Stan's Donut Shop
Donut shop · Meridian ·

Stan's Donut Shop

Donut shop · Meridian ·

Acclaimed donuts, sandwiches & soda-fountain treats in retro diner

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

Information

2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Get directions

$1–10

See Menu
payment cash only

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

Dec 11, 2025

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@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Maple & Ash Co-Owner Accuses Partner of Stealing $265K From Shared Business Accounts | Eater Chicago

"A donut shop that produced a limited‑time promotion tied to the local production of Winnie the Pooh: special vanilla cake doughnuts modeled on characters (Pooh and Tigger) as part of a themed 'Hunny Hunt' promotion running April 18 through May 1." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/4/13/23023561/maple-and-ash-lawsuit-ukraine-world-central-kitchen-johnathan-zaragoza-wieners-circle-lori-lightfoot
Stan's Donut Shop
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Sustainable Delivery Startup Suddenly Closes, Leaving Bay Area Food Business Owners With Thousands in Unpaid Bills | Eater SF

"A Santa Clara donut institution since 1959 known for its glazed donuts; co-owner Julie Clark embraced the idea of expanding to San Jose via Academic Coffee’s carts so residents can get their pastry fix without driving." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2022/3/28/23000037/zero-grovery-delivery-startup-close-unpaid-bills
Stan's Donut Shop
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

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)
Stan's Donut Shop
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

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)
Stan's Donut Shop

Richard N.

Google
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.

Loyal2933

Google
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!

Han M.

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 F.

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. 🍩🔥

Melissa A.

Google
Living in Iowa I didn't know what I was missing. Best donuts I've ever had! The glazed donut just melts in your mouth. So good! Loved the feel of the family-owned, long standing business and the staff were so nice.

Danny K (.

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.

Jeff N.

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++++
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Amanda M.

Yelp
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
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Jezza Mei O.

Yelp
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 :)
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Jeff F.

Yelp
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!
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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.
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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.
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April F.

Yelp
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
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Bubu N.

Yelp
These are the best donuts I've ever had. The prices are great and the donuts are so fluffy. There's usually a line but it moves quick. I love old vintage feel the place has. It's seriously the only place I'd get donuts now.
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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.
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Arthur L.

Yelp
Warm glazed donuts from Stan's is heavenly. I could eat one or two everyday but limit myself to twice a month. So my weakness is Stan's donuts but my strength is eating it only twice a month!
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Chaela N.

Yelp
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!
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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.
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Anna K.

Yelp
We've been spoiled by our customer. She's brought us Stan's Donuts multiple times and got us hooked. We had the glazed donuts and yes, they're a bit on the sweet side but so soft and doughy inside! Definitely, a sweet treat to have every once in a awhile.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!

Greg S.

Yelp
Stan's donuts, especially the glazed is in a class by itself Nothing else is close, but get there early as they run out, especially if you want a dozen or more
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Brian-Matthew C.

Yelp
All I can say is that these are some of the best donuts that I've ever had. The prices are totally fair. If I'm ever in this area, I'm definitely going back. Service was good. If there's a wait it would be well worth it. Sorry I don't have any pictures. The donuts all went too fast.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!!
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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 :-)
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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T T.

Yelp
Protect this place at all costs!!!! Stan is the donut man!!!!! Stan's is the place to go since I was a kid. As an adult it is tough to get here early. However if you do bring cash and you will not be disappointed. A bite will take you back to being a kid. This is how donuts used to be. Now this is the only real donut place. I will wait till I can come here because everything else is a waste of time and money. They are super friendly. The shop is clean and they go through their product fast. They use real ingredients and love. Thank you for that!!! We will always comeback!!!
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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.
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Marcia F.

Yelp
There aren't too many old skool spots like this anymore. A diamond in the rough. Anytime I come across someone who hasn't heard of Stan's I feel the need to introduce them to the out of this world amazing donuts that rival NONE! The staff are pro's and always sweet. The line and crowds are expected and a given. I usually call the day before I plan on going so that upon arrival I take two steps in the door and tell whoever's manning the pick up my # (given at time of advance order) and no more than 5 minutes I'm out with glorious delicious fluffy donuts. Nothing beats the classic regular glaze-even though I'm a chocolate glaze gal I have to give it up for their regular glaze. Ain't nothing regular about it though-it just compliments the texture perfect! Cash only. If you do walk-in be prepared for possibility of 30-45 minute wait. There is a counter type bar for eat-in but rarely seen more than one or two people eating at it. Small and narrow space overall but one day, I'll make it a point to n relax with a Stan's donut at Stan's instead of rushing off and spoiling my work family with Stan's.
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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
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Rosanne M.

Yelp
The best donuts anywhere, hardworking staff, and excellent customer service. My husband grew up in Santa Clara and always raved about Stan's. He was right!
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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.
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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.