Sad to say this place lost their touch. I bought 6 donuts for $9.75 today, so not worth it. The chocolate color is faded and the donuts taste old and dry. They had delicious donuts before (last time I've been here is 2 years ago)but now they seem to use cheap ingredients and make them sloppy. I gave them a try but not again! read more

Sam's Donuts - These donuts are dry and half dipped. They taste and look old...I tried to give them a shot but never again. - Donuts Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Came here because I saw the other 5 star reviews.. Awesome donuts Excellent service - friendly and courteous Clean place to hang Another 5 stars on the board! read more

Sam, Helen and the rest of the family really are a great example of customer service. They make every customer feel so welcomed to their business and make GREAT donuts! If I could eat their donut holes all day...everyday...I would! Thank you for being part of our community! read more

After reading all of the reviews, I decided to give SAMs a try. How could so many people be wrong? These were very average, common donuts typical of the current donut shops in this area. They can't be called bad, but certainly if you think these are the best donuts ever, you don't understand donuts. These were not as greasy as some, but they were not light and fluffy by any means. If I am desperate and next door, I will eat there. Otherwise I will eat a Safeway donut or drive a little to go to Stan's Bakery on Meridian. read more

BEWARE CASH ONLY!! A little pricier than most donut shops in this area but still a decent price. The donuts are fresh and still warm...yum! They have tons to choose from :D read more

Sam's Donuts - Buy one dozen, get 1 free donut - Donuts Near Me - San Jose, California

Young lady behind the counter was very rude nobody else was in the restaurant I tried to explain I was looking for some sort of pastries with meat inside that I'd seen at another donut shop off of Capital she was very rude she says something very quick it was unintelligible and waved her hand at me and walked away into the back I was left standing there in the lobby read more

Cute Asian couples run this small shop. I stopped by for a quick donut run but I didn't find it very appetizing. I ordered the blueberry donut and the cinnamon sugar donut (?). It came out to be $1.80 for 2. I don't think I am qualified since I don't normally enjoy donuts but I can tell you if you are expecting the famous blueberry donuts from Southern California you won't be getting it here. It's a whole different style of blueberry donuts. It's just basically old fashioned cake donuts with little bit of blueberries added in. You can hardly taste the blueberry. As for the cinnamon sugar streusel, it was okay... I guess I just don't really like donuts in general. But the cute couple was fast and nice. They at least make you feel welcomed. Fast service and I got out of there in about less than a minute. read more

Great donuts, device is great. The donuts are a bit pricey, about $12.50 a dozen. They do include a free donut or cinnamon roll with a dozen. read more

The Best doughnuts in San Jose!! Their open before 5 am, super friendly , it smells so good in there! My coworkers love them always ask for more read more

I used to work at the Starbucks in the same plaza as Sam's Donuts...and everynight while cleaning up and getting ready to close up the store...there was a wonderful smell coming from their store. Then one morning I actually woke up in time to catch them while it was still open and boy was that a good idea...donuts were delicious and it also helped that their was a cute girl working the store too...i forgot her name but I wonder if shes still working there?? Someone go find out for me and let me know...lol thanks read more

Best donuts anywhere!! I've been going to this shop for decades and it has really wonderful donuts and staff.

Donuts are good but costumer service is lacking. The two women that helped me today were rude and demanding. Won't be coming back here!

One free! One Free! With every dozen...you get one free! We got turned on to this place a few years back, and I don't know why it took me so long to review. Selection is pretty good, although they don't make any devil's food cake donuts for some odd reason. The owners are very nice, and judging by the regulars in this place, they're not going anywhere soon. Oh...and you're bound to hear about how all of their coatings are made with honey. The owners imply that this will make your brain operate much better. Me? I'm just happy to have a good donut! They're open during the massive reconstruction activities going on in the mall, you just have to drive around the fence. read more

