Tucked along the legendary Route 66 in Glendora, California, The Donut Man has been serving up some of the most talked-about donuts in the state for decades. With a 4.6-star rating and thousands of loyal fans, this little shop punches way above its weight.
From fresh strawberry-stuffed creations to the iconic tiger tail, there is always a reason to make the drive. Whether you are a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, here is everything that makes The Donut Man a true California treasure.
The Tiger Tail Donut
One bite of the tiger tail at The Donut Man and you will understand why people drive from across Southern California just to get one. This twisted, elongated donut is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and coated in a perfectly balanced glaze that does not overpower the dough.
Longtime customers say the tiger tail has been a staple since the early days of the shop. It has a satisfying pull-apart texture that makes eating it feel like a fun experience, not just a snack.
The cinnamon-kissed flavor gives it a warm, comforting quality that feels nostalgic with every bite.
Regulars recommend grabbing one warm, early in the morning, for the best experience. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee and you have got yourself a breakfast worth writing home about.
It is a true Donut Man classic.
The Famous Strawberry Donut
Imagine cracking open a donut and finding it packed wall-to-wall with fresh, juicy, glazed strawberries. That is exactly what happens when you order the seasonal strawberry donut at The Donut Man.
It is less like a donut and more like a strawberry shortcake that got a serious upgrade.
Customers have been raving about this creation since at least 2012, and reviewers consistently say the flavor has never changed. The strawberries are sweet but not cloying, and the light, fluffy dough holds everything together without stealing the show.
One reviewer described eating it like tackling an overstuffed taco, and honestly, that sounds perfect.
Because strawberries are seasonal, availability depends on the time of year. Showing up during peak strawberry season is practically a pilgrimage for fans of this shop.
When they are in stock, do not hesitate, grab at least two.
Open 24 Hours, Every Single Day
Most donut shops close by noon, leaving afternoon and late-night cravings completely unmet. The Donut Man throws that rule out the window entirely.
This beloved Glendora bakery is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means a fresh donut is always just a short drive away no matter what time it is.
Late-night visitors report long lines around 1 a.m., which is honestly a testament to just how good these donuts are. The 24-hour schedule also means donuts are being made fresh throughout the day and night, so you are never stuck with stale leftovers from the morning batch.
One reviewer specifically praised this setup, noting that other shops only make fresh donuts in the morning. At The Donut Man, freshness is available around the clock.
Whether it is 6 a.m. or midnight, the doors are always open and the fryer is always running.
The Seasonal Peach Donut
Right alongside the strawberry donut in the hall of fame sits the peach donut, another seasonal masterpiece from The Donut Man. When summer rolls around and California peaches hit their peak, this shop transforms them into something truly special.
Fresh, sweet peach slices get tucked into a soft, glazed donut shell that is just thick enough to hold everything in.
Longtime fans know to check ahead before making the trip, since both the strawberry and peach versions are only available during their respective seasons. Missing out on the peach donut during its window feels like a genuine loss, according to more than a few devoted regulars.
The balance of fruit-forward sweetness and pillowy dough is what sets these seasonal options apart from anything you will find at a chain bakery. Fresh, local, and made with obvious care, the peach donut is a warm-weather reason to visit Glendora.
The Apple Fritter
“They always sell out very quickly every day,” one longtime customer warned about the apple fritters at The Donut Man, and that is not an exaggeration. These massive, irregularly shaped pastries are loaded with tender apple chunks and wrapped in a crispy, golden-glazed crust that shatters beautifully with the first bite.
Size is part of the appeal here. The Donut Man is not shy about portions, and the apple fritter is one of the biggest items on the menu.
Reviewers recommend bringing a friend to share one, not because it is too much, but because sharing something this good just makes the experience better.
Arriving early in the morning or late at night gives you the best shot at snagging one before they disappear. The apple fritter is the kind of pastry that reminds you why homemade always beats mass-produced, every single time.
The Glazed Old-Fashioned Donut
Some donuts try too hard with flashy toppings and over-the-top fillings. The glazed old-fashioned at The Donut Man proves that simplicity, done right, is its own kind of magic.
One first-time visitor called it the best glazed old-fashioned they had ever had, describing it as surprisingly soft, dense, and absolutely delicious.
The texture is what sets it apart from the typical old-fashioned you might grab at a gas station. There is a slight crunch around the edges where the glaze caramelizes, giving way to a dense, moist interior that feels almost cake-like.
It is the kind of donut that makes you stop mid-bite and just appreciate the craft.
Classic donut lovers who sometimes feel left out at trendy bakeries will feel right at home here. The Donut Man respects the classics, and the glazed old-fashioned is living proof that traditional recipes never go out of style.
The Maple Glaze Donut
Maple glaze done wrong tastes like artificial syrup poured over cardboard. Maple glaze done right, the way The Donut Man does it, tastes like a Sunday morning in the best possible way.
The rich, amber-toned glaze has a deep, smoky sweetness that complements the soft dough without turning the whole thing into a sugar bomb.
