There's an allure to Fesh Nuts. Always has been. I've only been here a few times. Reason being, every time I conveniently drive by it's never open. Or I do not have cash. I finally went again today. I showed up and the dude was nowhere to be seen, but HE WAS OPEN and there were still a few donuts left. So either he sells out way early, or makes none to make it look like he's doing well. I'm gonna assume the former. I gave it about 8 minutes of hanging out and he finally showed up. I got us 2 cinnamon rolls, jelly donut, and a glaze. Their donuts hit different. They are not Yum Yum, Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, or one of those stupid "boutique" donuts that cost $7.50 a piece. Also, if you're paying for a boutique donut, you deserve the stale cereal you're getting. Nah, these are plain, regular donuts. They're a little smaller than what you'd find at a big chain. But maybe it's like eating smaller fruit, it's more packed with flavor. The sugar, and crunch is here. These are solid freakin donuts. I've never seen less than 4 kinds out at once, but I haven't been here too often. The ambiance of CA-75 in the background is pretty sweet while you wait. I tried to convince him to make French crullers but he didn't bite. "Too many eggs, too expensive". read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Cinnamon Roll , Jelly Donut - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

I have no idea how this place and this guy is managing to keep open but I do know that he's got a few selections to choose. I picked one donut and based off that one perfectly fine chocolatey and peanut butteriness covered over the white pillowy Dough with the smooth texture I cannot call it a glaze. My mind and taste buds have been alterly blown out of proportion from this recipe textured plain white dough! You should definitely make a trip here and be prepared to have your own judgement blown to smitherines! What I'm really saying is "don't judge a book by its cover" or "the old man's donuts makes up for his old grumpy ways!_! read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Peanut butter doughnut so fluffy and deliciously sweet - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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This is the best donut I have ever eaten.. in the US .. must try all Of them there so delicious read more

I was born and raised in Imperial Beach. We had Winchell's, YumYum, Dunkin'.. but nothing compares to Stardust. Don't let the exterior fool you. Legend has it that two brothers were stationed in Vietnam and learned the recipe from local bakers and after the war, came back with that knowledge and opened Stardust Donuts. The truth is much less glamorous but equally as interesting... Cliff and Ed Arnold come from a long tradition of donut shop owners. Their grandmother opened one of San Diego's first donut shops, Keen's Donuts off Pacific Coast Highway, in 1929. His parents ran Keen's Donuts in Pacific Beach in the 1940s. Stardust Donuts hasn't changed much since Arnold and his brother Ed ran it back in the late 1960s. The menu is mostly the same, with their popular cinnamon rolls, cake donuts, and chocolate and glazed donuts. The same "Fresh Donuts" sign still lures drivers from Palm Avenue to the shop's counter. They were met with much acclaim and it wasn't uncommon to see a line around the block down 7th street at 8 in the morning with people on their way to work or the base down the strand way. They often sold out daily, leaving many customers sad that they couldn't get their daily fill of stardust donuts.... they were out of luck until the next day.... Unfortunately, one brother passed but the other still to this day gets donuts out for your pleaseure during these hours: Mon Closed Thu 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Fri 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM Sat 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Sun Closed Cliff is no nonsense. So for those of you that complain because he doesn't take your crap, or doesnt have change for a 20, or is short with you, its because he's earned it. These donuts are a delicacy and they won't be around forever. Ed passed some years ago and Cliff has no heir and no plans on leaving the shop, or its secrets, to anyone. So get yours while its gone, and if Cliff nips you, don't take it personally, just realize you're in the presence of some of the most delicious donuts ever made. Bar none. Get it while you can. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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I always enjoy their cinnamon roll doughnuts, so I decided to pick some up for my colleagues visiting from Sweden. They were a hit with the Swedes and still a hit with me. Thank you for making me look like a good host to my friends across the pond. Stop by if you are local. Just remember they sell out early. Also, check their hours or call before arriving. Oh yeah they are cash only. Still worth it! read more

I don't like donuts, but I can eat like 4 of these things. They taste so fresh, and what I love most is that they aren't sweet like a regular donut. Don't know what they're called since I don't buy them & it's my husband who brings them home. They are like mini cinnabuns. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

I love that old grumpy man!!!!! The donuts are made the Oldskool way. Been there for a long time. Now is called Nuts. read more

