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    Sweet Retreat Donuts

    4.6 (491 reviews)
    InexpensiveDonuts, Coffee & Tea, Vegan
    Special Hours Closed
    Updated 1 week ago

    Sweet Retreat Donuts Photos

    SWEET RETREAT DONUTS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Trendy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Sweet Retreat Donuts

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    Laura Jean O.

    It's been a really long time since I sank my teeth into a donut and said wow, and today was the day for me. I grabbed the cinnamon crunch and an apple fritter. These might be the best donuts I have ever had. Small, clean, wasn't busy, plenty of seating and super friendly. Absolutely delicious.

    Hibiscus Donut
    Austin B.

    tl;dr quality is high and prices are low; go early for the best possible selection, and don't miss out on the excellent apple fritter Across Los Angeles' ever-changing donut landscape, the countless standalone shops have had to evolve to stand out from the crowd. At Long Beach's Sweet Retreat Donuts, that meant limited-edition experimental donut varieties (mostly with tropical flavor profiles), as well as a reliable vegan donut lineup. Clearly, Sweet Retreat has been doing something right, as it's been a Pacific Coast Highway favorite for a decade. Over the years, it has garnered recognition from plenty of local news outlets, from Eater LA to LAist. The cramped strip mall is more eye-catching for its reptile supply store rather than its donut shop. Inside the shop, the expansive, donut-themed cartoon mural to the right immediately makes a statement. Houseplants are plentiful across the otherwise undecorated, whitewashed walls. Donuts are organized on trays by price, with the charge doodled directly onto the glass with a white marker. Ambient noise from the television is drowned out by chattering customers and the buzzing coffee machine. During the summer months, the AC-less shop feels tropically balmy. My partner and I arrived at Sweet Retreat late one Sunday morning, and the shop still boasted a steady stream of customers. By the time of our visit, the remaining selection was regrettably slim -- beyond the standard fare, the most unique donuts sported either candy coating or tropical frosting. We opted for a hibiscus-frosted raised donut and an apple fritter. The former had an excellent donut base, and the hibiscus frosting was floral and tropical (albiet I would have enjoyed a more punchy flavor). Meanwhile, the apple fritter fell on the cinnamon-y side, heavily doused in glaze so that each bite (even the edges) melted in your mouth; Sweet Retreat's rendition was one of my favorites in Greater LA. Our Vietnamese iced coffee was strong and sugary, but nothing more memorable than peer coffeeshops. The service was efficient, and our two donuts cost a reasonable $5 (even frill-free mom-and-pop shops charge in this range nowadays). The selection was sorely lacking, but Sweet Retreat more than made up for that with its high quality and reasonable prices. This bakery may not warrant a dedicated trip out of the way, but it is sure to deliver a satisfying treat if you're already in the neighborhood.

    Mark H.

    In contention for best donuts in the city. I didn't get them at peak freshness but I did heat them up in the oven for a few minutes before I devoured them. That apple fritter was fantastic. Haven't had one in years and this one made me miss them. Crispy on the outside and a fluffy interior. Although I don't recall seeing or biting into any apples, it was fine because the apple flavor was large & present throughout. The regular glazed was a classic delight. Super soft with a yellow brioche type texture and interior. Can't go wrong with this excellence. The red velvet variant was about the same. I didn't really taste any thing special from the topping. That chocolate sprinkled, cake type donut was a delight. As was the Maple Bar; which actually tasted better to me after being chilled in the fridge. And lastly, my favorite: the raspberry filled glazed. Everything I loved about the original glazed but with an incredible surprise inside. Filling was literally flawless. Sweetness & Tartness were in perfect balance. This is the one I'll be getting every single visit...

    Fruity pebble, blueberry with lemon glaze, passion fruit, and blueberry crumble
    Andrew S.

    The first time I came this place was closed, but I saw the open sign and finally was able to try it. The donuts are delicious and there is a good amount of variety. My favorite so far is the blueberry crumble. I also like chocolate on chocolate but they didn't have any when I went. The lady working was very sweet and said she'd mention that I liked them to the owner and see if they can do them more often. I came in the try 1 donut and ended up getting 4 because I knew my wife would want to try some like the passion fruit. The place is also quite nice and inviting inside. You could come here and get a coffee and work (not sure if there is free WiFi).

    Mari H.

