in. It has a very old school feel . you can sit at the counters and be served right away, or you can stand in the long, but fast moving line, to get access to your delicious treat. We went at about 9 AM on a random Thursday and the donuts were definitely hot and fresh. They have a Krispy Kreme fill to them, but they are much more dense and thicker so in my opinion, much better ... Much much better than Krispy Kreme. We got four donuts and paid $7.50 a little overpriced but worth the hype!
google avatar

Sarah A.

Yelp
Best donuts in the bay area!! Their classic glaze is the best when it's fresh! Highly recommend this is coming from someone that doesn't really go out of their way for donuts. It is cash only, so be prepared.
google avatar

Alice K.

Yelp
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!
google avatar

Anna S.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Theresa P.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Katie L.

Yelp
The BEST donuts ever!!! Love coming here in the morning for a warm glazed donut!! They're so fluffy and airy, plus when they're still warm and fresh the donuts just taste next level goodness, forever will be craving for a Stan's donut! There was a long line in the morning when I went but it moved by fairly quickly. cash only but there's an ATM available
google avatar

Han M.

Yelp
I really like Stan's Donut Shop. Their donuts are super fluffy and always taste fresh, which makes a big difference. You can tell they make them fresh daily. It's not a fancy place, but the quality of the donuts speaks for itself. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area and craving something sweet. On sunday, they also serve banana buttermilk donuts which taste like banana bread! It is also cash only! If you don't have enough, they have an ATM in the shop for you to withdrawal cash.
google avatar

Kathryn G.

Yelp
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!!)
google avatar

Janine F.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Helen C.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Glen N.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Jacqueline Z.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Manuel L.

Yelp
Stan's Donuts is the real deal. To this day, they still make all their donuts by hand, completely from scratch, and you can actually see the whole process happening right in front of you--made fresh and fried right on the spot. The variety is impressive, the flavors are consistently delicious, and the donuts? Always hot, fresh, and ready to eat. Honestly, some of the best I've ever had, hands down. Even when the shop is packed (which is often), the service is impressively quick and efficient. You're in and out with a warm box of happiness before you know it. A true gem that lives up to the hype!
google avatar

Wes O.

Yelp
There's a reason there's always a line out the door. The glazed donuts are simply perfect with its crispy glazed exterior and fluffy center. Try them for yourself Tip: Cash Only! ATM inside
google avatar

Doug L.

Yelp
We drive out of the way to come and get their glazed donuts and cruellers (when in stock). They were always light and sweet. I don't recall there not being a day without a line. However, the service is hit or miss. Twice in a row they skipped serving us and immediately began getting the person's order BEHIND us. I really don't understand their system as the staff randomly wanders in and out of the cashier area and do not communicate to figure out who has been served or not. It's very annoying. Sure they apologize but continue to keep us waiting until they finish the order behind us.
google avatar

Deborah L.

Yelp
Been coming here for years but am finally getting around to reviewing it. Hands down, the best donuts in the area. Their glazed donut is famous for a reason-- perfectly glazed icing, plush fried dough that melts with every bite. These run out fast, so don't count on them being in stock if you visit later in the day. We love Stan's so much that we had them as our dessert vendor at our wedding! While they don't deliver, they were still amazing to work with. Packed our custom orders carefully so that pick-up was super easy and stress-free. P.S. bring cash!!
google avatar

Samantha C.

Yelp
Still the best in the Bay. I pick up a box from here every time I'm home now since there are no good donuts where I currently live. My most recent visit consisted of lemon buttermilk, original glazed, old fashioned, jelly-filled, and cream-filled donuts. As usual, they were perfect!
google avatar

Melissa G.

Yelp
I noticed so many of my favorite coffee shops carry Stans Donuts and I kept buying the glazed one at a mark up. So when I realized this donut shop is literally down the street from my home, I had to go to the source! If you like a thicker, bready-er more substantial donut this is the place for you. I had a glazed, sugar, chocolate cream filled and chocolate old fashioned. I will come back for the glazed donut, the rest were mid. Quick and friendly service. Standard donut shop ambiance.
google avatar

John D.

Yelp
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.
google avatar

Kim T.

Yelp
This donut shop definitely takes me back. It's cool to see how they are also a diner on the inside. It seems like a place where a lot of locals come to drink coffee, enjoy a donut, or order a sandwich. The line was long but the line moves fast. This place is cash only so be prepared! They do have an ATM in the back if you do forget. We opted for a glazed donut and old fashioned glaze. The glazed donut was moist but also dense; I was not expecting that. I actually ended up liking the old fashion more. The texture was more like a cake which I enjoyed.
google avatar

William S.

