There was always a constant battle at my work, me living in North County was a Peterson's Donut Corner guy, and my colleagues from east county were all Mary's or bust peeps. Sadly, Peterson's sold and now are just a mere shell of what they were, making the hunt for a good donut a thing. My wife's colleagues brought in donuts from Mary's, and when she got home and said something about it, I had instant recall of the donut debate from my work. We pulled a late-night donut adventure, and ok East County peeps, you were right, you were right, I said it twice. (I'll still vouch for the old Petersons, but I digress). The staff was friendly here, and quick to point out their favorites, and what they are known for. Having these donuts, right there, just made them that much better than taking them to go.... which we did as well. This is a far hike from Escondido, to Santee, but a drive well worth it. There is a lot of parking in this strip mall/shopping center. The inside is bright and had plenty of seating and counterspace to sit and stuff your face. I will be back Mary's, I'll be back. read more

It breaks my heart to rate this place so low. I feel like I grew up on Mary's, not sure if it's a recent change since Mary passed, but it feels like it's fallen off. The restaurant still feels nostalgic and old school with its decor. I only bought a maple ring and a jelly filled. The good: service was quick. As for the donuts themselves, the dough was very pillow-y on both, and had a nice bite. The ehh: the maple frosting on the donut was very underwhelming, and my jelly filled only had jelly in one quarter of the donut. The donuts left a weird oily or sugary aftertaste lingering in my mouth which I was super grossed out by. read more

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Great dounts! Very good service since I started trying them. It is a longstanding mom and pop shop thats been in Santee for decades! It has a nice feel of old and new ambiance. They are currently running the strawberry iced raised donut on the menu all days of the week. My family and church was pretty excited to get the news of that. We will post a pic next time we go! read more

Came here during my son's baseball tournament since it was nearby. It was between this and another highly rated 24 hour donut shop, and I do wish I tried the other. Got the cinnamon roll (good size, and not great but also not bad) and a crumb donut. The latter was disappointing. It was on a full tray so presumably it hadn't been sitting out for a while, but everything about it was bad. It was soggy on the outside with no crunch from the crumb. The inside tasted stale. The service was friendly though. read more

When camping in Santee, we always have to go here to get our donut fix. Always the best fresh donuts with the largest variety all day long!

I *finally* made it to this weekend after seeing them pop up all over the San Diego food groups. Mary's Donuts! And let me tell you, the hype is absolutely real. We scored ours right off the racks - they were still gloriously warm, which immediately tells you how fresh they are. My personal pick, the maple bar, was an absolute dream. Imagine a donut that's impossibly light and fluffy, almost like biting into a cloud, generously coated in the most delicious, authentic maple glaze. It was pure perfection! Then there was the classic glazed donut - the true benchmark, right? And it totally nailed it. So delicate and airy, with just the right amount of sweet glaze that wasn't overpowering or sticky. It was simply divine. We did swing by on a Saturday around 11 AM, so there was a little queue, but honestly, it moved super fast, and the wait was entirely worth it. Plus, good news for drivers: finding a parking spot was surprisingly easy! You guys seriously have to check them out if you're looking for a top-tier donut experience in San Diego. You won't be disappointed! read more

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My family and I wanted a sweet treat, so we stopped here to get our sugar fix. I come here every now and then for these delicious donuts. The glazed, chocolate filled custard and the raspberry are good options for the smaller donuts which are the ones we got. The service was fast even though there were a lot of people in front of us in line. There is some seating inside and a coffee corner towards the back of the shop. read more

Lemanuel did a great job! Awesome selection. Lemanuel knew exactly which donut was the one I wanted. I ended up getting two! Wonderful people. read more

Mary's Donuts - Jelly-filled doughnut and plain cake doughnut - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

Mary's Donuts still a solid 10 out of a ten! Came by the Santee shop and tons of freshly made donuts. today I only had my all time favorite maple with bacon bar. So fresh and delicious. They had a lot of options even. At 5:00pm. When you're in the area you have to stop. read more

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My husband lives this place and buys something any time we are in the general area. They are 24 hours and have a large variety. They also have coffee and a few small tables to sit and enjoy. We typically will buy some old fashions, quarter them and freeze for later. Would recommend. read more

3/7/2026 - I walked in around 5pm, no line and about 75% of the display case was full. You can see them making the goodness in the back. I ordered 1 glazed donut and a chocolate cream. They call it a custard. It is not a custard, a real custard is really different. Both were very good though. Think the costs was $3.75. I wish they placed the glazed in another bag so it doesn't rub again the chocolate version. I shared the donuts with another person. Check out photos. read more

