The glazed pillow at Peterson's was one of the donuts I have ever had. This hybrid croissant donut is crunchy and flaky on the outside with a doughy soft center. The glaze is absolutely perfect. We also tried the chocolate and all agreed the glaze is the best. The set up of the place is simple and easy. They display the day's donuts in the window, you walk up and order, and get your donuts right away. You can sit and eat them there at some tables they have or just grab them to go like we did! I think about this donut a lot. It is huge and definitely can be split. However, if you are looking to indulge, I say it is completely worth it to eat it all yourself. read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Glazed pillow - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

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Craving some carbs while shopping around, I drove by Peterson's and decided to stop by. They have their own parking lot which is nice. You can look at the menu on the wall but they also have their menu at the counter where you order too. There was no line midday so it was a quick in and out. They have a few tables outside if you can't wait to dive into your goodies. There were SOOOOO many options my head was spinning :p they have a ton of donut options, muffins, croissants, pillows (fried croissants), fritters, turnovers, and more. We enjoyed our goodies. They were fresh and perfectly sweet. The portions are bigger than standard donut shops so I understand the prices are higher but it does add up! I like how they are open from 4am to midnight and weekends until 2am so you can satisfy your breakfast, daytime, or late night cravings. I gave 4 stars because even at 11am they didn't have several of the options I wanted to try. read more

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I feel bad rating this donut only three stars, but I think it's because it's not my donut preference. The maple bars are massive and have a frosting more than a glaze on them. They are also pricey, but that is no doubt because of their size and how popular this place is. My in laws absolutely loved these donuts which confirms my suspicions that these donuts remind me more of a Midwest style donut. I was here on a week day later in the morning and the line was short and I was on my way in under 10 minutes. They weren't selling any cake donuts when I was there which is a bummer because perhaps I would've enjoyed that more than their yeast raised donuts. It seems they have a large variety of styles and flavors, but they don't offer them all at the same time. It's a cute spot with lots of parking. I very rarely am in this area, so I'm glad I was able to finally to give it a try. read more

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Whoa I visited in the past without leaving reviews and then I've left reviews. We let some time go by and again we do the drive all the way to the heart of Escondido and once again, none of the donuts I wanted for my dozen was available. Only the ones around the corner in the window on trays. One donut hasn't been tried yet. The other one I asked for a blueberry filling, and it was raspberry. The old fashioned did not taste like an old-fashioned. The customer service was not attentive or warm. I stood at the window awhile with no one behind the corner in sight. I guess we won't be visiting for a while? What is goin on ya'll? read more

This used to be my favorite donut shop. Ever since the new ownership it's just not the same. This is my 4th time coming since the change and have been disappointed each time. I have even ordered different items and something is always off. Today the maple old fashioned is stale, dry, cake flavor off and the maple frosting flavor is strange as well. The glazed pillow was alright but definable not worth $4. read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Maple old fashioned and glazed pillow - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

While I have never been to the physical location, my co-worker did bring us a box to enjoy. I sampled one of their old fashioned donuts as well as a glazed donut. Nice, fresh and tasty. You could taste the quality of ingredients in each bite. Soft in the middle with crispness on the outside. Loved that it wasn't dry and crumbly. In the box were a few maple and chocolate glazed bars that my team really enjoyed. I hear that each one is hand frosted which tells me how much love they put into their products which I so appreciate. I hear they are a bit pricey now in 2026 so keep that in mind. 3 stars! read more

We have been coming here for 25 years! Every time we're in Escondido and we love it! Great prices, amazing quality and so much fun it is a MUST TRY read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - We love our donuts so we took them on our road trip back to Arizona - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

The donut quality was a bit disappointing. The only thing they really have going for them is the enormous size of some donuts. But honestly--who needs ginormous donuts? The prices are steep. I ordered four donuts and six donut holes and the total came to over $20. There are donut shops nearby with better quality donuts that may not be as large (they're are regular/average size), but they're more reasonably priced. The setup is walk-up windows only, with a few seating options on the side near parking lot. Customer service was okay--not particularly warm, but not rude either. I don't enjoy leaving a review like this, but these days people are paying close attention to value. With how expensive everything has become, it's harder to justify spending this much on something like donuts. Don't get me wrong, if I have the luxury or feeling of splurging, there are plenty of specialty donut shops throughout California that fit that category. Unfortunately, this one just isn't for me, though it clearly still has a loyal customer base. read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Donuts are big. - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

