Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
3435 Del Mar Heights Rd d7, Del Mar, CA
Crema's Take
“This beloved Del Mar spot is a culinary destination where freshly made cake doughnuts (baked hourly) steal the spotlight, with creative seasonal flavors like maple bacon and banana bread lattes that inspire serious loyalty from regulars. The casual, tucked-away vibe in Del Mar Heights and genuinely friendly staff create an unpretentious neighborhood feel that somehow justifies the drive for devoted followers who credit Sidecar with converting them into actual doughnut people. It's the kind of place where people return again and again to chase the next seasonal flavor, making it as much about discovery and community as it is about exceptional pastries.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
I haven’t been to Sidecar Doughnuts in over a year, as it’s a bit out of the way. But O-M-G was it worth the drive today! My friend and I both had the Banana Bread Latte and shared the Crispy French Toast & Choc-a-Lot donuts which were both amazing! I will be dreaming about the French toast donut, seriously so good!! The strawberry compote in the middle and fresh whipped cream on top were chefs kiss! The lattes were also good, but I felt like the walnuts were a tad strange, as it’s weird to have chunks of food in your drink, great flavor though! The shop is adorable, clean, and has a great display for the donuts. In addition, the staff were all welcoming and friendly! Definitely give them a try!
We always buy the maple bacon flavor because we love it, but on January 25th, we found what looked like cream inside, only to realize it was actually unbaked dough. We reported this to the store at the time. However, we decided to give it another try today (January 31st), and unfortunately, we ran into the same problem. Out of the four donuts we purchased, one was undercooked. I really hope you can look into this issue seriously—my kids are quite disappointed with the quality lately. As a result, we have decided to change our rating from 3 stars to 1 star.
🍩 Truly the World’s Freshest Doughnuts Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee isn't just another bakery; it is a culinary destination that sets the gold standard for what a gourmet doughnut should be. I can confidently say these are the best donuts I have ever tasted. What sets them apart is their commitment to freshness—they make their doughnuts from scratch in small batches every single hour. This means you aren't getting something that was fried at 4:00 AM and left to sit on a rack. Whether you get the iconic Huckleberry or the fan-favorite Butter & Salt, the texture is always perfect: a crisp exterior with a light, airy, and almost melt-in-your-mouth interior. It is absolutely worth the price and the hype. ☕ Coffee That Isn't an Afterthought One of my biggest pet peeves with bakeries is when they serve mediocre coffee to wash down a great pastry. That is not the case here. The coffee is pretty good and clearly a priority for them, not just a "throwaway" product to fill a menu. They use high-quality beans and their signature blends have a depth of flavor that rivals dedicated third-party coffee shops. Whether you’re getting a simple drip or a more complex latte, it stands on its own as a premium drink. Pairing one of their hot, fresh doughnuts with a well-crafted cup of their coffee is an experience that makes the whole visit feel like a luxury. 🌟 Friendly Service and a Welcoming Vibe The service here is consistently excellent, which makes a big difference when a place is as popular and crowded as Sidecar. - Friendly Staff: Every time I visit, the team is upbeat, welcoming, and genuinely happy to be there. - Occasional Samples: I love that they have samples sometimes. It’s a great way to try a new seasonal flavor you might be on the fence about, and it shows they are confident in their product. - Efficient Process: Even when there is a line out the door (which there often is), they move through it quickly without making you feel rushed. - Worth the Wait: Any time spent in line is immediately forgotten the second you take that first bite of a warm doughnut. ✨ Why the Hype is Real A lot of "viral" spots end up being a disappointment, but Sidecar is the rare exception where the reality exceeds the reputation. The flavors are inventive without being gimmicky, and the quality of ingredients—from the real fruit in the glazes to the high-quality butter in the dough—is evident. Huckleberry: A must-try classic with real Oregon huckleberries. Butter & Salt: Simple but perfectly executed with a savory-sweet balance. Seasonal Specials: They are always rotating in new, creative options that keep the menu fresh. 👍 Final Verdict: A Must-Visit for Any Foodie I am giving Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee a full 5-star rating. It is a premium experience, but it delivers on every front. From the friendly service to the incredible food and drink quality, it is a business that clearly cares about excellence. If you are in the area, don't let the line or the price tag deter you—treat yourself to at least one (though you'll probably want a dozen). I will be coming back again and again!
I didnt like doughnuts until I tried Sidecar. I love all their flavours and I am always coming in to try their seasonal ones. 10/10 would recommend to everyone and anyone. Always makes my day. My favourites are the butter & salt, huckleberry and the old fashioned but all their flavours are good.
Sidecar Donuts & Coffee is a casual boutique tucked away in a nice shopping mall in the Del Mar Heights area. The friendly staff makes their cake donuts from scratch every hour. Favorites from this morning were the Huckleberry cake donut, Butter & Salt donut, and the Bourbon Pecan Pie donut. 🍩 The Huckleberry donut had a great sweetness with the huckleberries in the glaze and the cake. 🍩 The Butter & Salt donut was a simple sleeper donut, with browned butter, vanilla flavored cake, and sea salt - so tasty! 🍩 The Bourbon Pecan Pie donut was light and fluffy. The bourbon and brown sugar glaze complemented the pecan pie filling and whipped cream. This location has lots of free parking, especially in the morning hours (Sidecar opens at 0630 pacific time) and they have limited outside seating. Great place to bring family and friends for an elevated sweet treat of fresh donuts and coffee.
Crema Reviews
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