Ah donuts, so delicious, and yet I know you are bad for me. Okay so what donuts are healthy? Not the good kind. So when ever I'm in the mood for something sweet in the morning, I come here to get my fix. I've always had wonderful donuts here. Their krullers are my favorite! When ever we come here, we always get a dozen and the owners always give us an extra (I guess that's their thing). This place is a Mom and Pop shop and I always think it's really cute to see this elderly couple working together. This place is cash only! I've even popped over to the Noble Hill to quick but gum and get less cash so I can buy some donuts. I've always gotten fresh donuts at a great deal. I just wish they stayed in my stomach longer, I always end up hungry afterwords! However they are very delicious and just thinking about this is making me hungry. So if you're in the area, and want some donuts, this is your place! read more

This place has the nicest owners. I love coming in here too often to grab a donut for myself or to bring to my team at work. Always fresh, always a great selection and always a quick in/out. I love how fast the service is here. Make sure you bring Cash as they don't accept credit cards. read more

My first time trying this donut store a little disappointed I ordered a dozen donut holes with raspberry filling and a dozen donuts I get home to try the raspberry donut holes and the raspberry filling on the inside is completely spoiled it tastes like wine not a very good experience for my first time going to this donut shop read more

Sam & Helen are the BEST! So friendly and so very hard working. I have been coming to Sam's for years. They have a wonderful selection and the donuts are always so soft and fresh. Their maple is my absolute favorite and my husband loves the apple fritters. When I pick up a dozen for work, they always throw in some sort of free donut. They always have a smile and treat you so nice. I highly recommend Sam's to anyone who loves great service & fresh donuts. They do not accept cards, so make sure you have cash! read more

I looove donuts (Dare I say, almost as much as Homer Simpson does?!) and needed to find a new shop in South SJ to try out. I read all of the positive reviews here and decided that Sam's was the place. I was so impressed by the gently welcoming demeanor of the owners, the cleanliness of the shop, and the freshness, taste, and quality of the sweets. My favorite here is the big one with the almond slices all over it. Yum! It seems like they throw in a free doughnut almost every time I visit so I always try to remember to leave a tip. :) The coffee is pretty good too, and they always offer fresh cream which is the way I like to drink mine, so it's a definite plus. Going to Sam's has become a regular weekend outing for me! (Sorry Starbucks, I still love you too...) Oh yeah, remember to bring cash with you. If you forget to bring cash, as I often do, you can get cash back at Nob Hill which is next door. read more

I can't believe It's taken me 20 years to write this review, but that's how long I've been a loyal customer. Sam and Helen have watched my kids grow up, and I've watched theirs! If I could boil all the things about this place into one word it would be consistency. The donut recipe's are excellent and they taste the same EVERY single day. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the smiles offered by Sam and Helen are consistently warm. I love giving my money to deserving local businesses and this is one that definitely deserves it. read more

The buttermilk glaze donuts were really good and the lady at the counter is super nice.

The donuts there are so good, and especially their breakfast sandwich. I would definitely recommend this to my family and friends

You won't be disappointed. :) Donuts are yummy and good. It won't be the worst donut you've ever had however I've had better. But don't be put off..... SOOOOO much better than a box or the bins at the grocery store! read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints! I love the owners, extremely friendly and super nice to my kids. Great coffee too! Stop by and try and I promise you; you'll fall in love too! read more

I am a donut connoisseur. I used to know where every donut shop on the west side of SC county was located...before I even learned to drive. After I got married and moved to South SJ, we discovered Sam's and stopped going elsewhere for donuts. The donuts at Sam's are of a quality that should be used to compare other donuts, i.e. not as good as, as good as, or better than Sam's. 26 years ago, Sam's was owned by the original Sam. When he decided to retire, the Asian family that bought it spent at least 1 year working with Sam to learn donut making, time very well spent since the high quality of the donuts was maintained after Sam truly retired. (We locals were worried initially!) It's the one shop in the plaza that is still there after 25 years and the many recessions have done in other small businesses located at the plaza. This is definitely a testament to how the locals feel about this business: we love it! For best selection, you need to get to Sam's early in the day. By 12 noon, most of the selections have been depleted. Sam's closes about 3pm or whenever they completely sell out and they do (sell out) every day. I've talked to the owner who was on duty at the front one time when I went in. The one change he made after buying the business was to switch to soy bean oil for frying the donuts. He says the donuts stay fresh longer using soy. read more

