Embark on a culinary journey to Southern California, and you’ll discover a sweet secret that’s redefining the doughnut experience: Sidecar Doughnuts. This isn’t just another doughnut shop; it’s a destination where freshness is paramount, and innovative flavors are crafted hourly. Prepare for an unforgettable treat, where every bite promises a warm, perfectly fried delight. With a menu that evolves weekly and monthly, there’s always a new seasonal favorite to discover and savor.
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As National Doughnut Day approaches, it felt like the perfect moment to revisit a beloved culinary memory. This post, originally shared in February 2018, holds a special place in my heart because my adoration for Sidecar Doughnuts has only grown stronger with time. If anything, my appreciation for their unparalleled freshness and creative flavors has deepened, making a re-share an absolute must. There’s truly something magical about biting into a perfectly crafted doughnut, and Sidecar consistently delivers that magic.
Sidecar Doughnuts: A California Culinary Gem
In a perfect world, my career would involve an epic cross-country quest to find the United States’ finest doughnuts. Seriously, imagine a life dedicated to uncovering the most delectable fried dough delights – it sounds like an absolute dream! My passion for doughnuts is no secret; it’s practically the first item on my research agenda whenever I plan a trip to a new destination. The question always is: “Where can I find the absolute best doughnuts here?” So, when my sister suggested Sidecar Doughnuts as a mandatory stop during a girls’ trip to California, there was no hesitation, only enthusiastic agreement.
Remarkably, my culinary path led me to Sidecar Doughnuts not once, but twice within the same year – an impressive feat for someone who doesn’t frequent California! The inaugural visit, as mentioned, was during a memorable girls’ getaway to Disneyland. After two days of non-stop gastronomic exploration within the theme park, we deliberately drove to Costa Mesa, specifically for these highly-anticipated treats. We were so utterly captivated by the experience that when we returned to California and Disneyland later that year in October, this time with our families, another pilgrimage to Sidecar was non-negotiable. It truly speaks volumes when a doughnut shop becomes a destination in its own right, compelling you to plan your travel around a chance to revisit.
The Sidecar Doughnuts Difference: Unparalleled Freshness and Innovation
What truly elevates Sidecar Doughnuts beyond the realm of a typical sweet shop? It’s a combination of several factors that contribute to an exceptional experience. First, their thoughtfully curated selection of 12-15 distinct doughnut flavors at any given time strikes a perfect balance. It’s enough variety to entice and excite, without being so overwhelming that you feel paralyzed by choice. This manageable selection ensures that each flavor is meticulously crafted and presented with care.
Furthermore, their commitment to a dynamic menu is a significant draw. The rotating weekly and monthly flavors, often incorporating seasonal ingredients, mean there’s always something new to anticipate. While it can be a bittersweet moment if you fall in love with a limited-time creation, it also guarantees a fresh, innovative culinary journey with every visit. Thankfully, Sidecar understands the importance of consistency, maintaining a rotation of a few beloved, perennial best-sellers, ensuring your all-time favorites are usually available.
However, the true cornerstone of the Sidecar Doughnuts philosophy, and arguably its most unique selling proposition, is their unwavering dedication to freshness. Unlike most traditional doughnut shops that produce their entire day’s inventory in the pre-dawn hours – meaning only early birds get the truly “fresh from the fryer” experience – Sidecar operates on an innovative “fresh every hour” model. This means that throughout the day, whether you arrive for an early breakfast, a mid-afternoon treat, or a late evening indulgence, you are guaranteed a doughnut that has just emerged from the fryer, warm and perfect. This continuous, small-batch production ensures an unparalleled sensory experience: the delicate crispness of the exterior, the soft, fluffy interior, and the irresistible aroma are always at their absolute peak. It transforms a simple purchase into a memorable, immediate gratification. This commitment to ‘doughnuts by the hour’ is what truly sets Sidecar apart, making every bite a testament to their exceptional standards.
That being said, a crucial tip for all Sidecar enthusiasts: consume these masterpieces while they are fresh! On our last visit, despite our best intentions, we had a few leftover doughnuts that we took back to our hotel. While still tasty, we all agreed they simply weren’t quite the same the next day. The ephemeral magic of a Sidecar doughnut lies in its immediate enjoyment, straight from the fryer. So, plan accordingly and savor every warm, delicious moment!
