The best donut you'll ever have. Plain and simple. The texture of the donuts are like no other. You get what you pay for. You should get a lot. Im trying them all. Just one thing. Close later : ) read more

Can I start by saying I never write Yelp reviews? My family and I love your donuts! We are sooo excited when we see your food truck in Foster City! Thank you for brining your delicious donuts to us! They are the best donuts I have ever had in my life!!!! read more

Johnny Doughnuts - Donuts Near Me - San Rafael, California

The more I visit Johnny's, the more I realize that I just like the idea of Johnny's donuts more than I actually like their donuts. It's spacious and the employees are cheerful and friendly and I love the idea of a locally owned, artisanal donut shop that tries to make a high-quality product. I just don't like their donuts. My whole life I have been a sucker for old-fashioned donuts. Johnny's versions of old-fashioned donuts have tasty icing, but so little of it relative to this highly spiced (cinnamon? Nutmeg?), super dense and dry dough, that the dough completely overpowers the icing. The rest of their donuts are OK to good, but not worth the price you pay. I'll take Donut Alley any day over Johnny's. Voodoo Donut is similarly priced with an exponentially better product. read more

Well, it's certainly a modern update of a conventional donut shop. But as usual with these updates, the chairs are woefully uncomfortable and it's just too damn bright inside. Now to the donuts- the frosting is delicious..but the frosting, as everyone is aware, is only to be had on the top of the donut. Because the dough comprising what's underneath the frosting is so cake-like, I found myself wishing for more frosting to be able to enjoy the whole donut. What's more(or should I say, less), the jelly donut filling is paltry, leaving you wanting. I guess I'll have to go to a more conventional donut joint to get what I dream about when I think of biting into a donut: A slightly fried, moist wonder that explodes in your mouth, with your mind telling you you shouldn't have another but your mouth overrules reason for ecstasy! read more

Overpriced blah doughnuts. Not sure what is the buzz is about but, if you price things high enough, people believe they are getting a superior product. Wake up, johnny is robbing you of $2.00 when you pay $3.00 for these doughnuts. The placement of doughnuts glass bin and customer line is set up so, you can not see the doughnuts until it's time to order. They need a dedicated cashier, barista, and the person taking the doughnut orders. It's clean and trendy. For the price, they should be 100% organic with real organic sugar cane. Overall, good experience. read more

I tried 4 times before today ... I was either too late and they were closed or sold out ... It was worth the wait! I just ordered 3 doughnut holes and they tasted homemade. The glaze wasn't your typical sucryl yuuch but almost flaky with hint of something... Vanilla? This is a place that even has easy parking. You gotta try it! read more

A colleague picked up donuts from here for the office. Excellent donuts that resulted in multiple trips to that part of the office. Funny note- they have a prominent sign that says established in 2012 on the box. I think that will have a bigger impact around 20 years from now. read more

I really like these guys! I never had a chance to frequent their Marin location growing up ( I'll leave my Marin classic spot unnamed but see my reviews to figure out) . I tried this at OtG at ft mason and it was awesome. Their crodoughs look amazing but I only tried a classic chocolate to see how they roll. Verdict: Delicious! read more

One of the best Cronuts I've had finger Licking good. Taste like a flaky layered churro with cinnamon and suigar. They were at the Presidio Off the Grid on Thursday night. There goes my diet! read more

The new system of just in Time donuts is HORRIBLE. We were loyal customers every week because we looked forward to the exact same donuts - Crodough, blueberry iced, etc and now we have to choose from the less than 5 random choices that we don't even really want. The employees seem to hate it too but told us that they're afraid to get fired and that supposedly the only way that the owner will listen is to share our feedback on Yelp so here I am. Others who feel the same way, please take the time to post feedback on this new horrible system on Yelp as the employees said it's the only way things will get back to normal. We'll keep calling and checking in to see if the system is back to the normal, but we're never coming back if it remains this just in time system with donuts we don't even want. Why did you change a system that wasn't broken? We were already happy overpaying for donuts but at least give us the type of donuts we want! read more

I'm completely fed up with this place. I have gone in here at least 10 times in the last 8 months in search of a vegan donut. Yesterday was the latest attempt- and they are ALWAYS sold out. It is ridiculous. Just don't even bother offering this item if you cannot make enough to meet the demand. This is frustrating as hell. It was 10:30 in the morning this last time, which should be plenty early enough. read more

