The Donut Man

The Ordering Process

You order from outdoor walk-up windows where you can watch staff working behind glass. Point to what you want in the display case. During peak times, lines wrap around the building, but they move quickly because multiple windows stay open. The staff keeps the process efficient without rushing you.

Parking is limited to a small lot on the west side of the building. Street parking works too. Get there early during strawberry and peach seasons to avoid the longest waits.

The Seasonal Fruit Donuts

The strawberry and peach donuts are why people make the drive. These are not dainty pastries. Fresh fruit dominates each bite, with whole strawberry pieces or thick peach slices packed into a glazed donut. The glaze adds sweetness but doesn’t overpower the fruit.

Strawberry season runs roughly February through September, depending on California crop conditions. Peach season is shorter, typically mid-July through late August. The shop posts seasonal availability on Instagram, so check before making a special trip. These donuts cost around $6.25 each, higher than standard bakery prices.

Some visitors report the fruit quality varies depending on ripeness. You might get perfectly sweet strawberries one week and firmer, less sweet ones another week. The shop sources from different California farms as the growing season shifts north from San Diego to Salinas.

Year-Round Options

The tiger tail remains the most popular non-seasonal item. This foot-long twisted donut combines devil’s food cake with cinnamon glaze. One tiger tail feeds multiple people or makes an impressive solo challenge.

Other reliable choices include Bavarian cream, PB&J filled donuts, cream cheese donuts, apple fritters (which sell out by 10am), and classic glazed varieties. The apple fritter costs around $1.55. Standard donuts range from $1-4.

Winter brings pumpkin and apple spice varieties. The selection stays fresh because donuts are made throughout the day.

The Shop Itself

This is a small operation with minimal seating. You order outside, get your donuts, and usually eat them in your car or find a nearby spot. The shop maintains a no-frills approach focused entirely on donut quality rather than ambiance.

Jim Nakano, now in his 80s, still appears at the shop regularly. His family continues running the operation he started over 50 years ago. The second location at Grand Central Market in downtown LA operates with different hours (8am-9pm) but makes the same donuts.

What to Know Before You Go

Lines get longest on weekend mornings and when seasonal fruit donuts are available. Early morning visits (before 8am) or late night stops face fewer crowds. The shop closes for major holidays only.

The donuts are best eaten fresh. They don’t keep well overnight. Plan to eat them the same day you buy them.

If you want specific varieties like apple fritters or specialty items, call ahead to confirm availability at (626) 335-9111. Popular items sell out, especially during busy periods.

The shop has appeared on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” and was featured as a Jeopardy question. This recognition brings tourists alongside regular customers, so expect diverse crowds.

Can’t Make It to Glendora?

There’s a second Donut Man location inside the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles (317 S Broadway; 8am-9pm daily)