Original Ferrell's Donuts

Original Ferrell's Donuts

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the turkey sandwiches and donuts, highlighting their freshness, quality, and value. Many mention friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere. The turkey sandwich is frequently called the best in town, while donuts are often described as delicious, though a few found them average or overpriced. Service is consistently noted as excellent, with staff going above expectations. Some minor criticisms include occasional dryness in pastries or inconsistent quality, but positive experiences dominate, especially for sandwiches and customer service. A few reviewers had mixed or negative experiences with specific items. Overall, it’s a beloved spot for donuts and sandwiches.

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

1761 17th Ave

Santa Cruz, California 95062

Hours

Monday 6AM-2PM
Tuesday 6AM-2PM
Wednesday 6AM-2PM
Thursday 6AM-2PM
Friday 6AM-2PM
Saturday 6AM-2PM
Sunday 6AM-2PM

Customer Reviews

The Turkey sandwich is the best in town. It's fresh roasted turkey with cranberry and vegetable with so yummy ??. The donuts are great. The service is good and friendly. The parking place is good ??????. If

Best donuts in Santa Cruz!! A really lovely atmosphere and kind service. Sandwiches are delicious but the donuts are unbeatable!

We came in on a Sunday morning, and this place was very busy. The nice young guy behind the counter was patient and sweet to everybody even though he was working alone and getting slammed. The food was good and the coffee was hot. Props to that guy for holding it down!

Value, the donuts are good and with how much they cost they are definitely worth it! This location has plenty of seating and the staff great. The customer in front of us asked if they had a chocolate glaze which they didn't. They then offered to and did make them for him without him even asking!

Grossest donuts I?ve had, ones from grocery stores in utah are better. The workers were nice though.

The best employees that was there made the best tri tip sandwiches and I came in on the weekend and the donuts have not been consistent but now it?s gone downhill they serve stale bread and new employees stare at you while you eat makes me uncomfortable . They need to bring back the old employees

It?s an okay donut. Raised was good. Apple fritter and old fashions were dry. The service was really great and the seating was very cute.

Not a big selection, but I love an old fashioned donut. A lil crunchy and they have one with maple. The sugar donut was very good as well. This will sell out quick on Sundays

This Ferrell's is a staple on the days when a perfect doughnut is needed. The entire staff welcome everyone as if they are family. They know what I'm looking for before I even get up to the counter, and it is nice to be greeted with such friendliness each time. 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a great breakfast.

The Stuffing is friendly always attentive. They have delicious fresh sandwiches, donuts, bagels, and beverages. Family Friendly outdoor sitting area. Bon App?tit!

Well this was an unexpected, wonderful surprise!! We stopped in for a quick lunch before a boat tour, had limited time and low expectations. We just needed food to cram down our gullets in a hurry. Instead what I got was one of the very best turkey sandwiches I've ever had. The bun was amazing, the turkey and cranberries were fantastic, but what made the sandwich were the shredded carrots. Absolutely amazing. Thanks, Ferrell's!!

Service is always good here. I typically get a sandwich here rather than donuts. Their sandwiches are great!

I came in last minute for some Sufganiyot for Hanukkah, and Mike (owner) saved the day and helped put together some jelly doughnuts for us. Truly a lifesaver and extremely friendly. We got another chocolate doughnut while there, absolutely delicious. Fresh and reasonably priced. We will be coming back again for all of our doughnut needs. I'm excited to try the sandwiches too!

Donuts are amazing and the turkey sandwich is awesome. Nice service also all the time

Cute place; however, we have not had great experience with their donuts. I went there at 6:40 today but the donuts somehow did not taste fresh. They are not bad but you just expect better.

Great breakfast or lunch spot. Delicious bagel and turkey sandwiches and of course a donut or two to finish things off. Feel like their maple glaze recipe changed recently and is less flavorful but still worth the trip.

Love it!!! The turkey sandwich was amazing... Not too expensive either.

Fresh turkey, cranberry & carrots, what a fabulous sandwich! This place is a local unpretentious gem.

I wish their donuts were not so darn good. Fresh, yummy. I only go there when my grandson is visiting. They have a turkey plate special too which I have been told is very yummy. I have not tried it, but others have raved about it.