So our pilates class had quite an in depth discussion about this magical place called Johnny's doughnuts. And while your thighs are burning nothing sounds better than a fresh perfectly iced doughnut amiright? I was warned that they run out before they close and sure enough several hours before their closing time there were only 10 doughnuts left! Luckily all 10 of them looked amazing and I only *needed* 1. Staff were friendly and helpful and it's a cute cafe space to sit and eat. I will be back. Probably after pilates. read more

I'm not really a donut person, so for me the donut holes are all fine and good and whatever whatever. I am a coffee person, however, and I was hoping that the coffee in this adorably fresh and modern looking new addition to the west end would satisfy my protracted hunt for a quick local coffee stop... But alas, the coffee on my two tries has not been good. A little burnt tasting, or maybe just way too dark for me? Either way, I'd try again if something changes. But until then, I'll pass. read more

Rereading my review of Johnny Doughnuts I thought I sounded a bit harsh. My friend had stated he really likes them, so I decided to give it a second shot especially since my first time had been with their food truck. The retail shop is located in a cozy downtown area of San Rafael. The neighboring businesses are pretty dead and uninspiring. Johnny's is the one glimmer of hope. The interior is spacious, clean, and minimalist. There are about four long tables with seating as well as a couple of other counters and small tables -- plenty of seating. You can see the baking area in the back. I arrived in the morning so the line was consistently 5-8 people deep yet it ran at a quick pace. Doughnuts are lovingly displayed. All their products look delicious and magazine photo worthy. The service is very friendly and hospitable. A good amount of coffee and beverages are also available. I ordered an apple fritter, an original crodough, and a chocolate old-fashion along with a large coffee. At about $12 this ain't cheap. Usually I can get a dozen donuts for about $12, so hearing the total felt a bit odd at first. But hey, if it's made with quality ingredients how could you go wrong? The crodough was really good. They say that it's a mix between a doughnut and croissant. I couldn't really see a big difference in texture, yet the addition of pastry cream makes it really tasty and moist. The exterior is a bit tough and bready yet once you get through it the cream elevates everything. I guess the density and breadiness of Johnny's is their signature take on the doughnut. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of this. The chocolate old-fashion and apple fritter both have this texture. Unlike the crodough that is helped by the pastry cream, their other doughnuts have an unpleasant tough chew. It's not chewy, it's feels kinda like it's stale even though it's freshly made. I think the flavor and visual appeal is spot on. Tee apple fritter is especially flavorful. It's the texture that ruins it for me. I haven't yet finished the old-fashion or fritter, but I don't think I will. ___ These just aren't my kind of doughnuts. read more

Went here for the first time recently. Got two doughnuts, one of which had an apple filling mixed into it, I think. Pretty good, nice & fresh. But then I took a bite of the next one...wish I could remember the name, but it had a lemon cream filling in it. That's the one that will bring me back to this place in the future. Awesome! A little expensive, though. I could hit up a number of places and get a dozen doughnuts for a fraction of the price. But hey, that lemon doughnut was great, so I'll be back. read more

It is a one mile walk from my home to Johnny Doughnuts, one way. Which is why on Sunday morning, I could justify going there, since I'd be walking 2 miles roundtrip. There's a good but not overwhelming selection. We had: Cinnamon Twist - average goodness Strawberry Rose - amazing pink glaze Chocolate Vanilla-cream filled - pretty good custard Some kind of local berry-jelly filled sugar doughnut - this jelly was bomb. The glaze is awesome. Not too artificially sweet in that Krispy Kreme way. The doughnuts are big, almost almost cakey. I'm not a regular doughnut eater, but I was prepared to become a connoisseur, to rave to all my friends, to become an addict. I wanted to be transported to this doughnut heaven that all these other 5 star reviewers were going on about. It was good, but I doubt I'll be coming back too often. Here's what I wish, and maybe if they read this then they can improve upon this bit: I wish they'd really drained the oil from the doughnuts more thoroughly. While the tops of the doughnuts through to the middle where pretty light, all the bottoms were a bit soggy with oil. The bottom layer/surface of my doughnut(s) were saturated with whatever oil they were fried/baked in. Spoiled it for me. Still, 3 stars because I could definitely taste the quality of their ingredients! read more

