People reach for free donuts ahead of a donut eating contest in Hollywood, California on June 1, 2018. The event raises money for veterans on National Donut Day, sponsored by The Salvation Army. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

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Donuts, those ubiquitous fried dough confections, are a lot like Donuts, the 2006 album by legendary Detroit producer J Dilla — deceptively small, fits in the palm of your hand and packs a ridiculously addictive punch. Fortunately, Los Angeles is the mecca of doughy dreams and chocolate-glazed wishes. From Santa Monica to Downey, we boast some of the finest donut specimens in the world.

We also boast some of the kindest donut-eaters, like the customers of Donut City in Seal Beach. They keep buying out the store's stock so owner John Chhan can close early to spend time with his wife, who recently had a brain aneurysm.

In honor of National Doughnut Day (there are actually two National Doughnut Days), we've chosen 32 of the best, divided into five categories:

Old School

New School

Weird & Wacky

Fancy Shmancy

Vegan

So sit back, pour a cup of coffee and let's take a ride.

OLD SCHOOL

The giant donut on the roof of Randy's Donuts is adorned with a mini US Space Shuttle, strung up in the donut hole, on October 11, 2012 in Inglewood. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Randy's Donuts - Inglewood

The icon. A 62-year-old star of Hollywood movies and late-night cravings, this Inglewood institution features one of the city's most recognizable emblems, the giant donut at the corner of Manchester and La Cienega. Getting down to business, Randy's delivers the goods with classic crullers, old fashioneds, cinnamon crumb and plain raised donuts. Add this shack to the list of landmarks L.A. should never lose.

805 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. 310-645-4707

California Donuts - Koreatown

Don't be surprised if you're greeted by a long line when you arrive at this K-Town favorite, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. California Donuts is a walk-up paradise known for over-the-top creations like the Snickers Bar Donut, which comes with a full-sized candy bar tucked inside. No wonder it's nicknamed the "Dentist's Delight." Among the high-concept offerings and seasonal selections, don't miss staples like their Lemonade Donuts (made with Girl Scout cookies) and possibly the best blueberry donut in town.

3540 W. 3rd St., Koreatown. 213-385-3318

Maple bacon donuts at S&K Donuts. (Photo via S&K Donuts website)

S&K Donuts - Beverly Grove

This little spot off Cochran has been a favorite of Angelenos for years. Back in business after a lengthy renovation, S&K Donuts now has a sleek, sterile sophistication that matches the gentrifying Miracle Mile neighborhood. The donuts are still top-notch, though. Cinnamon roll fans, take notice! They make 'em right. While the store has doubled in size, the tiny parking lot at the corner of busy 3rd St. is perilous.

5850 W. 3rd St., Suite #A, Miracle Mile. 323-935-2409.

View this post on Instagram The famous Darling Donuts #darlingdonuts @darlingdonuts A post shared by Long (@xburningkoala) on Oct 22, 2017 at 8:26am PDT

Darling Donuts & Ice Cream - Mid-City

This quaint storefront on Venice is a hidden gem. If it's not already in your do-tation (donut + rotation), add it to the mix. They'll hit you with one of the finest cinnamon rolls in the city and toss in a handful donut holes to ease your troubles. Don't overlook the dizzying selection of freshly squeezed juices ($5-8), which includes celery pineapple, bitter melon and a bunch of combos with beets. It's cash only, so come prepared.

5431 Venice Blvd., Mid-City.

Cars exit The Donut Hole drive-in restaurant, located on Elliot Avenue at Amar Road in La Puente, on January 4, 1983. (Herald-Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection)

The Donut Hole - La Puente

You haven't been to the San Gabriel Valley until you've been to The Donut Hole, one of the region's finest examples of programmatic architecture. The Los Angeles Conservancy sings the praises of the "unknown genius person" who decided to create a building shaped like a giant drive-through donut. The bacon maple bar is popular with adults while kids end up fighting over the Oreo, Fruit Loops and Reese's Pieces donuts. This is usually a cash only establishment but if you buy more than $10 worth of goodies, they might let you slide that plastic.

