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ZipPicks Awards
Best Donuts in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Donut Friend
8.8
Donut Friend’s DTLA shop spins out all-vegan donuts with playful, music-referencing names and dense, satisfying crumb. Locals treat it as both a dessert stop and a coffee break, especially when they want inventive toppings without sacrificing that classic donut comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polar Berry Club donut, Angry Samoa donut, Apple fritter
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: All-vegan donuts with creative, music-inspired builds and bold flavors.
Who should go: Plant-based eaters and donut fans chasing new flavors.
When to visit: Late morning or midafternoon to dodge the biggest lines.
What to order: Polar Berry Club, Angry Samoa, a still-warm apple fritter.
Insider tip: Build a mixed box of yeast and cake donuts so you can sample both textures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and adjacent side streets; spots turn over fairly often midday but become tight during evening events.
Dress code: Completely casual—athleisure, jeans, or streetwear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; the shop has steady foot traffic but generally quiet enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on event crowds in the Broadway corridor.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a short line at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—every donut is vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes—100% of the donuts are fully vegan, including fillings and glazes.
Gluten-free options: Limited—selections rotate and tend to sell out early; no dedicated gluten-free prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's a playful, low-pressure stop ideal for a quick dessert date or post-dinner stroll, especially if your date enjoys creative sweets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used. Seating is limited, so expect more of a grab-and-go or quick coffee-and-donut experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the colorful donut lineup, though space is tight and best suited for short visits rather than lingering with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Highly creative, all-vegan donuts with Instagram-ready designs and unique flavor combinations not often found in traditional shops.
Consider Alternatives If: You want classic old-school donuts, prefer gluten-free baking with a dedicated prep area, or need spacious café seating.
Hours
Monday7am - 7pm
Tuesday7am - 7pm
Wednesday7am - 7pm
Thursday7am - 7pm
Friday7am - 7pm
Saturday7am - 7pm
Sunday7am - 7pm