These are great donuts. They are salty sweet. I cant stop thinking about them.I love that salt. When I go to another donut shop I now put salt on it. So good. Im happy they are open on saturday. I wish they had better hours. Try them out. Very different donuts but so good. read more

Man they only had cinnamon rolls so I asked for coffee. He asked if I had anything less than a 20 and when I said no he got pissed and told me next time to have smaller bills. NO NEXT TIME EVER! read more

Don't bother. Donuts look like trash, but honestly didn't bother after the way I saw him treat the lady in front of me. The owner doesn't want or deserve your money. He expects you to act as his bank and bring him change. Also, he would rather waste coffee than give it to you since he can't break a 20. Like the most common bill and hardly a large bill. The guy behind me asked the owner what happened. I imagine he has a legion of loyal morons keeping him in business, but I highly encourage any newcomers to avoid. read more

Excellent donuts! Horrible customer service! Could be extremely successful with an update to the business and attitude read more

Have been to this business on 3 occasions. First, a woman working was sitting in view on her phone for about 4 minutes ignoring customers. Second, the old man working the stand was actively putting away the donuts. I asked if they were open...because he was putting away the donuts. His response was "can't you read the sign". Third, the same man was working and when my friend and I tried to pay with a $20 bill he said he wouldn't accept big bills... so maybe save some $1's I guess. I've never had a store turn away business. Without a doubt this is the worst attitude and service I've ever received at any restaurant. The donuts are average and the service/attitude is awful. I strongly recommend anywhere else and buying a donut only the first time visiting is enough. Mediocre product with awful service. read more

best donuts i've ever tried, perfect texture and balance between sweet and salty goodness. service was amazing, he's the sweetest old man. I recommend bringing change as they only take cash, however it's more than worth it! read more

I had to pop into yelp after picking up a couple of donuts this morning. I live in sd and I have been here before , usually too late and there is not much left .. I can concur that he does not like 20s if you are buying a small amount. He wasn't rude like people are claiming, just direct, which I respect .. it's his business. So my daughter went back to the car to get a smaller bill. The donuts were DELICIOUS , and left me craving for more, I got a maple bar, and the maple icing was was so rich and buttery.. almost like a caramel or toffee.. if that's your jam, you will love this ! I thought the dough was going to be dense , but but it was much lighter than expected and really tasty.. my daughter said the glazed was really good as well .. I have family coming in so I will definitely be back to pick up a few dozen. If your in the area early in the day, it's worth it ! read more

This place is iconic! It opened in 1966 and it is still around & thriving! My favorite donuts are the old fashion, caramel pecan rolls, and the regular cinnamon rolls! But the apple fritters with caramel & the maple bars hold a special place in my heart too. Sometimes I pop the donuts or rolls in the microwave for a few second to heat them up & they taste like they just came out of the oven. PSA- I have been coming here since I was a child & I can attest to the older reviews that say the owner Cliff is grumpy, and that it was hit or miss on when they were open BUT for the past few months it has been open Tuesday-Saturday starting at 8:30 AM! Now guys.. if he runs out of donuts before 1:30 PM he will close up the shop, as would any other small business owner! Also Cliff is super nice & friendly! Just because he doesn't except credit cards, doesn't make him a bad guy. TIPS!!! * No credit cards-- They only accept CASH! * Go early-- Like any other donut place everyone goes early. If you want the good donuts you need to go when they open! * "Fresh Donuts"-- Yes, the iconic sign currently reads "Fesh Nuts" but hey as long as the donuts themselves are still delicious who can complain! I hope y'all enjoy this place as much as I have over the years! Mr. Arnold has come a long way & it's always a great feeling supporting a local treasure like Stardust Donuts Don't be discouraged from going based on past reviews. Go early & be excited! read more

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I was very unhappy at the donuts, they aren't what they were before. The cinnamon rolls were not big like they were before they were quite small and the old fashion donuts were soak in grease that was old. I had to throw them away. They have lost their touch of the greatest donuts from IB. The cinnamon rolls were big and melted in your mouth ever growing up read more

