When I lived in LA, one of the things I noticed and thought was so odd was that there were no Dunkin’ Donuts shops around. While I enjoyed going to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (wish we had one in Chicago) and the local bakery, Porto’s (Oh.Em.Gee! Soooooo delicious!), I was perplexed as to why there were no Dunkin’ Donuts anywhere.
But then, I noticed all of the local donut shops around. I tried a few, but wasn’t too impressed (not that Dunkin’ Donuts is impressive at all, nor was I comparing them to DD). I guess because Porto’s was so extraordinary that it really beat out any other place (they are not really known for their donuts, but they are a local bakery and serve bakery goods as well as other food). Of course, I probably should have sought locals’ advice, but did not. And, not to name any names, but I’ve been burned one too many times by a certain website with “real people reviews” to trust anything on there. I haven’t been back to LA since moving from there in 2011, but next time I go, I have a list of donut shops to hit up.
So, that brings us to Stan’s Donuts. My hubby told me about Stan’s as he was working nearby. It’s in our neighborhood, so we decided to give it a try. (Disclosure: We had not gone before because there is an amazing donut shop near us and because I’m trying to be more healthy and donuts and health really don’t go hand-in-hand. LolSob.). Here are a few pics from our visit and some of my thoughts on Stan’s, which, btw, is from Westwood, California. Circle complete.
I was really excited to try it because look at how cute this place is. I was impressed with the color palette and the retro, yet mid-century modern decor. It was nice and clean and very welcoming.
I loved the subway tiles and their curated collection of KitchenAid mixers as decor.
The pink and white stripes packaging is adorable, as you can see. The coffee was nothing extraordinary. Let’s just say, I would not stop in just for coffee.
We ordered the Nutella (left) and glazed (right) donuts. I really love nutella, but wasn’t too impressed with the donut. The glazed was tasty, light and fluffy.
Overall, I think my other beloved donut shop is more superior in comparison, but it wouldn’t stop me from trying a different kind of donut if I were within close proximity to Stan’s again.
Are you a donut person? Are you a doughnut or donut person? What’s your favorite type of donut? Where is the best donut you’ve ever had?
Now back to that healthy thing…
Tribeloco 
Yum Donuts!
I know!! I need to get back on the healthy wagon though!
I love my kitchen aid and use it ALL the time!! great post:) xoxo
surleen.wordpress.com
Thanks, Surleen! Same here!
Dunkin’ Donuts is awful! So many gourmet donut shops have opened in my city and their offerings are head and shoulders above those big chain places. I find the gourmet donut places use better, somewhat healthier ingredients too! Stan’s looks amazing!!! I’ll look out for it next time I’m in LA!
Yeah, I don’t go to DD for donuts. I like their iced coffee and regular hot coffee. Yes, you can definitely tell the ingredients are fresher at the small biz donut shops. My fave in our city is The Donughnut Vault.
Ok! Good to know. Here in Ottawa, Canada, the best donuts are from Suzi Q’s. So many great flavours like London Fog (tastes like Earl Grey tea), Salted Caramel, Maple Bacon (it’s good – promise), Sugar Monki (banana), etc. Yummmmmmm!!
OMG! Those all sound delicious! I ahve never been to Ottawa, but I have lots of family in Canada and have visited Toronto, Quebec City and Montreal and really loved it!