Must-Try Flavors: What to Order at Sidecar Doughnuts
During my visits, I primarily indulged in the sweet side of Sidecar’s menu, exploring a delectable array of their classic and seasonal offerings. However, a lingering curiosity remains for their more unconventional creations, particularly the intriguing doughnut stuffed with an egg. It’s on my list for a future visit, promising a unique savory experience that few doughnut shops dare to venture into.
But when it comes to the sweet doughnuts, after sampling several varieties, I can confidently declare that Sidecar’s cake doughnuts are, hands down, my absolute favorite, surpassing their yeast counterparts. There’s something truly magical about the dense yet tender crumb of their cake doughnuts, a texture that perfectly holds their exquisite flavors. The Huckleberry doughnut, in particular, left an indelible mark on my palate. Its vibrant, fruity notes, perfectly balanced with the sweet cake base, were simply divine. I could easily envision myself enjoying this particular masterpiece on a weekly basis; it’s that good!
Another standout was the seasonal Apple Pie doughnut. This creation was an absolute revelation, embodying the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in doughnut form. I initially ordered mine to go, inspired by my sister’s enthusiastic raving about hers. A key tip: if you opt to enjoy this particular doughnut on-site, they beautifully garnish it with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel, elevating the experience even further. Even as a to-go order, these delightful accompaniments were thoughtfully packaged on the side, allowing me to recreate a similar indulgence at home.
While the Old Fashioned doughnut was undoubtedly good, offering that classic, subtly crisp exterior and moist interior, I wouldn’t rank it as the absolute best I’ve ever had. However, it’s worth noting that across all our selections, we didn’t encounter a single cake doughnut that wasn’t exceptionally delicious. Their consistent quality is truly remarkable. The sheer excellence of their cake doughnuts was so compelling that it practically mandated our second visit to Sidecar! In fact, my sisters are already talking about going back again during their next California trip this coming weekend, a testament to the irresistible allure of these fried wonders.
Planning Your Visit to Sidecar Doughnuts: Locations and Logistics
The original Sidecar Doughnuts shop in Costa Mesa, while charming, is quite compact. It offers an intimate experience, but visitors should be aware that indoor seating is not available. There are a few tables scattered outside, perfect for enjoying your fresh doughnuts al fresco, though space can be limited, especially during peak hours. The Costa Mesa location is nestled within a strip mall, which can make it a little tricky to spot initially. Additionally, parking can be a bit of a challenge in this bustling area, often requiring a little patience to find a suitable spot. And yes, a line is almost always a part of the Sidecar experience – a clear indicator of its immense popularity and the anticipation for those freshly made treats.
In terms of pricing, Sidecar Doughnuts are definitely on the premium side, with an average price point of about $4 per doughnut. While this might seem higher than your typical doughnut shop, it reflects the superior quality of ingredients, the meticulous hourly production, and the innovative flavor profiles they offer. Considering the fresh-from-the-fryer guarantee and the gourmet experience, many, including myself, find the cost well justified for such an exceptional indulgence.
Despite these minor logistical considerations – the small space, parking nuances, the occasional queue, and the premium pricing – I would return to Sidecar Doughnuts without a second thought. In fact, I’m confident I will! The quality of the doughnuts, their unique approach to freshness, and the delicious variety make it an indispensable stop for any doughnut enthusiast in Southern California. The experience transcends the practicalities, proving that some culinary delights are truly worth the effort.
Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee (Original Location)
270 E 17th St #18
Costa Mesa, California 92627
For those exploring other parts of Southern California, Sidecar Doughnuts has expanded its delightful presence:
Santa Monica Location:
631 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Since this article was first penned, Sidecar has continued its expansion, bringing its fresh doughnuts to even more communities. Be sure to check their official website for the latest additions and confirm operating hours:
Del Mar Highlands Town Center:
3435 Del Mar Heights Rd.
Suite D7
San Diego, CA 92130
Rolling Hills Plaza (Coming Soon!):
2601 Airport Dr.
Torrance, CA 90505
With multiple locations now dotting the Southern California landscape, accessing these incredible, hourly-fresh doughnuts has become even easier. Each location promises the same commitment to quality, innovative flavors, and the warm, welcoming experience that Sidecar Doughnuts is known for. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to carve out time for this essential SoCal treat.
