Golden Gate Donuts
4201 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA, 94609
Golden Gate Donuts Menu
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Address :
4201 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA, 94609 - Phone (510) 655-0362
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 am - 8:00pm
- Mon : 5:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
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Maria V.
Drove to Donut Dolly but found them to be closed until 8am. (My fault for assuming) Drove to Lee's on Broadway and they are also closed on the weekends (weird). Was about to give up and just go to Safeway (I promised donuts!); instead I yelped. Golden Gate Donuts on Telegraph. BEST DONUTS EVER. Fresh, light, melt in your mouth donuts. I purchased an assortment: Chocolate, Glazed, Sprinkled, Coconut, French, Creme, and he threw in an extra. Good coffee, too. Found our newest spot for donuts!
(5)Susie W.
I'm glad I have a bit of self control as Golden Gate Donuts in Temescal is every bit as food as other Yelpers said. This part if Oakland doesn't have a ton of donut shops (compared to the Grand Lake area) and I can highly recommend this as a source for old school donuts. Today is National Donut Day and the place is mobbed. The doughnuts at so fresh with just the right amount of toppings. The cake donut is dreamy. You can tell it has a long time following of friendly regulars.
(5)Nora S.
The donuts here are only standard. You won't find anything fancy. That said, they are great quality! Doughy and fresh even when we bought them in the afternoon. We tried the cinnamon roll, the rosette, the French cruller, and couldn't resist the huge baked in-house croissants. The cinnamon roll and rosette were definitely above average. Better than Christie's (which is where we usually go for standard donuts due to location). Very doughy and soft. Not too greasy. No old oil taste. Croissant was a revelation. Best plain croissant we've had in the Bay Area save for Tartine's of course. Surprisingly, this croissant handily beat out the plain ones we've tried at several French bakeries in this area. The only disappointment was the cruller. Not good at all. Too greasy, too soggy. Something was wrong with their formula.
(3)Jana C.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you the raucous, unsure, frenzied, circus that was my evening of work last night . Got a glazed raised and all was well with the world again, reset with sugar and fluffy, cloud like dough.
(4)Nathan L.
Quick, easy, delicious. I love this place and hate myself for finding it. The doughnuts are fantastic simple as that.
(5)elanita k.
Stopped in on my way to the BART and picked up a standard glazed donut. Good heavens that donut melted in mouth and it took all my restraint not to get 15 more. Service was friendly and helpful and the place was spotless.
(5)Ian B.
What's to dislike here? NOTHING! The owners are kind souls that take pride in their business. The donuts are artfully-crafted yeast-inflected mini-magnum opuses; not too sweet, never hard, especially warm and amazing between 5am - 7am. There may be fancier and more eqsuisite donuts elsewhere, but you can't beat this place for your average working man's (or woman's) donut. When I informed Brian of his store's reputation on Yelp he was truly humbled and honored. A real class-act.
(5)Huge J.
Cream filled to order brothers and sisters. Ambience is somewhere between an OTB and a Greyhound bus depot. But that's not why you're here. Classic. Cheap. Cash only.
(4)Ryan B.
I am an American citizen and, as is tradition, I love donuts. Its cool because this place fries them in the back of the store! They are really fresh, like Kanye West or President Obama. I totally understand the California vibe that their name suggests. The place is good for a date because you can show a girl a good time and then seat her in one of the intimately-sized booths. They also have coffee, but I didn't get any because my mom told me its not a good idea. That being said, I am my own person, I am 23 and I got a cup of coffee. It was satisfying to be free. I got an old fashioned donut because I am an old fashioned guy. I only get three types of donuts at donut shops: chocolate old fashioned, maple old fashioned, and glazed old fashioned. Thats it. Here I ordered the glazed old fashioned and I scarfed it down in an intimate booth with my friend. It was a monumental bonding moment in our relationship. I wish you all the best in your Golden Gate experience.
(3).Vanessa G.
Yasssssssss!!!! Probably the best donut shop in my area. CASH only but there's an ATM. cake and apple fritters mmmm! If they're not 24 hours then they are pretty much always open because athey're always open whenever i stop by. I think once they were very low stock but it was probably sunday around 4pm.
(5)Arthur Y.
An old school donut and coffee shop in Temescal. Totally unpretentious, bordering on run down. If you are a degenerate scratch off lottery gambler, this is your kind of spot. But at the end of the day, the owner is super chill and the donuts are pretty damn tasty. Get an old fashioned (donut, not cocktail) or a apple fritter or a maple bar. Actually, just about anything is pretty good. The few times I've been there, they actually filled the jelly filled and boston cremes to order. Pro-tip - if you go at the end of the day, the selection is limited, but he'll probably just throw a bunch of other donuts in there.