Wide selection of generously-sized donuts. Donuts from Peterson's tend to be about 1.5x the size of donuts from a typical shop. They are generally fluffy with the right balance of moisture and crunch. While they also tend to be pricier than other shops, the quality and size usually atone for that. Plus, many specialty designer donuts that can present a festive sampling of conversation-evoking donuts when buying for a group. read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Outside - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

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A co- worker brought in these amazing donuts from this place they were pretty good. I love more of the glazed plain donuts but these were very fancy and different. Blueberry cake donut , animal cracker , pillow cinnamon sugar all enormous size. They have a lot more options they are in Escondido and I'd definitely visit when I'm in the area. read more

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Recommended by a friend I stopped by mid-day . The donuts were big but I think they mixed up "impressive"" with good quality. A big stale donut is just a bigger disappointment. I would not recommend this business. read more

The donut corner has been my favorite since it opened in 1981. I have a lifetime of memories made better by having donuts from the donut corner at my events. I live nearby it again and go when I can, but I've got to say that the current owners have changed some of the recipes. Apple fritters used to be my absolute favorite, but I don't really order them there anymore because they are doughy and don't have much apple at all in them. Also, the glazed buttermilk bars are super dense and dry now, must be a different recipe. I wish the people who run the donut corner would stick with all the best recipes from the past because they're classics. read more

We are on our way home from the Miramar Air show and my daughter tells me she has an order at Peterson's donut. WHAT? When did she place the order. It appears that they recommend you preorder some specialty donut or you could go without. The place is very cute, small and has a covered but open seating area. The donuts were very good. I had them cut my maple bar into quarters and I could only eat one quarter of my donut. A friend ordered the tiger tail and it was really really good. Everything was super delicious including my daughter's bacon cronut. No restroom but again, this place is worth the small jaunt away from our trip home. read more

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It's not a very well kept secret but we arrived at 11:25 A.M. just ahead of about 20 more customers! The donuts are huge. They are dense. They are delicious! Such a great assortment! I couldn't buy just 1! Everything is so good! Quick service. Great prices for huge donuts! 3 windows to serve from. Loved it!! Gotta go back soon!! read more

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I have been here so many times and every time it never disappoints! Every time I always leave happy and excited to try something new and eat my favorite donut. The donuts are fresh and are priced reasonably which is why I buy so many sometimes (lol). Depending on the day and the time there can be a line. The service is wonderful, everyone who works there is nice and helpful! They definitely make the lines go by smoothly and quickly. But you don't feel rushed at all. If you have any questions about their donuts or any other items they sell there that aren't donuts they help with recommendations! They have picnic tables outside that you can sit at and plenty of parking. Definitely a cute spot you don't want to miss and you have to try! read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

Raised glazed and the lemon old fashioned were the favorites. Light and fresh. Cinnamon crumb donut holes were also good, but a bit dry. There were so many donut varieties. The bars, twists, and fritters were huge. The window display was impressive. Employees were friendly and quick to help customers in line. read more

Made it to this spot to see what the hype is and I get it now.. the pillow donuts were our favorite. The staff is extremely friendly and patient because we came in such a large group and asking so many questions.. she never once made us feel rushed, so thank you for your incredible patience to newbies like us who looked through the windows like we've never seen donuts all our lives. You can find anything here.. don't want a donut? Then order a croissant, even ice cream! It's located in a corner but there are bench tables to the side where you can indulge in your treats. There's a reason people come from all parts of town to get a taste. We loved it and so did our friends. Thank you for being open so early and late.. true dedication there read more

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Drove from Oceanside to Escondido to try Peterson donuts. It was a waste of my gas. The one young lady there was not pleasant at all. Seemed like she had an attitude cause she had to help me. The donut were blah- dry hard. Didn't have the Apple fritter I wanted to try but that's cool cause I know it's a popular item. I tried it didn't like, service was poor. Good luck to those who venture out to try it. read more

