Early Morning Donut Run... With One Very Dramatic Muffin Decided to stop by this donut shop early in the morning to grab a few treats for hubby and me. There were a handful of parking spots available around 7 AM, so parking was easy, and the shop itself was very clean, bright, and welcoming. There were actually quite a few customers inside already, which is always a good sign! Since it had been forever since I last bought donuts, I ended up picking up a little variety: a cream cheese croissant, cheese muffin, blueberry muffin, and some donut holes. Now... let's talk about the muffin. First of all, it was HUGE and costed $3.50, hoping it was worth the price. But the moment I picked it up... the top literally fell completely off and beheaded itself! I just stood there looking at it like, "Well... that escalated quickly." Unfortunately, the muffin itself was the biggest disappointment. I'd honestly give it about 2/5 stars. It was very dry, and despite it being a cheese muffin, I couldn't really taste any cheese at all. It just wasn't worth the money for me. The donut holes (I think around $2.50 for about half a bag) were decent, but I've definitely had softer and fluffier ones elsewhere. They satisfied the sweet tooth, but they weren't particularly memorable. On the bright side, service was excellent. Everyone was friendly, the line moved quickly, and I was in and out within minutes. Overall, I'm glad I stopped by and gave this place a try since it was nearby. I probably wouldn't come back specifically for the muffins, but I'd be willing to give some of their breakfast sandwiches or other menu items a shot next time. Happy eats! read more

Universal Donuts - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

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Cozy and friendly neighborhood spot with fresh donuts and amazing breakfast sandwiches. We got a dozen donuts and donut cream puffs which were all delicious, but the stand out was the croissant sandwich with ham egg and cheese. Get it with avocado and pickled jalapeños (not spicy) - so good! Easily my favorite breakfast sandwich! Wish I lived in CA so I could go more often! read more

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We were on our way to a bicycle event and stopped by to grab some snacks for breakfast. I picked out my favorite item which is a ham, cheese, and jalapeno croissant. I requested the croissant to be warmed up so I could enjoy it now. The dough was so soft and fresh tasting and it was very cheesy. The jalapenos were fresh and not pickled, so they were crunchy. read more

Universal Donuts - Sunday Funday donuts FEB2026 - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

The Host brings good morning energy with a smile to match. I've been ordering from him for a few weeks now and everything has been great!But today I ordered a BLT with avocado and jalapeno with onion and it was DELICIOUS! I don't know if I got lucky or something but my jalapeños were not too spicy just the way I like it . The shop also has that very classic doughnut shop feel. read more

Many donut shops in the area but nothing like this place fast friendly and great Donuts

Came here for the "cream puff". Well it's more like mini cream donut, not really cream puff. If your day is bitter, you'll probably think the cream isn't sweet enough. If your day is good, you may think the cream is too sweet. We also got the classic sugar glaze & chocolate glaze donuts. They are soft and airy donuts. Nice size too. read more

Universal Donuts - Cream puff - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

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I have been a customer for years but haven't written a review. It's one of the best. The owner is very nice and always has a great attitude. Service is fast. Donuts are fresh and fluffy!! Highly recommend. read more

Got a couple of dozen for some nurses at a faculty nearby. Nothing out of the ordinary. Very decent selection and donuts taste fresh. A bit pricey considering not a chain but maybe that's why? The custard puffs were so good read more

Why do they not have more reviews!? Has no one ever heard of donut cream puffs!! They are large sized donut holes stuffed full of bavarian cream, then rolled in fresh powdered sugar. They are decadent, crave worthy, and only $1 for 3 pieces. Need I say more? The sandwiches and donuts are light and fluffy and delicious as well, but definitely get the puffs. Universal is a lovely mom& pop style, no fuss, donut shop. They open hours before the sun rises and there are still hardworking customers coming in to grab a quick bite before heading to any morning shifts. The owners are sweet and welcoming and keep the eatery extraordinary clean. Definitely recommend if you happen to be in the area read more

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As soon as you walk in your greeted. Hot coffee and any of their breakfast sandwich's will cure your hunger(or a fresh squeezed oj). If you live in the area or on the 10 fwy craving a snack try this place its pretty good. read more

Universal Donuts - Number 7. Croissant, Turkey, Egg, and Bacon Sandwich - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Always looking for ways to support local businesses and knock my metabolism out of ketosis... Universal Donuts provides me with regular opportunities to do both. Truth be told, I tried to stay away from fried though, covered in sugary glazes, sprinkles... That sort of thing. But despite my best effort's to remain disciplined, I can't help but sneak down here every now and again and walk out with a pink box full of tasty treats for my kids and stuff. Universal donuts is like many donut shops, that have expanded their operations into smoothies, vegetable juices, and other assorted healthy stuff. I got to be honest - - I've never tried any of those things here. Just point me at the Apple fritters and chocolate old fashioned. Donuts are fresh daily, and the folks behind the counter have a lot of personality. Lots of smiles and friendliness, which means a lot at 5:30 in the morning when I'm still waking up. To that end, a big hot Styrofoam cup of coffee here also hits the spot. read more