(4)Noel A.
I went early Saturday morning and oh lord GG Donuts are gods. The donuts were fresh and crispy. The dough had good flavor and was moist. I have been disappointed with the French cruller at other places but these were ON POINT. I got a dozen and they were pretty cheap also. BRING CASH. Pluses on pluses on pluses. Go here you won't be disappointed.
(5)Annabelle S.
Ended up here after driving to Dream Fluff and finding them closed on Memorial Day sunday (I'm actually glad those guys took a couple of days off, they deserve it!) Really good classic donuts. Got a dozen for a group of hungry teens, and they quickly disappeared (I helped). It's not as welcoming as Dream Fluff and the three other customers standing near the counter absolutely reeked (the kind of reek that comes after being up all night drinking and smoking). That's not Golden Gate's fault, but I couldn't get out of there fast enough. So...donuts really good, ambience really smelly.
(4)Devin P.
Great donuts, great service, they open EARLY!! Everything a donut shop should be!
(5)Mei W.
I love the donuts here. Every donut here tastes like they've been fried in fresh clean oil. The owner is particularly nice and friendly, oftentimes would throw in a handful of donut holes along with my order. My faves here are definitely their buttermilk donuts; kinda crispy on the outside, and this Cakey, soft, dense inside with great flavor. My kids love their cake donuts, old fashioned and apple fritters. Whenever I'm in Oakland, I stop by here to grab a bag of donuts to take home.
(5)Anna V.
Great selection of donuts early in the morning - I was here at 6:00am on a Saturday morning to get two dozen donuts to bring to work. I think I walked by a hooker on the way in. Anyway, good cheap donuts with nice selection and friendly staff. Two thumbs up from me!
(4)Megan H.
WHAT?! Delicious donut selection for less than $1? Don't expect any frills at this place but the donuts are bomb.
(5)Vanessa S.
I stopped by here once on the weekend because I had Golden Gate Donuts bookmarked for awhile and donuts are amazing. The guy that ended up helping me was super nice. I ended up just leaving with the cinnamon twist and the last chocolate milk. Take that! The donut was heavenly and inexpensive. This joint only takes cash, but they have an ATM machine and scratchers!
(5)Miyaka C.
Donuts are mostly look the same everywhere you go, it's hard to tell quality until you take your first bite. That being said, I've never been to a more consistently top quality donut shop in my life. They owner is always so nice and you can tell he takes pride in what he does. The times I've stumbled in here at way too early an hour, he's chipper and welcome and after doing this for over 15 years it's amazing to see him still smiling and taking care and joy in what he does. I turned the lady onto this place and she is hooked to, it's the perfect spot for a morning treat and we make a ritual of visiting on our trips out of town when we have to leave before the sunrises. Also, bonus, their croissants are also awesome and they make a great breakfast with egg and sausage, bacon, or ham.
(5)Micah M.
Excellent old school donuts at a reasonable price. Everything is sweet, cheap, and entirely unpretentious. It's great having a place like this in an area where even donuts are threatened by gentrification! Looking at you Donut Dolly. Golden Gate Donuts' apple fritter, bear claw, and old fashioned are my favorites but there's a lot of other old standbys to choose from that'll satisfy any sweet tooth. The owner is incredibly nice. There's a lot of regulars here and if you come in enough he remembers you--and might give an extra donut or coffee for free. The place is cash only and the ATM is almost always out of order. You can swing by Arbor across the street and use their atm if you need cash.
(5)A E.
If you want solid, classic donuts, this is your place! I went early one very rainy morning and bought two dozen assorted donuts for work. They were a big hit! Just remember to bring cash.
(5)Sean H.
A donut shop in the middle of Oakland? I was scared coming here. One of the streets I drove down looked like a warzone. There were mattresses and broken couches and clothing and trashbins strewn about everywhere. It looked like some documentary about the hard knock life. Even when I made it into the shop, I was met with some stone hard stares from the locals. All that didn't matter though, as the only smile I got was from the guy behind the counter. Seriously, he was like a little bundle of joy. He even gave me a free cinnamon twist since I was doing a somewhat big order! It was like a very early birthday present in the form of a tasty cinnamon treat! Anyways, the donuts were delicious. Apple fritters made my heart sing. Maple bars? More like maple STARS! And the old fashioned donuts thankfully did not taste old at all. Prices were super fair! Only paid around 7 dollars for 7 donuts. When I'm averaging a dollar a donut, I'm in good shape. I'll definitely be back here. How could I visit such a nice shop only once?