Just wow. Just got a small 'sample' of these awesome donuts after so many missed attempts. These are unlike the donuts you find at the many Asian owned donut places - not that there is anything wrong with that. This place has a unique taste that others do not have. Ingredients feel real and not artificial. I mean I've tasted good donuts but this skips the snotty exotic flavors I've had. The person who runs the place is no nonsense but friendly enough. You have to make sure you catch him when he opens! read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Is this place ever open? Well I finally seen it was as I was driving down palm and just had to stop in. 1, the man in there very grumpy and unpleasant...just get your donut and leave attitude. 2, Cash Only!! 3, how could this place stay in business without even running business?? Anyways, donuts are small with a medium price range meaning not cheap but not expensive. They are good donuts and would try them again IF I can catch them/him open again. Then again I don't typically carry cash anymore these days. We'll See...... read more

Five stars for the old school doughnut shop, the owner is a non conformist who lives by his own code. He opens when he's ready and closes when he feels like it. The customers keep lining up ! A trio of bicyclists , a Navy retiree who moved to Miami and makes it a point of stopping every time he's in town. I myself had seen this place all my life , too early to catch it open or no cash on hand. The cinnamon roles were raved about by a local DJ and since the DJ had street cred I wanted to verify. I made it this Saturday, a sign was up a light was on and it said opens at 8:30, I took off filled up my gas got a few 20's then got in a short line five mins early. As I stood in line I thought about that Seinfeld episode about the soup Nazi, I imagined me messing up my order . No Doughnuts For You ! Back to reality I made my simple order of two maple bars and four cinnamon rolls. I got home brewed up some coffee and devoured a maple bar and a roll, the maple bar , solid , frosting thick and delicious. The cinnamon roll small compact and just the right moisture to be not sticky. These were not big two person doughnuts which was perfect and not meant to feed a family of four. Reasonable priced. The owner was a math wiz as he memorized my sum total with tax before he touched the register. Hope you enjoy star dust doughnuts, if your from out of town it's worth the drive. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Maple bar and cinnamon roll - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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There's so much complaints about the workers or owner. I never had that problem. I actually watched as the owner get his ear talked off by a customer while never losing his composure. Donuts taste ok, all have a heavy butter taste. Prices ain't bad. Don't expect too much, people check out landmarks like this expecting amazing stuff. Dude. They opened like 50 years ago with the original owners. Even the temptations ain't the temptations anymore you know what I mean? Father Time is undefeated read more

Everything was horrible. Ordered a coffee with cream. He only takes cash, fine - handed him a $20 for my $2.59 coffee and he asked if I had anything smaller. I said no, he said well I cannot take that or make change. I said well, it's all I have, he said I guess you aren't getting a coffee. Keep in mind it was poured and in my cup already made with cream/sugar. I was kind of taken aback and said okay, I guess not...he then doubled down and said next time have smaller change, where I replied ..actually sir, this is your place of business, go to the bank and get change. Rude!!! read more

I'm so happy this place is still here! Donuts are yummy! Service was wonderful! I think the most important thing to remember is it's cash only. And those that are leaving negative comments about the owner, perhaps try to be kinder and more patient this man has been doing this for a long time, and it will be a sad day when this place is gone. Go support small business! read more

The Wild West of donutry! What you see is what you get, don't ask too many questions and you'll make it out ok. The ingredients skirt the edge of what's legal today with cancer and death causing products. Maybe he makes a weekly run to TJ to stock up? read more

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Holy Moly!!!! I've been here in San Diego for 23 yrs going on 24 and finally trying the donuts from Star Dust Donuts. I was in the area & took a chance it was open and they probably only had about 6 donuts left, all maple. They only accept cash so luckily I had a couple of dollars on me. If you like salted caramel you will love their maple bars. It's super buttery & the dough sooo soft. I will have to visit them again to try other varieties. read more

I've been going for over 35 years. I do hear complaining about the owner being rude but Cliff is actually a very nice guy. He used to run it with his brother who passed away so now it's all on his shoulders & with Father Time catching up I'm sure it has taken a toll. Hours are a lil iffy he closes when he sells out & opens most mornings it's a hit or miss but if u see he's open u need to bust a u turn & try their donuts. I do hope he has family or relatives who will take over when his time has come to pass the mixer read more

Hours vary and cash only. The owners make their donuts for the love of donuts not to make profit. Even if you take too long to order or are indecisive the owner won't want to even help you. Donuts are simple, no questions needed or you'll piss off the owner...... I highly recommend going early as possible, when they open before a certain type of donut you think you want sells out! They only make a certain amount and once they're gone that's it. Also once the donuts sell out they close even if it's before the sign says so. I really like their cinnamon rolls and pecan donuts. I love getting fresh donuts in the morning from them, going to Stardust is like a treat. read more

