Jonathan is a man who puts 100% of his heart and soul into his work and it shows in his donuts. Every one of his donuts are simply amazing, but the apple fritter is orgasmic!! If anything, come for the apple fritters!!! There really needs to be more people like Jonathan in this world, because it would be a much better place to live in! read more

If you love apple fritters then you must go to Monarch Donut. Hands down best apple fritter I have ever had here in Southern California. Jonathan makes the perfect apple fritter. He opens at 4am so for those that love one that early, he is ready for you. I only tried the apple fritter. I was so excited to try it that I forgot to take a photo. My husband tried some other items and he said the strawberry glazed donut was his second favorite. First was also the apple fritter. Once he sells out then he is done for the day. You can call and reserve some if you are going there later. I will be back for more apple fritters. Remember to bring your cash!! read more

Not a good donut. I bought 4, one each for me and my kids. They were all doughy; under cooked with shiny, raw dough in the middle; and very greasy. The dough was heavy and tasted like the dough they use for those Pillsbury biscuits you buy in the cardboard tubes at the store. I'm not really picky and I've never met a donut I wouldn't eat...that is, until today. We all took one bite and ended up throwing them in the trash. Unfortunately we took them home to eat. If we had been there, I would've taken them back and requested my money back. Also, dude was really rude and dismissive to a guy I bought a donut for that was clearly down on his luck. The guy asked for a spoon and dude threw a pack of Splenda on the counter in front of him without saying a word. The guy asked again, politely, for a spoon and dude didn't even look at him...he just tossed a plastic spoon an the counter. I thought that was kinda weird, but whatever...to each his own. However, when I paid, the employee really laid it on thick with the religious "God bless you" and "Have a blessed day". I couldn't help but think, Bro! What's with the double standard...I mean, if you think about it, Jesus was a homeless dude! I don't know, that just didn't sit well with me. His attitude went down about as well as his donuts! Sorry, but I would not recommend spending $7 for four garbage donuts at this place. read more

The donuts here are fried to perfection every time. The outer edge have a delicious crunch (the old-fashioned for example) with the inside always light and moist (not soggy!). The flavor is also amazing, when you're having a donut elsewhere (especially at a chain) there is no depth to what you're tasting and the flavor usually falls on a spectrum ranging from plain to excessively sweet , but Jonathan's donuts is on a different level. They all have a rich and complex flavor that gently cradles your taste buds while sending you deep into flavor town. His donuts sell out early (before 10; the famous apple fritters sell out even earlier) but they're definitely worth dragging yourself out of bed for. read more

I found the shop by working in the area. It's my Friday treat and Johnathan always makes it special. From his kindness to just his words of wisdom makes it so much more special. Oh and the Apple fritter is so good! I look forward to my Friday mornings. read more

This has to be some of the greatest donuts that I've had in Southern California without question. Better than any Krispy Kreme, Randys, etc. Every time I've gone the donuts are made just right. Never over cooked, overloaded with icing, and always taste fresh. I'm an apple fritter fan and these are the best I've ever had. The other donuts are just as fresh tasting, and you can't go wrong with even a regular glazed. Every donut I've tried has been perfect. Jonathan is unbelievably nice and appreciative of your business. Highly, highly, highly recommend! read more

We frequently drive by and walk by Monarch Donuts but they're closed. However, today our timing was right and we decided to stop by in the morning after dropping off our dog for a grooming appt. We were hoping that there would be a couple of donuts left. We walked up to the window and saw that there were like 8 donuts left. Jonathan greeted us with the biggest smile and thought that we were returning customers. But we said that it was our first time and wanted to support a local small business. He shared his beautiful story with us and spoke with compassion, kindness and sincerity. He was preparing a box of donuts and we thought that he was filling a phone order and slowly the donuts were disappearing. We better figure out what we'd wanted otherwise there would be nothing left. Little did we know that he was preparing a box of complimentary donuts for us. Wow!!! In just our brief interaction with Jonathan, you can tell instantly that he's such a humble, caring, generous, kind individual with such a genuine heart and soul to serve and be a blessing to others. The Apple Fritter was AWESOME The donuts are light and fluffy. We've got two more donuts to enjoy for tomorrow. If you're in the Arcadia area in the mornings, go check out Monarch Donuts and chat with Jonathan. You won't be disappointed. We'll see you soon Jonathan. read more