(5)Mary V.
Decided to stop by for donuts based on the reviews. I got a chocolate twist donut which was pretty good. I'm rating it 3 stars because they didn't have many donuts available. They only had about 6 different kinds of donuts. All the popular donuts looked like they were gone and it was only 11:30. Maybe it's best to go early in the morning for more variety.
(3)Paul V.
So I'm working on a Saturday, its 6 o'clock in the morning and all of the hipster coffee shops don't open till 8. I need to get a cup of Joe. I'm in the Temascal District of Oakland and I call up on my Yelpers to guide me. This place came up with 4 1/2 stars, ill give it a try. I ordered the usaul, raised chocolate and a coffe to go. Wow, I was very pleased with my decision. Donut: very soft and fluffy in the inside and a slightly crispy outside. No after taste. 89 cents Coffee: small that would be considered a medium elsewhere. Peerless coffee, satisfactory. Maybe a buck 35. What a deal!!!
(5)Gabrielle K.
My mom and her niece just came back with two boxes of delicious donuts. I live near lakeshore so i usually go to colonial when my sweet tooth kicks in but this time, it was all about GOLDEN GATE. The donuts were fantastic and light, fluffy, etc. They were perfect. Don't go anywhere else, Golden gate donuts is the place to be!!!
(5)Matthew R.
Sublime donuts, served by a cheery proprietor. Excellent filter coffee and a fun bunch of 'regulars' shootin' the breeze. Park in Church's Chicken parking lot to avoid ticket.
(5)Erin G.
What I ate: Glazed donut holes, chocolate donut. Visit date: December 15, 2012 First time? Yes. Mmm donuts. I had just eaten a huge breakfast, but then passed by this sweet joint and decided to go in and try it. I picked out a chocolate donut and a dozen donut holes. All for me? Pretty much. The donuts are pretty cheap (all for under $3) and the guy working there (maybe the owner?) is nice. The donuts aren't anything to brag about, but they hit the spot just right. It was a rainy day, so imagine me back at home in my pjs, crafting, and wanting a junk food snack. (Yea, I'll admit to all those things.) Ah! I just bought a ton of donuts! And boom! I'm one happy craft lady.
(3)Stephanie L.
This is probably my favorite donut spot in Oakland. The old fashioned ones have those delicious crunchy parts and soft, buttery, insides, the apple fritters are to die for, the prices are fair and completely reasonable, and the really nice guy who runs the place will sometimes chuck in a few extra glazed donuts just to make your morning! From what I hear, his donut generosity is par for the course and I like that! Oh god, I feel a craving coming on...
(5)Rachel L.
This place is one part donut shop, one part ticket-scratcher paradise but don't let lotto junkies fool you... the donuts outweigh other oddities you'll encounter here. Best glazed donut I've ever had, and my husband is a big fan of the old fashioned. But what's really wonderful here are the one-of-a-kind blueberry cake donuts made from scratch everyday. They are a must try!
(4)Victor G.
Golden Gate Donuts looks and feels like a donut and coffee shop. yep. typical sized donuts at .85, 1.30, & 1.65 4 kinds of peerless coffee in pots and thermos (m)1.60 -colombian french smooth and pretty mellow. drips: -people all are lining up to buy lotto tickets, all kinds -donuts & coffee just a front. a tasty one at that. --only i bought a coffee..... -cash only
(4)Amy D.
Original glazed donut ( yelp.com/biz_photos/x6gR… ), YUM!! Golden Gate Donuts is across the street from Church's Chicken, and although its only a couple of blocks past the Temescal area in Oakland, you can definitely tell the area is more ghetto. The inside of Golden Gate could use a remodel, but if you're just going in to grab a donut to go it doesn't matter. There was a line when I stopped by at 10:30am on a Saturday, and a lot of people were just buying a lottery ticket or a hot bagel sandwich. I loved my original glazed donut, and it was soft but still chewy, just how I like it! I wouldn't stop by here at night, but will definitely be back during the day!
(4)Audrey G.
They have french crullers! So delicious, light and fluffy! And the price is very reasonable! They also sell lotto tickets and cigarettes, but the array of donuts is still very extensive and the service was friendly!
(4)Allie S.
I ordered a plain old fashioned donut and he threw in two little glazed bonuses! This man is a saint... a guy came in promising he'd take care of his $70 tab. Coffee's good too. But honestly, the best selling point is that all the other coffee shops around don't open until 7:30, 8 or even 9. What the hell Temescal.
