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. What makes this little shop so special is its famous strawberry donuts — stuffed with fresh, juicy strawberries that make every bite feel like a celebration.
With a 4.6-star rating and thousands of loyal fans, this place has earned its legendary status one donut at a time. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Donut Man is the kind of stop you’ll never forget.
The Famous Strawberry Donut
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy donut only to find it absolutely bursting with fresh, glazed strawberries — that’s exactly what The Donut Man delivers. One reviewer described the experience as eating an “overstuffed taco” in the best way possible.
The strawberries are sweet, juicy, and piled so high they practically spill out with every bite.
The donut itself is light and not overly sweet, which lets the fruit take center stage. Customers have been raving about this signature treat since the early 1980s, and the recipe has stayed consistently amazing over the years.
It’s seasonal, so you’ll want to check availability before making the trip.
Many fans say no other strawberry donut comes close. Fresh, generous, and completely satisfying, this is the one item that put The Donut Man on the map — and keeps people coming back year after year.
Open 24 Hours, Every Single Day
Late-night donut cravings? No problem.
The Donut Man is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week — a rare perk that sets it apart from most bakeries and donut shops. One reviewer recalled showing up at 1 a.m. and finding a long line of fellow donut lovers waiting patiently.
Because the shop stays open around the clock, donuts are being made fresh throughout the entire day and night. That means you’re never stuck with a stale, hours-old donut sitting under a glass case.
Fresh batches keep rolling out no matter what time you arrive.
Regulars suggest stopping by around 11:30 p.m. or early in the morning for the warmest, freshest picks. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, The Donut Man has you covered with hot, delicious donuts ready to go anytime you need them.
The Iconic Route 66 Location
There’s something undeniably cool about grabbing a donut on one of America’s most historic roads. The Donut Man sits right at 915 E Route 66 in Glendora, making it a natural pit stop for road trippers and locals alike.
Route 66 has a legendary reputation, and this little shop fits right into that story.
The shop itself is described as a “hole in the wall” — small, unpretentious, and completely charming. It has its own parking lot, which is handy given how popular it gets.
A few benches outside let you sit and enjoy your donut before hitting the road again.
Visitors from all over California and beyond make a point to stop here specifically because of its Route 66 address. The combination of a historic highway and world-class donuts makes for a road trip memory that sticks with you long after the last bite.
Seasonal Peach Donuts Worth the Wait
When strawberry season winds down, peach season kicks in — and The Donut Man handles both with the same level of care and generosity. The peach donuts follow the same concept as the strawberry version: a soft, fresh donut loaded with ripe, glazed seasonal fruit on top.
Customers who have tried both say the peach version is just as impressive as its famous strawberry counterpart. The fruit is always fresh, never canned, and the natural sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with the lightly glazed dough.
It’s a combination that feels more like dessert than a breakfast pastry.
Because both fruit options are seasonal, part of the fun is timing your visit right. Locals follow the shop’s availability closely and make special trips when the peaches arrive.
Missing out on these seasonal specials is genuinely considered a loss by The Donut Man’s most devoted fans.
The Tiger Tail — A Fan Favorite
Ask any regular at The Donut Man about the Tiger Tail and watch their face light up. This twisted, oversized pastry has its own loyal fanbase and is frequently mentioned alongside the strawberry donut as one of the shop’s must-try items.
It’s big, bold, and deeply satisfying.
The Tiger Tail is made from a twisted dough that gives it a chewy yet airy texture. Some longtime fans have noted that the size has gotten slightly smaller over the decades, but the flavor remains just as good as ever.
That classic, familiar donut taste is exactly what keeps people returning.
One reviewer specifically listed the Tiger Tail as a personal favorite alongside the maple glaze. Whether you’re picking it up as a midnight snack or a morning treat, this is a donut that delivers every single time — no seasonal timing required.
Apple Fritters That Sell Out Fast
“They are huge. I highly recommend that you visit this unique donut store” — that’s how one longtime customer described The Donut Man’s apple fritters, and they weren’t exaggerating.
These massive pastries are loaded with apple chunks and cinnamon flavor, wrapped in a golden, crispy exterior.
The apple fritters are so popular they sell out every single day, often disappearing well before closing time. Regulars say your best bet is to arrive early in the morning or late at night to snag one while they’re still available.
Coming in the middle of the afternoon is a gamble.
At the price point The Donut Man charges, the size and quality of these fritters feel like a steal. They’re the kind of treat you’ll want to share — not because you have to, but because something this good deserves an audience.
Bring a friend and dig in together.
Freshness That Makes All the Difference
One of the biggest complaints about donut shops is stale pastries sitting around for hours. At The Donut Man, that’s simply not a concern.
Because the shop runs 24 hours a day, fresh batches of donuts are produced continuously throughout the day and night.
Customers consistently mention how fresh and light the donuts taste, even when visiting in the afternoon or late evening. One reviewer noted that unlike many shops that only make fresh donuts in the morning, The Donut Man keeps quality high at every hour.
That commitment to freshness is a huge part of what makes the experience so special.
