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Holey Grail Donuts
Master Critic Review
Holey Grail Donuts
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired taro donuts fried to order in coconut oil bring a dense, cake-like texture with tropical glazes that rotate weekly. The made-to-order approach means each donut arrives hot, though the smaller size and premium price point may surprise first-timers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Taro Donut, Hail Mary, Chaga Chai
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hawaii's taro donut tradition brought to Santa Monica with made-to-order preparation
Who should go: Health-conscious donut lovers and vegan diners seeking unique flavors
When to visit: Weekday mornings for shortest waits, weekends for extended hours
What to order: Original taro donut, any rotating seasonal flavor, nitro latte
Insider tip: Most donuts are vegan except those marked with honey
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - meters free after 6pm and Sundays, public lot 2 blocks north
Dress code: Casual - athleisure and beachwear perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Quiet - counter service shop with minimal seating, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for made-to-order donuts, shop closes at 5pm weekends
Weekday lunch: 3-5 min wait, occasionally up to 10 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - entire menu is vegetarian
Vegan options: Yes - most donuts are vegan except those with honey glaze (clearly marked)
Gluten-free options: No - all donuts contain wheat flour, no GF options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual coffee date or post-activity stop rather than a sit-down date - limited seating and quick service make it ideal for grab-and-go or short 15-20 minute visits
Can I walk in without ordering ahead? Yes, walk-ins welcome and encouraged - donuts are made to order so they're always fresh. Peak times (weekend mornings 9-11am) may have 10-minute waits but you can call ahead to place order
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - donuts are made-to-order so kids can watch the process, smaller portion sizes work well for children, and the healthier coconut oil preparation appeals to health-conscious parents
How many donuts should I order? Donuts are smaller and denser than traditional - plan 2-3 per person for a satisfying treat, or 1-2 if paired with coffee as a light snack
Are the donuts really healthier? Relative to traditional donuts - yes. Fried in coconut oil with taro base, many are vegan, but they're still fried donuts with sugar glaze. A better-for-you indulgence, not health food
Best For
Better for: Unique tropical flavors and made-to-order freshness - beats chain donut shops on quality and creativity, appeals to vegan/health-conscious crowd that traditional donut shops don't serve
Skip if: You want classic American glazed or cake donuts, need gluten-free options, prefer large portion sizes, or aren't willing to pay $4-5 per donut for the specialty preparation