15300 Amar Rd., La Puente. 626-968-2912.

Monarch Donuts - Arcadia

The apple fritter at Monarch Donuts is the kind of beauty that puts other apple fritters to shame — and it tastes as good as it looks. Their perfect crunch gives way to warm, buttery apple deliciousness. Regular customers rave about shop owner Jonathan Ung, who puts a lot of heart into his donuts and offers great customer service. This place is cash only but has an ATM on the premises. When you go, bring us back a couple of the cinnamon crumbs, please and thank you.

15 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. 626-818-6478

Donut Prince - Burbank

Burbank still retains much of it's mid-20th century charm and Donut Prince is a prime example. You may feel like Don Cheadle at the end of Boogie Nights when you walk into this old-school shop with walls covered in autographed pictures of celebs There's a great selection of buttermilk, cake, cake and raised donuts but the pecan rolls and apple fritters are the stars of the show. It's the perfect pit-stop before launching a mission to IKEA and they have the best tagline in the business: "Don't get a divorce — get a donut!"

1721 W. Olive Ave., Burbank. 818-841-0859.

View this post on Instagram 👻 TRICK 👻 A post shared by Primo's Donuts LA (@primosdonutsla) on Oct 24, 2018 at 3:00pm PDT

Primo's Donuts - West L.A.

When your family has been cranking out quality donuts since the Eisenhower administration, you probably know a thing or two about fried dough. Primo's also likes to keep it new. Owners Ralph and Celia Primo plan to open another location on Main Street in Venice, thanks in large part to the brand's popularity on social media. At the original Sawtelle spot, they dole out Dodger donuts to support the Boys in Blue but they're best known for their classic old fashioned and glazed donuts. They recently added a salted caramel buttermilk bar to the menu.

2918 Sawtelle Blvd., West L.A. 310-478-6930.

Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts - Fairfax

Bob's stands out amid the bustle of the Original Farmer's Market thanks to the large coffee cup and donut sculpture on its awning. The devil's food, a chocolate cake donut glazed with chocolate and sprinkled with chocolate chips, is a fan favorite as is the cinnamon crumb. They make one of the city's best apple fritters. It's crisp and glazed with a hint of burnt sugar on the outside and filled with apple chunks. They also make kid-pleasing donuts shaped like dinosaurs and, on rare occasions, a delicious strawberry glazed donut. Getting in and out of the Farmers Market, located at the constantly traffic-clogged intersection of 3rd and Fairfax, is a nightmare. Bob's is also cash only.

6333 W. 3rd St., #450, Fairfax. 323-933-8929.

Donut Man - Glendora

Strawberries! Strawberries! Strawberries! Owner Jim Nakano is the inventor of Donut Man's legendary strawberry donut — a plain, glazed round donut that's sliced in half and crammed with half a basket of glazed strawberries. The concoction is offered year-round. For a brief period in the late summer, he makes the same donut with peaches — and it's even better. The shop also makes all the standard raised and cake donuts. Their Tiger Tail, a full foot of cinnamon and chocolate goodness twisted into a braid, is magic.

915 E. Rte 66, Glendora. 626-335-9111.

Dad's Donuts & Bakery - Burbank

Tucked away next to a nail salon in an unassuming strip mall, Dad's does right by the classics — maple bars, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, Boston creme, French crullers — with a buttery glaze that melts in your mouth. If you want a taste of fancy, dad (AKA owner Bruce Bu) has updated his selection with addictive cronut holes and an amazing Churro Donut.

2501 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. 818-841-1910.

View this post on Instagram Donut time A post shared by John Kingman (@johnkingman) on Dec 1, 2017 at 5:24pm PST

Daily Donuts - Los Feliz

Bring cash when you swing by this Daily Donuts, since that's all this neighborhood favorite takes. You'll want to grab several coconut-covered, peanut-encrusted, sprinkle-topped and sugar-dusted creations. They deliver the classics with style, so expect cinnamon rolls and glazed donuts made with love — and lots of butter. Don't miss out on the yummy croissants.

1908 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. 323-665-5043.

Blinkie's Donuts - Woodland Hills

Beyond the essentials, Blinkie's has you covered when it comes to cronuts and funky flavors like Thai tea and horchata. Their secret weapon: the black and white donut, a collision of chocolate and vanilla that echoes the popular New York deli cookie of the same name. Blinkie's is only for early risers or extreme night owls. Hours are from 5 a.m. to noon on weekdays and 6 a.m. to noon on weekends.