This is the place for donuts in Escondido! There are so many choices that you really do need their menu. When we arrived there was a line, but it gave us time to decide what to order. Be sure to check out the donuts in the window on the other side of the building. The staff was patient and let us point to what we wanted. With so many options, we chose the donut holes with sprinkles, two different fruit rolls (cherry and raspberry), and a couple of chocolate donuts. Everything was fresh and tasty, and the chocolate was especially rich and satisfying. We will definitely be back to try even more of their delicious donuts. read more

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A wild donut experience. For you who say it's just the same donuts with different toppings you missed the boat. Raised, pillow, cake, etc. Cool toppings, funky names. Donut Nirvana. Worth a stop. Great staff. Old school ambiance. What are you waiting for? Run don't walk!!!! read more

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I guess I haven't been here for over 2 years. They don't take cash anymore and that's so sad. I got 2 pillows $12 2 blue berry cake donuts $8.50 2 glaze reg donuts $? 8 glaze donut holes$? Customer Service was great but selection was poor, the donut holes were not fresh and the reg glaze according to my teenage was dry. I still give this place a chance but husband says no more :( I really like the blue berry cake donuts Trying the pillows tomorrow TBC read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Where dreams come true since 1981 - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

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This place is just not as good as it use to be. Still better than your average donut shop. But not close to the top anymore. I would have given them a 2.5 if allowed. Recent visit. I got a powered lemon filled and a glazed buttermilk bar. The lemon donut was hard. Like it was stale. The buttermilk was very dry. read more

Bad experience this last time I went on Father's Day.! Usually a great place but I better not have this bad experience again. I approached the window and the young man announced that they have no donuts for sale except for the small limited tray on display in the window. He said to come back in an hour, with a smug attitude. Then after bagging up the donuts we begrudgingly selected (since we didn't even want that kind) he proceeds to hand me my bag of donuts after i swiped my card to pay. BUT, he forcefully clenched the bag from my hands and wouldn't release his hand until their slow ass card terminal approved the transaction.... As if I was gonna run away with the donuts or something. Very SCANDELOUS vibe from this guy. Rude and terrible service! What the heck is with that kind of attitude ?? FFKK this punk read more

customer service was amazing. Selection of donuts is outstanding sizes of donuts A+ the far is taste goes in my opinion not worth 20 minute drive. Everything is huge, beautiful packaging, but looks of deceiving. read more

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Been stopping here for a decade. Quality went way down with the new owner, but they got it close to where it was. Recently their quality has gone down again, but this time their prices have really gone way up. I know inflation has been hitting everyone but their prices have exceeded any reasonable expectation of a donut. A box should never cost $100.... never ever ever. I think I'm burned just like the oil in their donuts... read more

Omg I love this place! They have so many different options and it took me forever to make a decision. I decided on The Audrey and the old fashioned glazed. They are open late so this is a great option for late night munchies. The donuts were a soft and really sweet. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Been wanting to checkout this donut shop and it did not disappoint. It's been many, many years since the last time I found a Powdered Sugar Blueberry donut. Finally! And it was delicious with lots of powder, blueberry jelly, and very doughy. I also tried the Cherry Fritter and it was another fantastic choice. Very crispy with lots of cherries spread throughout. My third and final choice was okay but I hesitated because I haven't found a Maple Bacon donut that I loved. This was called a Pillow but I call it a Cronut. I didn't love it as a topping but I did like the layers underneath it. I will order a glazed next time. Yes, there will be a next time God willing read more

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Not the same as it used to be. They don't have the same donuts anymore....service is ok....you order from the outside window......

Big plus, they have a huge section of donuts/pastries to choose from, you're bound to like something. But not in my case, this time anyways. The donuts I ordered were all pretty dry. But I do like the wide range of hours they're open. When we went there on a Saturday night, the sign says they don't close till midnight!!! read more

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I've been coming to petersons since I was a young child and the quality of the donuts have stayed consistent and never disappointed ever. The staff are so friendly and patient because there is a lot to choose from and their service and speed is amazing! As for the ambiance this is a donut shop on a busy main road they do have a small seating area but it is nothing amazing but it's okay because their donuts make up for that! Highly reccomend if you want enormous donuts for a decent price! read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Glazed Twist and Cinnamon Sugar Pillow and Toasted coconut - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

Sheeeeesh. Peterson's forever! Dad and I couldn't help but stop in for a sweet treat after our lunch date. Excellent donuts, quick service even when there's a line, and whether you're taking 'em to go or enjoying on their adorable and spacious patio, you're surely in for a good time. read more

