10 San Diego County Donut Shops to Try in 2023

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1.) Sesame Donuts

Sesame Donuts - Carmel Mountain Ranch

You know you are that good when a Krispy Kreme rolls into your ‘hood, plops down and sets up shop, and you just keep on without a tic.

This jewel has been owned and operated by a Korean-American family for decades.

When Krispy Kreme appeared, locals rallied to their side and never left.

For the ultimate Saturday snack run, try the King Size donut.

And then take a picture of it next to a standard sized donut of your choice.

Then try the Fruit Loop and sprinkles covered cake donut.

Always be happy and donut worry after filling your belly with such goodness.

2.) Broadstreet Dough Co

Broad Street Dough Co – Encinitas, CA

Freshly baked.

Like.

Right.

Now.

As in "Made to Order".

What?!

What other place does that for you while letting your dog chill inside the shop?

Vegan, gluten free options too.

Did somebody say cronuts? Croissant-donuts in case that’s news to you, and yes, this is what I want for my last meal. 

Family owned is another plus and the size of each morsel is just right.

Clean, organized, with so many options, you cannot even decide.

Sometimes the guilt is greater than the pleasure in terms of sugar, but not here.

Try the Fair Haven and S’mores Galore.

If you are not a local these are so worth the drive!

3.) Sidecar Donuts & Coffee

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee – Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego


King of the Cake doughnut, Sidecar delivers with beautiful packaging.

Artisanal and upscale, these elegant beauties are decadent and luxurious.

Ok, they are not cheap, but you know you are worth it. :-)

Aside from the promise of a pretty little present, unusual flavors like Huckleberry and Vanilla Bean surprise and delight.

If you are the kind of person who doesn’t want to waste calories on bad desserts, look no further.

These doughnuts please even those rare types of humans who completely lack the craving for carbs.

For the person devoid of a sweet tooth, get The Basil Egg Benedict and be the light that shines twice as bright in their day.


4.) VG Donut & Bakery

VG Donut & Bakery – Cardiff by the Sea


Family owned and operated for over fifty years, VG Donuts and Bakery is a hidden gem in Cardiff.

Many reviewers have recalled religious moments upon first bite.

Their best seller is the glazed donut, but honorable mentions go to the apple fritters, cookies, and specialty cakes.

Let the line out the door of this local favorite speak for itself.

That’s what happens when you taste the magic within the warm goodness baked fresh daily.

If you are camping on the coast or in need of a pre-surf snack, this bakery is a must visit.

Present moment, perfect moment. 


5.) Danny's Donuts

Danny’s Donuts – Peppertree Corner – Vista, CA


Famous for their Apple Betty and Pistachio flavors, this shop also sells cream puffs on the weekends.

The blueberry donut itself was voted sixth place in the country by a New York based reviewer in 2013.

Because this list was made from reviews, rankings, and regional reports, the blueberry donut definitely aced the algorithm.

With that kind of recognition, it’s no wonder Vista’s mom and pop shop has no problem selling out on a daily basis and remains a local favorite.

They currently offer freshly squeezed juices to keep healthy minded folks happy, and their breakfast offerings have a cult following as well. 


Oh, and it's right next door to the Pepper Tree Frosty.. if you know, you know.


6.) Peterson's Donut Corner

Peterson’s Donut Corner


This charming walk-up donut shop has been in business for over forty years and is a cherished spot in Escondido.

Featuring three walk up windows without in-store seating, it’s no surprise the lines are long yet efficient.

Families with kids still in their pajamas can be found as early as 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday, the donuts are this good.

Some of the donuts are so big people stick birthday candles in them and delight their work colleagues.

Love doesn’t always have to break the bank, and with crullers available for under a buck, this local favorite is here to stay.

Get the cherry fritter, a chocolate zebra, or one of their delicious ham and cheese croissants. 


7.) The Goods Doughnuts

The Goods Doughnuts - Carlsbad Village, CA


Cruffins (croissant muffins? cronut?) that take three days to make beckon customers from all over Carlsbad.

Artisanal doughnuts crafted with locally sourced ingredients are drool-worthy and cheat day friendly.

Yes, this is the caloric investment you waited all week for.

Lemon lovers, the Citrus Cream is for you, and the gluten free Bacon Vermont Maple properly showcases bacon.

This is not your run of the mill bacon bit dipped fritter.

Oh, and you might as well add the Churro Cruller to your order, because the regret from not getting it will haunt you for days.

Bring some home to your vegan friend and remain a friend for life.


8.) Nomad Donuts

Nomad Donuts – University Avenue, San Diego, CA


Do-nut discuss Nomad Donuts without mentioning their Montreal style bagels.

Boiled in agave-sweetened water prior to baking, the bagels themselves are tasty little carb bombs.

The vegan bagel sandwich menu is other-worldly, yet carnivores are far from neglected with their choices.

Dubbed Best Donuts in San Diego Magazine in 2020, this North Park sparkler also provides top-notch catering.

Not your typical donut shop, you can also try the craft beers inspired from some of the donut flavors themselves.

With flavors like ube, s’mores, strawberry rhubarb pie, and watermelon, you are in for a cosmic treat. 


9.) Donut Panic

Donut Panic – Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA


Vegan donuts made here really give their non-vegan counterparts a run for their sugar.

They are perfectly moist, wonderfully flavored, and decadent.

Yeast raised is what makes these babies the tastiest vegan donuts in town.

Good to know, but for the rest of the regular donut lovers out there, Donut Panic has plenty of other offerings as well. 

Flavors change every day but usually include Maple Bacon, Earl Grey, the Homer (vanilla bean with sprinkles), Rose Cardamom, and something with Citrus.

Rosemary Lavender Lemon Cream?

With variety like that, you’re gonna wanna put this on your donut to-do list.


10.) Mary's Donuts

Mary’s Donuts – Santee, CA


An East County icon, Mary’s Donuts has a location in both Santee and Lakeside.

Award winning for a reason, forty years of solid business kinda does that to you.

The makings of a good donut shop don’t seem that hard to pull off from an armchair perspective.

However, from the looks of the place both inside and out, you can tell they know how to do donuts.

First off, the windows outside are painted to reflect the upcoming holiday, so immediately you feel festive.

Then when you walk in, there’s an abundance of variety available and every single flavor looks great.

The Twisted Chocolate Cinnamon Log is particularly appealing next to the Maple Bacon, and for some reason you know the Boston Cream is gonna smash it.

And it does.