0 Followers
The Donut Man
Master Critic Review
The Donut Man
8.4
The Donut Man’s Grand Central Market stall brings the Route 66 legend’s fresh fruit–stuffed donuts into the heart of DTLA. Between the seasonal strawberry and peach specials and classic old-fashioned rings, it’s where downtown workers and visitors go when they want throwback donut flavors with real fruit and heft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh strawberry stuffed donut, Peach stuffed donut (seasonal), Tiger Tail twisted donut
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old SoCal donut icon known for fresh fruit–packed donuts.
Who should go: Fans of classic, fruit-heavy donuts and old-school flavors.
When to visit: Morning through early afternoon before the longest market lines.
What to order: Strawberry stuffed donut, seasonal peach donut, Tiger Tail.
Insider tip: Check strawberry and peach seasons so you can time a visit for peak fresh-fruit runs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market relies on nearby paid structures (Broadway Parking Garage, Grand Central Square Garage). Expect $6–$15 depending on duration; limited metered street parking fills early.
Dress code: Completely casual — anything from office attire to weekend streetwear fits in fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during peak market hours; expect steady foot traffic and ambient food-hall noise.
Weekend wait: Not typically a dinner destination, but weekend afternoons can see 10–20 minute lines for seasonal fruit donuts.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes depending on market crowds; often no wait outside peak tourist hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most classic donuts and fruit-stuffed options are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: No — the dough and fillings are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free donuts; all offerings use traditional wheat flour.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a low-pressure meetup — grabbing fruit-stuffed donuts and wandering the market feels casual and fun, but it’s not ideal if you want a quiet or intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is communal within Grand Central Market and first-come, first-served. Expect to walk around a bit to find an open spot during rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the market layout, sweet treats, and open seating make it easy for families. Strollers may require maneuvering during busy periods.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal fruit-stuffed donuts and classic old-fashioneds with real heft — few DTLA donut spots match the freshness or nostalgia factor.
Skip if: You need vegan or gluten-free donuts, prefer quieter café environments, or want a sit-down pastry experience.