Monarch Donuts - Start at lower left corner and go clockwise: Apple Fritter, Double Trouble, Cinnabon, Crummy for the Tummy, Ham & Cheese Croissant. - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

Best donuts ever, served with kindness and a smile. Was having Korean BBQ next door and wanted something sweet. Saw there was a donut shop, but it was closed. Jonathan, saw me and asked if I wanted to try a donut. He gave me, my son and my friend's daughter a crumb and chocolate donut. They tasted amazing. He also gave me a cup of tea. He mentioned his apple fritters and I told myself that I will come back to try them. I came back with family and friends. The apple fritters were the best. We were hooked and continued to come back. It is not just the donuts, but Jonathan's heart. When my mother died, we ordered 100 crumb, 100 chocolate, and 50 apple fritters to serve at the wake. Jonathan put them in individual bags and delivered it to Hollywood Forest Lawn. My heart was touched by this very moving gesture. As long as this donut shop is open, we will continue to come back. read more

Monarch Donuts - Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

In love with this donut shop now! I didn't came for a while, it seems they already change the ownership? Honestly, that's a good news for every customers(the old owner is a rather distant and cold person): the new owner is so friendly and keep smiling. Never image you can be treated as a VIP with the owner's huge burst of exuberance. For the food, the quality of donut is same as yummy as before, glad this shop keeps the same level and the service got greatly improved. I will come next time to try their Friday night fresh donut. One suggestion: they should open late till the afternoon rather just close before noon. read more

Monarch Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

Phenomenal! Jonathan creates such a warm, inviting atmosphere and product. The apple fritter is as perfect as everyone raves. It's soft, but still has a slightly crisped outer shell without a lacquered sugar glaze. The apples are bright and the large bulbs practically fall apart to the touch. So good! The double trouble is great for those who can't decide between glazed and chocolate. The loca was one of my favorites given the delightful interplay between the cinnamon and cocoa. All the donuts are soft, plump, fresh and affordable. One of the greats! read more

Monarch Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

Amazing donuts ! Johnathon thanks for the positive energy keep doing your thing brotha ! read more

Monarch Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

My first time buying donuts here and let me tell you .. they were amazing!! I loved them! I bought the #6 the chocolate one , #7 jelly for your belly Ana the strawberry shortcake. They all were so delicious and light donuts. The strawberry shortcake was my favorite but, can't wait to taste the famous Apple Fritter!! And Jonathan is a sweetheart!! Thank you read more

The donuts here are amazing. It's a small place with just a walk up window. It's also cash only. I could be having a stressful morning and the owner always asks how you're doing and remembers you. He is very personable and adds a little sweetness to the day. The coffee is also very good. read more

Best donuts we have ever had. Perfect texture. So fluffy!! This definitely made our Sunday! The Oreo flavor and the chocolate glazed donuts are so yummy. A, the owner is super friendly, and got a very nice story behind the making of the donuts. We are definitely recommending it to family and friends. read more

Monarch Donuts - Oreo donut, chocolate donut, chocolate glaze donuts, cinnamon donuts, and donut holes. - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

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I never write reviews (this will actually be my first) but felt inclined to share my incredible experience with you all. I showed up at Monarch Donuts early one weekday morning not realizing that it was cash only. Jonathan, the owner, told me not to worry about it so I assumed he had a way to charge my credit card. He then proceeded to give me the 2 dozen donuts I came for, and also threw in a ham/cheese croissant and one of his famous apple fritters, saying "I know you didn't pack lunch today". This shook me because I ALWAYS pack lunch, but hadn't that particular day because I was sick in bed the day before. When I attempted to hand my credit card to Jonathan, he politely declined and told me to just pay him next time. When I tried to argue, he assured me "I'm not doing this to make you feel special. I'm doing this because it makes me feel good." Jonathan's generosity was so unexpected and left a huge impression on me. On top of that, his donuts were delicious and all of my coworkers loved them! Definitely stop by if you're looking for some yummy donuts and want to support a small business owner with the biggest heart. read more

My family loves the donuts from this marvelous place!! Make sure you go early because the delicious donuts sell out quickly!!! It's conveniently located near the park so you can take you donuts to go and have a nice relaxing spot to munch on them. Also, the owner is the nicest man and he always has a super friendly demeanor. Don't miss the little gem. read more

