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Eller's Donut House

Eller's Donut House

Reviews Summary

Eller's Donuts on Milpas is widely praised as the best in Santa Barbara, with many claiming they're among the best in California or even the U.S. Reviewers consistently highlight the freshness, old-school quality, and delicious taste, particularly the glazed donuts, cronuts, and apple fritters. The owner's dedication (starting work at 1-2 AM daily) and friendly service add to the charm. While the shop may lack modern decor, the donuts' quality overshadows any aesthetic concerns. A few note the unbeatable value for the price. The Milpas location is preferred over others, with a loyal customer base spanning decades. Some mention occasional long lines due to popularity, but agree it's worth the wait.

About This Listing

Who Can Visit?

Most donut shops welcome all ages—perfect for families and kids
Some locations offer sit-down areas, while others are grab-and-go
No prior ordering knowledge needed—staff can help you choose flavors
Casual dress is welcome—some shops may have outdoor seating
Allergy-friendly options may be available (ask in advance)
Group orders and celebrations welcome—pre-orders may be required

*Note: Seating, menu, and accessibility may vary by shop. Contact your local spot for details.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time guests can simply walk in and browse the display or menu. Staff are happy to offer recommendations and explain specialty flavors. Some shops even offer sample bites or combo deals for newcomers.

Common Considerations:

Allergens Some donuts may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten—always ask if unsure
Availability Popular flavors can sell out early, especially on weekends

*Note: Menus and specials may vary. Ask staff or check online for daily options.*

What to Bring

Cash or card—most donut shops accept both, but some are cashless
Phone or camera—perfect for snapping and sharing your sweet finds
Appetite! Fresh donuts are best enjoyed warm and on the spot

*Note: Payment methods and policies vary by location. Check signage or ask staff.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check store hours and peak times—early visits offer the best selection
Call ahead for large orders or special boxes
Bring friends or coworkers—sharing a dozen is half the fun
Dress casually—many shops are walk-up counters or offer outdoor seating
Leave pets at home unless it’s a pet-friendly location
Check for limited-time flavors, holidays specials, or preorder events
Set a treat budget if you’re shopping with kids
Bring a reusable bag or box if buying in bulk

*Note: Each shop may offer different experiences—check social media for updates.*

How to Get Started

Most shops accept walk-ins! For custom orders, pre-ordering is best. Ask about gift boxes or subscription options.

Other Helpful Info

Visits usually take 10–30 minutes, unless you're sitting down to enjoy
Weekends can be busier—plan ahead for quicker service
Seasonal or limited-edition donuts often rotate monthly
Some locations offer donut decorating kits or workshops
Gift cards, boxes, and party platters are often available

*Note: Features, pricing, and offerings vary by donut shop. Always check ahead.*

Contact Information

Address

22 N Milpas St # B

Santa Barbara, California 93103

Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday 5:30AM-1PM
Tuesday 5:30AM-1PM
Wednesday 5:30AM-1PM
Thursday 5:30AM-1PM
Friday 5:30AM-1PM
Saturday 6AM-1PM
Sunday 5:30AM-1PM

Customer Reviews

Listen closely, this exact place - not the one on state has the best doughnuts probably in all of California. If you're a purist, the glazed twist is your target - it appears to be double glazed and of you get there at just the right time it'll be warm on the inside and crispy on the outside. I've been to other local shops like Hook & Press which offer "designer" doughnuts, but Eller's on Milpas is the one you need, they've never failed me in 20+ years.

Don?t go anywhere else in SB for your donuts. These are the best. We ordered three different ones to share and we weren?t disappointed. Staff were helpful when asking about specifics, for example, which ones were filled with what?

Had them at work and they were goood. Will be stopping by on my own

Best cronut EVER! We returned twice in one week just to snag an afternoon cronut. Our new favorite spot & we will keep coming back!

The donurs are enormous and exceptional for the price. I did a donut Duel with Winchell's in the same morning and Eller's won hands down.

I love this donut shop. No pretensions, no cool hip setting, just donuts, dozens of them, in old-fashioned glass cases. The man who makes them is up at 2:30 every day, and is always in great humor. A real life lesson. And his donuts are delicious, sweet and old-fashioned as well, not a whiff of matcha.

Best donuts in Santa Barbara. Their cronuts are worth a drive. You know it?s a good donut shop when the donuts are still delicious even when they?re cold. The owners are kind and polite. The sign is hard to see and parking can be tight, but I definitely found my donut shop that I?ll keep coming back to

This is one of those places that should go down in history as the "best of." Its very unassuming presence in Santa Barbara makes it difficult to be found unless you are from that area. Having been around the world and having experienced some of the best foods in the world, it can be difficult to find anything these days that I can honestly say is "the best." This place has it. One bite into any of the Eller's raised donuts; Maple, chocolate or sugar glazed and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Li

Consistently Delicious Donuts. I have tried almost every donut shop in SB. SB is not a donut town. However, we found that Eller's apple fritters are great and everything else they make is consistently good. The place is always busy for good reason. The staff is efficient and friendly enough. Yes, the donuts are sweet. No, they are not gourmet. They make old school donuts and I've never been disappointed. I look forward to my next visit.

Delicious donuts and also sell boba drinks, if you want to save money they have 1 day old dozen donuts for $7.99 . I bought it and it's still fresh

Excellent breakfast sandwiches and delicious donuts.