(5)Michael L.
Solid old fashion donuts. Soft and fluffy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside. The guy knows how to run a business and is extremely friendly. My pick of the east bay.
(5)E P.
Delicious doughnuts (omg, try the blueberry cake doughnut!) that are fluffy and fresh. Superb customer service and friendly regulars. They have expected doughnut shop hours, which means you can roll up at 6 or 7am on a Saturday to purchase your daily dose of sugar. Cash only but they have an ATM on site.
(5)Jim L.
OMG this is the BEST donut experience you might ever have! We walked in here on a saturday morning because they rate the highest of ANY donut shop in the inner East Bay between El Cerrito, San Leandro, the Bay and east across the hills to Orinda. First of all, the owner is super friendly. We get 8 luxury style donuts. Next, a random middle aged dude comes up and BUYS OUR DONUTS FOR US! WOW!! Unexpected treat. And he says he just thought we looked like nice people and wanted to do something nice for us. We mentioned the whole "pay it forward" thing and told him we would now go out and do something nice for some other stranger. What a nice gesture, right??!! Anyhow, then, the owner gives us our donut box and what's inside? A bunch of free stuff!! Donut holes, a maple frenchy! All free!!! WOW!!!! And so then we finally taste the donuts. They are like little fresh puffs of powdery gluten heaven!!! These are the best donuts in the inner East Bay, and I am a donut connoisseur! An expert in the field. The raised donuts are fresh and puffy. The cakey donuts are a bit crunchy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. The chocolate and maple frostings actually taste like those things, not just sugar. These are QUALITY. And also the pricing is very reasonable. And also as we were leaving, everybody said bye to us!!!! Even the young hoodlum lookin' dudes! What a great saturday morning experience, it all made our day. PLEASE come here and get you some of the BEST donuts around! for real. Cash only though. Thanks again. Great people. Great neighborhood. Great donuts!!
(5)Tad H.
Nice, light maple bar-- no filling, but they offered to fill. It was great without it. Also had the chocolate iced old fashioned. Both were excellent.
(4)Alison R.
Golden Gate makes really good donuts! (This is not a trendy/hipster/foodie spot so if that is the atmosphere you are after Donut Dolly is just up the way) Every donut I have had here has been delicious. The donut holes are so light and fluffy, the apple fritter is not super greasy, the cinnamon butterfly is cinnamony good. The guy behind the counter is friendly and they sell lotto tickets and scratchers. I hope this place never changes!
(5)kristen a.
I think they're busy and deserve to be. they were really nice at the counter and each time I went in the croissants seriously the best I've had, fresh and big. and I've had a lot.
(5)Ted R.
I'm f'n lucky I didn't find out how good the apple fritters were until I was about to move out of the neighborhood. If I had known three years ago, when I moved in, I'd probably weigh 300 pounds by now! Seriously great apple fritters worth writing home about. Light, not at all greasy, and always fresh. Before you try, beware - you might get hooked.
(4)Betty T.
I used to think Bob's donuts (Polk st., SF) was the best ever, but silly me... GGD puts Bob to shame!!! Everything from the huge selection of donuts are delicious... I would like to point out 2 particular favorites: - Apple Fritters: crunchy and fluffy at the same time, not greasy, not too sweet, very flavorful, lots and lots of apple chunks inside! - Bear Claw stuffed with apples: SO YUMMY!!! Perfect combo of fluffiness + mouthwatering cinnamon apple chunks The service is excellent!!! Gotta love those friendly faces while I stuff mine :P
(5)Grover M.
Friendly service, really good donuts. I went in with my toddler son, the friendly guy behind the counter took an extra moment to say hello and wave to my son through the donut case. He even through in a few bonus donut holes in our bag. The little details about the service really make a difference, and he did a great job.
(5)Sean B.
Brian at Golden Gate Donuts is the man. Super friendly and even gave me a free coffee. Good donuts too.
(4)B C.
Not a review, but can anyone who knows post their hours and days they are open? I have family coming who asked for donuts and I don't know where else to get any in Temescal on short notice except for that lady that only makes filled jellies covered with regular sugar.
(5)Carrie M.
I love, love, love the glazed donuts. They are light, fresh and flavorful - and inexpensive. Just the thing to calm my raging sweet tooth. I'm getting happy just thinking about it.
(4)Jennifer E.
Pretty basic (yummy) doughnuts, but the guy behind the counter was very friendly, and everything was very inexpensive.
