Prunedale Donut & Bakery

Prunedale Donut & Bakery

Reviews Summary

This donut shop is widely praised for its fresh, delicious donuts, bagels, and baked goods, with many calling them the best they've ever had. The owners are described as kind, hardworking, and welcoming, creating a warm, family-owned atmosphere. Highlights include fluffy bagels, custard-filled donuts, and ham-jalapeño croissants. Customers appreciate the fair prices and excellent service, though some note the cash-only policy and limited selection. The shop often sells out early due to high demand. A few reviews mention minor drawbacks like plain decor, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many regulars highly recommending it.

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

7945 San Miguel Canyon Rd

Salinas, California 93907

Hours

Monday 7AM-5PM
Tuesday 7AM-5PM
Wednesday 7AM-5PM
Thursday 7AM-5PM
Friday 7AM-5PM
Saturday 7AM-5PM
Sunday 7AM-5PM

Customer Reviews

Family owned, very loving family. You cannot go here and not have their bagel... super soft and the cream cheese tasted fresh, not like the processed stuff. Croissants are good, too, as are the donuts.

Traffic on 101 N stopped due to an accident ahead. Instead of sitting in the traffic, I took the nearest exit to visit Prunedale. I've heard a lot of good things about this donut shop, so I thought I should at least try something even though I just finished lunch & was really stuffed. So I asked Ariel, if I could get half a dozen donut holes instead of a whole dozen. Then I realized that I didn't have cash and asked Ariel if I could use my credit card. Ariel's very sweet and understanding, she not only

Best donuts, house made and yummy. Owners are very friendly and good. Old couple runs this place and they both are very nice.

Just as good as they?ve always been! These wonderful folks have been turning out terrific donuts, bagels and coffee for decades. Pay them a visit and try one of their soft but chewy and delicious bagels. Located close to hi-way 101, you?ll have easy off and on access.

This place is very special to my family and I. My family have been residents of Prunedale for over 30 years. We all grew up on the fresh donuts and bagels. And the owners are some of the nicest people you'll meet. Great quality baked goods and great coffee. Come on in! Highly recommended!

The quality is excellent. The donuts are genuinely tasty and consistently great. This donut shop has completely changed my perception of donuts. The chocolate cake donuts are my favorite. Moreover, the staff is always friendly and welcoming.

cash only and ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!. Got their at 1 pm and got 8 of the finest donuts I have ever had in my life! Bought some maple bars for my neighbor. She can't remember the last time she had one this good. This place is run by an older Vietnamese couple and you can tell they have a very old fashioned attitude about service. They were so nice and polite, they insisted I take the donuts for free when I told them I didn't have cash. No way I was going to do that. I went to the liquor store next door and

Cash only, great old fashioned donuts. Super sweet people. Support small business!

These are the best donuts I have ever had, I have never fully enjoyed a donut until now. The donut holes got me hooked, they are so fluffy and fresh. They make their donuts, muffins and bagels daily. The muffins have this awesome firm top and soft center - We love the bagels they are immensely fluffy, truly amazing. They offer plenty of drinks as well. The staff is awesome and kind and hardworking, they definitely deserve a good tip because everything is priced very fair.

Stopped by this place on the way to Pismo, heading south. Just craved some donuts and saw it on Google maps. The gentleman, who i think is the owner, was very nice and kind. I wasn't sure if I had enough cash and he was willing to round it down. I did have enough luckily so whatever I didn't use, I left in a tip jar. This place only accepts cash so be prepared. I love locally owned businesses and this one definitely wins my personal endorsement. Donuts were really good!

Staff are very friendly, good prices. Their bagels are on a different tier, extremely good. Cake doughnuts are probably the best I?ve ever had, they?re light, flavorful, soft, and crisp on the outside. Old fashioned doughnuts were also perfect. Wish I had gotten more. Their coffee was also good!

Cash Only but worth it ! (: Classic Donut Shop

Went to this place on a whim after a visit to Monterey. I picked up a half dozen at around 1pm and they tasted as though they were just made. The employee also was so sweet and understanding when I had to go get cash because they are cash only. They have amazing prices and I definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a good donut and friendly people.

Well I came later in the am for what I was told is the awesome raised donuts this place has.. yeah all of them were wiped out. It?s ok though my kids enjoyed the cake donuts and it showed my kids just might like a different style of donuts! Cashier was very nice!

Prunedale, what a discovery! We came to this strip-mall location on the Salinas freeway to fill up on gas and I decided to get some coffee and something to eat from this very nondescript bakery. Best decision ever! Absolutely delicious bagels and the freshest of donuts baked in-house and served up by amazingly warm owners! The coffee is very decent and freshly made. If you want to have a mom-and-pop-place, small-town experience while driving to Monterey, Gilroy, Carmel or any larger town nearby, do stop ove

Best bagels! We go every time we have to go up north. Call ahead even to make sure they don't sell out. The owners are great people & their son helps out too. A real local feel to it. Simple & ALL hand made good stuff.

I stopped here today and got some delicious, freshly made bagels. While I was there, a steady stream of locals came through for their favorite treats and coffee. I give it 4 stars because it has a limited selection and very plain (but clean) decor, but I will definitely stop by again when I'm in the neighborhood!

By far thee best donuts I?ve ever had! I would recommend the maple bar with custard filling. They are not chintzy when it comes to filling the donut to the max! The custard is so cold and squirts out the sides. 5 stars ??!