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An Escondido institution, Peterson's Donut is well known in the San Diego Donut scene. They have the classics like cakes, fritters, bars, holes, old fashioneds, jellys, filleds, regulars as well as fancys, specialities and turnovers. As a first time visitor, my biggest gripe was that when you order from the small walk up window you don't see the donuts as they are displayed closer to the sidewalk. You almost have to memorize what your getting but every donut store you generally order visually pointing to the donuts. Just wish you can order while looking at the display. The donuts were fresh and tasty. Peterson's is open 24hrs. read more

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Service was good, friendly, and efficient. The donuts purchased were very fresh and tasty. However, the Sam's Big Fritter was terrible, 1 out of 10! It was as hard as a rock, with only the inner most core, being soft. The raised, bacon maple was very good, with lots of bacon. Also, the custard filled, The Randa, was very good; lots of custard. read more

Peterson's Donut Corner - Donuts Near Me - Escondido, California

I love Peterson's donut shop and have gone there for years. However, I treated myself to a maple bar a couple days ago because I was in Escondido and they forgot the maple flavor in the frosting. Very disappointed. read more

First off: these are big donuts! We wanted to try their flavors without getting too many, so we got all their donuts holes, a tiger tail, maple pillow, apple fritter, chocolate Old fashioned and a blueberry cake. These donuts are fantastic. The yeasteds are light and fluffy, and the cake crumb is soft and airy. Their donuts are definitely on the sweeter side, good for ant-people. Their pillows definitely live up to the hype, they are soft with a nice crisp on the outside, and none of their goods are too greasy. The service is quick and friendly, pretty standard. My only complaint is the location. If you've never been to Escondido, it's a bit strange... Recommend only taking these donuts to go. There are some seats but not many. 4/5 Overall stellar donuts best taken to go read more

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The doughnuts are okay but service makes all the difference. The prominent tip jars for people who aren't servers is tacky. That said, hearing someone say ENJOY YOUR DOUGHNUTS in a condescending manner whenever a tip isn't left ruins any enjoyment. read more

North Counties best donuts, vendors bring These from the North and my staff Goes crazy! The very best and biggest Texas donuts! Always made fresh. read more

I hadn't been since the new ownership, but gave it a try. The donuts taste and look the same as they did before, but they cost about twice as much. My daughter wanted Cronuts (Pillows) for her 18th birthday so I drove out (20 minutes) there in the morning. When I arrived at 6:30 AM on a Friday morning, there was a good line in front of me. After about 10 minutes of waiting, I got my turn. I had pre-ordered a few cronuts (Pillows) by calling in and then added to my order by pointing to donuts in the window. By the way these donuts have gone viral on Instagram so I recommended pre-ordering Cronuts if you want to be guaranteed they're there. I would say Petersons is still a solid option for donuts but not as amazing as it once was because of the price increase. Will I go again? Heck yeah. The donuts aren't the best I've ever had but the variety is very good. read more

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PETERSON'S DONUT CORNER I have seen these iconic pillow crossiant donuts all over instagram, specifically one of my favorite foodies, @Eatsbynat on Instagram! So I had to try this place. I was pretty disappointed. We had a list of donuts we wanted, not a single was available. So i'd recommend getting there pretty early in the morning, we chose the basics as for Glaze Pillow, Glaze Donuts, Oreo ones, all sold out. We ended up still getting donuts for $15. Pricey. It was OVERLY sweet, kind of tasted like a crumbl cookie but in a donut version. Took forever for them to take orders, and the guy was not helpful at all. He just sorry sold out. Then stared at us until we made a next decision. Overall, I'd come earlier and give it another try. It seems like a small business I want to continue to support. read more

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WOW! The new owners have really made this iconic Escondido establishment not at all what it use to be. Today was the first time I have ever come and they did not have their most famous donut, cake donut with frosting. They said they didn't make them today. Why???? "They will make tomorrow but not today". That makes zero sense. I said what days do you now have them and she replied "everyday except today" LOL OK. Also I have to say they have gotten skimpy on the frosting. The OG owners would load that donut up, now it's barely a topping. I'm really disappointed in the way the new owners are treating this place. I keep trying to give them a chance and today after being a loyal customer for almost 40 years.... I'm done! read more