10 Best Donuts near Salinas

“cash only and ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!. Got their at 1 pm and got 8 of the finest donuts I have ever had in my life! Bought some maple bars for my neighbor. She can't remember the last time she had one this good. This place is run by an older Vietnamese couple and you can tell they have a very old fashioned attitude about service. They were so nice and polite, they insisted I take the donuts for free when I told them I didn't have cash. No way I was going to do that. I went to the liquor store next door and got cash. I know VISA and MASTERCARD charge outrageous fees nowadays. Honestly I paid only $10 but I would have paid $20 if I knew how OUTSTANDING they were going to be.“

“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!“

“A long time staple amongst the community, their donuts are fresh and delicious. Their coffee is fresh and hot. If you want a breakfast sandwich, they have that too. Not bad for Salinas. One thing I don't like is the locals who hang outside in the front making it uncomfortable for my wife who visits every so often.“

“Of the 2 shops in town, this one is our favorite. It's always good and reliable, and if you go later in the day and order a decent amount for the family, they throw in extras for free. The flavor of the donuts is way better than other places. I also like the service- no nonsense, matter of fact. I don't need someone holding my hand or making silly small talk when I'm ordering food. Just easy and simple interaction. Lonely Boomers may not appreciate it but should go to church for friends, not a donut shop.“

“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!“

“Later in the day- I think around 3 or 4pm, I ordered a huge chicken and bagel sandwich, made fresh and customized and loved it. Then was able to to order any of their doughnuts or mini doughnuts. They were delicious, and everyone was happy with size and flavor since they were able to get exactly what they wanted. Usually, pick of doughnuts is slim at this time at other places!“

“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.“

“Been wanting to visit this shop, one Great name. Very clean and lots of things to choose fromVery friendly and helpful staffGreat donut, they have other food and lots of drinks such as coffee etc. open various hours, be sure to view their times of operation.I got the Apple Fritter, very soft and fluffy with a blast of Apple . I will be back

Parking: It's located opposite of the auto parts store on the right. Take Hwy 10 North from Monterey, head 156=East and take the 183 towards Salinas, turn right and it's on the right

Wheelchair accessibility: Lots Of parking.“

“I've been here twice since the owner changed. I've only had bagels, coffee, and doughnuts. I really want to try the burritos.

This is a quintessential doughnut shop. I'm probably giving them at least 1 star for nostalgia. It's the place you go with your dad on Sunday morning*.

Go, bring cash, you order on the left.

*my dad never took me anywhere like this but I will take my son.“