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Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Master Critic Review
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
8.4
At Fairfax and 3rd, Sidecar brings a modern, chef-y spin to donuts with seasonal flavors fried in small batches throughout the day. Guests line up for brioche-style rings, rotating vegan options, and carefully pulled espresso in a sleek, café-style space steps from The Grove and Farmers Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huckleberry glazed donut, Butter & Salt donut, Maple bacon donut
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Elevated, small-batch donuts with rotating seasonal flavors and strong coffee.
Who should go: Donut fans wanting creative flavors and café-level coffee.
When to visit: Mornings or late afternoon to dodge peak weekend lines.
What to order: Huckleberry, Butter & Salt, monthly vegan special.
Insider tip: Ask which flavors were fried most recently for maximum texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Fairfax and 3rd is the main option; spots turn over quickly in the mornings but can be tough during peak Farmers Market hours.
Dress code: Casual and café-appropriate; athleisure, jeans, and weekend wear all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — steady café chatter and espresso machines, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no dinner rush since it’s a morning/afternoon destination, but expect 10–20 minutes in line during weekend prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait outside of brief noon surges; usually 0–5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Plenty of options — most donuts are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — rotating seasonal vegan donuts are offered, usually 1–2 flavors daily.
Gluten-free options: Limited — they occasionally feature gluten-friendly specials but do not operate a dedicated gluten-free fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a low-pressure daytime meetup with gourmet donuts and solid coffee, especially if you pair it with a stroll through The Grove or Farmers Market.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is limited, so expect to hover briefly for a spot during peak mornings, but most people are in and out quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come regularly. It’s best for kids 4+ who can manage a counter-service environment; no dedicated play space, but plenty of outdoor seating nearby.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, chef-driven donut flavors with café-level coffee and a more polished hangout vibe than traditional donut shops.
Skip if: You want classic, no-frills donuts at bargain prices or need extensive gluten-free options.