Kinda surprised to see the mixed reviews but...to each her own. We had the salted caramel and blueberry last month at Off the Grid Fort Mason during my birthday weekend celebration. I liked them both, but the blueberry set it off. I love the size of their doughnuts, and the blueberry had just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth after having a decadent grilled cheese sandwich. A bit pricey, yes. But considering the size, I'm down. I'm looking forward to trying more flavors on a treat day. read more

These doughnuts are amazing! First, they are gigantic so sharing is a must. We got there early in the morning so some were still warm when we got them. It's very very hard to pick a favorite but if we had to we would include the chocolate sprinkle one, the vanilla cream bismark, AND the salted chocolate caramel old fashioned! These doughnuts are so good you won't feel guilty eating several of them. Plus the staff are so nice & friendly. We would become regulars if we lived in San Rafael! read more

Some of the best doughnuts I've ever had. My daughter starts asking around Thursday of every week, if we can go to Johnny Doughnuts on the weekend. My answer... YES!!! It's kind of become our thing. All the doughnuts are incredible. Seriously. It gets pretty crowded on weekend mornings, especially Saturdays, but the staff is helpful and moves quickly to help you out. They also pour their Equator coffee, which is a big plus! read more

Wow. Let me say that again. Wow! If there are better doughnuts on this planet anywhere, I'd like to know where. Bought 2 glazed doughnuts and various doughnut holes for my bride and I, and I believe this morning I ate the best doughnut I ever had. The glaze isn't for whimps. There's a LOT of it. The texture of the doughnuts is like something I've never experienced. We just finished the last one today (These doughnuts are actually big enough to 2 people), so I'll be back tomorrow. I told Craig that I was going to pitch a tent out front of his door so I could always be first in line. The inside is immaculate, and everybody is real friendly. Seriously, one of these doughnuts will make short work out of ANY bad day. read more

The best doughnuts I've ever had! Went here two days in a row after finding out about it. The prices are reasonable, the store is very clean and the staff is super friendly. I like hanging out there cause it's usually not very busy during the week and they play some fun music. My favorite so far is the cronut with cream, it's like eating heaven! My husband and I are super excited about having this place close by. read more

To start off with I'm glad Jonhnnys is busy Now to the doughnuts, gut bomb and it's Next to my yoga place. The best doughnut I've every had was light and airy, and it was chocolate glazed old fashion Good luck read more

Great doughnuts! Great staff Cons..... Usually a wait ( clearly understaffed) , parking is not too easy, they sell out quick( of the best ones, so you need to get there early) Even with that said..... I will keep coming..... They are that gooooooood! read more

Good donuts! Went here to study and it was really nice! Quiet with their music in the background.

These doughnuts are WAY overrated. The line was insane, going all the way around the place. The employees got through it pretty fast. I bought five doughnuts and my total was $19.25. Uhhhhh, for $20 these need to be the best doughnuts of my life. They definitely weren't. They were just average doughnuts, maybe even bellow average. Definitely not going to be coming back here, I'm going to go to places with better doughnuts that cost a quarter of the price. read more

You guys run out of the gluten free doughnuts way too often. If you sell so many you probably should make more.

Had a vanilla old fashioned from their truck today. Really good, and not too sweet which was amazing. They also used a very nice spice blend which made it taste almost pumpkin-y. read more

A Johnny's donut is the $10 hamburger of donuts. Their donut will fill the same deep need you might have for a bit of fattening up and feeling special. They make heavy, specialty flavor donuts... not your typical light-as-air donut. There is always one gluten-free blueberry donut option. I personally can't handle more than one of these donuts a month... which is probably good for my health anyhow. Also, FYI - they don't serve espresso drinks, just drip coffee. read more

For traditional style donuts we will always be faithful to Colonials in Oakland but while playing hooky from the regular 9 to fiver, we've decided to venture out of our comfort zone and give Johnny's Doughnut a try. Why not ? Life's too short to stay in a monogamous relationship with food. We were greeted by the most jolly welcoming person you could ever meet, we both learned that you can eat tremendous amounts of dessert with out feeling shameful because of the health conscious ingredients and preparation used in their doughnuts. We both shared four doughnuts- blueberry old fashion (one-time custom made just for us), chocolate caramel salted, gluten strawberry fritter, and maple O.F. Whenever we can spend time with our love ones indulging in anything that makes us smile; truly feeds the soul. Let us break bread and stop talking to Siri... read more

Stopped in to checkout the blueberry apple fritter and coffee. Delicious soft and moist with a little crunch and mounds of fruit. Mocha was a great offering as well. Stopping back next Monday for office meeting supplies for sure. So much to choose without being too much. Great space as well. read more