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I would rate this shop zero stars but that's not an option. The owner left me standing at the window, waiting to order as I saw him doing absolutely nothing in back. Strike one. I got nothing but surly, rude responses when I dared to speak to him. Strike two. He sold me a nasty, stale donut at full price. So, if you are seeking atrocious, offensive customer service, and subpar food at high prices, then this is YOUR place. I will continue to let everyone I know to avoid Stardust Donut Shop. Owner=NTFB. read more

These donuts are addictive- you've been warned! They are simple- you are asking yourself why are these so dang good? I love butter, and all the donuts taste buttery. I go by on my walk with an open mind- maybe it's open? Maybe there's not a line? Maybe I have cash? Maybe there's a variety? I get whatever he's got.. and I'm happy. He's not that chatty, but he once spotted me when I was short a little change. I've tried the cinnamon roll, pecan roll and old fashioned. Never disappointed, and I walk away from a place of IB history smiling from ear to ear...yum read more

You're lucky if you can get a donut... lol it's hit or miss with this place. Sometimes it's open and sometimes it's closed. The hours of operation sign.. means nothing.. lol. The owner closes and opens when he wants too and he closes early once the donuts sell out. You can't miss this place, it's at the beginning of HWY 75 before you get to the Coronado strand. The donuts are delicious here. The cinnamon roll and old fashion are yummy. Very soft.. fluffy... not overly sweet donuts. Lightly glazed soft donuts. Reasonable priced and always made fresh. Not a bad spot for donuts, if you can catch it open!! read more

I came here for the first time about two years ago. Donuts are kind of pricy for what you get. They're above average at that. I got a cinnamon roll and it was pretty good. I've heard stories of the old people that run this establishment could be grumpy. I didn't experience it in my case. Got what I wanted, paid and left. Hours are unknown. read more

Came here by happenstance with a friend's parents (her dad apparently has quite the pastry sweet tooth) and was not disappointed! This is a quintessential old-school business: they make the same amount of donuts every day, tried-and-true recipes, and when they're sold out, they're sold out, and the shop is closed. We nabbed a cinnamon roll and an old fashioned (my favorite!) and they were both absolutely delicious -- and I'm not usually a cinnroll fan! Simple but delicious. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - Cinnamon rolls and German chocolate bars - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Eh... I just have had enough trying to deal with this place. I get the whole not caring above t customers or the business in general thing it's fine. Even though, on account of that, I already learned not to make it a destination. I finally stopped by the other day when they were actually OPEN, and nearly sold out. Even though they are 1) cash only and 2) nearly sold out the guy looks at my $20 bill and says he needs something smaller than that to sell me a donut. oh I'm sorry I guess the dang Brinks truck had already come by to collect the cash for the day. Maybe he thought I would buy more donuts in order to get him to sell me something? Or maybe he just truly doesn't want my business? Either way I'm finally just going to pass on this place for good, it's not as if the donuts are that great. You'd have to be a slight masochist to want to patronize this guy. read more

Get here early or you lose. Once they run out of tasty donuts, Stardust closes for the day. The scene on an early morning at Stardust looks like something out of the first season of The Wire. Hopeless addicts staggering around in the dawn's early light, hoping they can get their donut of choice before the other fiends in line devour them. I got there late, but even the meager selection left was tasty. Super fresh, super light, and different flavors every day. Gotta catch 'em all! read more

So glad they were open on my way home in between games at the boys soccer tournament. I stopped to pick some of those cinnamon rolls and coffee for a quick snack and OMG I am glad I did. We wanted to wait to get home to heat them up but sadly they did not make the ride home. They were gobbled up in transit. So tasty! The coffee was pretty damn good too! Creamed and sugared by the gentleman himself. He did an awesome job. Thanks stardust for feeding me in my time of need! read more