By far, the BEST bagels ever, no competition with any other! And the service is awesome. Mr. Mac & Dora are the kindest, most respectable people you?ll ever meet. Highly recommend.

The very kind lady gave me 5free doughnut holes when I got one doughnut very kind.i would recommend to come here very good doughnut and doughnut holes

My favorite place in the county! The owners Mak and Dara are the greatest. They see me walking in and make fresh maple bars for me. Melt in your mouth delicious!! I absolutely love them!

Great Bagels, Mom and Pop shop. Been hitting the shop since 2012 every Thursday. Fluffy soft bagels, hot doughnut holes, and old fashion doughnuts. Get here early for best selection. BTW NYC take note, this shop has you hands down, take that from a East Coaster!

The absolute best!!! Cake donuts are tender and tasty, the raised donuts are so soft and yummy. If the donut holes come out hot while you are there, GRAB SOME!!

The donuts and apple fritter were very tasty. Plus the man behind the counter seemed to know everyone ahead of us and their orders without having to be told. I'm happy we stopped here on our way to the Bay.

I was so impressed today. After 5 hours of driving and two and a half sitting on hwy 101 due to downed trees, this was the only business in the area allowing customers in during the power outage. You were honestly the only restroom open for many miles and I cannot thank you enough for having your doors open during today's storm. We appreciated it very much and will be back!

Great donuts always fresh. Great service, friendly family ran business.

This is a great little gem. Awesomely sweet delicious donuts and the bagels are about the best you can get, coffee and anything else you'd imagine in a bakery. Highly recommend

Best old fashion donuts, selection is basic, but get the donut holes while still warm, and they melt in your mouth.

The donuts and bagels here are amazing and the owners are the sweetest! We grew up going here and they remembered us several years later when we visited after moving away.

Best d*** donut I've had in a very long time if not my Entire life!! Trust me I should be a food critic I'm very picky when it comes to food!

Mom and Pop Donut shop where (literally) the Pop is the back baking and the mom is selling in the front.. go in early if you want more of a selection because they sell out within a few hours! (They are THAT good!)

Bagels are super soft and delicious. Donuts are very tasty..melts in your mouth. Owner is very nice.

I love this Donut Shop it's been a fantastic place for the last twenty year's that I've know about them Love the place

Best donut I've ever had! Very nice and sweet staff. Love this little place!

Best donuts/bagels in the 831. Customer services is always great. A cash only location but def worth it.

Best donuts in town. Really fresh and super soft ??. Would highly recommend.

The best donuts in monterey county,always fresh..and friendly and smiling faces to help you with your selections yum...

Delicious fresh donuts. Also, some other breakfast items, like Lumpia (so good)

The most fresh & soft bagels in Monterey County. The owners make the Best!

Delicious bagels and donuts that surpass any supermarket. Be mindful though since it's cash only, so if your planning to go be prepared.

cute donuts, with cute bakery boxes, with cute owners who are oh so sweet. Best donuts too, they sell out so get there early.

The best bagles ever. We drive 45 minutes to pick up two dozen when ever we are here visiting from CO.

I have been stopping by here for over 17 years. The doughnuts are some of the best I've had anywhere.

Make you feel at home as you walk in have to try the ham jalape?o Croissant with cheese. Mmmmmm

Very nice lady great doughnuts... i hope people dont take advantage of her.. she is very sweet :)

Very best glazed old fashioned donuts! Absolutely love this place.

Very friendly, family-owned business. These fresh, delicious baked goods are always a hit with my employees!

They are so good they are always running low or out of donuts. Sweetest people out there.

Best donuts. Clean, welcoming, and the food is delicious.

The BEST bagel sandwiches in Prunedale for the best price. How come I didnt know about this place sooner!? I'll be back

Awesome owners!! Very nice. Great donuts, great atmosphere

The cutest little bakery ran by a sweet couple ?? Delicious and fresh ingredients! Fantastic service!

Delicious glaze donuts. The ladies there are very kind and hard working.

Friendly. Service great. Donuts n coffee fresh n low price

Ok boom ,best donuts around always good and fresh and hot , very friendly staff

Better get there early or you'll be going home empty handed.. that's how good these donuts are

Allways good and fresh . Best doughnuts ive ever had.

The donuts here are delicious and the bakery makes a nice quiet place to relax!

Best donuts place I ever been! Great customer service!!!!!

I can not eat dounts anywhere els, these are the BEST..amazing owners..amazing dounts and bagels..

Love supporting the local donut family! Sweet mom and pop shop

Best donuts in Prunedale!!!

Amazing donuts and delicious bagels. Highly recommend!!

The best donut I love them my little girl loves them ???????

Dayum! These donuts are always super fresh and delicious!

Most delicious donuts and the kindest people love this place

We stop every Friday to get bagels ??

Wonderful homemade Bagels and great donuts.

Great donuts and friendly atmosphere love the owners

I have been going there for over 10 years, always good and fresh.

The hours of operation state that they open at 6am. I've gone by the last 2 days and they are not open.

Very Fresh, Great People

The BEST donut I have ever had!

Always greeted by friendly staff and so many choices

Awesome bagels and sweet couple. ????

They are the best. Friendly and good product!!

Family owned and operated, love the warmth and the goodies

Great place to have a donut and coffee.

Best old fashioned donuts.

Very good bagels n smoothies

Da best bagle. N Donuts in town

The Best Bagels and Donuts around!

The place is riddled with illegals and due to this they only take cash

Really rude don?t even answer phone calls

Best donuts in the area!!!!

Good coffee and bagles sandwiches

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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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.