The family-operated Blinkie’s started its SoCal doughnut domination back in 2004. Peer inside the display case to find classic crullers, frosted mango with Tajín, and Crinkies, an homage to the fabled Cronut craze era.

The owners go a bit extra at DK’s Donuts & Bakery. Open in 1980 by Khmer refugees, DK’s doughnut game has been upped in recent years by younger family members who turn out uniquely flavored and stunning doughnuts, pastries, and breakfast croissants, along with flavored coffees.

For 68 years, this family-operated shop continues to feed generations of doughnut lovers. Be sure to get the specialty buttermilk bar when selecting a dozen.

Mochinut is perfect for Los Angeles. With locations sprinkled throughout the SoCal region, this shop specializes in Korean rice flour hot dogs, bubble tea, soft serve, and mochi doughnuts. The latter originated in Hawaii by combining traditional doughnuts with mochi, and the results are spectacular.

The display case is one of the best parts of visiting any doughnut shop. Dad’s Donuts & Bakery’s is a magnificent and overwhelming sight. Get a box full of cake, glazed, twists, and one mighty buttermilk until 9 p.m. daily.

Inside Koreatown’s Rodeo Galleria Shopping Center is Flour Donut. These slightly less sweet doughnut varieties are stunning to look at, and delicious upon first bite. The milk cream can sell out quickly thanks to the unique flavors and pillowy consistency. As a bonus for LA dwellers, there’s a parking lot.

Though most head to Memorylook for its gorgeous cappuccinos and tea lattes, the doughnuts are also worth ordering. They’re made on-site in flavors like strawberry cream, creme brulee, tiramisu, and matcha brulee with a fluffy cream cheese filling.

Generations of families have had Amigos Donuts on their radar. That’s due to the friendly service, mango boba, cafe de olla, ham and cheese croissants, and classic doughnuts that can get incredibly creative during holidays or special events.

People travel from all corners of SoCal to visit Colorado Donuts. This Eagle Rock doughnut maker prepares consistently solid traditional doughnuts, don’t overlook the ones decorated with the latest movie characters or a fluffy raised doughnut stuffed with Twix bars in the display case. The store now sports a new look as the owners recently made some colorful changes to the interior.

Sweet Retreat boasts a selection of doughnuts for those avoiding dairy, offering both vegan yeast and cake doughnuts. The team of bakers is often experimenting with new flavors or decorations, so it’s worth returning to see what they are up to.

Leave it to a longtime shop to capture the essence of Southern California. Tastees Donut & Burger is a classic doughnut joint where the staff is friendly with regulars who might actually order a burger with a box of doughnuts. The apple fritter is an excellent choice, and so is the jalapeño croissant.

These humongous, yet fluffy doughnuts are worth the trek to Buena Park. Yozm translates to “nowadays” in Korean. Check the display case to see if any special flavors are available. Or simply try the staple red bean butter and custard cream doughnuts. 

Expect to make a mess when eating the Donut Man’s famous strawberry and peach doughnuts. Each one is made by slicing a glazed doughnut in half and stuffing it to the brim with fruit. Since 1972, this modest shop has operated 24 hours a day out of Glendora, and during regular hours in Grand Central Market.