Yelp
Probably the best donuts in the Bay Area--so many people recommended it to me before I finally tried it. The line is long, but it moves fast, wrapping around inside the store. They have daily flavor options, and their prices are surprisingly reasonable--on par with big chain donut shops. Honestly, you might even get more for your money since their donuts are quite sizeable. I tried a bunch of different things, and everything was great, but their regular glazed donut really stood out. The dough is super fluffy and perfectly sweet. Next time, I might just get a bunch of glazed donuts. They make fresh donuts throughout the day, and the warm ones are incredible. The cinnamon roll was huge--definitely enough to share. The place has a very local feel, with lots of regulars. It's also been around since 1959 so that's pretty cool. You just tell the workers what you want, and they grab your donuts for you. Heads up: They only accept cash, so make sure to bring some!
google avatar

Maneet G.

Yelp
Stan's Donuts has some of the best donuts in the Bay Area. Their donuts are made fresh early in the morning and usually disappear by the early afternoon. They have a wide variety of donuts ranging from glazed, jelly filled, old fashioned, powdered, maple bars, and even bear claws. My usual pick is the glazed which is like a massive glazed cloud of yumminess. I also love the maple bar- it's the best I've ever eaten. My husband loves the donuts as well and gets them for his coworkers on Fridays sometimes! The lines are long, but they do move fast. The weekends are pretty crazy, but it's worth it. Overall, I love the donuts- my waistline hates me but my belly is happy! if you haven't had Stan's you're missing out!
google avatar

Jewel W.

Yelp
I finally understand the hype!! Came by around 11 and luckily they still had a wide selection of flavors to choose from. Grabbed a 1/2 dozen with 3 glazed, 1 sugar, 1 maple, and 1 chocolate sprinkle. These are so pillowy and soft, and the price is reasonable. They only take cash but they do have an ATM in store if necessary. Service is quick. Will be back in the future.
google avatar

Joyce L.

Yelp
You need to get here EARLY one time most of my faves were all sold out by noon. Everytime I am in town my friends husband will grab two dozen for us because I have never had such fluffy pillowy donuts in my life ever! It tastes like heaven. My favorite ofc is the maple donut, zebra, and sugar. Darn my cravings!!! But, needed to make this post on national donut day. Please open one in sac
google avatar

Leslie C.

Yelp
Stan's donuts is a staple in Santa Clara and loved by all. Their warm glazed donuts are their #1 item, but I also love the cinnamon bun and maple bars. Service is pretty fast, however the line is always long, even super early in the morning. There are some spots to sit at a counter, but not a lot of room to sit inside.
google avatar

John G.

Yelp
If your in the Bay area or visiting, then you must try Stan's donuts in santa clara! These are by far the best donuts in the donut game! The best time to come here is before they open at 6am! I try to get here between 5-530am. The line gets pretty long! And the earlier the better! Trust me! Its a small donut shop tucked away in Santa Clara. They've been in the business since 1959! Still serving up crazy good donuts! The glazed donuts are amazing That's the one yall!!! So good!!! But all the donuts are really delicious!
google avatar

Susan Z.

Yelp
I was lucky enough to have tried one of their glazed donuts when a coworker brought some to work for the team, and it is the best glazed donut I've ever had. Hands down! Texture, taste, sweetness -- all perfection! Fluffy inside, chewy, slight crisp on the outside with the glaze. I never knew that a glazed donut could be so delicious?! I can't wait to try their other options like the glazed old fashion. Will definitely stop by one day and hope it won't be too long of a wait!
google avatar

Greg W.

Yelp
Mmm... who can say no to hot, fresh, glazed donuts?! The donuts here can sell out quickly depending on day of week and what time you arrive. Definitely always better to try to come earlier in the day while they still have a good variety to choose from. I always enjoy getting the classic glazed yeast donuts. They're around $1.75 a pop (so $10.50ish for 6) and are oh so fluffy. These donuts are best eaten fresh and right away while they're still warm. Once cold, they're still good but there's a noticeable taste degradation. Make sure to bring enough cash! They do have an ATM machine, but it's easier if you just have your wallet prepared ahead of time :-)
google avatar

Brandon F.

