tl;dr be sure to arrive early; otherwise, you'll find yourself waiting in a long line to try the frisbee-sized "critter" Southern California is a donut-centric region, and the most popular donut-eries are in Los Angeles proper. So it may come as a surprise to hear that one of my absolute favorite spots is over a hundred miles away in Big Bear Lake: Dank Donuts. Although the shop doesn't take itself too seriously (the staff joke that Dank is the "highest" donut shop on the West Coast), some of the donut offerings are seriously stellar. Dank occupies corner real estate on Moonridge, just a few blocks from the zoo. The slate grey shack is accented by lime green and pastel pink trim. A whitewashed wooden fence outlines the large patio space and numerous industrial picnic benches. Quirky outdoor furnishings include a ski lift seat-tuned-park bench and an antique mechanical horse ride. Inside, the line loops past donut-themed artward, converted snowboards, and shelves of Dank merch. Rock and reggae blast onto the patio. Our go-to order is the Apple Critter (a fritter-adjacent donut constructed with croissant dough). A healthy coater of glaze coats the entire surface area and can easily be broken up for sharing. While appropriately cinnamon-y, I would welcome even more apple. The standard Cronut, while unassuming, has an enjoyable glaze permeating every layer. The only dud was the Pineapple Fritter, which had only a La Crois-esque hint of pineapple and inferior texture to the critter. The $8 critters are reasonable in price -- they are equivalent in size to 4 normal donuts. Nowadays, Dank Donuts is a must-visit during our trips to Big Bear. We are sure to arrive early: by 9AM, the line already winds out the door. The critter has yet to disappoint, and it easily ranks among the best fritter (or fritter-adjacent) donuts that Southern California has to offer. read more

Dank Donuts - Apple Critter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

I'm not normally a fan of cake donut but these were good. Would I go out of my way for them, probably not but a great option when you are in Big Bear that has limited vegan options. I was highly confused as to why their regular breakfast burrito had tots and their vegan one didn't, definitely brought down the burrito to 3 stars. The burrito is ready to go, so they just heat it up and that wasn't exactly the vibe I wanted. Try them out for yourself if you are around. Happy Munchies, aVeganAndHer read more

Food and coffee great but no indoor seating was the only negative. Coffee was outstanding.

We have been here twice within the first month of being in big bear... both times have been great. The Longhorn sandwich is sooo bomb, you HAVE to try the breakfast nuggets (kids and adults devour them). We ordered three or four orders of them and they were Inhale! I believe the sandwich comes with this white sauce. I love to dip the nuggets in it but it obviously comes with maple syrup. The donuts are bomb! They have a nice verity. The breakfast burrito - not what I expected. It was premade and it just wasn't that great. This is a small quick in and out place. Inside is very small. It's just to line up, order, check the merchandise, and that's about it. It's winter so no one was sitting outside. It was awesome they asked us to stay inside if it was too cold outside. There are picnic tables you can sit and eat but again way too cold right now. The service was good. We went early morning. There's usually a few people there and the same guy has helped both times. He was pleasant, a little quiet but it was early, offered suggestions, etc. Overall good experience. I highly recommend checking it out for the food mention above. read more

WOW! WOW! WOW! Yum-0!! The smell hits you before you even open the door!! Once inside it's a totally cool little donut shop with a laid back skater attitude! The fritters are bigger than my husband's head! He had the pineapple fritter and was too busy eating and smiling to have anything negative to say. I had the strawberry cake that was delicious. Both donuts were as fresh as the snow on the mountain! read more

Dank Donuts - Pineapple fritter & strawberry cake donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This is close to the Big Bear Mountain Resort and a great spot to pick up a sweet treat before or after snowboarding or skiing. The shop inside is small but there's a lot of seating outside to enjoy. They have a limited assortment of donuts, I got some of them to try. My favorites are the Blueberry Cake Donut and Cronut. Both were the right amount of sweetness. The soft and slightly dense of the blueberry cake donut was just right. The Cronut had a couple layers with a sugar glaze on top. I thought the Strawberry Donut Holes were too sweet. We were served pretty quickly. They also have donuts for dogs that they make fresh everyday! read more

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Great miniature gluten free donuts. So so tasty! They has chocolate glazed with sprinkles, maple glazed and Vanilla. read more