(5)Tiffany E.
I don't know what else they fry in their oil besides donuts...but I'm definitely having some kind of allergic reaction. I have a shellfish allergy (ie my throat closes up, I can't breathe and I could potentially die)and am always careful to ask if any type is seafood is cooked in the same oil as the food I'm ordering. Didn't think to do this at a DONUT shop...stupid me. I'm now having a major reaction :-( WTF?!?
(1)Brenda T.
They have amazing apple fritters and buttermilk donuts. I would highly recommend this place. It's one of my favorite places to get donuts!
(5)Sarah L.
Came here at 6am to pick up 2 dozen doughnuts- all were gloriously fresh and delicious looking! The doughnuts are great but what earned them 5 stars was when the worker actually came to the door and watched my back (literally) to make sure I made it safely to my car in the pitch dark. Serious kudos for the care!
(5)W W.
I have been here a few times now and I love this place. Not only are the donuts fresh and delicious, but they're a great price and the service is always friendly. How can you not love a shop where they're super friendly and they turn out a truly quality donut?
(5)Alex F.
Best doughnuts in the area. The raised doughnuts (i.e., the non-cake doughnuts) are especially good. I love the vibe in the place, too. It's very lowkey, with people from all walks of life gathering to enjoy their mornings. Plus, they throw in some free doughnut holes with your purchase. What more can you ask for in life?
(5)Jessica J.
$8 and some change for a baker's dozen (the lady working behind the counter threw in an extra for free) = hell yes! My boyfriend requested donuts after a grueling Black Friday 4am trip to Best Buy... I was more than happy to oblige--since I had slept through my alarm, and failed to join him at said 4am foray (and consequently felt bad). Donuts fix everything. Seriously. Excellent cake donuts-- including blueberry cake donuts! (For those of you not in the know: these are rare, and are oft sought after.) My maple old fashioned was even better than the place I usually get donuts from (Colonial Donuts on Lakeshore-- I still love this place, but I think it may be partially out of loyalty: I've been going there for forever). I think, however, that this place has won me over. The cake donuts here don't leave a funny oily aftertaste in my mouth like Colonial Donuts do... hmm...
(5)Jennica P.
Just wonderful! Brian behind the counter is so friendly, even at 6 in the morning.The sprinkled cake donuts are just right, along with indulgent and delicious apple fritters, a tiny-bit-tangy buttermilk bars, and sweet, glazed chocolate donuts. Everything is fresh--in fact my donuts were still warm from the fryer. There's also an excellent selection of hot coffee. A great spot to satisfy your donut cravings!
(5)Jess L.
"Meh. I've experienced better." The yelp definition for two stars fits here, for sure. Here's the thing: The donuts are just fine. But this place would be 100% better if it did not stink of stale cigarettes. I truly wish this was an actual regular donut shop. Unfortunately, I doubt that donuts are paying anywhere near the percentage of rent that cigarettes and lotto tickets are, so I am thinking they are here to stay - along with the sketchy vibe and the awful tobacco smell. EDITED TO ADD: Okay, so I've been back here since, and I'm adding a star because it no longer smells overwhelmingly of cigarettes to me. Um, and I'm pretty sure that the reason I couldn't stand the smell before was Crazy Pregnancy Scent Sensitivity. It's still not my favorite donut shop ever, but I figure I shouldn't penalize them because I had the pregnant crazies, y'know?
(3)Arizona R.
We love Golden Gate Donuts!!! So cheap and 10x better than any donuts in the area. AND they make french donuts, some of my favorites but the other shops don't make them because the flour is more expensive. Brian is the sweetest man and recommended trying the blueberry, so glad I did! There's 2 in our dozen box now, every time. Cash only, though they have an ATM inside I believe it charges $2...
(5)Sylvia J.
Awesome!!! Nicest people!! Amazing scrumptious donuts!! Go here, trust my review and go!!!
(5)Diana Lyn Z.
Uh, YUM! I physically have not gone into the shop, but one of my coworkers brought in a box of donuts for the past 2 days. I swooped in to grab the only chocolate glazed one yesterday and then went into the breakroom today and took BOTH chocolate glazed donuts. I ate one right away and stashed my second one for a snack--like now while writing this review! I don't like to share. I want to go there and try other flavors. The donuts are soft and fluffy!!! Just the way they should be...
(4)Nim D.
I feel like I've come home every time I walk in the door. I love how respectful the gentlemen are that socialize out and inside the establishment. Bryan and his staff are very kind, caring, joyful folks. I am so glad after 3 years, I finally entered the door and now visit twice a week. Great donuts, danishes, cinnamon, etc. It's just a great vibe place. Thank you, Bryan.
