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The Donut Man
Master Critic Review
The Donut Man
8.9
A legendary Route 66 institution since 1972, The Donut Man brings its famous fresh fruit-stuffed donuts to Grand Central Market. Founded by Jim and Miyoko Nakano, this stall makes donuts by hand on-site daily, with the iconic strawberry donut (seasonal February-September) featuring massive fresh berries that require two-handed eating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Strawberry Donut, Tiger Tail, Apple Fritter
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.8
What makes it special: Originator of fresh fruit-stuffed donuts with 50+ years of legendary status
Who should go: Donut purists, fruit lovers, tourists seeking iconic LA treats
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid 30+ minute weekend lines
What to order: Strawberry donut when in season, foot-long tiger tail, cream cheese with fruit
Insider tip: Peach donuts arrive July-August after strawberry season ends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market parking: Joe's Auto Parks lot across Hill St ($10-15), or Metro Red/Purple Line to Pershing Square station (2 blocks)
Dress code: Ultra casual - athletic wear, streetwear totally fine. It's a market stall.
Noise level: Bustling market environment - expect background chatter and vendor activity, not a conversation spot
Weekend wait: N/A - market stall with morning/afternoon hours
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line typical, place order quickly once you reach counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all donuts are vegetarian (fruit, cream cheese, glazed varieties)
Vegan options: No - traditional recipes use eggs, dairy, and butter
Gluten-free options: No - wheat-based donuts only, no alternative flours offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great casual option if you're exploring downtown together. Grab donuts here then walk to nearby spots. Don't expect intimate seating - it's stand-and-eat or take-away.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's a market stall counter, not a seated restaurant. Order at the window, then find seating in Grand Central Market's communal areas or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the massive fruit donuts. Market environment is lively but safe. Stroller-accessible. All ages welcome, expect other families in line.
How early do they sell out? Strawberry donuts (in season) often gone by 11am on weekends. Arrive by 9am for best selection. They make batches throughout the day but popular items disappear fast.
Is it worth the hype? If you want authentic LA donut history and absurdly fresh fruit stuffing, absolutely. Skip if you prefer trendy flavors like matcha or expect fancy Instagram presentation beyond the sheer size factor.
Best For
Better for: Authentic fruit-forward donuts with 50+ year legacy, massive portions requiring two hands, experiencing a true LA institution, straightforward quality without gimmicks
Skip if: You need vegan/gluten-free options, want trendy flavor experimentation (ube, cereal toppings), prefer sit-down service, or visiting outside strawberry season and specifically wanted that experience