Sam's Bakery

Sam's Bakery

Reviews Summary

Sam's Bakery receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its fresh, high-quality donuts and pastries, with particular praise for the glazed old-fashioned and maple bars. Customers consistently highlight the friendly, welcoming staff and clean environment. The breakfast sandwiches, croissants, and coffee also earn strong recommendations. While most rate it 5 stars, a few note minor drawbacks like limited payment options or the surrounding area. The bakery is celebrated as a no-frills, classic spot with excellent value. A single 1-star review cites poor customer service, but this is an outlier among the glowing feedback.

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

803 Ellis St

San Francisco, California 94109

Hours

Monday 6AM-7PM
Tuesday 6AM-7PM
Wednesday 6AM-7PM
Thursday 6AM-7PM
Friday 6AM-7PM
Saturday 6AM-7PM
Sunday 6AM-7PM

Customer Reviews

Clean bakery with a selection of pastries and made to order sandwiches. The place is stocked with all sorts of donuts, drinks, and pastries and has a menu for breakfast sandwiches. The Vietnamese coffee I ordered delivered a potent dose of caffeine was just sweetened enough that it still tasted like coffee. The BLT on white bread was nicely toasted and finished within five minutes after ordering. My order's subtotal was $12.50. There were only four stools, three at a table and one in front of a window, so

Those donuts are so fresh and amazing I still go there even though the lady at the counter has no customer service skills whatsoever. She didn't acknowledge me when I entered. I had to say hello more than once to get her out of her trance. Then she was very impatient while I selected half of a dozen options. But these are very fresh donuts so.

Wonderful tasty donuts! I live in the area and have been meaning to try this place out. I tend to judge a place by its plain glazed, and boy does this place do it right. Glaze isn?t to sweet and has great texture, dough is chewy yet light. Everything I had was freshly baked. The woman at the front counter is very nice and helpful. When I was in there another customer told me they make the best Tiramisu (which is my fave) so I had to try it. Also delicious, creamy and fresh. Solid no frills classic donut sh

The donut dough is very fluffy, and tasted fresh even though we went very late in the morning! We both had breakfast sandwiches, which were good. My partner also got a smoothie? he says it?s great! (They have strawberry, banana, or mango? and will let you choose a combo, if you want)

Been here twice. If you can get passed the homeless smoking crack just outside, then the place is great. The two ladies inside are cheery and friendly. The donuts were excellent and it's nice to see a place that sells apple "bear" claws. Coffee was hot and fresh. Prices are reasonable for the city.

Great place for coffee and breakfast! Nice prices! We stayed at Alexis Park Hotel which is across the street, so it was nice to find coffee so close!

Such kind owners and staff with high quality and tasty coffee and donuts. Everything inside is extremely clean too. They take card($5 minimum) and cash. I was just really impressed how nice and personable the owners were and they really care about their customers. Very close to Son and Garden too. Highly recommend !

Cool decent coffee shop by the corner of the street, have a good range of options for sandwiches

Great food. The people there are really sweet.

There isn't a more ubiquitous food than donuts. Everyone has their own preferences and memories attached to really good donuts, or the routine of getting them, either as an adult or kid. Sure there are fancy, pseudo gourmet donuts places that charge you absurd amounts for 87 cents worth of ingredients, but nothing beats an old school donut shop. Everyone has their favorite, and for this place to do so well while just down the street from Bob's speaks to the quality of their product. Sours are hearty and ver

Love these donuts! Crispy dough filled perfectly not oozing out! Muah chefs kiss

Needed a nice light breakfast while staying in area. Nice croissant sandwich and bagel. Good coffee. No seating area...so best for to go.. although did have counter to stand at. People also very pleasant.

Flat out rude and disrespectful!I walked in this morning to purchase a donut and coffee only to be made to pay for my order.then both the lady and girl called me out my name as if she personally new me!but for the record I?m a loyal customer and have never had issues with Sam?s bakery workers only to be called a name that?s obviously not my name and a rude and disrespectful on at that. I?m actually a counselor and not homeless only to be treated as if I?ve stolen or trespassed by making me pay for my order

The food sucks they don?t have too many options and the two store runners who have to deal with the surrounding road kill that?s outside being a buggaboo to clients with they?re hands out.are rude and disrespectful and to ?? it off they?re polite for example I went in and ordered a danish with coffee and upon filling my cup with what I thought was decaf shoved the cup in my hand slightly not rough at all don?t but I noticed the aggression then flicked the lid at me on ?? of she refusing to supply a spoon ??

The best pastries! Apple Fritter is my fav! Thank youuu

My test for donut greatness is a glazed old fashioned. This one is definitely delicious. Slightly tangy and soo fresh. Super friendly and clean inside. Breakfast bagel was also very good. Walk past the Tenderloin and have a snack!

This has been me and my friend 's favorite breakfast place. We tried to stop by here at least once a week, and it never disappoint. Their breakfast sandwiches are perfectly cooked. They have wide variety of donuts and pastries too.

I come here very often to get my usual breakfast. These food is delicious. The customer service is amazing. The only thing I will say is they should consider taking food stamps. There are alot of people that get government assistance in the bay area .I think that will drive more customers to there small business. Other than that I have no complaints.

This is a great little bakery that sells cheap, delicious donuts, as well as scrumptious, absolutely gourmet apple fritters the size of my head! They also make great cream-filled maple bars and chocolate bars - definitely stop by if you're in the area and craving something sweet and doughy.

