Discover the best doughnuts that San Diego has to offer with some spots open 24 hours a day to help cure those middle-of-the-night cravings
Doughnuts score a hole in one like no other comfort food. They’re both a sweet way to start the day, but are also a tantalizing treat anytime. We’ve found the best doughnuts in San Diego, where you can go sink your teeth into a sugar rush of fried dough topped with everything from classic glaze to maple bacon. We even found gluten-free and vegan doughnuts to enjoy. Read on for the goods so you never have to ask “Where’s the best doughnut shop near me?”
The Best Doughnuts in San Diego (In No Particular Order)
1. Nomad Donuts
This North Park shop serves delicious donuts based on the tastes of the world right in the heart of the neighborhood. From Lemon Poppy Seed w/ Caramel Glaze and Agave Baklava to Mango Tajin Chamoy and Pomegranate with Meyer Lemon drizzle, these flavors are adventurous and exotic. Never fear for your pickier donut eater, you’ll still be able to find goodies like an old-fashioned vanilla bean, maple or chocolate glazed donut. A wide array of vegan-friendly donuts in adventurous flavors are also available.
Good to Know: Get into Nomad early to be sure you snag your favorite flavor. There is a limited run on each donut so keep in mind that popular flavors run out by mid-morning on the weekends!
3102 University Ave.
San Diego
Online: nomaddonuts.com
2. Donut Bar
This is not your typical donut shop. Donut Bar is famous for their artisan donuts with a menu that changes daily. Popular flavors include blueberry poppa tart, maple bourbon and red velvet just to name a few.
Good to Know: If you’re determined to get a donut, be sure to arrive early. Donut Bar closes once the donuts are gone, which tends to happen around 4 hours after opening. Their donuts are a little pricier than your average donut shop, but we think you’ll love what you get.
631 B St.
San Diego
Online: donutbarsd.com
3. Devil’s Dozen
These gourmet doughnuts are from the guys behind Kettner Exchange, so expect to get a great donut that’s high on the foodie factor. They also serve gluten-free donuts on Sat. & Sun. and their flavor selection changes weekly.
Good to Know: These gourmet doughnuts have a gourmet price tag attached so it can be a little pricier than your average donut but never fear, it will be worth every penny!
2001 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego
Online: devils-dozen.com
4. VG Donut & Bakery
This spot has been family-owned and operated since 1969 and they offer all the traditional donuts—from sprinkle-topped cake donuts to maple bars—and many others in between. VG Donut and Bakery also offers pastries and bread and they make killer special occasion cakes.
Good to Know:VG bakes their donuts twice daily, once at 4 a.m. and then again at 4 p.m. So if you miss the morning rush, stop by in the late afternoon to satisfy your donut cravings.
106 Aberdeen Dr.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Online: vgbakery.com
5. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Featuring daily flavors like celebration cake and maple bacon alongside seasonal flavors like Meyer lemon and cinnamon rolls, everyone finds a donut they favor here. Donuts are made fresh from scratch with yummy touches like infused glazes, hand crushed compotes, flavored custards and cream fillings.
Good to Know: If you feel like a more savory donut, opt for the basil eggs Benedict. It’s a perfectly poached egg and hollandaise sauce inside a donut. Served at breakfast time.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center
3435 Del Mar Highlands Rd.
San Diego
Online: sidecardoughnuts.com
6. Donutopolis
Bye bye birthday cake, hello donut cake! Donutpolis gives donut lovers the ultimate gift with their three-tiered donut cake for special occasions. Additionally, they always have an array of fluffy, moist, donuts topped with creamy assortments of frosting flavors and delicious toppers including sprinkles, marshmallows, Fruit Loops and more.
12624 Poway Rd. #14
Poway, CA
Online: donutopolispoway.com
7. Barrio Donas
In their own words, “Barrio Donas represents the multilayered cultural experience that comes with living in San Diego while emphasizing the radiant beauty of Mexican-American culture—in the form of a donut.” Here you’ll find bold, decadent donuts like dulce del leche with coconut and a mazapan donut—and even vegan donuts in classic flavors including Chocolate Glaze, Original Glaze, Cinnamon Sugar, & Strawberry Sprinkles.
4714 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego
Online: barriodonas.com
8. The Goods Doughnuts
You’ll find creative and delectable donuts at The Goods in Carlsbad. From flavors like chocolate ganache, apple fritter and Nutella, everyone is happy with their choices. Even more, they serve gluten-free donuts and vegan donuts.
Good to Know: The Goods opens at 7 a.m. (Tues.-Sun.) until the donuts are sold out. Arrive early to snag your fave!
2965 State St.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: thegoodsdoughnuts.com
9. Donut Star
Donut Star is a donut shop you can count on to have fresh, delicious donuts at any time of day. While Donut Star tends to sell more traditional donuts, they do have a few unique favorites, such as the chocolate-glazed red velvet and cream-filled buttermilk. Other reasons we love Donut Star: it’s open 24 hours and they accept credit cards.
Good to Know: If you’re not in the mood for donuts, Donut Star also has breakfast sandwiches and shaved ice—an especially popular treat on warm San Diego days.
601 W Washington St.
San Diego
Online: yelp.com/biz/donut-star-san-diego
10. Donut Panic
At Donut Panic you’ll find delicious vegan donut options alongside their traditional donut selections. Flavor offerings rotate daily but on a typical day you’ll get to dig in to maple ‘bacon,’ The Homer, Thai tea and Earl Grey. Don’t miss their vegan, vanilla or chocolate coconut cake donuts!
6171 Mission Gorge Rd. #113
San Diego
Online: facebook.com/donutpanicsd
11. Peterson’s Donut Corner
The taste is unbelievable and their donuts have crispiness that you don’t find elsewhere. Their classic donut is the glazed maple bar (which is huge) and the bear claws and apple fritters have also become crowd favorites. And the best part? Peterson’s Donut Corner is open 24 hours for late night cravings.
Good to Know: Peterson’s does not accept credit cards. So, make sure you have cash in your wallet!
903 S. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA
Online: petersonsdonutcorner.com
