Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

I had a wonderful experience while picking up my Valentine’s Day themed doughnuts! The doughnuts were delicious (Cupid’s celebration and sweetheart malasada). I also want to shout out Rebecca for excellent customer service. She answered my questions thoroughly and was a friendly face amidst the busyness.

Lots of options for fresh donuts - all sorts of flavors whether you like chocolate, fruit, or the sweet and salty maple bacon. We tried four - strawberry glaze, white chocolate banana, maple bacon, and the strawberry chocolate malasada. All were very, very good. The strawberry glaze was fresh and tart, with actual chunks of fruit in the cake batter. The banana and white chocolate was made even better with chocolate in the cake, too. The maple bacon was light and a little salty Ina great way. My partner enjoyed his malasada as well. We also had a Vietnamese coffee, which is always tasty. We ordered online ahead of time so it was quick when we got there. We even got to sample one we hadn't ordered when we walked in. The patio is a nice place to eat. The staff there was super friendly and helpful, offering an alternative when their latte machine went down. Is there not a bathroom though? Maybe I just missed it? I definitely think anywhere that serves coffee should have one.

Ended up at Sidecar Donuts & Coffee in Pasadena kind of by accident. I was over at Howlin’ Ray’s just picking up some coffee, and this spot was right nearby. Figured I’d check it out since I’d seen people rave about it before, and I’m glad I did. First thing, the place itself is really nice. Clean, bright, friendly staff, and that whole “fresh designer donut” vibe without being too over the top. Prices are about what you’d expect for fancy donuts these days. Between $4.75 and $6 apiece. Yeah, that’s not cheap for a donut, but honestly, once you taste them, you understand what you’re paying for. We got lucky because they were handing out samples, so we got to try a few different ones. The pumpkin cheesecake was good , strong seasonal flavor, not too sweet, but it really shines when you pair it with coffee. Then there was the white chocolate banana bread donut, and that one was the star of the show. Seriously amazing, rich, moist, perfect texture, and just the right mix of banana and sweetness. Easily my favorite. We also tried their classic old-fashioned, and it was exactly what you want it to be, crisp edges, soft center, great glaze. Simple but done right. Between those three samples, I was already full (probably didn’t help that we had just eaten at Howlin’ Ray’s), but I could’ve easily gone for a full one of the banana bread donut and a cup of their coffee. Speaking of coffee, my friend grabbed one and said it was great , smooth, good roast, not burnt or bitter like some donut shop coffee can be. Everything here feels like it’s made with care, and the staff really adds to the experience. Overall, Sidecar Pasadena is a great little spot if you’re looking to treat yourself. The donuts are pricier, sure, but they taste like they were actually baked by people who know what they’re doing, not just pulled from a case. Easy parking, friendly crew, and some seriously good flavors. That banana bread donut alone is worth the stop.

They claim to be the best donuts in California, and it is hard to disagree because they are definitely in the running. They offer the most unique, interesting, and delicious donuts I have ever had, but also the most expensive. The most popular huckleberry is definitely the bestseller, had to wait 15 minutes for a fresh batch since they were sold out. The passionfruit was also so unique, and worked very well as a donut. Staff are all very friendly and helpful, and they have plenty of seats and self serve water and utensils.

Fresh Donuts, Fried In-House! Simple Yet Effective! Really impressed by how these donuts came out, I didn’t know what to expect but you can smell their delicious aroma from the outside and it made me walk in. Had the Maple Bacon donut and the Strawberry Jam one as well, both had different consistencies but came out amazing. Wish I would have gotten a coffee to go with it but I was too stuffed from Howling Rays. Would definitely come here again!