4884 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-884-4456.

One of the massive chocolate raised donuts from Texas Donuts in East L.A. (Photo by Elina Shatkin/LAist)

Texas Donuts

This shop offers all the usual suspects — raised, cake, buttermilk bars, crullers, etc. — but what makes it stand out are its massive raised donuts. Each one of these suckers is as big as a dinner plate. They're so big, one of these could easily serve as a birthday cake. Stack a couple of these on top of each other for extra decadance. They come in three flavors: plain glazed, chocolate and dusted with sugar. We're guessing these Texas-sized donuts are what gives the shop its name.

4501 Whittier Blvd., East L.A. 626-274-2461.



NEW SCHOOL

Trejo's Coffee and Donuts - Hollywood

Give it up for actor Danny Trejo. He's succeeding in L.A.'s tough taco market and now he's bringing that same ingenuity to donuts. Machete don't back down from nobody. Trejo's Coffee and Donuts makes instant classics like the Nacho, a cake donut made with sour cream, chives, hot sauce and sprinkled with cheddar cheese. The Abuelita sprinkles more chocolate on top of dark chocolate icing spread over a raised donut. Sigh. Please allow me to take a moment. OK, don't miss the Margarita, which brings the flavors of tequila, lime and salt to an iced donut. They've always got a slew of vegan options like vegan peanut butter and a vegan take on the Low Rider, a mix of cinnamon, almonds and bananas. You'll hone your driving skills navigating through the Hollywood traffic pretty much any time you come but the sugar rush is worth it. Trejo's is also looking to open a location in DTLA.

6785 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 323-462-4600.

View this post on Instagram That dulce de leche filling is hard to resist 😋📸@scottsuchman⠀ A post shared by Astro Doughnuts (@astrodoughnuts) on Oct 24, 2018 at 12:26pm PDT

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken - Downtown L.A.

When it comes to the donuts, Astro's outstanding selections include PB&J, crème brulée and root beer, a square donut that's glazed with the flavor of Sassafras. If they have the devil's food cake, a stacked pile of chocolate perfection, get it. Another major advantage: Fried chicken. Look for them to blast off with another location, in Santa Monica.

516 W. 6th St., downtown L.A. 213-622-7876.

2309 Main St., Santa Monica.

Cofax - Fairfax

You know Cofax for their terrific breakfast burritos. Don't ignore their donuts, developed by Nicole Rucker. They're in a small case on top of the counter to show off flavors like a lemon pistachio yeast donut, a sea salt caramel-glazed raised donut and coconut horchata.

40 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax. 323-424-7485.

Birdies - downtown L.A.

A relative newcomer to DTLA, Birdies rolls out instant classics such as the horchata twist, which is thick with a dulce de leche glaze, and the classic NY black and white. Blueberry lemon is a tart but sugary surprise, and the lemon thyme pistachio is a pleasant surprise from the inspired and unexpected combination of flavors.

314 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A. 213-536-5714.

Kettle Glazed Doughnuts in Hollywood. (Photo via Kettle Glazed Doughnuts' website)

Kettle Glazed Doughnuts - Hollywood

Hiding in the shadow of the 101 freeway, Kettle Glazed has been cranking out subtle remixes of classic flavors since 2013. The old fashioned is offered in buttermilk vanilla, blueberry lemon and double chocolate varieties. The graham cracker-topped s'mores donut and their original chocolate drizzle "croissant style" gems are worth the cheat day meal.

6211 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. 323-462-2344.

Grizzby's Biscuits & Donuts - Claremont

Two great tastes that taste great together, Grizzby's delicious savory biscuits alongside donuts in fun flavors like pepita, a very SoCal creation. Their caramel apple fritters are fine fritters dipped into the housemade caramel glaze. Grizzby's Spooktacular menu includes a shout-out to one of our favorite local DJs, Peanut Butter Wolf, with a peanut butter-glazed donut crusted with peanut butter cookie crumbles. The Blue Moon (blueberry glaze with a cardamom shimmer) is a work of art and a mind-melting taste sensation.

