South Swell Donuts is an easy 5 stars. The donuts are insanely good. Fresh, soft and full of flavor without being overly sweet. They have great variety so there's always something new to try, but the classics are always perfect. Service is friendly and quick which makes the whole experience even better. If you're craving a donut, this place hits every time. One of our favorite local treats. read more

Called & PreOrdered a Banh Mi after yoga this morning @9:45am, person indicated they didn't have the pickled veggies and I am soooo glad I decided to still get it. The sandwich was larger than expected, cut in half, packed well and was ready when I picked up within 10 minutes or less. The bread was fresh, bbq pork was flavorful & the cucumber and alternate fixins were absolutely delicious! Ended up getting a Choc donut with sprinkles and Jalepeno Ham & Cheese croissant to try later too...Grateful I can get a yummy Banh Mi close to home. Great warm and friendly service too! read more

South Swell Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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I have always loved their pastries since I am dairy intolerant and they make their donuts are dairy free! However I have discovered their PHO! Oh my gosh! The best and I have had it many places. It's just as it should be served with delicious broth, spices are perfect! Hot or sweet the service is exceptional! Please support this incredible neighbor and Devine chef! read more

First try-While she is very nice, the donuts are quite average. I got up at 6am to buy donuts-they did not taste fresh.

I wish we lived here, we'd be here weekly. The owners are the sweetest, they have a large selection and the donuts are delicious! Old school donuts just as they should be and a dozen was less than $24! read more

South Swell Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Happen to be in town. I go to my spot where things are great. I walk in w the wife and order my magical number one breakfast sandwich on a croissant with sliced jalapeños, toasted... there is a warm tingle in my salivary glands like 'we gonna get some!' - I toss on a medium coffee and my wife adds a donut to round out our order. In the middle of this, some tall white dude pulls up in a Mercedes, walks into the store, and when his time to order arrives, he just screams at the sole worker behind the counter 'banh mi!' - like this was boot camp. Liam nonchalantly goes 'yeah, I think I can do that.' 10:30 am, mind you. 'Strange interaction,' I think to myself .... 'they're probably homies,' I conclude. Figure that's the end of this dude's existence in my morning's brain synapses. I go sit outside with my wife.... Other dude sits at a table adjacent. A few minutes go by and I see a woman had entered south swell in the interim so I wait a few more minutes and pop in- I'm having a chill morning thus far, I feel good about life.... And I'm bullshitting with Liam as he prepares my sandwich (and the other guy's simultaneously)- I find myself questioning why I've never ventured into the Vietnamese component of their menu... aside from maybe the addition of jalapeños to my breakfast sandwich, which I surmise is lent from a traditional banh mi. Yet, I digress. The other guys walks in as I'm mid thought. Liam hands me my sandwich and I go outside and sip my coffee. No sooner do I start to unwrap my sandwich do I hear this same individual yell out 'that's exactly what you need, you fat fuck!' as he speeds away in his Mercedes ripping around the corner like a little baby. It was comical. And, indeed, it was EXACTLY what I needed. The croissant had been lightly toasted to flake and crackle upon each bite.... The jalapeños had cast a pinch of heat scattered like land mines concealed in the delicate sweet croissant that they called home. The fluffy eggs and cheese and bacon could be found dancing under the constant squirts of my salivary glands going off like laser tag in the 80s 'pew pew pew!' - I was floating in my happy place. All was fine. My wife looked at me in disgust 'is he talking to you!?' 'I'm sure he is.' I took another bite. 'What happened in there?!' She stormed toward the restaurant to get the scoop as I took another bite and leisurely followed. Liam came to meet us at the door. Apparently they were not homies as my spider sense had suggested - at any rate he seemed on drugs shouting lunch orders at 10:30. I'm going back to eat,' I decided. I go back outside...my wife and I brush it off and continue our day. Liam walks outside on a cordless phone - apparently Mr Mercedes called the business to complain about his sandwich not being done before mine. He was so butthurt that Liam followed the ordering queue that he had to speed off and call back to complain about it. My wife wanted to leave- 'what if he comes back!? He sounds crazy!!' I was too much into my sandwich. 'Then he kills me while I enjoy this delicious meal.' He didn't come back. Liam offered me his sandwich. read more