Best donuts in Santa Barbara. Better than the other location. Better than the gourmet donuts in the city. Consistently #1. They know donuts! They desperately need a remodel of the place. But the donuts make you not care so much.

Best donuts in Santa Barbara hands down

Best in town for many years, always fresh and delicious. A light 'crust' with their cake and glazed varites that gives it that "Eller's" yummy texture. The Cronuts are out of this world, and best Apple Fritters around. Get a dozen donuts, crumb and jelly filled... they are old school, and Helm's DELICIOUS!!

Best spot forever. I get the box of day-olds for 5.50 and they are always amazing, soft and fresh. I also save a few bucks. Ellers has made me into a donut snob, anything else tastes flat or dry in texture. The one on Milpas is better than the other location. Recommend to anyone.. everyone...

This place has the best apple fritter I've ever had

this place is Amazing had great variety and the most delicious airy fluffy doughnuts. will definetly be our new go- to doughnut shop. the ladies behind the counter were so sweet and accomidating they special packaged my doughnuts so I'd be able to carry them easier with my 10 month old. Happy National Doughnut Day!

Best doughnuts in this town or any place else. The other Ellers on upper State should not be allowed to use the same name. Seriously I'll probably have to get a couple stints cause I eat here pretty much daily.

Best basic donuts in SB!

Ham and cheese is amazing, ate it without warning it up. ??

Best Donut in Santa Barbara. Everyday Collin, the owner starts his work from 1:00 am to make his donut with love and passions. ????????

Best donuts in town, hands down! (And I have tried almost all places as I am a donut fanatic). don't listen to the bad review. The donuts are scrumptious!

If your reading this , try the bear claw. Never seen one like this

Wonderful Iced coffee & reg coffee! Nice staff fluffy wonderful doughnuts. Tons of smoothie & tea selections

I love this place the coffee is always hot and so are the donuts and they treat you very nice and surpricely they know your name .

The glazed donuts are so big and fluffy! The service was very helpful and added to the good experience.

Get them while they are hot! This Eller's site makes the BeSt glazed doughnuts... but don't believe me... stop by and try one yourself.

Delicious donuts. Usually donut shops like this have the best glazed donuts and the other donuts are okay, but all of the donuts we bought were absolutely delicious.

Best donuts in town. Hard working Cambodian family

Fine donuts. I would give them a try again but I was not overly impressed. Nothing to write home about and nothing that was really bad either.

The big chocolate chip with choclate inside is one perfect chocolate donut...sweet and dark in the same time ..exactly what i expected

Great donuts. Get there early, they go fast!

Great Old School 5.50$Boxes. Like going to FRANKLIN School EASTSIDE. ROOTS ?????

The best love there Menu great donuts an sandwiches.

Staff is amazing Donuts always fresh Love this place

Charged me a credit card transaction fee without notice. Argued after I complained

To me best glazed & crumb donuts in town period!! On the Eastside of town.

Only place to get a donut around here. Avoid the milkshakes though

Try a cronut. Everything is good here but my favorite is the cronut.

Gosh, delicious. Super great service. Cheap

I love the donut ?? ?? there they are really good

The coffee, the pastrie are great. The service is amazing!

Casual cafe with some tasty donuts. Quite popular with the locals

Yummy Thai Tea. Great donuts always

The best $2 you?ll ever spend.

Awesome Pastries and my wife made our COFFEE!!!!

very good donuts and customer service!!

Fresh/old school/delicious/great maple glaze

Best donuts in Santa Barbara! ??

Fresh and will remind you of your childhood!

Not easy to engage with the owners, not enough personal attention.

Second to none???? That is all #carryon

Best doughnut shop on milpas

Love this place and the Best Donuts

Great, best doughnuts ever

A great friendly donut shop.

Donuts are fresh and delicious ??

Yummy! Family owned and run.

Best donuts ?? in town!

Great people that work there

So fresh. So inexpensive.

Really good and big donuts

Best donuts in the United States!!!

Best donut place in town!

Always a "holey experience" ??

Good coffee and donuts

(Translated by Google) Very nice (Original) Muy rikas

(Translated by Google) Customer service should be more attentive. (Original) El trato hacia el cliente deber?a ser m?s atento

(Translated by Google) Good service (Original) Buen servicio

(Translated by Google) Spectacular donuts (Original) Ciambellone spettacolari

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find donut shops near me?

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Are all the donut shops listed verified?

Yes! Every listing is reviewed for accuracy. We prioritize shops with real customer ratings, up-to-date menus, and consistent service.

Can I search by flavor or dietary preference?

Absolutely. Filter by popular flavors (like maple, custard, or vegan chocolate), or search for shops offering gluten-free, keto-friendly, or dairy-free options.

Do these shops offer delivery or pre-orders?

Many do! Listings include details on delivery partners, online ordering, and whether you can reserve boxes for pickup—perfect for gifts or events.

I want to send donuts as a gift. Can I do that here?

Sorry, but we don't support this yet! But we are considering adding this option!

What are “limited-time” or seasonal flavors?

These are exclusive donuts offered for holidays or specific times of year—like pumpkin spice in the fall or strawberry shortcake in summer. Check back often—they go fast!

Is this just for big cities?

Not at all. We’re expanding constantly, including small towns, roadside bakeries, and regional favorites. Sweetness knows no bounds.

What if my favorite donut shop isn’t listed?

Let us know! You can suggest a shop directly from our site. We’ll check it out and add it if it meets our standards for quality and service.