My favorite donut shop since I was a child. Still the same 30 years later.

themI Faithfully go to the store at shop every single day of the week. They only accept cash. But they have the best workers are. I'm pretty sure it's family-oriented. I've actually bought donuts there on credit with promise to pay a couple times. Which is amazing. I get the strawberry and pineapple strudels every time I go I'm obsessed with

We?re from Utah and needed a midnight donut run on our long drive home. Dang! These donuts blew our minds. So soft and fluffy! And the glaze! Wow!! It is cash only and my hubby was 70 cents under they were kind enough to let it go. So he gave a homeless man a doughnut on the way out to reciprocate the good favor.

The og Ferrell's Donuts has been a staple memory for me my entire life. Some of the best donuts i've ever had and amazing people that have made the experience that much better. This shop has a special place in my heart and always will. Absolutely a core childhood memory and always brings back ecstatic feelings ?????? Amazing estblishment and i would reccomend to anyone with a head on their shoulders

Food is great there with amazing customer service and surprisingly cheap for the great quality. Definitely stop by this place. I live just a few houses down and can smell the fresh donuts every morning. Try the veggie sandwich it?ll blow your socks off!

We stopped here for a driving break and had a delicious turkey sandwich. Service was great and the donuts were a perfect snack to take with us. i highly recommend this establishment!

cute shop and fair prices! old school feel to it. Just be aware that the cheese they use by default is a kraft single- which is technically a ?food product? and not actually cheese- next time I?ll ask for a different cheese. the girl up front works hard! hope this place is around for a long time :)

This is by far the best place you can get donuts anywhere. Also if you get there an hour before they close you can get a bag stuffed full of whatever Donuts you want for $3! The customer service is always amazing woman who works there on Fridays is just the nicest person you'll ever meet.

absolutely the BEST turkey sandwiches in town. One day I was feeling under-the-weather and my hairdresser suggested I get one. I thought she was crazy but got it anyway. I have been getting them now for the past 20 years......I highly recommend them.

Great value. Came in for their Apple fritter and also tried the egg and ham bagels. Great breakfast. Great service. Good family atmosphere.

The atmosphere was your typical donut shop. The lady behind the counter was awesome and she gets along with the customer base

I'm don't have a big sweet tooth, though, I think their donuts are fine. But their sandwiches are great! Good quality and they're big. Their turkey sandwiches are awesome.

Coffee was old (and staffer knew it but she still sold it/ hadn't made new). No washrooms to use. Donuts overated, had a weird taste IMO.

One of the few old-fashioned donut shops left in Santa Cruz county. It feels like it could be 1955 with the dark brown tiling and vinyl style seats all lined up around the coffee bar. The owner is also very generous, always donating his day-old donuts to local charities and non-profits. We need more businesses like this!

The doughnuts and the service are worth of five stars. The doughnuts are always fresh and are scrumptious! Try the turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce or the bagels for a quick bite in the morning! Yummy!

Great sandwiches! Whole roasted Turkey ?? carved on sourdough with cranberry sauce it's real food and fast. The chicken pesto and tri tip are great tooo but I'm addicted to the turkey sammich. And the gal who makes the sammiches is quite a gem ??

The egg and cheese bagel was delicious best melted cheese ever but the coffee was flavorless and $2.50 quick stop has better coffee for cheaper. It was very clean there as well I'd go back for just a bagel....

I remember coming here as a kid and walking in it's great to see the place as I remember it and it isn't beat down or old looking. Still has been taken care of well. It's nice to have a place to go to and just sit with a cup of coffee and a donut as my kids plow through "breakfast"

My first visit. Interior is small, but clean. The clerk was helpful and pleasant. Unfortunately they had run out of Donut holes and it was only 10:15am. [_] cheers [_]

Great donuts! For the best selection show up early in the morning. It's first come first serve and the good donuts go fast! I recommend the glazed blueberry donuts.

Service was especially horrible on Sunday, 11/13/16 at 9:30am. The blonde woman taking orders was extremely rude to the young man ahead of me and special needs friend. She was very short and pushy when it came to my friends turn without any regard for him. Service was so bad that I refused to order for myself.

Nothing fancy but look at it. Expectations have to be low with the location like this BUT the service and vibe is friendly and while you won't get no fancy espresso coffee the kids will be happy and you won't spend an arm and a leg. Keep doing you ferals...err Ferrell's.

They make a real roasted turkey sandwich. Choice is white, dark or mixed. Excellent! The donuts are always good.

As a child my parents owned the gas station across the street I spent many a day there and loved their doughnuts 30 something years later I took my kids in there to share a piece of my childhood. The doughnuts were even better than I remembered!!!!!

It was wonderful fast friendly service and the donuts are fantasitcly fresh I would recommend that you stop in and enjoy a turkey sandwich that is prepared in store... My favorite is the tritip words don't do it justice...it's the best I've ever had and I've had alot.....??????

