9 Best Donuts near Salinas

“I have been coming here since I was 15 years old. I’m 33 now and it is still my favorite donut/bagel shop ever. The owners have been there for years and are amazing. The fluffiest, most soft donuts you’ll ever have. The bagels are homemade, fresh & the best Iv ever had. There’s nothing like them. The prices are unbeatable and there’s just nothing like these kind of places anymore.

I went back in today as I was driving though after years and the owner asked how I’ve been and he remembered me. 😭

I’ll Always recommend this place!“

“it’s true - everything about this place is high quality ! still the best donut i’ve ever had & i’ve lived in San Francisco, NYC, Los Angeles & Tokyo. Every time I visit my hometown I make sure to stop by my Sunshine Donut for that simple classic donut in a quaint little plaza in South Salinas. None of that hipster cereal or inventive recipes…. just pure nostalgic flavors. Super lovely owner too. Go & support this place, you’ll see why everyone loves it!“

“Winchell's Donut House is my absolute go-to spot whenever I’m craving donuts because, quite simply, they have the best donuts in town. Their selection is always fresh, and the variety they offer is fantastic. From classic glazed donuts to more unique flavors, every donut I've tried there has been consistently delicious. The dough is always soft and fluffy, with the perfect amount of sweetness, and the fillings and toppings are just right, making each bite a real treat.

However, as much as I love their donuts, there's one thing that consistently detracts from the experience: the flies. Every time I visit, I notice an unsettling number of flies buzzing around the store. It’s disappointing because the quality of the donuts is top-notch, but the presence of flies makes the environment less than ideal. I understand that it can be difficult to control, especially in a place where food is constantly on display, but it’s something that really stands out and affects the overall experience.

It’s a shame because Winchell's has so much going for it—the friendly staff, the amazing donuts, and the convenient location—but the flies are a significant drawback. I still go back for the donuts because they’re that good, but I find myself wishing they would take more steps to address the issue. Maybe improved cleanliness practices or better fly control methods could make a difference.

In the end, I highly recommend Winchell's Donut House for anyone looking for delicious donuts, but be aware that the atmosphere might not be the most pleasant due to the flies. I hope they can find a way to resolve this, because without that issue, Winchell’s would easily be the best donut shop around, bar none.“

“On a quiet morning in Salinas, we stumbled upon a little shop and…..Wow!
Never tasted donuts like this: soft, very fresh, freshly prepared and with a spectacular maple syrup glaze!
Very high quality/price!
The stop alone is worth the trip to start the day off great! ?

And inside there are also tables where you can eat.
Top!“

“I will always go to Kristy's donuts over all the other chain donut businesses in Salinas!!! They are great quality and they always show love when you buy in bulk! Everytime I buy a half dozen or dozen they always throw in a bunch of FREE donut holes!!!! such a great place to come for breakfast! Thank you Kristy's!! See you soon...“

“Stopped here on the road, would recommend. Helped quickly and lots of options. The person working was very nice. I can only speak to the donuts but we enjoyed. Cappuccinos are from a machine but pretty good all the same. Prices were decent too. The bathroom was clean and not locked, gender neutral. The whole place is wheelchair accessible, it looks like, which is great. Doesn't seem like too many options for those with dietary restrictions is the only drawback.“

“I don’t usually leave reviews, but I had to take a moment for this place—these donuts are next level! Fresh, soft, and perfectly sweet without being overpowering. Every bite melts in your mouth, and you can tell they’re made with care. Whether you’re into classics like glazed or something more creative, every flavor hits the spot.

On top of that, the guy working there was super friendly and welcoming. He made the whole experience even better with great service and a positive attitude. You can tell he takes pride in what he does, and it shows.

If you’re looking for the best donuts and top-tier customer service, this is the spot. Highly recommend—I’ll definitely be back!“

“Great place. the owner is an amazing person. Dan Dan We Love You ❤️. no one does it better than the missing hole!!!“

“We had a good experience at Marina Donuts & Bagels.

The donut holes, cinnamon roll, and the mango boba were good.

The staff was friendly, and the store itself was clean during our visit.

The main downside was the long wait, which took away from an otherwise positive stop.“