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Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Master Critic Review
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
8.6
California-based artisan doughnut shop making small-batch creations hourly with high-quality ingredients and creative seasonal flavors. Known for their huckleberry doughnut and brioche-based varieties that balance indulgence with refined technique. The bright, modern space attracts a steady crowd willing to pay premium prices for gourmet doughnuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huckleberry Doughnut, Butter & Salt, Saigon Cinnamon Crumb
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Small-batch artisan doughnuts made fresh hourly with seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Gourmet doughnut lovers willing to splurge on quality
When to visit: Early morning for best selection, weekdays less crowded
What to order: Huckleberry, Butter & Salt, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Download their app to order ahead and skip lines
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets, plus paid lot behind Culver Center ($3-5). Mornings easier, afternoons competitive.
Dress code: Casual - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all standard. Instagram-ready outfits common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - busy counter service vibes with espresso machine sounds, better for quick catch-ups than deep conversations
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all doughnuts are vegetarian (egg-based brioche dough)
Vegan options: Limited - typically 1-2 vegan options daily, call ahead to confirm availability
Gluten-free options: No - brioche-based dough means no gluten-free options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a second or third date add-on - grab doughnuts to-go and walk to nearby Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook or Culver City Arts District. The counter-service format and crowds don't create intimate date vibes, but the quality makes it a great bonus stop.
Can I get doughnuts without waiting in line? Yes - download the Sidecar app to order ahead for pickup. You'll skip the main line and grab from the mobile order shelf. Game-changer on weekend mornings.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids love picking their own doughnuts from the display case. Can get chaotic with strollers during peak hours. High chairs available. Pro tip: come after 11am when morning rush dies down.
Do the doughnuts justify the $5-6 price? If you appreciate craft quality over Dunkin' convenience, yes. The brioche texture, seasonal ingredients, and hourly batches deliver noticeable refinement. Skip if you just want a quick sugar fix - plenty of cheaper options nearby.
How many should I order? Plan 2 per person for a satisfying treat, 3-4 if it's your meal. They're rich and indulgent - most people tap out after 2. Buy extras to freeze (they reheat beautifully in the oven).
Best For
Better for: Best-in-class artisan doughnuts with gourmet ingredients and refined technique. Choose Sidecar when quality trumps convenience, you want seasonal creativity (their huckleberry is legendary), or you're treating yourself to the premium doughnut experience. Superior to chain options in every dimension except price and speed.
Skip if: You need cheap/fast doughnuts before work (hit Dunkin'), want a quiet sit-down breakfast experience (try Huckleberry Bakery instead), don't care about craft quality, or need gluten-free options. Also skip if sold-out flavors will disappoint you - their best varieties disappear by noon on weekends.