Yelp
This donut shop looked promising, a line out the door, a vintage donut bar, and friendly staff, but that's about as far as they got. These were the most disgustingly undercooked donuts I've ever put in my mouth. Thankfully I did not swallow any of this mouth batter and I was able to successfully spit it out. To be absolutely clear, I willingly threw away 1/2 dozen donuts. I actually felt bad for the garbage can which had to hold this gooey box of trash. Save yourself a trip unless you enjoy eating raw donut batter that is lightly fried.
google avatar

Sirina L.

Yelp
Honestly these donuts did not blow me away. While it was super fluffy which I loved, we picked up our donut on a Saturday at 7:30am and yet it was not hot. The donuts were cold when we got it. I think because it wasn't fresh when we got it, it was very underwhelming. I know people wait in line for these or even get up at 5/6am for them but I personally would not. Though I do want to give it another try when it's freshly hot. Parking is easy to park. When we went on a Saturday at 7:30am, there was no line.
google avatar

Robert W.

Yelp
Iconic donut shop in the South Bay. There is a reason why there's always a long line early in the morning. Coworker brought in a dozen of the original glazed donuts and they were still warm. Delicious donut and one of my favorite places. Definitely stop by if you're in the area.
google avatar

John N.

Yelp
It's taken me nearly four years of living here to get to Stan's, and boy, was it worth the wait! Stan's is legendary in the South Bay, and for good reason. They nail the basics (plain, glazed donuts), and then some. Made fresh every morning and served still warm, the glazed donuts in particular have near flawless execution. They are light and fluffy, while still maintaining the thinnest outer layer of crisp, so as to provide a "bite" when you first dive in. The glaze layer is thin, and not overly sugary or sweet. The dough is as fresh as they come. If you came here just to get a dozen plain, glazed donuts, you'll have had a trip well spent. I also tried their cinnamon roll (equally delectable, also light and not overly decadent), which had a similar texture. It's huge, and at $3, a steal! Their chocolate glazed is also popular, but for first-timers I'd recommend the plain glazed to start. I also tried their Bavarian cream w/ powdered sugar, maple old fashioned, and lemon buttermilk (special of the day). All delicious, but in a slightly lower tier than the former, which is what they are known for. All in all, six donuts + a cinnamon roll for $13.75 (cash only). Can't be beat!
google avatar

Ervin S.

Yelp
This is hands down the one of the best donut shops in the SF Bay Area. Their glazed and sugar donuts are fabulous and their bear claw delicious. Went there with my friend Linette to buy some donuts and they are constantly being made fresh which is a plus. Serious try this place out if you are into donuts...Just a little past Apple HQ. Service is nice but challenging at times due to language barriers. No star off there as they are friendly. Ambiance is tight as this place is well known. So it is always out the door but mostly for to go which is what Linette and I were doing. You have that friend that for some reason you can always laugh at everything...This girl is it for me. There are chairs but the line doubles into the shop. The hit is they do not take AMEX or cards! That is such a hot point for me. Instead they have an ATM and paying $3 bank fee is just over the top. Thankfully my girl was prepared. We got our donuts and the universe was good.
google avatar

Alice Y.

Yelp
5 stars for the taste and price, IF you can wake up before 8 am! Cash and check only. Phone orders must be called in at least 24 hours in advance. After hearing my bf rave about Stan's Donuts for years, I was finally able to try them. They tasted great! The only "con" was having to get there early before their most popular items sold out (usually by 10-11am). I was grumpy and struggling. The shop was packed on a Sunday at 8:15 am. The line forms from the back of the shop near the bar seating to the register, so don't block the door. You essentially need to know your order by the time it's your turn, so they can get you in and out. Check the website in advance for the menu. There were different flavors of donuts behind the refrigerated case, and additional racks of freshly baked flavors were behind the register. - Famous Glazed donut ($1.75). Delicious! A super soft and chewy raised donut. I saw the springy layers and tasted the subtle egginess of the dough. - Buttermilk donut ($2 - Banana flavor on Sundays). This was more oily than the glazed donut due to the crispy outside. The inside was melt-in-your-mouth fluffy and tender. I enjoyed the light banana accent to the buttermilk flavor. - Cinnamon Roll ($3). The dough tasted similar to the glazed donut, but it was fried to the crispiness of the buttermilk donut. Therefore, this was the oiliest and heaviest item we tried. It tasted good, but I couldn't have more than a couple of bites with the other donuts. I thought of it as a special cinnamon donut rather than a cinnamon roll.
google avatar

Jazmin P.