Heard about the cream puffs on social media and decided to drop by on a weekend to check this place out. Ever since finding out about the amazing cream puffs at another donut place, I've been trying to see if any local places had any to compare. This seems to be a family-owned donut shop that offers the usual selection of donuts, sandwiches, and coffee/drinks. They didn't have any special donuts (i.e. red velvet, cereal topped, filled), but they had the glazed, sugar, chocolate, coconut, cinnamon crumb, sprinkles. They're located right off the 10 freeway on Santa Anita. There's several tables inside, but due to the pandemic, no dine-in is available right now. Price is quite cheap - I paid around $1 for a glazed donut and $1 for 3 cream puffs, which is a steal. Donut wasn't consumed until the next day and the texture still retained its fluffiness. Pretty solid glazed donut! As for the cream puffs, the outside of the puff seemed to resemble a donut skin with lots of powered sugar while the inside was a custard cream. Custard was not too sweet and there was a good amount of filling inside the puff. For less than fifty cents each, the price is super well worth it. I still enjoy the other cream puff find a bit more, but knowing that this is super close, I'll definitely be back. read more

I love this place. They have BOMBASS lattes, they aren't stingy either. They fill it up all the way so you get your moneys worth. They ask if you want it sweet or not too sweet. Normally the old lady does mine so I never know how many pumps but she makes them perfectly good. Overall everyone is super kind and great customer service. The wait is never too long even in their rush hour. read more

Universal Donuts - Vanilla hot latte - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Love their donuts. The workers here are super friendly and helpful. Got a selection of juices and smoothies and Thai tea along with coffee and Vietnamese coffee. Their breakfast sandwiches are a decent size and always fresh. Jalapeños are actually not spicy at all but add a little extra flavor. read more

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The owner is super friendly and I love their fresh ham and cheese croissants! I always get extra for my whole family and co-workers and they all love it. You can also customize your own croissant sandwich and I would occasionally get ham, egg, bacons and avocado. It's hands down the best croissant in the 626 area! :) read more

Donuts are overpriced for what you get. They're SO HALLOW... you literally bite into it and feel the air inside lmao

I ate here for the first time today, service is great and very friendly employees. I had the pastrami sandwich on a croissant, it is now one of my favorites. I highly recommend it and the Tai tea. read more

Universal Donuts - Pastrami on a croissant with tai tea - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Stopped by this place on the way home after my daughters dentist appointment. I wanted to get her some donut holes and some breakfast. Parking was kind of small and the street is off the 10 freeway so it can get pretty busy with traffic. Got 6 donut holes and the breakfast croissant. The donut holes were good. My daughter enjoyed them but she would like anything sweet. They were nice and fluffy. The croissant was also pretty good. It was nice and full with ham cheese and egg and the jalapeño gave it a nice sour spicy taste. The croissant was flakey and soft. I was thinking of also buying a lotto ticket while I was waiting but when looking around they don't sell any. read more

Universal Donuts - #1 ham and egg croissant with jalapenos - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Pillowy soft. Accepts debit with no limit. Very friendly service. A++++!!! We got a winner! read more

Universal Donuts - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

I am from Vegas and EVERY TIME we come to Cali - we have to stop here . It is the BEST donut shop i have ever been too. Their sandwiches are amazing every single time and donuts are always great . I love the workers . this place is the best 100%. I can't wait to visit Cali again just to get breakfast here ! read more

I always order #3 with jalapeños and a carrot/orange juice from here. I have tried the carrot/orange combo from so many places, thinking it should taste the same since it's literally carrot and orange. Boy, was I wrong. The carrot/orange from here is unmatched and actually tastes like carrots and oranges. Other places will add more orange where I won't be able to taste the carrot. Also, when o do ask for more carrots, or doesn't taste right. I'm going to miss this place when I move. It was my Go to for some many years Dow my long drive to work at 6am. Staff here are super nice and it is clean compared to other donut shops. read more

Very good donuts. The dough is soft and fresh. The glaze is not too sweet. Highly recommend! The staff was very nice and friendly too. Price was reasonable. read more

Universal Donuts - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

There's a donut place around every corner here in El Monte. What makes this place special? It's never packed. They always have the selections you want. They have a super cool dude that works the register. Come for a donut (or 3) paired with a hot coffee. read more

I've been to hundreds of donut shops and this by far is the best place in L.A . It's worth the drive and has the best han and cheese croissant, well served and the fluffiest donuts read more

First time coming here and I got the bacon ham egg and cheese sandwich, sooooo good. The donuts were super soft also

I got the Vietnamese iced coffee, it was so bomb. I like my coffee sweet, and it was perfect. I seen them make it in front of me, honestly better than like starbucks. The croissant Tuna sandwich, was really good too. read more

