Highland Park/Hermon: They’re Only Monterey Donuts, but I Like Them

A decent donut is a fairly easy find, but a stellar one? That can be an enigma unless you’re willing to drive to Inglewood or Glendora, which is quite a commitment to quench one little donut craving.

It’s not like there’s a shortage of donut shops on this side of town. They’re as ubiquitous in this corner as any other in Los Angeles—just pull into any strip mall, and you can probably emerge with a bearclaw or cruller in seconds. No sweat.

But, let’s be honest: it will most likely be just so-so, all kinds of ho-hum, a little waxy, on the dry side, too dense, or just plain eh.

You deserve better.

That’s why I’m letting you in on the best kept donut secret in Highland Park/Hermon (it’s right on the cusp, so I’m not sure which neighborhood it’s actually in). If you passed by it, you wouldn’t even give it a second glance. There’s no gigantic, beacon-like donut sign to reel you in, no buzz to spark your curiosity….nothing.

Just a plain old shop that looks like this:

But, don’t let the missing “s” fool you. Monterey Donuts is a gem. The glazed donuts, which are somehow always just made and warm, are some of the best I’ve ever had. I usually wouldn’t even give a second thought to a plain old glaze, but the light, fluffy, super-soft texture of this one is pretty showstopping.

My favorite, the cinnamon donut, with it’s classic cake texture and a crumby cinnamon exterior, also goes above and beyond expectation. It’s a thing of simple beauty.

Seriously, your index finger will be working overtime trying to pick up ever last sweetly spiced crumb.

Don’t even get me started on the chocolate twist! Or the apple fritter. Or the maple bar.

These days, for a donut to get any credit, it has to boast some sort of wow factor, be it bacon-encrusting, green tea-infusion or some sort of vegan preparation. It’s just a casualty of living in a food age marked by nuance and newfangledness. However, even in the midst of all that spectacular, there’s something to be said for an honest-to-goodness classic done well.

That’s what you’ll get at Monterey Donuts—just your average donut shop not really.

-Valentina

Thanks to my friend Tyler for introducing me to this great place.

Monterey Donuts
5930 Monterey Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90042