Stan's Donuts

I live 10 miles for Stan's, but I can't resist driving over to get their chocolate old fashion donuts. Their donuts a very fresh, and the taste is excellent! If you have a chance try them out!

As a child my dad took me Lou's Doughnuts on Santa Clara St. in San Jose. They have been around for more than 50 years and finally closed its door. On that day of closure, my sister and I woke up real early to make it to Lou's to buy what would be our last doughnuts from the shop. We had 4 dozen to go. I have since search all over the Bay Area to find something even close to Lou's. Someone told me about Stan's in Santa Clara. I got there about almost two in the afternoon. A nice lady and I had a conversation since it was both our first time to visit. I told of my doughnut story and how great Lou's doughnuts were. She bought me a doughnut and ask me what I thought. One bite...it was not as good as Lou's, but it was good. A Lou's doughnut can taste good after two days. I am writing this review at 10:00 pm and had a bite of the Stan's doughnut and it has no staying power. I finally made it to Stan's and I am sorry to say that my search continues for something even close to Lou's.

One of the best donut stores around. It's got the big, beefy donuts, not like the foo-foo, light-as-air donuts at Krispy Kremes. Expect a wait, though. And get there early as their stock disappears pretty quickly.

This shop has been voted "best donut shop" by San Jose Mercury News and it really is. Krispy Kreme doesn't come close to the taste and quality and the price is as good or better.

They're great either straight from the fryer or cooled down a few hours later.

They'll take orders the day before, if you need a dozen or two for a meeting. If you don't reserve, you might find them sold out for the day or have to stand in long lines.

At the east end of the mall at Homestead & Kiely

Stans signature glazed raised is worth the price of admission by itself. Theyre hand rolled and cut, the donuts are at least 2 times the size of Krispy Kremes and better tasting and cheaper. When they are fresh out of the fryer, they melt in your mouth. The only downside is that they only make a limited amount of dough every morning and will close around lunchtime every day, selling out well before that on most days. On Fridays, either place your order the day before or expect a long line out the door and a long wait if you can get any quantity at all. Oh, they also have other donuts as well (cake, bars and my second fave, cinnamon roll).

Stan's Donuts is a phenomenal donut shop located in the Mariposa Gardens shopping center of Santa Clara. Stan's has been hanging around since the early 1950s and contines to remain in the family, as it is overseen by Stan's grandson.

Great donuts both at counter service and to go. The donut shop also offers malt shop style cuisine...grilled cheese sandwich, burgers, fries, and drinks.

PROS: Outstanding donuts, great vintage bay area feel
CONS: Gets really crowded in the morning, great selection goes quick