The early bird catches the worm. Know the rules, they open at 4 am and make only a batch of donuts for the day. They close officially at noon, however, the shows over when they sell all the donuts. This is practical and logical. Makes complete sense to me. Sometimes you might find they are out before 9 am and if you're looking for the tasty apple fritter mentioned in the LA times ( http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-apple-fritter-monarch-donuts-arcadia-20150429-story.html ), be there by 4:30 am to make sure you get one! Those are the rules! **Don't act like you weren't warned** I love that you have to put this extra effort in actually. Makes it more special that way. Now, let's move on. The apple fritter... Fritters are delish of course, but it's not my personal first pick. I'll taste someone's fritter or take a small piece, but I never order them myself. In this case, I had to order one to see if the times was on point with their article. There was nothing overwhelmingly knock my socks off amazing about it, BUT it was a pretty damn good fritter like the writer said! It wasn't overly greasy or overly crunchy because of standing oil. It was soft and super moist bread in the middle with some apples. Not overly fried, overly sweet or just "too much", which is why I usually avoid fritters. It was a pretty damn good fritter. The rest of the donuts are in fact delish. A lot of them are very oversized BUT they also have regular normal sized donuts. Like plain, glazed, chocolate sprinkles, etc. The prices are normal. Not too much and cheap either. Just normal. The man that works there, unsure if he's the owner, helped me out fine. It was all business, no bubbly Starbucks barista type, but he was fine. This place is worth checking out. It's not a foodie hipster hangout, you know like Taza next door, so don't compare it to that and don't expect all that and you'll see that it's pretty good and worth checking out when you just want a freaking decent donut! read more

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Just went for the first time and my family loves it! One of the best donuts, fast friendly service. Will definitely be back.

I tried Jonathan's Apple fritters for the 1st time last year.. and became obsessed. My husband and I decided we wanted him cater our wedding on 6/12/2022 with his famous (mini) Apple fritters, his perfect delicious Strawberry shortcake donuts, and his brilliant creation the double trouble donut. Boy did he deliver, THEY WERE A HIT, our friends and family won't stop talking about them!**For the posts condemning his donuts or fritters for being too sweet, or "undercooked"** he's not advertising them to be diet, keto, low sugar or sugar free desserts, or is he advertising well done, or dry fritters. THEY ARE PERFECTLY SWEET, and PERFECTLY COOKED. Donuts are sugary because they're glazed in sugar, they are also VERY soft and fluffy (how dare he make them soft and fluffy!)and the BEST I've had. His famous Apple fritters are soft, break apart easily, and each bite has amazing flavor. He puts all his love and faith into what he does! His generosity and kindness doesn't go unnoticed. Kudos to this small business owner who brightens not only my Instagram feed, but brightens the day of every person who walks up to his window Pictures of us "cutting the cake" at our wedding, and enjoying those beautiful golden Fritters! read more

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I came here for the first time about 3 years ago and I still remember my first visit. I even have a note on my phone for 5/5/17 titled BEST DONUT IN THE WORLD. I was referring to the crumb donut they have at Monarch but honestly, everything is pretty great. It was the store owner Jonathan that makes this place over the top for me (I wish I could give more stars). I came for my first visit with my little sister. Jonathan was very friendly, we had a great conversation and he and gave us a crumb donut for free just to taste. It was delicious, nothing like I've ever tasted. Of course, we got many many more. I will definitely be visiting again soon. Just thought I should leave this review here since this place really is remarkable. Thanks Monarch Donuts and Jonathan! read more

The Best Apple Fritters in Town I have tryed plenty of Apple Fritters Trust Me!!!! This one right here is A MUST TRY!!! YUMMY

Great prices and nice people. Fresh yummy donuts and apple fritters! read more

I took my fiancé for his grad morning and all he wanted was the Apple fritter. I texted while we were on our way and the owner was kind enough to hold a couple for us. I've never seen him so happy, it melted in your mouth and was incredible. We also tried the crumble and churro donuts that were also so so delicious. The story that the owner has is beautiful to hear and we look forward to coming again! read more

Amazing place! Amazing donuts! Get the apple fritter and the crumb! John is such a great guy! read more

Monarch Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

My all time favorite is the apple fritter. I've never had one even close to it. The owner is a great and lovable guy and feels everyone is his friend. read more