This place is a gem! The owner is the primary worker and always has a smile on her face. Seems like there are regulars who come in and she remembers their orders. Every time I bring in donuts from here, I always get complimented for the quality and taste of the donuts. I often get the dozen for about 20 dollars. It's cute because she will add donut holes to the side for no extra cost. It always surprises me each time that happens :) Definitely a local and beach vibe. Located on PCH by Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. Be careful parking on the street but it seems like the drivers are more mindful if you are getting out and getting back in. read more

South Swell Donuts - a bakery counter with a variety of pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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I got 2 maple bars, 2 chocolate bars, and 2 glazed donuts. The bars are soooo good!!! They have a slight crunch that makes them really good!! I loved the maple donut bar here. The service was good too. The parking here is a hassle, I parked at the 7- Eleven for a few minutes just to get my donuts. 5 STARSSSSS:) read more

South Swell Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

The friendliest, most gracious Staff! And the best food! The ham cheese croissant warmed is absolutely amazing

This place was suggested by my coworker. Close to work, the service was efficient and the guy was friendly. A mixed dozen was on the pricier side, however I did end up getting some cronut ones that were churro flavored and they were really delicious!!! The location is small and the parking can be a bit of a challenge, however if you're looking for some good donuts in the area, I would recommend this place. read more

This store lets customers bring DOGS into their donut store. Which is against health codes. The dogs leash was long enough that the dog reached my hand and licked it. Now I order my donuts and can't even eat them until I find a sink to wash my hands. Something like this never should've happened. Owners in Laguna beach need to stand up to entitled dog owners it's getting out of hand. read more

Greatest donut spot on earth. Jackie is the most wonderful woman I have ever met. I am not a sweet person, but the Crout holes are to die for, the breakfast burrito and the bahn mi are not only affordably priced, but they're actually really good. I love love love this place. read more

Pho and donuts? Sure, why not! Two of some of my favorite things can be found at South Swell Donuts: Pho and donuts! And it is especially comforting on a rainy day for someone visiting from out of town like myself. It was a rainy afternoon when I turned to my trusty Yelp app to look for a pho spot in the area. Surprisingly, South Swell Donuts popped up on my feed and I began perusing this shop's Yelp photos and reviews. I was sold after reading a few reviews and I knew I had to try it out. South Swell Donuts is located in Laguna Beach on PCH between 2nd and 3rd. There is limited street parking in front of the shop, as well as up the hill from the corner of the street. After snagging a parking spot, I walked in with my mom and we were welcomed with a friendly, "Hello, sweetheart!" This friendly owner was Jackie and she was the sweetest lady! We asked about their pho but, with our luck and Mother Nature, Jackie told us they had sold out of pho earlier in the day due to popular demand and the rainy weather. No worries at all because we were able to take back some donuts. Jackie recommended we try their Cronut, which we got 2, as well as some twists and Apple fritter. We also picked up some milk to drink with our donuts. For a family donut shop, their twisted donuts are on the smaller size; however, they tasted unbelievably delicious! There is something about them that tastes a lot milkier or creamier with a fluffier batter. It is definitely not like the hollow raised donuts with just sugar -- South Swell Donuts are a step above mom-and-pop donut shop donuts. Their Cronut is definitely a MUST here! It is so dense, crispy yet fluffy and overall just good! Their donuts are not overly sweet like Krispy Kreme but they have that same melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Their donuts are not complex in flavor like Side Car Donuts but are classic in their flavors. I was really pleased with their donuts and I definitely will stop by again the next time I'm in the area! Jackie's customer service is enough to make you return for another visit and, hopefully, next time I'll be able to grab a bowl of their pho (rain or shine)! read more

