Cuisine Scene: Donuts
Long Beach is home to a thriving donut scene, where classic flavors and creative twists come together in sweet harmony. So, whether you're craving a late-night treat or early-morning pick-me-up, are a fan of old-school glazed or looking for something sweet from a galaxy far, far away, these standout shops are certain to satisfy.
Knead
Knead Donuts & Tea (3490 E Seventh St & 5105 Pacific Coast Highway) has redefined the local donut experience, balancing flavors and gourmet craftsmanship with the likes of sourdough chocolate tiger tails and crème brûlée donuts. This and its legendary Vietnamese iced coffee has earned it awards and celebrity fans, cementing its reputation as one of Long Beach’s elite pastry destinations.
In addition to Knead's two Long Beach locations, the shop has now expanded to neighboring Signal Hill (2160 E Willow St).
MOONBRIDGE DOUGHNUT STUDIO
Moonbridge Doughnut Studio (6344 E Spring St) offers a unique, often humorous twist on traditional donuts. It has rotating flavors like matcha and Oreo as well as a never-ending roster of cinematic-inspired creations ranging from Star Wars to Pokemon to a Redrum/The Shining donut. These are visually and tastily inspired bits of whimsy, which also inspires the shop’s interior.
Sweet Retreat
Sweet Retreat (924 Pacific Coast Hwy) turns imagination into edible art, seamlessly blending traditional favorites with fun and fanciful fusions. The fanciful vibe extends to the shop’s artsy interior. Offering both vegan and non-vegan donuts, Sweet Retreat’s artistry and innovation has made it popular for weddings and special events.
SUNRISE DONUTS
Sunrise Donuts (1639 E Seventh St) is a 24-hour Long Beach favorite, serving a wide variety of donuts and coffee around the clock. From classics to unique flavors like passion fruit and cookies 'n cream, the shop's commitment to quality and freshness, combined with its convenient hours, makes it a reliable choice for donut lovers, day or night.
Devi’s
Though it may be relatively small, Devi’’s Donuts and Sweets (3600 E Anaheim St) has gained a hefty reputation for creating an incredible and scrumptious array of vegan donuts daily. Everything is made by hand at Devi’s, and those creations are known for both their lightness as well as high impact of flavor.
BROADWAY DONUTS
A beloved local gem, Broadway Donuts (1200 E Broadway) offers a nostalgic donut experience with a diverse menu that includes classics like apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, and maple bars. The shop's cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals, who also appreciate the wide variety of choices when it comes to some terrific, aromatic coffee.
Simone’s Donuts
Simone’s (6400 E. Stearns St.) is known for its classics like maple bars as well as custom made creations like its “Letter Donuts” that allow you to spell celebration messages–you know, “Congrats, Grad!” A terrific blend of tradition, novelty and deliciousness, it’s no surprise Simone’s was named as one of the country’s top 10 donut shops.