I meet the most sweetest man that worked there. He told me a story about how he was brought to the donut shop and how he did it for his grandmother who has passed. This man is a true blessing of God and his donuts are amazing. They melt in your mouth and story behind the apple fritters is absolutely the greatest. He made this morning a blessing for me and my kids, thank you. read more

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Not worth another visit. The donuts were so doughy. I could not finish them. The owner was on the surface level nice, but it was a little uncomfortable with the way he spoke to me with terms like "sweetheart." I know he was trying to be endearing or charming, but I am a grown woman, and prefer to be spoken so. I also didnt appreciate the comment in the end when he made a sly comparison about being an independent business owner, and my husband and I had to go to work under a boss. Sorry not coming again. read more

These are genuinely the best donuts I've ever had. The texture is just better! Johnathan uses less oil which I appreciate and somehow less oil works out to more flavor! I will keep coming back here! read more

Quick tips: 1. Once the donut shop is out, it's out! Expect to preorder apple fritters if you want to get one! 2. Highly recommend the Double Trouble--chocolate glazed and regular glazed on the same donut--and the apple fritter--it really is as good as everyone says it is. Of all the donuts that I've had in my life, I can count maybe two experiences where I actually said, "wow, that's good." The first time was years ago when I had a fresh off the press Krispy Kreme for the first time. The second time was a few weeks ago after a strange 5:30 AM run to the donut shop ushered on by a combination of way too much caffeine, a long mid-afternoon nap, and hunger. We had passed by Monarch donuts for some time now and parked in front of the shop late in the afternoon to visit Bubble and Tea next door. Every time, the shop looked empty and lifeless, but I didn't understand the magic that takes place between 4:00 - 9:00 AMish each morning at the shop. Johnathan, the owner of the donut shop, greeted us with inquisitive eyes. Of course, the two of us looked strange too in our pajamas and casual clothes standing right there that early in the morning. After telling us his very compelling story--more on that in a little bit--he started to tell us that there is a proper way to eat his donuts. You have to bite it like its a big hamburger. Although the selection was sparse since he was still setting up, we left with three donuts on our first trip: a crumb donut, a glazed donut, and the Double Trouble (glazed once, and then chocolate glazed again!). Unfortunately, he said that he didn't have the apple fritters ready quite yet to be cooked and didn't want to force his food and make something on the spot that didn't taste right. We were definitely okay with this, because like I said, he was still setting up. He tossed in a few donut holes to go and sent us on our merry way. The donut holes are so light and fluffy as if they are little puffs of air. The donuts themselves were incredibly light too. He was right to say that you should bite it like a burger, because like I said it was an experience when we actually dug in. The dough of his donuts is special. They are almost like eating Taiwanese style soft toast on the inside. The one thing that I don't like about donuts is an excessive oil taste that sometimes causes my mouth to think I've eaten a bar of soap. With confidence, I can say that the taste of Johnathan's donuts never gave me that feeling. A few weeks later, I finally bit the bullet and woke up at 6:00 AM to place a preorder for two apple fritters, a double trouble, and an old fashioned. Like clockwork, Johnathan gave us our order and we finally got to taste the very hyped up apple fritter. It was definitely, everything that everyone said it was. The same light, fluffy dough with apple chunks, covered in cinnamon and sugar. Although they came out warm, we actually liked them after they cooled down and had a chance to harden a bit. The apple fritter was perfectly sweet, not oily, and didn't have that "hard" sugar feeling that other places have. Another observation about his donuts is that they don't seem to be overdone as in other donut shops in the area. Sometimes, donuts from other places come out a little darker because the type of oil is constantly being reused, resulting in donuts that taste worse. I just don't know how Johnathan does it but the dough is very light and pleasant looking and always looks like clean oil was used to prepare his donuts. Finally, if there is any Netflix exec reading this review right now, please consider stopping by this guy's shop for donuts and strike up a conversation with him. In fact, anyone still reading this review should just visit this donut shop and have Johnathan tell you his story. He is a cheerful, ever optimistic person who definitely has a tale share besides his awesome donuts. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but the history of the donut shop is really something you'll find interesting. read more

First time here. Heard for years how good the Apple Fritter is. And to no ones surprise, it is! Fresh, not greasy and full of apples. The owner Johnathan was so sweet. He told us it's about the experience and he is correct. I think his doughnuts taste extra good because he is super sweet. This will be a new favorite for doughnuts. Give them a try. Take Johnathans advice and leave the fritter in the bag. Pull it apart piece by delicious piece. My husband agrees this is the best fritter we've had since our childhood. It's light and balanced. Oh, did I mention they're big enough to share??? read more