(5)Christina C.
This place looks sketchy on the outside. It's not the nicest part of Telegraph, and you might be thinking the food won't be very good. However, once inside you will find the nicest Asian guy running a great little donut joint. The donuts here are so good. They are soft and fluffy, the icings are gooey and flavorful. My favorites are the maple bar and the original glaze cake donut. There are also several varieties of coffee to choose from. The owner is always there when I go in, he always smiles and asks how I'm doing. Such a nice guy, it makes me feel good to spend my money somewhere with good service.
(5)Devon H.
When I first saw this place from the outside I thought it was closed, but to my delight it was not and when I walked inside was greeted with the beautiful sight of all types of donuts imaginable. I am obsessed with Golden Gate donuts. The apple fritters are unbelievable. And HUGE. Also try the maple old fashioned. And the chocolate cake with rainbow sprinkles. ANY donut you try there will be delicious! The owners of the shop are so sweet and seem to know all of their regulars (I'm proud to be rapidly becoming one of them). Thanks for my weekend treats, Golden Gate donuts!
(5)Pink L.
Yummy yummy donuts! Whenever I find a box of these at home I end up eating 3-4 donuts!! The donuts are nicely sized, big, and fluffy. Perfectly glazed and frosted. Compared to any of the Vallejo donut shops, this definitely takes the top! Golden Gate Donuts has kept the size and taste of donuts that I remember from my childhood, unlike the Vallejo shops where they have reduced the size. Just imagine, their apple fritter donut is probably as big as your face! I enjoy the old fashioned cake donuts with white frosting, chocolate donut, apple fritter, and glazed donuts! If you've got a craving for donuts, live nearby, and in search of a donut shop come by here to get your fix! :)
(4)Anonymous V.
Yan Can Cook is super nice. The donuts are great! This is a true donut shoppe.
(5)Hilda Z.
Of course now that I am moving out of the neighborhood I will give away my secret donut spot!! Golden Gate is THE place. Some things you might see here: hipsters walking to 'Temescal' , men heading to the paint store next door, families going to church on sunday and older gentlemen hanging out and buying lottery tickets... It's not fancy but the variety is always good and every now and then I need my old fashion glazed with a black hazelnut coffee!! Thanks for the many calories GG!!
(4)Anna G.
Today, November 4th, is Election Day 2008. I am 26 years old, which means that I've voted in two Presidential elections thus far, and today will be my third. The palpable energy around this election has been truly incredible to witness, dating back months and months. The name "Obama" has hung in the air for the better part of 2008, dotting the conversations among strangers I'd hear throughout my daily routine. People in my life who haven't cared much for politics in the past have suddenly sat up and taken notice, eager to watch the debates and even more eager to cast their votes this very day. And since today is Election Day, I felt it was only appropriate to bring donuts into my new office. I mean, what better way to celebrate Voting Day than with all-American donuts? I don't even crave donuts all that often, but this morning I woke up with a deep desire for something fried and glazed (and preferably with sprinkles). I'd heard good things about Golden Gate Donuts, so I stopped by for a dozen on my way to work. What a ridiculously jolly place. The man working there (owner?) is so warm and friendly, cracking bad jokes with the regulars (and it seems like he's got a lot of regulars) and serving up donuts and other treats with a big smile. He even threw in a free giant apple fritter with my dozen - perhaps because I have such a nice face? (I mean, I didn't even shower this morning, so who knows how scary I looked). Donuts and voting. It's the perfect combo. So go vote, if you haven't already, and then go treat yourself to a donut. The sheer satisfaction is worth the eighty million calories.
(5)Cora C.
Great donut spot! Glazed, chocolate and the fritters are my favorites. The staff is friendly and fresh like the donuts they serve.
(4)John D.
Less than $5 for two donuts, a bottled water and a dozen donut holes? Um...sign me up as a fan. Great donuts, they all looked wonderful too. Good location and tons of space to sit. The only thing is that it was raining when I went in, and there were leaks, but not where anyone would be sitting or the donuts. In any case, the donuts were good, but the selection wasn't overwhelming. That said, the lottery tickets may arguably be more of a priority for this place...but I must stress that the donuts looked absolutely flawless.
(4)Cynthia B.
