This longtime La Crescenta doughnut shop towers over Foothill Boulevard as one of the area’s best morning destinations. Open 24/7, Foster’s is pure traditional with plush, well-fried doughnuts available all day and night. The glazed twists are fried to perfection, while the maple bars are so light and easy to eat that one is never enough.

The family-operated Blinkie’s started its SoCal doughnut domination in 2004. Peer inside the display case to find classic crullers, frosted mango Tajin, and Crinkies, an homage to the Cronut.

Folks travel from all corners of SoCal to visit Colorado Donuts. Though this Eagle Rock doughnut maker fries up consistently solid traditional doughnuts, don’t overlook the ones decorated with the latest movie characters or a fluffy raised doughnut stuffed with Twix bars in the display case.

Mochinut is perfect for Los Angeles. With locations sprinkled throughout the region, this shop specializes in Korean rice flour hot dogs, bubble tea, soft serve, and mochi doughnuts. The latter originated in Hawaii by combining traditional doughnuts with mochi.

Starting in Kauai, Holey Grail’s humble beginnings from a tiny trailer in Kauai is now a Tony Hawk-backed booming business. Los Angeles has two outposts in Larchmont and Santa Monica where they use taro to produce a deliciously chewy doughnut.

Though most head to Memorylook for caffeine, the doughnuts are also worth getting. They’re made on-site in flavors like strawberry cream, creme brulee, tiramisu, and matcha brulee with a fluffy cream cheese filling.

A La Puente staple and a timeless LA icon, the Donut Hole was born in 1963 and produces high-quality doughnuts. Driving through the structure is the perfect adventure for kids and grownups alike before diving into candy-topped doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches. Cash only.

Big Jim’s Donuts developed regulars over the decades by making great traditional doughnuts while remaining open 24 hours a day. The shop sits on an iconic street corner, directly across the street from LA staple Pioneer Chicken. This classic East LA spot does far more than glazed and apple fritters, staff also make breakfast sandwiches, elote, and more.

The owners go a bit extra at DK’s Donuts & Bakery. Open in 1980 by Khmer refugees, DK’s doughnut game has been upped in recent years by new owners dedicated to turning out uniquely flavored doughnuts, pastries, breakfast croissants, and flavored coffees.

Sidecar makes doughnuts throughout the day at all six LA locations, so the possibility of warm fritters is likely on every visit. The entire menu is worth trying, but the cakey huckleberry doughnut is the standout.

Generations of families have Amigos Donuts on their radar. That’s due to the friendly service, mango boba, cafe de olla, ham and cheese croissants, and classic doughnuts that can be delightlfully creative during holidays or special events.

Barely open a year, the custard-filled doughnuts at Moon Donuts have a cult-like following in the South Bay. Swing into the shop on the corner of Prospect and Torrance early to snag one of these beautifully made doughnuts before they sell out.

Sweet Retreat boasts a selection of doughnuts for those avoiding dairy, offering both vegan yeast and cake doughnuts. The team of bakers is often experimenting with new flavors or decorations, so it’s worth returning to see what they are up to.