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I really wanted to like this place given all of the great reviews, but these were the worst two donuts I have ever tried. I got the mini cinnamon roll and mini apple fritter and it was like biting into a sponge that had been soaked in grease. read more

Mary's Donuts - Cinnamon roll oozing grease when squeezed - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

Mary's Donuts in Santee is hands down one of the best donut spots in San Diego. The prices are affordable, and the wide selection means there's something for everyone. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, but my personal favorites are the cinnamon crumb, blueberry cake, and the classic glazed. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If you love donuts, this place is a must-visit--especially since they make them fresh! read more

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Yummy fluffy doughnuts! The classics are so good and reasonably priced. A cute little shop to support if you're around! read more

Mary's Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

I'm so glad I was in a pinch for a treat for a friend in the area, or else i never would've found this spot! It's quite tucked away in a small shopping center. These donuts are absolutely delicious - my only regret is not getting a full dozen! Walking in the store, you can immediately tell that they do not play about donuts. They were fully stocked with a ton of options, and production continuing in the back. I had to try the famous apple fritter and had to cut myself off after nearly eating the whole thing... it is soooo good. Will definitely make my way back to this spot because I have my eye on those donut holes too! read more

Mary's Donuts - Donut box - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

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The strip mall location is offputting. However, if you're in the area, this place has the best donuts and great selection too. A classic old school donut shop with all the old favorites. I ended up getting a half dozen and all were very yummy. My favorite were the sugar donuts. Didn't like the coconut white frosting cake donut from here. After trying one, so threw the other in the trash. Something was off. Buttermilk glaze bar was tasty. Great service and very busy. Clean interior. read more

Walking in it smells so good!! You are always greeted with a smile! As far as donuts go, I feel like this is the spot for the best traditional donuts in the whole San Diego area! They are doughy and always taste fresh! There is such a huge variety too! read more

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If you grew up in Santee, you already know--Mary's Donuts isn't just a donut shop, it's a time machine. Long before it was Mary's, this place was Zona's Donuts, and at a different location. I can still remember coming here as a kid--back when there were live stock in the nearby yard and life felt a little slower. Decades later, I walked in, grabbed an apple fritter, and it hit exactly the same. That kind of consistency is rare. That kind of nostalgia is priceless. Let's talk about that apple fritter--this is the benchmark. Crispy edges, soft inside, perfectly glazed. I've had them all over the country, and this one holds its own as a top contender anywhere in the U.S. No exaggeration. But it's more than just the donuts. It's the feeling. The staff is always friendly, the vibe is familiar, and every visit feels like a warm hug from your childhood. Nothing flashy, nothing trendy--just done right, every single time. This place is a staple. If you're from Santee, you know. If you're visiting San Diego, this is a must-stop. Some places change with time. Mary's Donuts proves that the best ones don't have to. read more

Got here 830 pm and there was a good section of doughnuts. The lady that helped us had the best customer service, I felt like she was my best friend for that moment. Not much ambiance but who eats and doughnut shops? Old men? All jokes aside I'm obsessed with this doughnuts. All the cruller doughnuts were top tier!!! The apple fritter was insane. Blueberry doughnut was impressive. The cream puff doughnut holes Maple bacon doughnut just cuz... That's my list and I'm sticking to it. Still need to try more out. Top tier doughnuts forsure!!! read more

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The donuts are made 24 hours every day the staff is always friendly and happy to fill your orders. Mary left a donut legacy to her family. Her donuts alway s fresh no day olds here! Sunday morning Coffee with Mary is my fondest memories; if they didn't have my special donut she'd whip one up for me!! That a luxury 5 diamond service marker! Mary may I see you in paradise making your supreme donuts again. Love the papers on the reading counter and the other old folks. Howdy all! read more

Mary's really hit the spot for my craving! I only got a glazed donut, but it was exactly what i needed! The ambience of the place itself really reminded me of my childhood and gave a blast to the past! The service was fast and amazing and I would come again. read more

Mary's Donuts - glazed donut - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am not a donut person. I'm more of a bagel in the morning kind of gal. My coworker recently brought a dozen of Mary's Donuts to the office. I would normally turn them down but that particular morning I said, why not. I got a chocolate frosted donut and it was the most delicious donut I've had in a really long time. It was so fluffy and perfectly sweet. I couldn't stop thinking about this donut for days. So much so, I drove to santee and picked up some for myself. The picture perfectly explains how impatient I was to have another bite. read more

Mary's Donuts - Twist, sugar, maple bar and chocolate frosted donut - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

To the sweet person that helped me today, thank you Kayla! I was going to wait until Friday to come and grab a donut for my birthday, but I needed one sooner! read more

Mary's Donuts - Apple fritter was perfect! - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

We get our donuts here a few times a month for our company meetings . They do not ever disappoint. These donuts are always very fresh , large and always delicious. There is a good reason why there's always a line . read more

It was just okay. The people at counter were not very nice. Oh well maybe it was an "off" moment. Donuts were fine.