    Long Beach never ceases to amaze me. There are surprises everywhere. I drove by this afternoon on my way to run an errand. I was hoping to stop by 7/11 or a big chain coffee shop to get an iced coffee and I saw a donut shop in the corner of a small shopping center. When I walked it I immediately felt a positive energy. The wall on the right is a beautiful bright yellow with art and there were tables and plants hanging around. I ordered the Sea Salt Ice Coffee and it was so good. It's on the sweeter side but an easy fix if you don't like it too sweet. I also had a dozen donut holes for $2. It was a lovely experience with delicious coffee and donuts. I'll be coming back again soon to try all the other goodies.

    Demi A.

    amazing place, jess and the owner super sweet people i was greet with awesome smile! I brought dozen donuts holes and chocolate twist for my family they love. The bread and chocolate made fresh and will def come back again

    Strawberry glazed donut
    Maya N.

    Freshest tastiest donuts in the area. My favorites are all the blueberry and strawberry options. The green tea banana smoothie was delicious and not too sweet. They have other milk options like oat milk and almond milk. The vegan donuts are great too. Best service thanks to Jessica! We're always happy to run into her.

    Vegan Blueberry Apple Fritter‼
    Stephanie S.

    Sweet Retreat has, BY FAR, the best vegan blueberry apple fritter on the planet! Don't sleep on this one....it's only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays...and they sell out fast! Oh, and forgot to mention... I'm not even vegan...

    Strawberry  Hibiscus  with chia
    Angie N.

    2nd time here & definitely returning Best vegan donuts in town and drinks first time I ordered matcha this time I ordered strawberry Hibiscus the best

    Laurel T.

    Awesome donuts! I'm not vegan, but if you are they have a great vegan selection. I ended up going with the Halloween ones. I got the coco one which was pistachio glazed and a red velvet cake ghost one. The person that helped me at the counter was extremely friendly and helpful! I'd definitely come back again. The decor was really cute, the place was really clean and they have little areas for you to sit and eat your donuts if you don't want to take them to go

    Flaming hot Cheeto donut
    Valerie G.

    Such great service. The lady acknowledged me and was so friendly. I ordered the flaming hot Cheeto donut. It was surprisingly delicious I even had to share it with my friend so she can experience the flavors. She was also so surprised and had to tell her friends. It's a nice place to drink and eat and relax.

    Vegan donuts (maple, vanilla fruity pebbles and sprinkles and lemon)
    Y R.

    I love this places. Our son has a dairy allergy and we've been on the hunt for dairy-free/vegan treats and found the perfect place. The lemon flavor had to be our favorite! They primarily have non-vegan options but we were told they have more vegan flavors on the weekend. We will definitely be back!

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    2 days ago

    AMAZING they have fresh boba and fresh ingredients also the sweetest lady running the shop, amazing menu that will not fail you.

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    2 months ago

    Just try their new Spanish latte and hibiscus doughnut and passion, fruit doughnut my kids and I love them

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    7 months ago

    Everything at sweet retreat is amazing and fresh. Live this place and service is amazing as well

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    1 year ago

    The food was absolutely amazing and delicious, service was perfect, and they make their food fresh everyday. Would highly recommend

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Just left the ladies working we're really nice. Donut was soft and fresh and the business was clean and nicely decorated.

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    Page 1 of 13

    Ask the Community - Sweet Retreat Donuts

    Why are there no hours posted?

    The hours vary however, usually M-F: 7 - 4 pm. Sat & Sun 7 - 2 (subject to change).

    When are you open?

    Hi, we will open back on Friday, July 23. We will see you soon. Thank you!

    Hi, are you still closed Monday - Thursday?

    Hello, last week we did closed Tuesday to Thursday. This is our schedule:Monday closed, Tuesday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 7-3pm

    Hello are you open tomorrow for take out?

    Hi, sorry we closed every Monday.

    Are the donut holes vegan?

    Hi, if you would like vegan donut holes, you can request it on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

    How much is a box of dozen donuts?

    Hi, our box of traditional donut without any special topping is $10.99 a dozen at the shop. Once you choose special topping such as cereal, Oreos, flavor topping, special design, vegan, etc... Will be additional charge. Custom order or special… 

    Do u guys still serve green tea ice cream?

    I normally see green tea ice cream here. It is my favorite flavor. Though there have been occasions when they were sold out, so guess it is a favorite for many other people too!

    Do they have any gluten free items?

    Sorry no Gluten-free donut at the moment. Only vegan and regular donuts.

    Is there vegan donuts here?

    Yes, they have vegan donuts here, and they're DELICIOUS!!!!

    View All 10 Questions

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    Sweet Retreat Donuts - donuts - Updated September 2026

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