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Love this donut shop! Donuts made fresh daily ready for us by 6am (or maybe even earlier!) Love Jackie's Pho & sandwiches as well! Always excellent. Great local spot‼ read more

Was super craving pho and excited to find a local donut shop with such a divergent menu. Sad to learn the pho was not available for the near future as the owner was recently hit by a car . But even thru the injuries she sustained, their donuts keep on coming.. fresh every day. Please come and continue to support this shop. BTW, the maple old fashioned was ! Will have to try the apple fritter, cronut, and steamed buns next time. read more

South Swell Donuts - Donut selection - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Best shop ever. There's just no question. Service: amazing Food: amazing It's like going to your aunties house and being fed. Pull up here to get some quality food by the coolest lady. read more

South Swell Donuts - bbq pork banh mi - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Donuts were pretty good. Pricey for what they are but what do you expect at this location. Great location for a walk & donuts.

We're South Laguna residents and South Swell is such a special fixture in our neighborhood. The smell of donuts being freshly baked each morning amidst the crisp ocean breeze... we're so lucky to have this locally-owned spot down the street. Jackie makes everything fresh each morning - the donuts are classic & nostalgic. If you're in town and looking to live like a local - a morning stop at South Swell is it. read more

South Swell Donuts - Chocolate twist donut - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

DIVINE. This place is Divine. I came in with $9. I came out owing the owner $15. I have to pay the owner back on Venmo. @Jackie-Num-1 Jackie, the owner, is one of the nicest, kindest, and most genuine donut store owners I have ever met. I was released from Laguna Beach Hospital off a 5150, and I stumbled over to South Swell Donuts. Jackie was so compassionate. She fed me and made me feel welcome. I would walk from Capo Beach to Laguna Beach just to have an Apple Fritter from South Swell Donuts. Everyone, please bless South Swell Donuts. Jackie is Awesome. Peace, One Love, Namaste. read more

South Swell Donuts - Receipt - Front - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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OMG!!! We are trying to lose weight, but cannot stay away. Jackie and her husband get up at 3 am to create the most amazing donuts. They are such a proud part of our neighborhood. She greets everyone with an infectious smile that can't help but brighten your day. THE ABSOLUTE BEST DONUTS ON THE PLANET!!! read more

CRONUTS is my new obsession. If you think you like donut holes, wait until you taste these. Best donut shop around read more

Real nice people working there. I took a start off because of the relative strength of their dark roast coffee. I expect a bold flavor out of the dark roast however found theirs quite weak. read more

Looks and feels dirty. Got a smoothie that was just pure ice so chunky with ice I couldn't drink it with the draw they provided. Isn't even real fruit taste like fake syrup read more

I came to try the donuts I left feeling the service was better than the donuts. Service: fast. Almost no customers when I was there, made change fast too. Staff: The lady who runs it is charming. 5 stars Prices: average. 3 stars Value: the donuts did taste a little better than the next mom and pop store. I had the plain cake and a glaze twist. I liked them 4 stars. The plain cake was sweet and a little denser than some of the other plain cakes I have had. The twist was hollow, light, and sugary. Atmosphere: parking is inconvenient 1 star. The store is small - bigger kitchen than customer floor. The decorations are actually pretty good 4 or 5 stars. The have a mirror and art. Feels like more of a grab and go place. read more

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Great donuts, friendly service. Going back on the weekend for one of their famous blueberry donuts! Coffee was good too! read more

Best donuts in town! Would recommend the apple crumble and the donut holes. I'm sure they have other good items but mainly stick to the donuts. read more

I was so excited to try this place out based off of the reviews. The donut was actually amazing even though it was mid afternoon and probably not the freshest. The only thing stopping this from being 5 stars is that the owner was pretty rude. She scrolled through her phone the entire time I was ordering with her. Product is good but the terrible service made me not want to return in the future. read more

Used to live in Laguna Beach and exclusively came to South Swell for donuts. The yeast donuts may be some of the best I have ever had. Now I just come here once or twice a year whenever I'm in town. Wonderful place. read more