353 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont. 909-399-0991.

WEIRD & WONDERFUL

Colorado Donuts - Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock's favorite donut shop is ready for fall, rolling out seasonal pumpkin spice donuts. They've also got your Dodger Blues to support the team's run for the World Series. Halloween options include beautifully designed donuts shaped like spiders, unicorns, ghosts and Frankenstein. Vegans should dig the blueberry glaze and the Skippy-filled PB&J varieties.

1578 Colorado Blvd., #14, Eagle Rock. 323-340-1962.

The Bidi Bom donut, a tribute to Mexican superstar singer Selena, at Donas in Downey. (Photo by Lori Galarreta/KPCC)

Dona's Donuts - Downey

This indie Mexican donut shop is an Instagram paradise. Bright, colorful and full of energy, Dona's signature donut is the Bidi Bom. Inspired by beloved Tejano singer Selena, the sparkly creation is covered in honey lavender and purple glitter. The Rich Bitch is slathered in gold glitter while the El Puerquito is topped with a blanket of maple glaze and chicharrones.

8636 Imperial Hwy., Downey. 562-622-2429.

DKs Donuts and Bakery - Santa Monica

This '80s relic is proud to be the home of the Double-Decker #O-Nut, a croissant/donut hybrid. DKs Donuts also boasts the original ube purple yam donut, made with purple ube dough, purple cream cheese, toasted coconut, bacon and pistachios. You'll find donuts topped with edible flowers and others overflowing with Nutella. How about a donut topped with Reese's Pieces or a whole Ferrero Rocher truffle? West Side represent.

1614 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. 310-829-2512.

A few of the offerings at Stan's Doughnuts in Westwood, California. (Elina Shatkin/LAist)

Stan's Doughnuts - Westwood Village

If you find yourself near UCLA, Stan's Doughnuts has been ready to sate your sweet tooth since 1965. They have one of the most complete donut menus in town. The cinnamon rolls, for example, come in classic, blueberry and chocolate chip varieties. Looking for cheese donuts? Craving miniature donuts,. Itching for an apple cinnamon log? Stan's has 'em, along with wonders like the Huell, which comes stuffed with peanut butter with chocolate chips sprinkled on top.

10948 Weyburn Ave., Westwood. 310-208-8660.

View this post on Instagram Reality Bites #laurajanegrace #donutfriend #DIYdonuts (📷: @carrotsandflowers) A post shared by DONUT FRIEND (@donutfriend) on Nov 18, 2018 at 9:34am PST

Donut Friend

This funky Highland Park donut shop offers all sorts of decadent and wacky flavors. They might be topped with chocolate glaze, chocolate chips and cayenne or passion fruit and cacao nibs or lemon rosewater and pistachio. Or maybe Donut Friend will slice a raised donut in half and cram it with peanut butter, strawberry jam, coconut bacon and sriracha. Come early. They make only a certain number of their signature creations each day and when their donuts are gone, they're gone

5107 York Blvd., Highland Park. 213-995-6191.

Voodoo Doughnut - Universal City

You'll have to brave the neon wilds of Universal Citywalk to experience this Portland-based brand. Look for the bright pink facade where you'll find Voodoo's infamous Cock-N-Balls, a big ol' yeast donut triple-filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate frosting that's shaped into exactly what you'd expect. Another fan favorite is the Maple Blazer Blunt, a raised yeast doughnut rolled into the shape of a blunt and dusted with cinnamon sugar. The top is dipped in maple frosting and red sprinkles to resemble the burning end of a doobie. The Memphis Mafia is an Elvis tribute packed with banana chunks and cinnamon then drizzled in chocolate and peanut butter with peanuts and chocolate chips on top. Whew! The Grape Ape, covered with grape dust and lavender sprinkles, is so pretty you'll almost feel bad for eating. Bonus points for the Ol' Dirty Bastard, because Wu-Tang, much like donuts, are for the children.

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. 818-622-6646.

