A reader recently asked us where to find the Bay Area’s best sufganiyot for Hanukkah. As serious journalists dedicated to serving our readers, we had to look into this. While we realize that the “best” doughnuts can be a matter of taste, we each definitely have our favorites.
In a shocking twist, we discovered that the majority of our editorial staffers aren’t actually huge fans of jelly filling! (Trust us, we recognize a controversial opinion when we see one.)
Despite a few minor squabbles, we pulled this list together. From old-school classics to inventive, small-batch creations, here are the doughnuts we love most in the Bay Area.
“Donut Farm in Oakland because they are just really good. While fluffy, light and delicious, the dough still manages to have a satisfyingly yeasty solidity to it that counteracts the sweetness of the jelly. No cheap-tasting filling, either — the raspberry jelly is the perfect blend of tart and sweet.”
– Maya Mirsky, culture editor
“Bob’s Donuts in San Francisco because they’re a crowd favorite. They don’t skimp on the jelly or the powdered sugar and will sell you a giant 5-pound doughnut with a straight face. In their own words, the raspberry jelly filled doughnuts are especially for ‘those who like it messy.’”
– Niva Ashkenazi, staff writer
“Johnny Doughnuts in S.F. and the North Bay has giant doughnuts that are thick yet still fluffy. The lime mascarpone Bismarck has a wonderfully tart zing, but really you can’t go wrong with any of the seasonal flavors.”
– Lea Loeb, engagement reporter
“Masse’s Pastries in Berkeley. I like the custard ones because the dough is fluffy and not too dense.”
– Rahel Knight, editorial fellow
“Stan’s Donuts in Santa Clara. It’s super fresh and yummy, and I’m not a big doughnut person.”
– Emma Goss, staff writer
“While I’m not sure about jelly doughnuts, Kingpin Donuts in Berkeley has the most incredible chocolate-dipped buttermilk doughnuts that you can sometimes get fresh and piping hot.”
– Aaron Levy-Wolins, staff photographer
“Happy Donuts, on the corner of 24th and Church in San Francisco. My children will back me up on that. They’re open all hours. And if you come at the right time, the doughnuts are still warm.”
– Chanan Tigay, editor-in-chief
“Go to your nearest combo Chinese/doughnut joint and get a pink box of whatever they’ve got. You will never be disappointed.”
– David A.M. Wilensky, deputy managing editor (and resident doughnut enthusiast who made a more exhaustive list a few years back)
“The Korean delis are underrated for doughnuts. I like Lee’s Donuts in Oakland.”
– Gabe Stutman, news editor
“I’m new to the Bay Area, but as someone from L.A., I take my doughnuts very seriously. That being said, Golden Donuts on Geary in San Francisco as well as All-Star Donuts on Clement are great.”
– Yael Bright, audience development journalist
“If someone presented me with a tray of dessert choices, doughnuts would be near the bottom of my list. The idea of piping jelly into a hot doughnut is disgusting. The best Hanukkah dessert is actually chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.”
– Sue Barnett, managing editor
Tell us how terrible our doughnut takes are by emailing [email protected].