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Donuts. Or Doughnuts?
However you spell them, we have found a way to convince ourselves this fried, cakey treat was somehow meant for breakfast rather than an after dinner dessert. Our thanks go out to those early adopters who dared to challenge the taboos of society.
As a result, the magnificent donut is a now cultural icon and no more so than in Southern California (maybe a little more in Canada), where there are more than 800 donut shops (and several doughnut shops) in Los Angeles County alone.
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To celebrate #NationalDonutDay, which is Friday, June 5, we have helped to narrow down your options for celebration with this list (in no particular order) of the best donuts from Santa Clarita to Redondo Beach to Glendora to San Bernardino.
Enjoy.
Sunrise Donuts
Bagel & Donut Shop ***** The Best in my book mmm mmm good...best overlooked gems.
21691 Yucca Loma Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92307Cross Streets: Between Navajo Rd/Outer Hwy 18 S and Outer Hwy 18 S
1. Donut Man * Dry Donuts.
• Address: 915 E Route 66, Glendora
• Why It Is Awesome: These aren’t just doughnuts. This is the work of a craftsman. Donut Man owner Jim Nakano is well-known for creating one of the top destinations in Southern California for doughnuts. Each one is in a class above and favorites like bear claws and tiger tails are taken to delicious exuberance. But the thing that made Nakano and Donut Man famous are the fruit-filled doughnuts that are made fresh and overflow with sweet doughnut decadence. The treats are seasonal but some of the favorites throughout the year are strawberry and peach. The best part? This isn’t a morning only destination as Donut Man is open 24 hours, but beware of lines on weekend nights as local college and high school kids love to get a late-night snack.
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2. Moon Donuts ***** great mmm mmm good...
• Address: 1000 Torrance Blvd., Suite E, Redondo Beach
• Why It Is Awesome: Moon Donuts has been the Daily Breeze go-to doughnut shop for years, and the paper’s move to a new building a couple of miles away in 2009 did not change that. Moon’s doughnuts are known for softness and fluffiness, especially early in the day, and their apple fritters are world class. But what really puts them over the top is the friendly staff members who treat every customer like they are someone special, whether you’re ordering one doughnut or four dozen. Check your bag while you are breathing in the goodness of your purchase, you probably will find an extra doughnut hole or two thrown in for good measure.
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3. Randy’s Donuts ** O.o
• Address: 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood
• Why It Is Awesome: Besides the iconic, culturally significant image of a giant doughnut perched atop this small walk-up 24-hour shop that has been immortalized in numerous films and television shows? Putting aside the obvious Instagram opportunity, the classic, homemade doughnuts make the trip worth far more than a selfie.
4. Blinkie’s Donut Emporium *** May just a off day..
Address: 4884 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills
Why It Is Awesome: Blinkie’s is barely ever open. Hours are 5 a.m. to noon weekdays, 6 a.m. to noon Saturdays and 7 a.m. to noon Sundays. Why is Blinkies never open past noon? Because these doughnuts are so good, they sell out. Every day. If you’re thinking of getting there around noon, you’re probably too late. If you do get to Blinkie’s early, it’s all about the glazed doughnut. Don’t bother with anything else. Just go there and get all the glazed doughnuts they have. They are soft, almost gooey, with the perfect amount of sugar, flour and fat. If you’re looking for the doughnut against which all other can be measured, set your alarm and hurry up the hill, south of Ventura Boulevard, to Blinkie’s on Topanga Canyon.
5. Franky’s Donuts & Deli ***** Great mmm mmm good...
• Address: 415 W. Fifth St., Suite A, San Bernardino
• Why It Is Awesome: The dirty secret about doughnut shops is that they largely use the same few ingredient suppliers and the same recipes. Doughnut genius is in the slight variations from these recipes. At Franky’s, you’ll find plenty of tasty doughnuts, but most of all, amazing apple fritters. Franky’s apple fritters are everything you want them to be: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with delicious cinnamon apple flavor. And a generous size, too. A Franky’s apple fritter is large enough to share with a friend, but you’ll want to keep it all to yourself. If delicious doughnuts aren’t enough, the friendly, family-run shop is also a cheap lunch stop, serving up burgers and tasty grinders for hungry downtowners.
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6. Ontario Donuts ***** Great mmm mmm good...
•Address: 1923 E 4th St., Ontario
• Why It Is Awesome: Next to police officers, reporters may consume more doughnuts than any other profession and Ontario Donuts are a favorite of the reporters at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. That’s a pretty good endorsement. This is exactly what you imagine when you think of a local doughnut shop. No frills, straight-forward, well-made, fresh, classic doughnuts.
7. S & S Donuts and Bakery ***** great mmm mmm good...
• Address: 27754 McBean Pkwy., Valencia
• Why It is Awesome: Santa Clarita residents swear by the tasty treats baked by this family-owned business. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, customers line up for doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies and more. If you want to skip the doughnuts, you can go straight for the cakes, which get rave reviews, too.