FANCY SCHMANCY

Blue Star Donuts - Venice, Manhattan Beach

Yeah, these are definitely gentrified donuts but it's hard to complain when Blue Star serves a pumpkin panna cotta brûlée (made with Rose City Distilling's whiskey). Ther bacon bourbon breakfast fritter combines brioche dough with shredded Yukon Gold potatoes, chunks of bacon, cracked black pepper and fresh sage. And since too much is never enough, they coat the whole thing in a maple-bourbon glaze.

1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice. 310-450-5630

451 Manhattan Beach Blvd D-118, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 545-2187

Donut Snob - delivery only

"We're snobby, really, really snobby about our donuts and what goes into the making of them," Donut Snob proclaims — and that snobbery has paid off with the some of the most beautiful and tastiest donuts in town. They include innovative flavors like blueberry earl grey, pumpkin spice caramel and matcha black sesame, which is made with Japanese matcha powder glaze and topped with black sesame seeds.

213-373-4898.

Sidecar Doughnuts - Santa Monica, Del Mar and Costa Mesa

Sidecar debuted in Orange County in 2013 and has branched out thanks to their airy raised donuts with high-end toppings like salted caramel and vanilla chai. Their fall menu showcases Halloween cake, a vanilla cake doughnut glazed with vanilla and topped with chocolate and orange sprinkles, and the pumpkin pie and everything spice, Sidecar's signature "raised bullseye" with a pumpkin glaze, whipped mascarpone pumpkin mousse, housemade gingersnap crumble, roasted pepitas and maple syrup. Don't skip the apple cider donut, dusted with cinnamon and finished with a drizzle of apple cider glaze. There's a Torrance location planned for spring 2019.

631 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. 310-587-0022.

270 E. 17th St., #18, Costa Mesa. 949-873-5424.

12925 El Camino Real, San Diego. 310-587-0022.



The Goods - Carlsbad

If you find yourself in Carlsbad Village, stroll into The Goods, an adorable shop known for creative selections like a strawberry cheesecake donut that tastes like you're biting into a fresh slice of New York's finest. Other hoity toity flavors include berry compote and Tahitian vanilla. They also make a spot-on plain glazed.

2965 State St., Carlsbad. 760-994-0458.

VEGAN

View this post on Instagram We got all vegan donuts all dang day erry day!! A post shared by Donut Farm LA (@donutfarmla) on Oct 21, 2018 at 6:55am PDT

Donut Farm - Echo Park

Deep in a surprisingly cute strip mall, Donut Farm offers inspired flavors like whiskey tangerine fig and orange creamsicle, which will remind you of chasing the ice cream man down the street. The blueberry fritter takes the apple favorite to a dark and delicious place with a thick, sugary glaze, while the lavender earl grey is like sipping tea in a magical garden. Yes, it's so good that I actually said that out loud in public. A magical garden. It's a good donut, people. Don't bother poking around for non-vegan options.

1411 Echo Park Ave., Ste. 105, Echo Park. 213-481-1489.

Sweet Retreat Donuts - Long Beach

Set toward the back of a nondescript strip mall, Sweet Retreat is anything but inconspicuous when it comes to vegan donuts. They've got a loud and proud selection that includes lemon pistachio, blueberry icing with fresh fruit, vanilla coconut, vanilla almond, chocolate and cinnamon sugar. They're mixed in among the non-vegan donuts, so don't just go willy-nilly in there thinking it's all vegan.

924 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach. 562-612-0506.

Ring Baked Tofu Donuts - Canoga Park

These Japanese delights come in a variety of vegan flavors including chocolate and vanilla tofu. Ring Baked also makes uncommon but tasty drinks such as sea salt cream iced matcha green tea. This is another spot with vegan offerings mixed in with non-vegan fare. So if you're not sure, just ask.

6800 Owensmouth Ave., #130, Canoga Park. 323-963-3881.

Fonuts - Beverly Grove

What Fonuts makes aren't exactly donuts, and they know it, hence the cheeky name. Their "fonuts" are more like mini Bundt cakes. They're baked not fried and they're now entirely gluten-free. I keep coming back to the blueberry earl grey, which adds a dollop of fruit to a swirl of tea. The strawberry yogurt is also reminiscent of its namesake. Whether or not fonuts are actually donuts, they often generate this reaction: "I didn't think I could like vegan donuts!"

8104 W. 3rd St., Beverly Grove. 323-592-3075.

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