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This place is amazing and the owner Jonathan is so kind. My husband woke up at the crack of dawn and scored me an infamous apple fritter - which was incredible. I highly recommend this place to everyone but make sure you go early! He usually sells out before 9am. read more

This is the first time my husband and I tried Monarch Donuts. Sorry for no pic but we ate it so fast and enjoyed every bite. We were walking in the park and noticed the OPEN sign. I've always wanted to try their donuts. Nice texture and are very fresh! We will be back! The maple and chocolate donuts were great and the donut holes, wonderful! read more

I swear, BEST DONUTS EVER! Amazing apple fritters! Chocolate Croissants Ham and Chees Croissants Donut Holes and the Loca...gotta try em all, but come early usually sells out by 9am! Perfect with coffee! read more

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We didn't get the apple fritters here. My review is on other donuts. We got 3 different ones from here but I like none of them. They all are super sweet and the texture are like chewing over sweet wax to me. I will never want to buy another donut from here. I prefer the mom and pap donuts shop on Rosemead Blvd. read more

I recently got the opportunity to try the apple fritter here, and had to visit for myself as well. The shop is a small storefront, and as you walk up you're immediately greeted by Jonathan. Incredibly friendly, super energetic for his job. He gives a little background story on himself for those visiting him for the first time as well. He sells out of his apple fritters fairly early, so be sure to visit early / contact him early for some! In terms of the donuts: Apple fritters: Likely the best apple fritters I've had. Super moist, donuts are warm when you get them. The fritters are interlaced with small pieces of apple in between, and the donuts are nice and crispy to the bite, soft and chewy inside. Crumb donuts: I missed out on the apple fritters, so I got some crumb donuts on my visit. They were solid, but not as impressive as the apple fritters. Overall, Monarch Donuts is a nice spot for donuts. It's definitely worth visiting to try their apple fritters. Jonathan's energy and positive attitude makes for a fun visit. read more

First timer and what a great experience! Walked up to the window and I was greeted so friendly. I wanted to taste these amazing donuts for myself. I ordered my donuts and was ready to pay but the awesome owner didn't let me. I was shocked by his generosity. So thankful for this beautiful act of kindness. I got the double trouble donuts can home and it was incredibly delicious. So if you haven't been I strongly suggest you stop by and stop by early. Thank you Johnathan for your kindness and I will definitely order my donuts next time to go. Blessings to you and your business. read more

Monarch Donuts - Yummy donuts with awesome service! Thank you for making my morning so sweet. - Donuts Near Me - Arcadia, California

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Anna, and I went this morning! How amazing it can be having a monarch donuts on a raining day with my daughter. I pull in, and there was 3 cars ahead of us pull in. We slowly get ourself out the car. I see all the people ahead of me with a sad face walking back to their cars. One of them yell out "sold out". Okay, thinking in my head, how do I tell that to my 4 year old? "Anna, sorry baby, it's sold out." What's sold out, she ask me? I told her" okay, let me show you". We walk over, and showed her all the racks empty. "This is sold out baby" I said. My daughter had a funny confused shocked look on her face, while we walk back to our van. This nice young guy, walks to my van. He said to Anna while she was getting into her car seat. "Hey hey.. I got donut for you!" I reply, "for me?" He said, "no for her!". Lol. He said "walk to the side of the build, and I'll get it for you". Just like that! Anna got her special donuts! He didn't want to take my money. So we left a tip! Well, that made our Saturday! Anna did share with whole family. It was super delicious! And very meaningful for Anna and I. Thank you so much! We love your cinnamon love story btw! Will be back for more soon! read more

Not only are the donuts great, Jonathan provides the best customer service. He treats you like family.

Talk about ray of sunshine! This little gem of a small batch donut shop has become our weekly Monday morning tradition. Fresh, tasty, and overall a happy experience. What more can you ask for? :) read more

First time walking into Monarch. Everything was made fresh, not greasy, super soft, delicious and lot of options. Jonathan the man himself is such a joy to meet. His story about why he does what he does is very inspiring. He just wants to serve and share love to his customers. Missed out on his famous Apple fritters and strawberry shortcake this time but will be back next time to get it. Highly recommend this place for quality donuts. read more