Universal Donuts is a small coffee-donut shop located on small plaza by Santa Anita ave and the 10 freeway. They offer a wide variety of sandwiches, donuts, coffee, smoothies and juices. I came here on a cloudy Friday morning to grab breakfast. Its atmosphere was welcoming and was greeted by a friendly staff, a young dude. I ordered Vietnamese Ice coffee, glazed donut and item #7, a Turkey, egg, avocado and bacon croissant sandwich. Sandwich was soft, warm and tasty. Similarly, their donut and ice coffee tasted good. Service was moderately fast. Staff were attentive and amiable. Prices were really affordable and competitive. Parking lot was small but I had no issue finding a spot. Overall I had a nice order experience and food/drink. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area. read more

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Yelp 100 Challenge 2018 - # 33/100 Was looking for a donut place in the area so when I clicked on their page I saw that they offer $1 off $10 or more purchase when you check in. Cool! We got there late in the evening so there were not so many donuts to choose from. We chose to make a half dozen, got an order of donut holes, two orders of the cream puffs. The donut holes were soft and with the right amount of sweetness. The regular sized donuts were good too but I like the lemon-filled donuts at this place that's closer to home. The cream puffs were awesome. I'll be returning for these. read more

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I had a bacon egg and cheese croissant with mayo and avocado along with a cinnamon roll! Really really really good and filling! I had them warm up the cinnamon roll and it topped it off. The customer service was great! Other people were ordering coffee, so they must have a great blend! I recommend! read more

This place has always been one of my favorite donut shops. I been going here since middle school. The ham and cheese are always so yummy and then they started having it with jalapenos which became my favorite here. Another item I tend to order here is the cream puff. Omg, they have the best cream puff in the world!!!! Service is good too. I dont think any other donut shop can compare to this place. Thank you : ) read more

This place is great! Most importantly was how clean it was. They have affordable breakfast sandwiches that are delicious and a pretty large size. The staff at the front desk was really nice and welcoming too. I took off one star because i asked my sandwich with no cheese because it makes me really sick and there was cheese when I got it. I didnt have time to go back so I just scraped it off. But other than that this is the spot! They have a great menu with different options of drinks, sandwiches, fresh juices,and a delicious looking donut bar! Everything looks really fresh and clean. I'll definitely stop by next time im in El Monte. read more

Universal Donuts - Beet juice with Ham, bacon, and egg croissant! + I added lettuce, tomato, jalapeño, and avocado! - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Nice owner, homey 1970s style dining room with plants, and a decent if not extravagant selection. Fast service, pleasant guy, tasty donuts. read more

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Donut shop was closed earlier than sign states so call before showing up as they may not be open.

The sandwiches are fire, I always get it with a jalapeño and go home and add my own Avocado, but you have the option to get it there. Nice people, the sandwiches might take a bit of waiting but is definitely delicious and worth the wait. Donuts I go for are always the cream puffs they're my favorite but maybe the custard is too sweet overall I still recommend it(once and a while) easy parking, and nice waiting area. Good drink selection as well. read more

Guy is super friendly, and they always fill up my daughter's bottle with ice before her games, my favorite place for ice coffee.

Love this place! I always stop by for some donuts or snacks whenever I'm in the area. Owners are sweet and kind. Friendly service.

The lady was too in a rush. I ordered a dozen then I told her we'd be picking a mix and I asked which could be included in the dozen and she IMMEDIATELY begins to grab random donuts. I told her we wanted to pick the donuts and she got bothered. Then for a 2nd time I ask, if we could pick any including the filled and she grabs any random filled donut begins to put it in the box and says "this is extra charge" so I told her no, I'm asking her a question I don't want the donut. There was literally no one else in there, idk why she was rushing and having attitude and the whole interaction was quick because I could sense she was in a hurry to get back to her phone. The donuts were ok, not greasy like other spots around here but I'd still not go back because she's doing too much and they weren't THAT good. Not greasy but basic, it was a few cents under $16 for the dozen. Could've just gone to yumyums and they're nicer too. read more

You guys don't understand a 5 star donut until you come to this place! It was 4:20am and I had just came out of work, and I for some reason had a donut craving, so l yelped donuts around the area. I came across yum yum donuts, as I was pulling into the parking lot I noticed 2 very unpleasant people roaming in there so I decided to drive off and go home all sad and blue. As I drove down North on Santa Anita before I hit the free way a delicious scent took over my nose! And looked around and there it was! This small donut shack! I said what the hell why not!? So I pulled in and when i ordered this nice Asian guy attended to my craving and when I received my donuts omg! Nice and warm straight out of the oven!!! HEAVEN!!!!! Best donuts I've had in my life! I strongly recommend you to come between 4:20am-4:50am that's when they are hot! Come after the club, before or after work you name it!!! read more

Universal Donuts - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Just walked in and the guy was really cool. One of my things on anyplace is how clean they are and this place walking in looked clean! That's a plus! Donuts are bomb! Will be back! Thanks "lazy guy" read more

Universal Donuts - Donuts Near Me - El Monte, California

Great spot that sells really cheap but delicious donuts! They have a good selection of donuts but also sell pastrami sandwiches and drinks. I've been here 3 times and have had great experiences each time. The employees are really friendly, nice, and patient. I can't wait to come back. This is my go-to donut spot and I'll definitely stop by here for a breakfast sandwich since they open so early. read more