Golden Donut

Golden Donut

Reviews Summary

Golden Donut is consistently praised for its fresh, delicious donuts with a wide variety, including standout items like apple fritters, chocolate twists, and ham & cheese croissants. Customers highlight the friendly, family-owned atmosphere, quick service, and reasonable prices. Many appreciate the convenience of credit card payments, though cash is preferred. A few negative reviews mention occasional rudeness or inconsistent pricing, but the overwhelming majority rave about the quality and service, making it a beloved local spot for breakfast and snacks. Cyclists and early risers particularly enjoy its location and early hours.

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

1531 W Mission Rd STE E

San Marcos, California 92069

Hours

Monday 4AM-3:30PM
Tuesday 4AM-3:30PM
Wednesday 4AM-3:30PM
Thursday 4AM-3:30PM
Friday 4AM-3:30PM
Saturday 4AM-1PM
Sunday 4AM-1PM

Customer Reviews

I'm long overdue writing a raving review of this donut shop. It had been a family favorite since 2008! They always have the freshest of donuts and other pastries. You are greeted by the friendly owner and family. They have a well stocked fridge with everything from chocolate milk to Monster energy drinks They are located next to the 7/11 It is a convenient pitstop for snacks or hearty jalapeno ham & cheese croissant. Close to the Inland Rail Trail for the cyclists among us. They prefer payment with cash

Walked in on a whim and was blown away by the comfy atmosphere and beautiful display case. It was 3pm, and these people STILL had fresh specialty donuts available at the ready. The prices are very reasonable for the quality, convenient location, and service you're getting. I'd definitely recommend you try this place out when possible. Pictured is a crumb cinnamon roll; it was as big as my FACE and very delicious.

Golden donut always has the freshest donuts in the area, they have a great selection of donuts to choose from, Smoothies and iced coffee blends are delicious, The Golden Donut is a mom & pop shop- family owned and operated. I highly recommend everyone try these donuts. You won?t be let down.

The best donuts in San Marcos plus they?re cheap mostly then donuts places I totally recommend it!

This place I found by accident and boy was I excited! This place the biggest and best tasting donuts around. They?re the same price as a Krispi Kreme but almost twice the size. It?s a small mom and pop place and you won?t be disappointed with their donuts.

This is mine and my children?s Sunday morning spot for us! They never lets us down and take very good care of us! Everyone who walks out always has a smile on their faces. Family owned, clean, always very respectful to everyone and always in stock of the best doughnuts around town! Their ice coffee and home made ham and cheese croissants are a 5 star! Golden Doughnuts is the place to go for your morning breakfast!

Doughnuts are good but the people who work there are sketchy . Been there a few times and they charge you without giving you a receipt and when you do it only gives you the total not the price for each item. Been charged different prices for the same item a few times now. It seems they charge what they want here. I prefer crispys doughnuts they always are nice and have pricing on their items.

Super friendly small shop, got a dozen donuts and a dozen donut holes for work the total was about $20. They were very nice and fast, would definitely recommend!

Tried this place out for the first time today and all I can say is that this place is awesome! The owners here are super kind and friendly. Their donuts are AMAZING! Super soft, just the right amount of sweetness; not overbearing at all. I got their chocolate twist donut, raspberry filled donut, sugar coated donut, and plain glazed donut holes for my order today; all of it was exceptional. They even gave me the sugar coated donut for free (After paying with card)! Definitely going to frequent this place mor

Love the bfast croissant sandwich, comes w/ egg, ham, bacon, cheese and jalape?os! I like that they have some already made, ready to warm up and go within 5 mins tops! The donuts are also very tasty and they have a nice variety.

Their donuts have a great taste, texture to them. I especially like the chocolate twists , glazed , and cinnamon twists especially. !!

The owners are really nice, the shop is very clean, and they have quick service. I ordered six dozen donuts this morning, and they boxed them for me in just a couple of minutes. They also gave me a free donut, which NO donut shop has ever done in the 30 years that I have been buying donuts for my customers. The owner also helped me out to my car with the boxes. I would highly recommend this shop for donuts to anyone!

Ham&cheese with jalape?o was really good! The donuts are fluffy and fresh. Decent price I will be coming back forsure.

absolutely delicious (especially donuts holes) + super nice employees! been going here for over 3 or 4 years, they deserve your business

I've been going here since I was a kid and they always have the most mouthwatering delicious donuts! A chocolate twist, a dozen donut holes, and a chocolate nesquick are all I need to have a good morning like I'm a kid again.

Just bought a few dozen donuts for the team, they loved them. They're also reasonably priced and very tasty.

I came here for the first time at 4am.... Ok I had a donut craving. The guy didn't seem one bit interested in selling anything even after I told him this is my first time here. He seemed preoccupied with other things. He didn't even ask me to hold on for a second I have something cooking.... at least make up an excuse so I return for repeat business since I only live about 2 miles away and I know quite a few cops.

I love them! Great customer service, family ran business, friendly, and delicious donuts!

The donuts are delicious. The staff is friendly and they take credit cards which is great if you're like me and don't like to carry cash.

Get a bike rack or let people bring a bike in for two seconds to buy a donut. Not risking my bike getting stolen for 2 donuts. Woman was very rude, all I did was walk in.

Highly recommended!!! Great donuts and great customer service!! Get your donuts here in San Marcos!!!

Our go to donut shop in SM. Usually get the Apple fritter, pink icing round, chocolate twist, and whatever else looks good.

Delicious donuts and friendly service! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a morning donut fix.

Says they are only open for takeout yet they don't answer the phone, even when you try calling 7 times. All I needed to know is if they had a certain type of donut so I don't waste a trip..

Just the whole in the wall donut shop. Nothing fancy, but the donuts are delicious. Always nice and friendly service as well.

Apple Fritter is way good, cinnamon taste is wonderful! Good chunks of apple and Crispy fried! Omg!

Love their ham egg bacon cheese and jalapeno croissants are the best love to get them on saturdays fresh huge and delicious !!!!

Visiting from Chicago...was unsure of the quality of as it's a small mom and pop, but OMG they were fresh and literally melted in my mouth. Worth the try!

Nice people. Good service and pricing. Donuts are fresh. Bring cash.

Been coming here for years. Great donuts

Good donuts, great pricing. Open early.

Amazing donuts. Light fluffy, not too dense. Definitely a hit

Great service, love there donuts and coffee.

Donuts are great. And they are open!

Super good donuts, friendly

Always fresh PS try the ham n cheese

A pretty tasty donut shop.

The donuts are so yummy????????????

Good local donut spot.

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.