Dank Donuts - Gluten free donuts & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Charming little shop with some really nice folks operating the day to day. The line moved quick because they keep a simple and streamlined menu and the folks working make their customers feel very welcomed. The breakfast burrito and donuts were delicious. 10/10 would come back again! read more

Dank Donuts - Blueberry donut. Better than the ones at M&M Donuts in Anaheim and those are really good too. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Delicious! Worth the wait! Even though by the time I got up to the counter the fritters I longed for were all out no worries the cinnamon roll was just as good! It was large, moist and yummy! The staff were very friendly and courteous. Early to rise early to get the hot fresh ones! We came up for the 4th weekend and we heard so much about Dank's it was on our next stop list. Great weather too! Sat outside and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee from a couple doors down at the Moonridge Coffee Co. that's for another Yelp review. Enjoy life! M & M read more

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Went here on our way out of town and we are so glad we did! After seeing pictures of their fritters we knew we needed to try one. We got there later in the morning and the apple fritters were sold out, so we opted to try the pineapple fritter. HOLY COW, the best (and biggest) fritter I've ever tasted. A must try! read more

Dank Donuts - Pineapple fritter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

The need to sample all the donuts compelled us to drive out of our way to Dank. We arrived around lunch time, not really sure what to expect from parking, donut availability, flavor options or anything else. Parking was a breeze - lots of street spots available just a short walk from the shop (not in front, though, because a FedEx truck had chosen to park *across* all the spots in front of the shop, effectively blocking the street.) The donut availability was a bit lacking, but we expected that, since we didn't go in the morning. They still had a decent amount of donuts - enough to offer a variety - for us to choose from. The flavor options, though, is where we took the hit. There were only a few flavors, most of them "normal", with a handful of seasonal offerings. Again, not so big a deal, but I am curious what their fully-stocked cases look like. I sent my husband in to buy some sweets for us to try, while I waited out on the covered patio with the pups. Fair warning for those with dogs coming after: the patio is not really maintained, so be prepared to wrangle your dogs, especially if their favorite pastime is scrounging the pavement for others' scraps. My husband ended up getting four donuts, two each of their Cronuts ($2.85) and two each of their Halloween-themed cake donuts ($2.10). He also got a couple iced chai drinks for us to wash down the sweet. The donuts were good, they tasted fresh, were dense and flavorful. I did prefer the cronut to the cake donut - the cronut was flaky and sweet, crispy and soft. The themed cake donut was a spiced concoction, with candied jimmies on top. It had good flavor as well, but was a bit too dense, a bit too holiday spiced for my liking. We had planned on going back before leaving the area - we wanted to try some of their savory food options, which seemed crazy and off-brand for a donut shop, but intriguing nonetheless - but we just ran out of time. And stomach space. read more

Dank Donuts - Cake donut (Halloween themed, heavily spiced) and cronuts to go - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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This place fills up it was bad fast so we hit it early and had all the options available. We wanted a hot coffee on a cold day and they serve hot, local coffees. They sell the beans too. We went with a couple of pumpkin donuts options. We got the cream filled and the cake. The cream filled was so good. The filling wasn't overly sweet. It was perfect compliment to the donut cake. We also picked up a dog donut at check out. The service was quick and they got us in and out. We saw the line forming as we left around 8 so get there early! On the next days visit I got the ham, cheese, and jalapeno breakfast sandwich that was tasty and a steal at $7! read more

Dank Donuts - Seasonal flavors. Pumpkin cream filled was amazing. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Skip the regular donuts, the huge cinnamon roll and the blueberry are where it's at. Friendly and popular place. read more

Dank Donuts - Cinnamon roll, chocolate bar, blueberry, and pink sprinkles - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This review is for the breakfast burrito only. Hands down the absolute worst breakfast burrito I've ever had. All the breakfast burritos seem to be premade thus no substitutions whatsoever. Out of the small serving for each burrito, we both had maybe no more than a tablespoon of the chopped bacon that tasted and had the texture of the precooked crumbles you get from the store for salads. The entire burrito essentially consisted of soggy potatoes and scrambled eggs that were absolutely cooked to death. Zero stars for the breakfast burritos if I could. read more