I love this place! It's one of the few hidden gems of IB! This place has been around ever since I can remember, and probably even long before that, seeing as though the place doesn't look like it's been fixed up in ages. But don't let the outside appearance fool you. These guys make some amazing donuts! I love the simplicity of this place. There's no decoration, no seating, and you might not even notice it the first, second, or third time driving along Palm, but its there, and its amazing. It's all about the donuts here. My favorites are the cinnamon roll and the chocolate donut. Not chocolate glazed, I'm talking chocolate dough! Although, I think they only sell them on Saturdays. You gotta get there early sometimes because they do sell out. I've never even seen a chocolate dough donut anywhere else, but this one is delicious! Try any donut, its definitely going to be good. The only thing is that these guys don't have set hours and are pretty much open whenever they want. I actually find that kind of funny, as it only adds to the charm, personality and uniqueness of the whole joint. I hope this place lasts for more years to come! read more

Sweet Jesus. Must have caught the owner on a good day lol. Nothing out of the ordinary. I had to go play captain save a hoe with my BFF since his car got towed the night before. You know I love you if I wake up before 6am on my day off...I'm JUST saying. So drove by after his car was dropped off at his house. He said "oh he's open" so for years now I've heard of this "donut nazi" type owner and I figured what the hell? Let's go see what his donuts are all about. It's cash only. Thankfully I had cash. I held my breath when the 5 bucks I placed in his hand blew off of it and onto the floor. I thought for sure he was going to chew my ass because of the other reviews I've read. Nope. He was actually...just really really silent. I did tell him to have a good day which he responded "you have a good day as well". Ordered 2 cinnamon roll donuts and 2 apple fritters. The apple fritters are enough to make me go into a glycemic coma and I'm pretty sure I have diabetes now. That's how delicious they were!!! Hahaha Cinnamon roll? It was kind of dry. But the center of it was delicious. Yup. I'm that chick. If you bring a pan of brownies or a cake...I'm that jerkface Bastard that will cut myself a piece from the middle so I am guaranteed a moist piece of deliciousness. Hahaha. At the end of the day. They're donuts. If you have a sweet tooth it will satisfy it. If you have low blood sugar, you don't have to worry about it no mo! read more

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dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to celebrate our true love, passion, and endless devotion to one of the greatest creations in the world: the doughnut. you know a doughnut shop is good when: 1) you can smell the sweet little pieces of fried dough from a block away, and 2) there's a line of a dozen people waiting outside before it's even open. this was literally my twelfth time passing by to see if they were open, and this was the first time doughnuts were definitely being made. one lady drove from by qualcomm, and another said she was from kansas city. these doughnuts must be bomb... ...turns out, they are! i tried three: the old-fashioned, buttermilk twist, and cinnamon roll. the old-fashioned seemed to get better with each bite; it starts off lightly sweet, but i guess the build-up of doughnut in your palate causes more awesomeness with each swallow. "moist" defines the buttermilk twist. however, the pièce de résistance was definitely the cinnamon roll. the roll was worth the thirty minute wait: melt-in-your mouth succulence more akin to a foodgasm than most other foods i've consumed. to say that savoring each and every bite of the cinnamon roll was a spiritual experience is an understatement: you will experience nothing short of ultimate ecstasy. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - old-fashioned, buttermilk twist, and the orgasmic cinnamon roll. - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

I'm not a big donut connoisseur, but I love me some cinnamon rolls. This place.... Wow. They take cinnamon rolls to another dimension. You haven't tasted a real cinnamon roll until you've been to this place. Never mind it hasn't had a new coat of paint since the 50's, who cares. I'm here for the donuts, not Architectural Digest. Never mind they open and close whenever they want. If you're lucky to get there early enough when they still have the rolls freshly baked, you will be basking in your own little cinnamonny (not a word but it is one now thanks to Stardust) piece of heaven. As Beverly G., said... That's real love. Do it. They're good. read more

Stardust Donut Shop - A dozen cinnamon rolls a few seconds prior to ownage - Donuts Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Fesh Nuts is a iconic IB shop... that happens to be a donut shop. Don't let the fesh nuts sign confuse you. It's a locals local place. Ohhhh, ummmm the donuts? Well... they donuts read more

The people leaving negative reviews for service must be new here... but hey, whatever keeps the line down. The owner is about as straightforward as they come. He's owned and ran the place since the 60s. He prefers to be paid in small bills since it's hard to make change, and he's closed on Sundays & Mondays. You're there for delicious donuts, and a cash transaction that takes about 20 seconds total. Nothing more, nothing less. Just perfect donuts. read more