Staff members are happy to tell you what’s warm and fresh when you walk in. Taking that advice seriously can make the difference between a good donut and a truly unforgettable one.
A warm donut with a hot cup of coffee is hard to beat at any time of day.
Prices That Won’t Break the Bank
Great food doesn’t always have to come with a big price tag, and The Donut Man proves that point beautifully. Despite the shop’s legendary reputation and massive portions, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable.
Multiple customers have mentioned being shocked by how affordable everything is given the quality.
One reviewer said they expected to pay double for the quality they received. Another noted that the price-to-size ratio is excellent, especially for the bigger items like the apple fritters and tiger tails.
You genuinely get a lot of donut for your money here.
For families, budget travelers, or anyone who just wants a satisfying treat without overspending, The Donut Man hits the sweet spot. It’s listed as a budget-friendly “$” establishment on Google Maps, which aligns perfectly with what customers experience when they actually visit.
Good food, fair prices — a winning combination every time.
Cream Cheese and Lemon Donut — A Hidden Gem
Beyond the strawberry superstar, The Donut Man offers some seriously underrated flavor combinations that deserve more attention. The cream cheese with lemon donut is one of them — a tangy, creamy filling tucked inside a soft donut that balances sweetness with a bright citrus kick.
One reviewer who mentioned having dietary sensitivities after gastric bypass surgery said this was one of the donuts they could actually enjoy without discomfort — a testament to how the shop’s donuts are made with quality ingredients rather than heavy, greasy shortcuts. That’s a meaningful detail for anyone who’s sensitive to overly rich fried foods.
If you’re visiting for the first time and the strawberry donuts are out of season, the cream cheese lemon option is a fantastic alternative. It’s the kind of flavor pairing that sounds simple but tastes surprisingly sophisticated — proof that The Donut Man’s creativity extends well beyond its signature fruit-topped creations.
A Decades-Long Legacy in Glendora
Some businesses come and go, but The Donut Man has been a Glendora institution for decades. Long-time customers recall visiting as far back as the early 1980s with their parents, and now they bring their own kids.
That kind of generational loyalty says everything about the quality and consistency of this beloved shop.
Interestingly, the shop was formerly known as Foster’s Donuts before becoming The Donut Man. Despite the name change, the commitment to excellent donuts has never wavered.
Locals in the San Gabriel Valley consider it a landmark — the kind of place that defines a neighborhood’s character and history.
Ask anyone in the SGV where to get the best donuts and they’ll point you straight here without hesitation. That community pride is earned, not given.
Decades of delicious donuts, familiar faces, and consistent quality have made The Donut Man more than just a shop — it’s a tradition.
The Maple Glaze Donut — Simple and Stunning
Sometimes the classics hit hardest. The maple glaze donut at The Donut Man is a straightforward, no-fuss treat that reminds you why simple recipes done well are always worth celebrating.
The glaze is rich but not cloying, complementing the dough rather than drowning it out.
One reviewer specifically called out the maple glaze as a personal favorite alongside the tiger tail — high praise in a shop full of outstanding options. What makes it stand out is the balance: the sweetness is measured, the texture is soft, and the flavor is clean and satisfying from first bite to last.
For anyone who finds overly decorated or gimmicky donuts exhausting, the maple glaze is a breath of fresh air. It’s the donut equivalent of a classic song — familiar, comforting, and always exactly what you needed.
No seasonal timing required, no waiting list. Just a reliably excellent donut, anytime.
Chocolate Cake Donut — Rich and Satisfying
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. The chocolate cake donut at The Donut Man has quietly earned its own fan following, praised for its dense, rich texture and deep cocoa flavor.
Unlike lighter yeast donuts, the cake variety has a satisfying chewiness that makes it feel more indulgent.
A reviewer who visited with dietary restrictions mentioned the chocolate cake donut as one of their top picks — alongside the strawberry and cream cheese lemon options. That’s a meaningful endorsement, suggesting the chocolate version holds its own in a lineup of genuinely excellent choices.
Cake donuts are sometimes overlooked in favor of flashier, fruit-topped options, but regulars know better. This donut has the kind of deep, old-fashioned flavor that feels nostalgic and comforting all at once.
Pair it with the shop’s coffee for a combination that turns any ordinary moment into something worth savoring. A classic for good reason.
Glazed Old-Fashioned — Surprisingly Soft and Irresistible
“Surprisingly soft, dense, and delicious” — that’s how one first-time visitor described The Donut Man’s glazed old-fashioned after driving out specifically to try the strawberry donut. They came for the fruit, but the old-fashioned stole part of their heart.
That says a lot about how good this underrated classic really is.
Old-fashioned donuts have a slightly crispy, ridged exterior with a tender, cake-like inside. The Donut Man’s version nails that contrast perfectly.
The glaze is applied generously without being sticky or overwhelming, and the dough has a subtle tanginess that gives it real character compared to standard glazed rings.
If you’ve ever written off old-fashioned donuts as boring, one bite of this version will change your mind instantly. It’s the kind of donut that earns its place on the tray through sheer quality and honest flavor — no gimmicks, no flashy toppings, just a beautifully made classic done right.