Johnny Doughnuts - You must choose, and there's no wrong answer that I can see - Donuts Near Me - San Rafael, California

Very flavorful very dense doughnuts. Come early for the best selection. It is a doughnut shop after all. The strawberry raised was great, very sweet, the lime poppyseed was extremely flavorful! You better love lime. Your eyes are bigger than your stomach trust me! One is plenty! read more

Johnny Doughnuts - Great service and clean - Donuts Near Me - San Rafael, California

I stopped for the first time, the store is neat, good view of kitchen and donuts. I tried the apple fritter, was ok but they forgot the apples, will try donut next time. Disappointed read more

This has been one of the better doughnuts places I've been to, the lady was pretty helpful also the doughnuts were high quality and did not miss out on flavor but here are some things they didn't do great on. The place was very crowded and not much room to walk, they could also work on displaying there doughnuts better read more

Located in San Rafael is by far, the best donut shop in the Bay Area. Made from organic, locally sourced ingredients, these donuts will blow you away. Their secret incredibly is potato, added to the dough. They are delicious and huge. 1 is definitely enough, but of course I'm a hippo so that meant 2. I loved the cinnamon twist!! The place is big and beautiful with quaint window seats. Plus Vegan options! read more

Johnny Doughnuts - Donuts Near Me - San Rafael, California

Very tasty. I come here every morning on my way to work. Great value for quality foods

Stood inline for half an hour at the Sharon Meadows free concert in Golden Gate Park, today. Got a cinnamon twist. Took it home. Made a cup of coffee. Microwaved the twist for a few seconds. YUM! It was middle of the road in density. Not doughy nor airy. Dusted with a hint of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect! Would I stand in line again? Probably, not. I will stop by the shop in San Rafael someday. read more

I'm not allergic to wheat nor am I gluten free, but their wheat-free thai fritter is quite possibly one of my favorite donuts to get in Marin. Actually scratch that it is my favorite donut to get in Marin, the tapioca they add to it really makes it unique and oh so delicious! 5-star donut for sure! read more

Johnny Doughnuts - Thai fritters pre-gym ha! - Donuts Near Me - San Rafael, California

You either like the build quality on these, or you don't. Personally I like my donuts cheaply built and full of empty calories, so Johnny Donuts are a hard sell for me. Out of several I've tried, the maple cinnamon twist was remarkable, the others... meh. When my wife and kids recently visited there, the staff "didn't make hot chocolate today" - so the kids were all bummed out, and the wife too since she couldn't try the signature Johnny Coffee. Oh well, that's the way the donut crumbles! read more

I'm a huge fan of Doughnuts, Donuts and Dough Knots, and I use the words interchangeable to describe the same delicious treat. Johnny Doughnuts are of the highest quality I have ever tasted. They blend perfectly exotic with traditional in a way that won't offend a purest, but keep it interesting for the modern, epicurean foodie. They use high quality ingredients to create exactly what (I imagine) was intended by the first person to ever attempt to make a donut. They have achieved the highest know level of Donut creation. I've been to the San Rafael brick-and-mortar locale several times, as I work nearby. Their creations are always fresh and delicious. Any one of their many varieties makes the perfect pairing with the first cup of morning coffee, or the second cup of "I need more coffee...and I also need a donut." The real reason I'm writing this review is to herald the outstanding service by Johnny Doughnuts providing their delicious product for my wedding. My wife and I couldn't have been more pleased by their attention to detail, the beauty of their doughnuts, and of course they were delicious, and a huge hit with our guests. As an alternative to a cake for wedding dessert, doughnuts can be less costly, already portioned, and are just as beautiful. We were able to box up the leftovers and serve them to our guests for breakfast the next day. They were still pretty damn good, dunked em in some coffee, and we were in donut heaven. read more

Interesting place... I don't quite understand the set up, a bit awkward. Too much open and unused space. I went a couple months back and they're espresso machine was broken so they had regular coffee but it wasn't fresh. It's really just a doughnut shop so don't expect anything else. Tasty doughnuts though. It was the afternoon and the music was awkwardly loud so you can't ha e a conversation with the person sitting best to you. I went there with my husband and kids. It was ok. Not a place they we're dying to go back to any time soon. Maybe they've changed things since I've been there. I'd be willing to try it out again. read more