Dank Donuts - This is about a 1/3 of what was left of the breakfast burrito after we tore it up to take pictures - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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It's hard to rate a donut shop when you show up about a half hour before they close. They had only a couple cronuts and a huge cinnamon roll left. But that was okay. I ordered a regular coffee and my wife got whatever fancy coffee vanilla thing. The cronut was super good and flaky. Honestly the best cronut I've ever had. That mega cinnamon roll was damn good. Not as cinnamon as I'd expect but it was still a good bite. One roll took up an entire pink box. Yeah. One big pink box. That coffee though. I don't know how to say this without it sounding like an insult, because it's not. That was the most basic coffee tasting coffee I've ever had, and it was wonderful. It didn't have any hint of burnt flavor, it wasn't too strong, but it wasn't too weak. It was the perfect flavor and it was... dank, dawg. Hopefully I can make it back here at a reasonable time when they have some fresh stuff (because again, my bad for expecting a large selection at 4PM). Like Agent Cooper says "Damn good coffee". read more

Dank Donuts - Cinnamon Roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

So cute!! Great local donut shop! They have some gluten free mini donut options, some vegan options, and the classics for everyone else. Server was so nice. I got 3 mini gluten free donuts for $6, two maple and one vanilla sprinkle, and they were great! No inside seating but it's very cute inside with lots of merch. They also sell coffee (not sure about alternative milk) and offer a small breakfast and lunch menu with a couple vegan options. There's a lot of nice outdoor seating. Kid friendly. Would come back! read more

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My only regret is not buying a dozen and freezing the rest. I'm not normally a donut person, but being gluten intolerant has changed my standards and these deliver. They're more like little cakes than classic donuts and I'm here for that! read more

Dank Donuts - Gluten free Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Cronuts were nice and airy! The blueberry donut was also full of blueberry and tasty. The cashier was also helpful and gave wonderful recommendations as well! Must check out if you're in the area! read more

Dank Donuts - Cronut and blueberry donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

I did not have the pleasure of actually going to the location but wow! These donuts are dank! I see from other reviews that they also have tacos!? Awesome! Next time we will try those too! On the way out, my husband grabbed a jar of pickles (Boar's Head) and they were also delicious. Once the donuts got home everyone indulged. We had a few left for the next morning and they still tasted great! The bear claw and cinnamon roll were huge! Nice place to grab some donuts, pickles, tacos or merch if you are in the area! read more

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Service was quick & friendly. Their food is very simple but pretty good. The caramel cold brew was pretty good, 4/5. If you try anything, the Old Fashion donut is 10/10 the best one I've ever had! I will definitely be back! read more

I love everything about this place! Whatever you decide to order, you won't regret. Their vegan donuts are delicious too/

Daily gluten free donuts! We had to come and try. They are mini donuts and had three icing flavors. Vanilla sprinkle, chocolate sprinkles, and maple. They were soft and tasty. The icing a tad sweet but it is a donut after all! Also tried and old fashioned (not gluten free) and the glaze on it was lovely. Cute outside seating. Oh and it's not just donuts. The have a deli too! Quick and helpful service. read more

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I wanted to like it so bad but unfortunately I think I got a little too excited. Perhaps I was there too late and needed to have it early morning when they first opened. The vegan sprinkled cake donut was hard to bite into, crunchy, as if overcooked. I may have enjoyed it if it was fresh but again my mistake for arriving around 10am. The breakfast nuggets were fun to try, something new! I also tried the ham/egg/cheese croissant. I would rate both of those a 7/10. Cute decor and the donuts look pretty, might need to return and try something new like the blueberry donut. read more

Great donuts, great food, great servers, great atmosphere, great location, great vibes, great day. I'd say it was good overall though

Grabbed a dozen donuts for the crew, a ham/cheese/croissant sandwich, a breakfast burrito, and a hot chocolate. Solid breakfast fix but don't come here solely for that. It's a donut shop so grab yourself a blueberry or strawberry bc take while you're at it. Happy bought the donuts; very caked and filling if that's what you're into! Wish the burrito and croissant was something a little more special. read more

Amazing service and the employees are really nice.the sandwiches are really good fresh and there donuts are soft read more

Dank Donuts - Ham, Egg, Cheese, and Jalapeño Croissant Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Best donuts on the hill ! I love this family own business. Props to the the family for putting everybody to work. I had a chocolate Longjohn and my wife had a maple longjohn. unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of them because we eat them. Lol. read more

Almost always stop by Dank Donuts after a day of boarding. I look forward to it every time!