I order their french doughnuts about once a month. I get three each of their maple, chocolate, and glazed versions. So delicate and delicious, melts in your mouth. I commend them for opening in such a 'iffy' area but the trip is well worth it if you want a variety of doughnuts, pastries and other delicious menu items.

Might be the *only* bakery/sandwich spot in SF that?s reasonably priced and really good. The donuts are great, coffee is decent, and the tuna sandwich is a favorite of mine. Worth doordashing.

I love the fact that there donuts are so fresh. The reason I'm only giving them 3 stars is cause they need to pay more attention to the sandwiches they make. Today makes the second time they put the wrong breakfast meat on my sandwich but this time I called and complained and mentioned that they need to pay more attention to what they're doing and at first the woman was apologetic and nice about it but before I knew it she was laughing and I told her it wasn't funny than I hung up. If you order something th

I love this place. I went on National Doughnut Day and bought and bought a platter box and got 5 extra doughnuts holes. Very nice employees they also got the best jelly filled maple bars in town.

Finally!! A place for donuts around this neighborhood. Their pastry and donuts are good - if you're just craving for a donut but too lazy to go somewhere else. The dough doesn't weigh the same as normal donuts, but the taste is there. Their coffe needs improvement. They make latte, capucino and other speciality coffee the same way. Half cup of milk, pour espresso inside, top with foam. (Mocha is same, except with a spoonful of chocolate syrup and stir) Internet is now accessible for everyone. They could eas

Hands down the best bakery in SF and has the best croissants in the states. Walking by the air is filled with the aroma of sweet bread and donuts. Even though it?s not in the best part of town, it?s always somewhere I?ll go.

Woke up craving a donut the other day, so I walked two blocks from my hotel to Sam's and was not disappointed! It's definitely a place to stop and grab a sweet treat.

The food stuffs is about average. What I like about it is it's not always crowded and there is a small counter with bar stools where you look out out a plate glass window. Not good to people watch as there isn't a lot of foot traffic on that street.

Really fresh donuts with a nice variety and excellent prices. It was a very clean and we'll kept shop with a friendly lady operating the counter. I'll be going back for more donuts and to try the Banh Mi.

Their pastries are insanely good and particularly their cinnamon rolls and their super fluffy donuts. The staff is also friendly and nice.

Finally, coffee and fresh pastries appeared in the area. Very dissent prices. Breakfast bagel was really good. Good luck ?? I love Tenderloin!

In the almost 40 years I've been in the city there's always been a business at that location just happened to see a friend inside went inside to say hello it was clean it's not good people seem to be enjoying a product but I can't say what it taste like myself because I didn't have anything but it's good to know something like that is there if I'm ever in that neighborhood again

Pretty nice and fluffy donuts, however they gave me a bit of an upset stomach. Good deal if getting from too good to go.

The donuts are pretty amazing here and the service is one of a kind. They have a wonderful menu selection and the atmosphere is one of a kind.

Really good spot I get doughnuts and coffee right around the time they open extraaaa delicious when it's freshly made love ittt A+++ this is one if your reading this recommend to try out don't miss out on fire fire bakery not just the doughnuts to everything I've ordered here so far has left me with huge satisfaction and smile on my face

Huge, fresh and really delicious apple fritters! Other classic donuts looked just as good, nice staff and very clean inside

As a fellow Sam, I would give this an A+ among all establishments with Sam in the name. Fresh orange juice, tasty iced coffee and the croissant breakfast sandwich was delicious.

Fresh donuts and muffins! Orange juice was freshly squeezed and tasty! Coffee and hot chocolate was good too! Friendly staff too!

Maple cruller was fine. I'm giving this 5 stars because I like good donut places that are open not just in the morning/afternoon.

Tiny spotless little local bakery that?s just opened in the pandemic. Lots of baked goods, sandwiches, even b?nh mi. Strong brewed coffee. Cheap.

Standard donuts, good coffee. 3.5 donut shop similar to happ donuts. Fyi i didn't have the breakfast sandwiches

Sam's Bakery is a clean place to buy baked goods hot drinks and specialties!!! My daughter and grandson and I visit them on a daily basis!!! ??

This is small donut and coffee shop. They expect credit cards. A fair price. Friendly customer service.

Great tasting donuts, nice people, reasonable prices! What more can I say

It?s ok great doughnuts but be a were of the homeless

Polite & Courteous Crew-Awesome Sandwiches!!! Convenient! Cafe Very Clean/Can Eat In!

I always love a donut after Vietnamese food

So expensive for so little bagels

It carries various bakery with pretty cheap price. The customer service is pretty good

Yummy goodies....not too sweet, all tasting freshly made

Best old fashion I've tried so far

Workers are Nice ?? Donuts too lol

Delicious fresh bagels! Great prices

In and out, with BUDD. He likes the bananas.??

Excellent service from the staff. Very welcoming environment

Everything fresh and tasty ??

great ham and cheese croissant

Clean and good breakfast sandwiches & pastry's.

Great food, nice people.

Great little place to get donuts!

Really nice and clean too

Amazing service and amazing bread!!

nice little donut shop

The ban mi was nice.

Tasty and very reasonably priced!!!!!

The croissants are amazing

(Translated by Google) Very good food at a very reasonable price. Great selection, always happy! You can sit in the shop, but it is rather sparsely furnished. (Original) Sehr gutes Essen zu sehr g?nstigem Preis. Super Auswahl, gerne immer wieder ! Man kann im Laden sitzen, jedoch ist dieser eher sp?rlich eingerichtet.

(Translated by Google) Excellent donuts ?? Real soft dough! (Original) Excellents donuts ?? Vraie p?te moelleuse !

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.