Yelp
Bring cash ! There is an ATM machine inside but save your self the 2.25 it will charge you . The food aka the infamous warm donuts are so good ! I had came in on a Friday and used the atm machine then queued up for line . By the time I got my cash out two more individuals joined the line . It is busy but not overly crowded on this particular day . I did notice that "counter service " does take priority over the line because they are sitting inside vs the take out . Tipping is allowed , my 1 box of dozen all glazed donuts came out to $17 . Definitely worth a try !
google avatar

Tracy R.

Yelp
Honestly, the best donuts in the Bay Area hands-down. I'll be dreaming about these donuts forever. If you like a plain glazed, fluffy warm delicious donut, come to Stan's. This is a no frill donut shop with limited seating on the inside, but they make glazed donuts all day. I came around 10:30 on Saturday morning and had to stand in line but it went quickly. We were able to get our donuts in about 10 to 15 minutes. They are cash only placewith an ATM in the inside, but there is also a US bank and Wells Fargo in the same plaza as the donut shop I have come previously around 1 PM and the glazed donuts were already sold out so make sure you come early on the weekends if you want to get.

Claire P.

Yelp
I'm a big glazed doughnut fan & hands down, Stan's is the best! The taste, texture & quality can't be beat in this family style old fashion hole in the wall. I've had doughnuts all around the bay area & nothing comes close to Stan's. Love them so much I drive from Daly City to Santa Clara for them & even have a t-shirt that I proudly wear to advertise for them. Love you Stan's!!!!

Izzy R.

Yelp
Stan's makes decent donuts. Definitely one of the better places currently in the area. Downsides are they only take cash and open later than other places. At my company we get donuts often but never stans unfortunately because they aren't open early enough. Also having to pay in cash is such an inconvenience. I'm glad Randy's is opening. They're a Southern California staple and are a great alternative Option.
google avatar

Hana C.

Yelp
This was my first time trying Stan's donuts, and I brought along my dad who had been raving about it the past couple of months. It's safe to say my high expectations were met within the first bite of the glazed donut. I was planning to only eat half of the donut as I had lunch plans right after, but somehow the entire donut disappeared within a minute. We arrived at around 10:40am. While there was no line out the door, there was a small line inside. We were only inside for about 5 minutes before someone took our order and we had our box of donuts in hand! The glazed donut was both light and just the perfect amount of sweetness. It had just the right amount of dough, and didn't leave me feeling greasy or heavy after. The glazed donut was only 1.75, and it seems very comparable to the $6+ gourmet donuts I buy down in Southern California. I'm moving from the bay soon, but I wish I had more time to come back!! Needless to say, whenever I visit family and friends in the bay, Stan's will be my first stop.
google avatar

Stephanie H.

Yelp
Donuts donuts donuts!!! The glazed donuts were spectacular in terms moistness, fluffiness, and sweetness. I recommend getting the ones that just came out of the oven because those are very moist compared to the ones that have been sitting out. We also ordered the banana cream donut and a lemon donut. However, there was a bit too much banana to cream ratio, the lemon donut was a bit too sour for our taste. The line was quite long, but the service was fast, also they only accept cash! However, there's an ATM machine in the back to receive cash from. As per the dining situation, there were only a few seatings, perhaps 4 bar stool seats, very crowded inside. I've been here a couple of times and I'm never disappointed with their glazed donuts. :-)
google avatar

Hershey G.

Yelp
I've been coming to Stan's for a long time and it never disappoints. Their glazed donuts are seriously next level--soft, airy, and perfectly coated in that classic glaze. It's the kind of donut that keeps you coming back. Pro tip: they sell out fast, especially the popular ones, so try to go earlier in the day if you want the best selection. Also, don't forget, it's cash only, so plan ahead!
google avatar

Daniel L.

Yelp
Stan's doughnuts are so amazingly perfect and fluffy and doughy each and every time that I come here. I am so amazed that they are able to make their donuts so consistent each and every time. I got the usual glommed donuts and they are perfect as per usual. I can't wait for my next up here.
google avatar

Richard B.

Yelp
Tried Stan's Donut Shop for the first time this week. The donuts are very good -- fresh, still warm when I got there early, with a light texture and just the right amount of sweetness. The old-fashioned was especially solid. Nothing over-the-top, just well-executed classics. Coffee's basic, but fine. Service was quick and organized, even with a steady flow of customers. Overall, a strong option if you're looking for a proper donut in Santa Clara. I've tried a few places in the area -- this one's near the top of the list.