South Swell Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

The best ever! Jackie owner is one of the nicest people in the world ! Donuts, coffee, smoothies awesome ! One of the best businesses in Orange County read more

Great neighborhood donut shop. Jackie is wonderful as are her fresh donuts! We also love her breakfast sandwiches and croissant sandwiches. Also, try the Pho and egg rolls! read more

Still open during quarantine thank goodness!! Their donuts are very good and I am particular about my donuts for sure . There was one lady working and she was wearing a mask and gloves which helps ease anyone's worries during this time especially when you are craving donuts . They had a good selection and I couldn't not get a dozen - which the lady pushed for me to get anyway. It was a fast checkout and no line . We left happy :) will definitely be going back ! read more

South Swell Donuts - Dozen Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

A must stop in S Laguna, Jackie's doughnuts are legendary in OC. She also does PhO & Breakfast burrito. No better way to start your day!

These donuts are amazing!!! The shop is locally owned, and the owner makes all the donuts homemade in shop- they were so fresh and tasty! We loved the glazed cronut, the glazed old fashioned, and the chocolate old fashioned donut! We will definitely be back! read more

Love this place. Best donuts I've ever had. They are made fresh every single day. I'd recommend a glazed doughnut and a hot cup of coffee. You cannot go wrong. They also do excellent ham, cheese and jalapeño croissants. Jackie is super nice and always very welcoming. I would also I recommend trying the pho you wouldn't think you'd get that at the donut shop, but it's excellent. If you're in South Laguna it's a must! read more

South Swell Donuts - Donut and a coffee...the best ! - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Their donuts are always amazing and they always are so sweet to everyone. They don't just have donuts they have lunches such as sandwiches or spring rolls. They also have amazing soup. read more

Holy Heavens!!! Attention Blueberry Donut Enthusiasts!!! Have you tried Jackie's blueberry donuts at South Swell? No lie, they are one of the best blueberry donuts I have had or at least near the top. I have been to an absurd amount of different donut shops throughout Orange County sampling Blueberry donuts. I have even been that person numerous times who has waited an hour or more at M&M donuts. This is after spending the entire day at Disneyland of course. Simply to wait specifically for the fresh blueberry donuts. I must say, Jackie's blueberry donuts at South Swell are definitely better. They are fluffy, moist, chewy, fully glazed, scrumptious, and bursting with blueberry delight. Mmmm... Here's the catch, they are only available on Saturdays. If you can get there before me then maybe you'll be lucky enough to get your hands on one. Ha. Don't say I didn't warn you. If you do happen to miss the opportunity to snag a blueberry donut, no worries because all of Jackie's other donuts are extremely fresh and mouthwatering. Especially the maple bars. Yummy!!!! Lastly, it would be foolish if I did not mention that the owner, Jackie, is one of the nicest, sweetest, and kindest person you could meet. On top of that, her young employees, Liam and Holden, are incredibly respectful and polite. Guaranteed you will leave with a smile on your face. read more

The best. I need to type more to meet the limit of characters. The best. Need to type more? The best. read more

Stopped by to get coffee and had best experience, I asked for a jalapeño bagel since they didn't have it, she cut me some jalapeños for my freshly baked bagel. Coffee was delicious. Would definitely recommend, love when small businesses want to make you happy. read more

The CRONUT was delicious! The ham and cheese croissant was amazing! Our kiddos loved the donuts and the surprise extra donut hole in their bags. The atmosphere was truly homemade and family-owned. If we had more mornings on our trip - we would have revisited. 10 out of 10 out of 10, as our 5-year-old put it. read more

one of my favorite spots in laguna beach. they have so many different options. i got a breakfast sandwich on a croissant and the Vietnamese iced coffee and both were amazing. my friend got the banh mi that was so good as well! always coming back as much as i can. read more

South Swell Donuts - croissant breakfast sandwich with egg and sausage. Vietnamese iced coffee - Bakeries Near Me - Laguna Beach, California