Whether it's your cheat day or you're just craving something sweet, a donut is never a bad idea. The holiest food of them all is one of our favorite pastries, and the Bay has no issues serving 'em up piping hot and glazed to kill. Here's where to find a dozen or two the best and yummiest ones.
Last updated on National Donut Day — June 7, 2024
San Francisco
Via Bob's Donuts
(1621 Polk St. // Polk Gulch + 601 Baker St. // NoPa)
You know we had to start with the classic! A family-owned business that first opened its doors in 1960, Bob's Donuts is bucket list material. Beat the "Bob's Donuts Challenge" (spoiler alert: it involves eating that massive glazed donut) and get a free donut, drink, and Bob's Donuts shirt. Challenge accepted.
(2760 24th St. // Mission + 110 Yacht Rd. // Marina)
After spending years working in several of San Francisco's top kitchens (Foreign Cinema, Liberty Cafe, and Stars included), Dynamo head baker Sara Spearin has created some prime cream-filled confections all her own. Did we mention their notorious maple bacon donut? Drooool. (Psst - don't forget to check out their kiosk on the SF Bay Trail on the weekends!)
(1243 Noriega St. // Inner Sunset)
Owner Paul Lim grew up in the donut business, meaning it's safe to say that donut know-how runs in his blood. Stop in for classic selections all week long and chow down on their inspired specialty and seasonal donuts on weekends. Sugar twist here we come!
Via Uncle Benny's
(2049 Irving St // Outer Sunset)
With organic ingredients and a variety of handcrafted breakfast treats, it's no wonder this place is chock-full every morning. Benny's is a great stop for the classics — there's nothing like a no-frills glazed donut or warm fritter for an AM treat. Plus, if you're hungry for donuts' savory cousin, their bagels are pretty bangin' too.
(3198 24th St // Mission)
This corner spot has long been adored by locals, and for good reason. Their donuts are the perfect amount of sweet and always made with love, and you won't get better service anywhere — when you order here, you can usually expect to get extra donuts thrown in for free.
East Bay
(3000 38th Ave // Oakland)
Square-shaped cronuts and tiny bite-sized varieties convert first-timers into devoted believers at the beloved Donut Savant. It's a constant frontrunner for the title of best donut in the East Bay, and for good reason.
(6037 San Pablo Ave // Oakland + 1312 Gilman St. // Berkeley)
We wouldn't be the Bay Area if we didn't have at least one entirely organic and vegan donut shop. Naturally, we have two. Absolve your sweet tooth of its sins at Donut Farm, which boasts classics and kooky varieties like Matcha Green Tea and Whisky Tangerine Fig.
Via Gonutz
(3318 Lakeshore Ave. // Oakland + 6126 LaSalle Ave. // Oakland)
Simple, fresh, and sweet is the name of the game at Colonial Donuts, an Oakland donut establishment since the 1980s. They have a wide variety of cake and raised options. Craving donuts after a night out? The Lakeshore joint is open 24 hours.
(2521 Durant Ave. A // Berkeley)
You know it's the real deal when a shop has been serving up the goods since the 1930s, and King Pin Donuts is the real deal. It's been a Berkeley student favorite for generations, serving up warm and fresh donuts, mouthwatering apple fritters, and icing-filled donuts worthy of their own fan club.
(Various Locations)
Though it is national chain — with many locations in the Bay Area, including in Alameda, San Carlos, and Campbell — we just can't help ourselves. If you've never tried a mochi donut, you need to stop what you're doing now and find one. Simultaneously airy and chewy, it is an utterly delightful take on the beloved breakfast pastry. Plus, this Japanese-style treat is shaped like a pearl necklace, which allows you to eat them like a traditional donut or break them into multiple, donut hole shaped bites.
South Bay + Peninsula
(2006 S Winchester Blvd. // Campbell)
We're cuckoo for Psycho Donut's bonkers decor and highly experimental approach to donut-making. From the Doh-nilla (Nilla Wafers on a donut) to the Strawberry Fields (the only donut topped with Pocky we've ever encountered), things can get a little crazy at this South Bay shop.
(Multiple Locations // San Jose)
This charming donut hub keeps it low-key with what really matters: chewy and delicious fresh-baked donuts and top-tier glaze. If you're in search of additional breakfast options, don't overlook the cinnamon rolls or egg and cheese croissants. They've got locations in Willow Glen, near De Anza, and on the South Side.
(3005 Silver Creek Rd. // San Jose)
Another great spot for mochi donuts can be found in San Jose. These light and chewy rings are glazed to perfection with many unique flavors. It's enough to make us never want to go back to the old fashioned — or Old Fashioned — style donut ever again. See what we did there?
(449 E Santa Clara St. // San Jose)
In the heart of downtown SJ, this donut shop only serves vegan donuts. That’s right, vegans all over the South Bay can now indulge and join in on the donut hype. Sweet!
North Bay
(Multiple locations)
People line up for Johnny Doughnuts' delectable "crodoughs" (flaky croissant, meet perfectly fried doughnut) and bismarks filled with locally-sourced jams and creams. Catch their food truck on the fly at various festivals and Off The Grid events around the Bay.
(175 Belvedere St. // San Rafael)
No frills, no donut fusions, no bullshit. Sunrise Donuts didn't come to play. They did, however, come to make dang good donuts that are still warm if you arrive early enough in the morning. Plus, they serve a full menu of Chinese food, so you sure won't leave hungry.
Via Donut Alley
(471 Magnolia Ave. // Larkspur)
We've covered all kinds of donuts on this list, but the only shop that we know of serving a foot-shaped donut is in Larkspur. At Donut Alley, you can choose from hand-crafted French crullers, Portuguese malasada donuts, or their signature foot-shaped confection. Give them a call to find out which donuts are still hot!
(1615 W Texas St. // Fairfield)
This might look like your favorite local donut shop but they have unique flavors you can’t find anywhere else! If you’re in the area we definitely suggest you try their Samoa donut, a play on the notorious Girl Scout cookie. They open at 4 am, so get there early for the best selection!
Still not satisfied?! Try the Best Ice Cream in the Bay!
