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Golden Cream Doughnut Shop

Golden Cream Doughnut Shop

Reviews Summary

This donut shop consistently earns high praise for its delicious, fresh, and fluffy donuts, with standout items like apple fritters, croissants, and butter croissants frequently mentioned. Customers rave about the friendly service, quick service, and cozy atmosphere. Many consider these the best donuts they've ever had, praising the quality, variety, and homemade taste. The coffee is also highly regarded. While prices aren't the cheapest, the value is excellent, with some noting free extras. The shop's early hours and classic charm add to its appeal. A few non-English reviews echo the same enthusiasm, calling the donuts addictive and unforgettable.

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

911 Lincoln Ave

San Rafael, California 94901

Call Now Get Directions

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Great service! I got a dozen and a croissant breakfast sandwich and it?s the best I?ve ever had. I believe they add two eggs! Needed that protein and a donut too!

I have never written a review before. This was an awesome surprise finding out how good these doughnut were. I should have know they were good now that I notice their next to Sol Food. I got the doughnut box off the To Good To Go App and it was way beyond my expectations. Awesome

If you have craving for excellent, light, freshly made, inexpensively priced doughnuts while you?re in San Rafael, then you need to stop by the Golden Cream Doughnut Shop ?? Golden Cream is a cash only shop.

You?re greeted with a smile soon as you walk in, and they make something as small as choosing what treat you?d like fun and friendly. Definitely try the pineapple cheese, blueberry donut and the sugar donuts!

Good fresh classic donuts and friendly staff.

The donuts were ok. The ham and cheese croissants were terrible. The prices are very high. I probably won't be going back again

This place is a local favorite for fresh coffee and donuts to get energy for the best thrift stores in the Bay area, just a few steps away. Check out this family friendly owned shop for other treats as well. Solfood is a few doors away.

They have donuts - not fancy or fat free - normal awesome donuts! Also have croissants, danishes, and coffee. Love them. Cash only but they have an atm you can use.

What a find. This is an old fashioned donut shop with a wide variety of donuts and kind owners. We all agreed that these were possibly the best donuts we had tasted. We will be back!

Hot ham /egg/cheese ! 20 plus years of greatness myself.

The doughnuts are always fresh. You don't have to wait long to get your order. Very nice people working there.

Omg we called this Happy Donut! This place has the best donuts ? and also an amazing breakfast sandwich?

My favorite donut shop and the ham and cheese croissants are delicious unbeatable.

Great mom and pop donut shop! No frills old school atmosphere with great quality donuts!

I grew up eating homemade donuts from a place in my home town called Dixie Cream Donuts but I must say the apple fritter from this place is heavenly!

Very fresh baked goods and great coffee. Great service, they always remember my order.

Known as the supplier of the Prime Friday Donut tradition for decades, this is old-school donuts at its finest! Friendly, fast and great value.

Good donuts, not inexpensive prices. But they are always quick to serve and often give an extra donut for free if you buy several.

Not rated high enough!

Very good local donut shop! - Apple Fritter = B+ - Chocolate Raised = A- - Croissant = A- - Long John = B

Fabulous donut selection and nearly always open!

I enjoyed an excellent sprinkled cake doughnut at an unbeatable price.

Quite possibly the best doughnuts I have ever had. Praise be to golden cream.

The only place I get doughnuts. Theyre cheap and really fluffy and tasty.

You'll never find donuts made like this again in your life. They make them on the premises and they are delicious.

It?s sooo goood omg been coming since I was a little kid omg the bagels are so good

Great ham and croissant sandwiches. This place however doesn't have butter or mayonnaise?!?

Good prices, good + fast AND FRIENDLY service. Only downside to some customers may be CASH ONLY.

Donuts are delicious and fresh. The employees are super nice.

Love this place!! So good ??

I'm sorry but, if you think 12 dollars is cheap.... I'm shocked. Nothing special 12 dozens isn't what I call a deal.

Classic working class donut shop. Sweet treats and coffee, open early.

Their donuts are fantastic and butter croissants out of this world.

Great place friendly staff. Cash only accepted.

Open early, great selection early and huuuge croissants

Excellent food and comfortable seating and space.

My go-to doughnut shop every time!

Best apple fritter I ever ate

They've the best breakfast

Pretty good. Not the best but good.

so good. staff is very friendly.

Best crasant I've ever had

Quick and inexpensive. Cash only

We bought donuts for a wedding here.

Best Donuts in Marin county

Good donuts from family run business

Fast, inexpensive coffee and doughnuts.

Love the breakfast sandwiches.

Nice selection of donuts and coffee

Had a hard time stopping eating !!!

Quick and nice service

Always fresh donuts.

(Translated by Google) I love this place...because first of all...it is a friendly, comfortable environment. And I like coffee a lot... and not to mention bread ?? (Original) Me encanta este lugar ..porque en primer lugar ..es un ambiente amigable ,c?modo. Y el caf? me gusta .mucho..y no que decir del pan ??

(Translated by Google) The best donuts I've ever eaten in my life. I bought a whole box full of donuts and other treats. A huge selection and an unforgettable taste. (Original) Die besten Donuts die ich in meinem Leben gegessen habe. Ich kaufte mir gleich eine ganze Schachtel voll Donuts und anderen Leckereien. Eine riesen Auswahl und ein unvergesslicher Geschmack.

(Translated by Google) The donuts are addictive, very tasty, I recommend them 100% (Original) Las donas son adictivas muy sabrosas las recomiendo al 100%

(Translated by Google) They give you good services and are very enabling (Original) Te dan buenos servicios y son muy enables

(Translated by Google) Very good service (Original) Muy buena atencion

(Translated by Google) More or less (Original) M?s o menos

(Translated by Google) Apple fritters (Original) Apple fritter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find donut shops near me?

Simply enter your zipcode, city, or browse the list of states and cities. We'll instantly show you the best-rated donut spots around—classic bakeries, trendy cafes, and hidden gems alike.

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.