There's a reason this establishment is called the Original Farrels. Great donuts and nice staff. I only allow myself to indulge two or three times a year and this has become my go to place for my donut fix.

Catching a little easter treat for ?the quarantine family?. ?? In times where we?re all sitting at home a bag of #donuts might not be the smartest choice but then again - LIVE A LITTLE! ?? Thanks to Ferrell?s for still providing us with some sugary treats to turn any frown upside down. ??????

I love this donut shop! The staff are so friendly and warm, and they know their regular customers really well. The donuts are amaaazing, and the owner, Michael is so kind!

I like the bagels there, but who ever did the bagels today 2/19/23 very nasty way too much cream cheese, you dont even spread it out, very bad today! Please fix that.

Never been here but some guy told me to look up Ferrell's Donuts and look at pictures of the inside. Looks awesome ?? donut

They have delicious foods! This is our go to area if we are every craving for donuts.

Great old fashioned donut and sandwich shop. It's been here the 20 plus years I've been in Santa Cruz. I support local small businesses and won't go anywhere else.

This local donut shop has a small, comfortable seating area, reasonable prices, and the staff is pleasant, generous, knowledgeable, and efficient. One of my favorite local spots!

I enjoy coming here a lot usually befor school on the weekdays the lady that is always there by herself is always very friendly and gets the line by very quickly, I decided to came in on the weekend there was another lady she had blonde hair and a younger girl the lady with the blonde hair was very rude and had a very bad attitude,I didn't enjoy my time there she made a comment that was not necessary in front of everyone else in the store and she got mad and whispered something under her breath when I poli

Love their fresh doughnuts made daily, and their turkey sandwiches are delicious...also their breakfast bagels are good

Five stars just because the have the best turkey sandwich (Gobbler). Thanks for yur effort to continue to make them.. They bomb

Totally legit local ?? house. They also make bfast sandwiches and excellent turkey sandwiches! I think they actually cook the turkey fresh!

Great Turkey sandwich lunch special. They carry RC Soda, a personal favorite of mine!

Awesome donuts! Love the long johns. Glad we got extra, they're just as good the next day!

Bruh, get you some donuts. This local spot is legit for all your sugary cravings. Pop in for a quick bite or grab a bag of the good stuff n get out with the quickness

Bomb donuts. Sell cold fresh milk. We don't all drink coffee and tea. Yummy ??

Great selection of donuts and they roast their own turkeys daily for their fantastic turkey sandwiches.

I love the donuts here and they have scrumptious turkey and tri-tip sandwiches too.

The best Turkey sandwich in Santa Cruz.. always made to order and more sandwich then you can eat.. 6 Stars

Not just good donuts and coffee, they roast turkey for the best turkey sandwiches in Santa Cruz.

Great!!I love the hazelnut coffee and turkey sandwich it?s the best,super clean and good service!

They have the best damn donuts in the world and you better get them early because once they are out for the day they will be out

My favorite donuts from around the area. Go early if you have a particular donut you want, they sell out fast!

The ferrells donut shop is fabulous. Cindy and veronica are amazing. Excellent customer service and friendly.

The doughnuts are average and the prices are high.

Great donuts and other breakfast and lunch items. Always good service and awesome food

Fine scene for delicious Cheap food. I love eating here. Next time I'll be back with my relatives.

Amazing donuts and coffee. Very friendly staff.

Excellent breakfast stop spot for a quick bite... I loveee the egg/sausage /cheese bagel!

Fresh donuts. The breakfast was very good. Friendly staff!

Decent donut shop, but not my ideal preparation of old fashioned and buttermilk bars.

Excellent delicious fresh turkey sandwiches. Friendly helpful servers

Cindy makes the best Turkey sandwiches. Great price

I visited Hollyday smog next door and this was my waiting place, great donuts, a little expensive but great testing donuts.

The donuts are always so fresh and yummy and the service is great

A coffee shop that bakes fresh donuts every morning served by very friendly employees.

Food was fine, the nice gentleman was really nice and helpful!

Just had donuts here. Super good!

Loved it but miss the $3 dollar a bag after 4:00??

My go to spot for donuts, but don't sleep on their veggie sandwich, it's delicious.

The donuts were really small I guess they're the right size if you're on a diet

Great place for those morsels of sweetness and a cup of coffee to kick start your day.

Great service, sandwiches are great try the tri tip and always parking.

There wasn't much that was correct about our order; but at least it tasted okay.

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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!

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