One five-star reviewer listed the maple glaze donut alongside the tiger tail as their absolute favorite, which says a lot given how strong the competition is at this shop. The glaze soaks slightly into the top of the donut, creating a thin, sticky layer that clings to your fingers in the most satisfying way.
Getting one warm, fresh out of the fryer, is the move. The glaze is still slightly fluid at that point, and the contrast between the warm dough and the cool, sweet coating is genuinely hard to beat.
A simple pleasure done perfectly.
The Cream Cheese Lemon Donut
Tangy, creamy, and just sweet enough, the cream cheese lemon donut at The Donut Man hits a flavor combination that feels both indulgent and refreshing at the same time. One customer who had undergone gastric bypass surgery specifically called this one of their favorites, noting that the donuts here are light enough that even sensitive stomachs can enjoy them in moderation.
The lemon cuts through the richness of the cream cheese filling with a bright citrus note that keeps the whole thing from feeling heavy. It is the kind of donut that works as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or an afternoon pick-me-up without feeling out of place in any of those contexts.
If you typically skip cream-filled donuts because they feel too dense or overly sweet, this one might change your mind. The balance of flavors here is genuinely thoughtful, which reflects the overall care that goes into every item at this bakery.
The Chocolate Cake Donut
Chocolate cake donuts have a reputation for being dry and forgettable at most shops. At The Donut Man, that reputation gets completely dismantled.
The chocolate cake donut here has a dense but moist crumb that stays tender even hours after it comes out of the fryer, which is no small feat for a cake-style donut.
The chocolate flavor is real and rich, not the watered-down cocoa taste you might expect from a budget bakery. Combined with a smooth chocolate glaze that sets just enough to give a slight snap when you bite through it, this donut delivers a full chocolate experience from edge to edge.
A reviewer who specifically mentioned this donut alongside the cream cheese lemon as a standout favorite was not exaggerating. For chocolate lovers visiting The Donut Man for the first time, this is a must-order alongside the tiger tail.
You will not regret stacking your box.
The Cinnamon Roll
Not everyone who walks into The Donut Man leaves with just donuts. The cinnamon rolls here have developed their own devoted following, and once you see the size of one, it is easy to understand why.
These are not the sad, dry spirals you find in airport food courts. These are generous, golden, pull-apart rolls loaded with cinnamon and finished with a frosting that melts into every layer.
One longtime reviewer praised the cinnamon rolls in the same breath as the apple fritters, calling both of them wonderful and just huge. That word, huge, comes up a lot when people describe the portions at this shop, and the cinnamon roll is no exception.
Sharing one is highly encouraged, though nobody will judge you if you tackle it solo. Warm from the case, with a cup of their coffee on the side, the cinnamon roll turns a quick donut stop into a proper sit-down moment worth savoring.
The Boston Cream Donut
Classic, crowd-pleasing, and executed with the kind of consistency that only comes from decades of practice, the Boston cream donut at The Donut Man earns its place on the must-try list. One visitor who ordered it alongside the strawberry and apple-filled donuts called it very good, which is high praise when you are competing for attention against some of the most Instagram-worthy donuts in California.
The custard filling is smooth and lightly sweet, never runny or artificial-tasting. The chocolate glaze on top is thick enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that it overwhelms the pastry cream underneath.
Every component is balanced, which is the hallmark of a truly well-made Boston cream.
For first-timers who want to test the shop’s overall donut quality before committing to the more adventurous options, the Boston cream is a smart starting point. If they can nail a classic this well, everything else is worth trying too.
The Blueberry and Raspberry Cream Cheese Donuts
Berry lovers, meet your new obsession. The blueberry and raspberry cream cheese donuts at The Donut Man bring together two bold fruit flavors with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling that makes each bite feel layered and complex.
One passionate reviewer called both of these options excellent, listing them among the top reasons to make the drive to Glendora.
What makes these stand out is the combination of textures. The soft dough gives way to a creamy, slightly tart filling, and the berry topping adds a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness in the best possible way.
Neither flavor tastes artificial or overly processed.
These donuts also photograph beautifully, which is a bonus if you enjoy sharing your food finds online. But more importantly, they taste even better than they look.
Whether you choose blueberry, raspberry, or grab one of each, you are in for a genuinely memorable treat.
Route 66 Location and Legacy
There is something undeniably cool about eating a world-class donut on the most legendary highway in America. The Donut Man sits right on Historic Route 66 in Glendora, California, which adds a layer of road-trip romance to an already outstanding food experience.
The shop has been a fixture in this community for so long that it was once known as Foster’s Donuts before becoming the beloved institution it is today.
The location is small, with limited seating, but that has never stopped the crowds from showing up. A small parking lot makes it easy to pull in, grab your order, and enjoy your donuts on the sidewalk while soaking in the historic surroundings.
The vibe is no-frills, unpretentious, and completely charming.
Locals in the San Gabriel Valley will tell you that everyone knows The Donut Man. Visitors from out of town often list it as a highlight of their California trip.
At 915 E Route 66, the legacy is very much alive.