Delicious Donuts & Nice People Sam, Mrs. Sam, & their Daughter are always very nice and happy to see you. read more

Donuts were good, but they scam u with cash only! There is an ATM machine that the store owns inside, and they make $ on customers using the ATM machine as we'll as the donuts ! Horrible business when u take advantage like that! read more

Carol bought this to work and I had to hunt 3 years till I found this shop since I lost touch with Carol. Well worth the wait!

Fresh awesomeness. I feel bad about getting just the one donut, but they are super friendly. My go to place for donuts.

Been coming here for 13 years, and the couple who own place are so nice. Everytime I go there they always give me free donuts... Best rainbow sprinkle donuts...all their stuff tastes fresh all day! I love it...i'm loyal to this place for life--minus the occasional krispy kreme donut here and there! read more

By far, the BEST donuts I have EVER tasted!! I have been going to Sam's for a couple of years now and I can say that no other donut joint has ever come close to Sam's! Their perfect balancd of the dough ( not too thick, not too fluffy and always soft and chewy) and the glazes ( never too sweet but just right) makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Definitely check out Sam's if your in the area and worth the drive if your not! Oh, and they usually throw in a free donut or two when you order a dozen! read more

First time there, and not too impressed! After reading the yelp reviews I expected to be wowed!! Instead, I feel sick! Customer service was not all that great! The man was very kind and joyful while the woman on the other hand was sort of rude and rushing me! I love donuts! And am sad that after paying $10 for a dozen, not one of the assorted donuts I tried were worth going back!! read more

I have been a patron of Sam's Donuts for over 13 years. Over the years they have consistently had the best donuts around. I've brought them to many family events and every time they are a huge hit! I highly recommend them. read more

I've been eating Sam's donuts for over 20 years. They continue to turn out a good consistent product. My grownup sons now buy from Sam's grownup daughter now. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

Nothing like good donut holes that are chewy and NOT dry (: yummy!!!

My coworker recently bought some of Sam's donuts into our office. I usually don't eat sweets in the morning but I couldn't resist them after I walked by the break room. I grabbed a half cut Almond Ring donut. To my surprise it was amazing!!! It was light and puffy and had the perfect amount of sweetness. I came here on a Saturday morning with my daughter she got the sprinkled donut and I got the apple fritter. I would have to say the Apple Fritter is my favorite. Absolutely delicious!!!!!!! I highly recommend trying the Almond Ring and Apple Fritter. read more

Just had by far the best Apple Fritter in my life. I have eaten many Doughnut's in my life to include Apple Fritters. Sam and his wife make the best Doughnut's in South San Jose. read more

Been going here since childhood! Super cheap, great people, always gives you extra donuts too!

These donuts are the real deal. My main standard for a donut shop is their buttermilk donut, and Sam's doesn't disappoint - perfect texture and just the right amount of glaze. Their crullers were also awesome. I just wish it was located closer to my office! read more

First time here but didnt have the greatest experience. The lady that helped us wasn't enthusiastic or even slightly welcoming, but her husband seemed like a very nice guy. After we were done picking out our donuts she just about closed the box when he reminded her that she didn't give us our "one free donut with a dozen", so she picked up a plane glazed donut, threw it on top of the box and closed it (smashing the donut anyways). I do give them props for being what seems to be a husband and wife run shop. As far as the quality of the donuts, I'd say they're pretty average taste wise and unforunately their selection was pretty basic as well. Main turn off was her rudeness :( read more

The donuts here are super dense and they are stale most of the time. I go to yum yum donuts now because they are much tastier and lighter.