I made my way down Telegraph Somehow I made it through Didn't know how lost I was Until I found you I was beat, incomplete I'd been had, I was sad and blue But you made me feel Yeah, you made me feel Shiny and new Like a virgin Touched for the very first time Like a virgin When your donut heart beats Next to mine Gonna give you all my love, My hunger is fading fast Been saving it all for you cause only fat can last... Oooh, oooh, oooh You're so fine and youre mine I'll be yours till the end of time cause you made me feel Yeah, you made me feel Ive nothing to hide Like a virgin, ooh, ooh Like a virgin Dounts feel so good inside When you hold me, and I eat you, and you love me Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Ohhh, donut hooo oooo o ooole..... GGD (Golden Gate Donuts) has great donuts and a really friendly woman workin' the counter. If you like lottery tickets, this place has like 78 different kinds of lottery tickets, I think that is the main way they make their money. A regular customer told me, "It's a major lottery hotspot." The donuts are hella good. Cops would love this place, all the classic donut flavors and a few extras. GGD blows the chain donut shops out of the water. GGD has plenty of seating and the sun shines into the seating area in a nice kind of way. GGD's donuts are very similar to the donuts at Andy's Donuts in Richmond on 23rd, which is a good thing. lip-lickin' good!
(5)Garfield J.
Yeah I give this place 5 stars. What about me gives me the street cred that my 5 star review is more worthy than the other 3 or 4 star reviews? Well, as I type with my keyboard resting on a shelf called my stomach, ,you could see that I have downed quite a few donuts in my life. For as much Heroin that Keith Richards has injected in his life, I go toe to toe with him in number of donuts....Street Cred I have in spades. I have blasted many a Asian owned donut shop in my life, calling them un-authentic, cause my donut eating days go way back to when White peeps made donuts. Did you know they used to have a donut makers union back in da day? ...Yeah, I go waaaay back back back. Well, I gotta hand it to GGD, they are Asian owned, but they do know how to make a good donut. Best i have had in Oakland,....even better than the Donut place on Durant in berkeley. Love their Jelly donuts, ..sort of flat, yet chewy and doughy. lots of filling, I love how there is a little more icing right in the middle of the donut. you will have to excuse me now, I need to head over the Telegraph and 42rd.
(5)Lise L.
It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. My pregnant self emerged from the bedroom, tears streaming down my face insisting that my husband has forgotten my existence and that makes me lonely. Because, you know, its really easy to forget the gassy, demanding, humongous pile of flesh hogging the blankets next to you and weeping into her pillow because she doesn't like food anymore, and good food used to be everything. So, what does the wise father-to-be do? He rubs my back and says "I love you. Lets go get donuts". Instantly the tears dried and all loneliness was forgotten in anticipation of the wonderfully fluffy and fresh donuts at Golden Gate. We have been in a couple times now, and always the donuts have tasted fresh and delish and the gentleman behind the counter is helpful and friendly. My favorites are the chocolate covered raised donuts and bars (filled with custard). The classics! I've also had the choc covered old fashioned (very nice, seems to have a hint of cinnamon) and hubby drowns his dealing-with-the-preg wife in cake donuts. That silly Scotsman eats them with a fork and knife, but seems to enjoy them nonetheless.
(5)Terence D.
I love donuts. People are so healthy nowadays which is really good, but I still need a Glaze Twist evey now and then. Rolling Pin in San Bruno - so good. Bob's on Polk - 1:30am is the best pickings when they are nice and hot and you are on the verge of a hangover. When I moved to "The Town" I was looking for donuts spot and Golden Gate was it. Nice people behind the counter and solid selection. I think I'm going to grab one now.
(5)Kendall D.
I had a fantastic maple bar for $1.30 on my way to work this morning. The owner was cheerful and friendly and the regulars who are there every morning are a hilarious mishmash of characters. This seems to be the place to get lottery tickets, as there are copies of all the big winners and there was a lady getting a scratcher (no donuts) at 8 a.m.
(5)Nik N.
hooray for golden gate donuts... sure - from the outside it looks sketch.... and questionable... but my years in Manhattan taught me that this could prove to be a good thing! and at GGD it sure was.... one dozen hella cheap donuts = very very very happy donut consumers.... golden gate donuts - if only you weren't so damn dangerously close to our home... (PS - expect apple fritters and bear claws that are the size of yer damn face!)
(5)Lauren A.
We're from the east coast and are used to our Dunkin and Krispy Kremes. It's been an adjustment not to have these guys every other corner, but we just tried Golden Gate and loved it! It's everything we want in a donut shop, and it's close. Really great selection and yummy glazes/fillings.
(5)Stella C.