The line was out the door, it's that good! I saw the long line and was convinced to grab a donut. As a self-proclaimed donut snob who grew up working in my family's Cambodian donut shop, I'd say I know a thing or two about good donuts. I tried their blueberry cake donut, and it was great! Moist, with a perfect crumble that melted in my mouth with each bite, it was pure pleasure. One of my favorite donuts is the maple buttermilk bar. Mary's version had a crispy, crunchy exterior and a slightly less moist interior. While it wasn't my favorite out the two, it was still good, and I could tell they use high-quality ingredients. All in all, their donuts are solid! Mary's might just become part of my weekly routine for some fresh, satisfying donuts. read more

Mary's Donuts - Line out the door - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

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Delicious donuts! Had to try them for myself after my friends were raving about them. It's definitely a busy little donut shop tucked away in a strip mall. You can't miss it though because the line is out the door. They're open 24 hours and they have THE best apple fritters that are crispy along the edges and soft in the center. Their buttermilk donuts were good as well and it seems that their ham and cheese croissants are quite popular as well. Their prices are fair and their employees are both friendly and attentive. We will definitely be going back the next time we're in the area. Highly recommend read more

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Love the fresh quality and choices of their donuts definitely worth the drive. My favorite the raspberry filled glaze donut the filling on point in flavor. The staff here is super outgoing and friendly. Highly recommend any donut lover to support this business. read more

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Super Nice Staff. Great variety of donuts. Tried their lemon filled burrito pastry, was delicious. To my LEO's come try this place off or on work, it's worth it. read more

The sugar donut was to die for! So light and airy, I would definitely come back for more delicious goodies

Me and my best friend often visit San Diego California from Las Vegas Nevada and when we do we always get a dozen donuts to take back home with us Mary's donuts is the best best best donuts in the world to me they are always fresh, mouth drooling yummy delicious bomb dot com donuts, full of wonderful flavor there's not one donut that's not good no not one every donut is a trip to paradise I'm so excited my best friend is bringing me some donuts back home on may 30 2026 hers names Belinda and this is my birthday month awesome read more

Food is delicious but service for water or bathroom gone. Ambience cool on a hot day . Donuts nest is town. read more

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best donuts i've had in the greater san diego area, kind staff albeit under harsh lighting inside

there's a reason this business has been thriving for the past FORTY years! clean space, excellent service, and the freshest, most amazing donuts you can ask for with a sweet, nostalgic ambiance. my favorites are the old fashion and the cinnamon crueler, but you literally cannot go wrong no matter what you pick. will definitely be here as often as i possibly can read more

Mary's Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Santee, California

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Very sad the quality and appearance has gone down significantly since Mary isn't there . Sad its like they dont care a fruit burrito was not even a burrito today in the case the case was so dirty inside and out . I hope they get things together real soon as for myself I won't be back today was very sad. The maple bar was dry looking at other donuts. The glaze isn't even the chocolate cream filled all cracked on top. Never saw the appearance this bad read more

Yummmmmmm! Anytime I'm in the area, I have to stop by for a donut. They have a wide variety and you can order ahead. Get there early if you're going in the morning or on weekends, they usually have a line. read more

Too bad they never have the French crullers either machine is broken or was told only bake them 7:30 pm so if they had them at 2 pm they would not be fresh what a diff since my my first review. Ladies arent super friendly too bad it was a gr8 place at one time. I'll stick with Christy's always good and friendly service. read more

People call this donut shop the best in town. I would have to disagree. Your donuts are bland and severely lack any flavor. They are open 24/7 to cater to those who have no choice but to go to them because nothing else is open. Sorry to say this but once the owner left, the shop likely started using cheaper ingredients. Hey Marys, 85 degrees bakery is alot better. And its pretty bad when they still try to ask for tips when your buying a donut or two. read more

Something has changed about Mary's donuts. Maybe the oil they use or a change in her recipes. The plain old fashion use to be crisp on the outside soft un the middle. Even the next day. Not thos time. And the raised glazed or chocolates not as airy or fluffy. Don't think im going back anymore unless they go back to doing it Mary's way. Why fix what wasn't broken? read more

I always recommend this San Diego staple and treasure! The donuts are always fresh and the service is always served with a smile - maybe even with a little sample! read more