They have three different kinds of gluten free donuts. Really good. I am always in and out pretty quick BUT there's always a big line in the morning. read more

Dank Donuts - Gluten free donuts. Small but tasty ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Fun place! Loved the artsy alt feel. They have a great selection. Being plantbased, I was excited to try a few things they have; a chocolate vegan cake donut and V breakfast burrito. The donut was kinda small and too toasty for my taste. I've definitely had better and for slightly cheaper too. The burrito on the other hand was delicious! Very hearty and tasty! Loved the smoky soyrizo and the size was perfect. I would have it again for sure. I liked their Dirtyish Chai, but regretted not asking for more coffee because it wasn't strong enough and ended up tasting very watered down by the time I was halfway done with it. Overall, I appreciate the thought they put into with their vegan options and would go back. Everyone was very nice and the service was way quicker than expected. read more

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Now first let me tell you, if you're in big bear, you have to at least try one donut out. But let me set your expectations. The donuts are OKAY. The issue I had was how expensive a donut was. Traditionally at any donut shop you'll get a better deal if you buy a dozen. Here, each donut had its own price and if you buy a dozen they'll only take 10% off the total. Now had to the nitty gritty. Service was very lack luster, I would assume it was because of the amount of mobile orders. The donut was okay, the best donut we had was their cronut(croissant donut) definitely try that. Lastly this place has a clean hip vibe to it! read more

Dank Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

On vacation and the whole mountain was without power, but dank donuts was open and ready to serve until they ran out!! Thank you thank you thank you for not only being one of the only places open BUT for having the best donuts, great service & awesome atmosphere!! read more

Dank Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Not a coffee shop! They only have regular coffee, nothing else (in case you were looking here for lattes, macchiatos...etc). Service was quick and the cashier was efficient. There were only two guys working (that I saw) but their synergy was spot on and made a fantastic work flow of efficiency. Ham+Egg+Cheese+Jalapeño croissant sandwiches were super good! A little smashed but it didn't bother us one bit bc they tasted great. We even went back day 2 for the sandwiches again. According to our 10 year old, the Dank Nugs were great and the chocolate milk (he usually never finishes any place else) was gone before we left. This place has a lot of outdoor seating and is dog friendly, with water bowls for our fur friends. read more

Dank Donuts - Sprinkled donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays! Good donuts and close to the mountain , stop by for breakfast burritos read more

Dank Donuts - Closed Tuesday and wednesdays - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Arrived a bit before 10 am wanting to try the fritters, especially the pineapple one. All out of both fritters. I asked if they were making anymore. Nope. Open to 5pm but not making anymore for the next 7 hours. Other selections were sparse as well. I left without buying anything, not from lack of trying. I guess I saved the nearly $8 on the unavailable fritter. read more

This is a great spot to get a quick coffee and donut! The Cronut had a great taste and texture. My fiancée got a maple bar & Boston cream & enjoyed them as well. The folks that helped us were super friendly and gave us quick service. There's plenty of seating outside to eat your food. Not a TON of options for donuts but what they do have will fill you up! Take a gander at their bear claws and cinnamon rolls! read more

Great donut spot! Fresh daily and very large donuts!!! We're going back. They also have breakfast items and coffee

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Dank Donuts! When we were looking for places to visit before this trip, I added Dank to my list because of the merch and the fact that they had a Pineapple Fritter! Neither was a disappointment. Service was great, guys were super friendly and singing to the amazing playlist they had going. This isn't the last you've seen of us, Dank! read more

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Really glad this spot opened right around the corner from where I stay in Big Bear. I love the location and I'm looking forward to sitting on the patio there in the future when it's warmer. The guy who took my order was friendly and helpful. The donuts were really really good. Kind of crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside, very sweet and not over the top. Simple done right. Really excited to try their sandwiches next time! read more

Dank Donuts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Amazing! Food was great!! Would do it again for a sweet treat! Great service, very fast!