I love sweets/treats/baked goods, they are my super-weakness, so I'm realllyyy trying to lay off sugar when possible. As much as I love overpriced, pretentious, intricately decorated cupcakes and the like; one of the things I truly cannot resist is a donut and the smell of a donut shop! They have to be one of my favorite sweets ever and since I hardly ever eat them, I didn't think it'd be too bad if I had one since it was offered to me. So many people I know have asked me if I've ever been to Golden Gate Donuts and said it simply was their favorite in Oakland. It's in a semi-dodgy part of Oakland and I would probably never happen to drop by if it hadn't been for their inability to believe I have never tried this place. We were in the neighborhood over at Bakesale Betty's and decided it was the perfect chance to go down the block over to this donut shop and pick up a few to take home to everyone. The donuts here did not disappoint. They're fluffy, sweet, and soft. They don't have a huge selection (probably because they were sold) but from what they did have, everything was fresh. I hate when bakeries try to sell you stale donuts or some that have been sitting around all day. How can you do that when they are made on site?! But Golden Gate truly serves quality donuts, not lonely ones that have been sitting in the display hoping for an empty stomach to come by. Neighborhood is a little sketchy and this is not your high end pretentious bakery, but the little treats they produce are pretttyy yummy.
(4)Winston W.
I liked how the dining area decor was preserved in it's original working condition. I'll glad that they didn't try to remodel or restore the place.It looks like the way it probably looked like in the sixties.It's cleaner than average & I liked the bar height counters & fixed barstools.I was surprised that they sold all kinds of lottery tickets,too.The place is very old school & the atmosphere made me think back to when I younger & simplier times(like the wonder years).I got an apple fritter & a dozen donut holes.Set me back $2.98.They were pretty good & satisfying.I should have ordered their coffee & ate the donut there to have a more full experience of the place.I was like going back in time...Good old days.
(4)Lucy H.
This place is the best because the donuts are hella good and the dude that works there is a riot and you can buy scratch tickets to do while you eat your donuts. The coffee is mediocre but that's probably because they make ridiculous donuts and don't care. Highly recommend this place when you're hungover, got the munchies, or just need some greasy awesomeness.
(5)Rusty M.
The previous owners were friends of mine or at least they helped me put on twenty pounds. While, I miss the antics of a huge family run donut shop the new owner makes really good donuts and the restaurant is much cleaner. Every time I pick up donuts for co-workers the throws in extras just to be cool and while I try and resist donuts like the plague, I always seem to find myself knee deep in donut holes. Great Lotto action to boot.
(5)John L.
This is the place that inspired this poem: lit.org/view.php?viewid=… I still live close by, and stopped in this weekend with my girlfriend and daughter. Always good.
(5)Wendy M.
This place is really great. Their donuts are inexpensive and their selection is the best I've seen since moving to Oakland. Today I had a sprinkled donut, a cinnamon crumb, and a buttermilk loaf. Each donut was excellent--perfectly fried, not over or under done, and none left that nasty fried aftertaste in my mouth that some donuts do. I should add that the sprinkled donut had (thankfully!) a ton of sprinkles. The man behind the counter was also really nice. Seriously! The man before us paid in pretty much all change and the cashier was totally patient and friendly with him. When it was our turn to order, he was super nice; he let us know that we could get a couple extra donuts for cheaper and he even threw in a couple of freebies. All in all, I love this place. It's definitely worth checking out.
(4)EastBay R.
Nice staff, good donuts, good cheap coffee.
(4)Ramon E.
A great place if you want cheap donuts! Also, if you like playing the CA lottery, this is probably the place for you. The couple who runs this place is pretty nice.
(5)Angelica P.
Great donuts! Without that weird aftertaste that you get at Colonial Donuts on Lakeshore. I think GGD might be cheaper too, but I'm not sure. If only they too were open 24 hours. Probably better for me that they aren't...lol. Friendly service. Wonderful variety of cake donuts. Regular glazed & maple donuts to die for! Best donuts I've found anywhere around here. :D
(4)Frank H.
used to live right next to this place; ate their donuts a few times a week too many. the apple fritter was my main squeeze -- nice and scabby with sugar and spice on the outside, moist and supple and appley on the inside. but all their basic donuts were usually above average too. the glazed had it going on for sure. good and fatty. no funny business. wouldn't recommend their breakfast sandwiches, but then again who goes to a donut place to get eggs anyway? (apparently me, once, but never again.) and no, there's no bathroom. but whatever. go piss over by the bridge. it'll be okay.
(4)John W.
Good doughnuts that aren't greasy and don't leave a nasty residue in your mouth.
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