Donut Rising - Chico, CA

Overall Shop rating: 4 Nadas
In my extensive donut research I have found that there are 3 categories of donut shops: corporate shops (Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts), small family owned shops (Ferrell’s Donuts, Dunlap Donuts), and crazy boutique shops (Voodoo Donuts, Psycho Donuts). Donut Rising falls in the last category and does the “boutique donut thing” well! I loved the thought and planning that went into the décor and I love the interesting and creative approach to the donut flavors. Chico, being a rootsy college town and the home of the successful and creative brewery, Sierra Nevada, I wouldn’t expect less of their donut culture. Donut Rising is quality and a great donut stop!

Vibe of Shop: 4 ½ Nadas
When I walked in, I was floored by the décor. The use of donut pink was skillfully balance with the bright green and checkered floors. One can’t help but smile and feel a little crazy when walking into this shop.


Outside Appearance: 3 Nadas
I enjoyed the location, being nestled in a quaint strip mall and being neighbors of Wok’N Roll Hawaiian BBQ. I was disappointed that there was no outdoor seating.

Hours: 7am – 3pm-ish

Service: 4 Nadas
The girl who helped us was very kind and informative and after talking a bit, I found out she was a part owner. For the record, she wasn’t of Asian descent, but she made a killer donut!Taste of Glaze Donut: 4 Nadas
The donut was fully, moist, and the glaze was near perfect. The flavor didn’t necessarily stick out, though. Maybe it’s because I was so excited about trying the bacon maple bar.

Blueberry Donut… I’m not sure. I was so distracted by all the crazy flavors (like Maple Bacon and Chai) that I forgot to look. Coffee: 4 Nadas
It was delicious and simple. I don’t know what else to say.

Special: Obviously, this shop is shooting for creativity and the unique taste niche. I was so pumped on the Chico Chai donut. I would highly recommend it! The Maple Bacon… Mmmmm. Perfect blend of saltiness and sweet. Actually, while we were sitting there discussing the flavors, my friends, Chris, Travis, and I came up with a new twist… We call it the Volcano: a donut with Bacon, Maple frosting, and filled small bits of jalapenos! I can’t wait for someone to try and create it! I would, except I don’t know how to make a decent raise glaze yet. First things first…



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Fluffy Donut - Davis, CA

Overall Shop rating: 3 ½ NadasDavis, CA is a wonderful college town tucked in the middle of farm lands and perfect flat terrain for riding bikes. When you get tired from all the pedaling around town, bike your way on over to Fluffy Donut for some refreshment. I haven’t spent much time in this peaceful town, but I hope to find myself here more in the future so I can thoroughly explore and experience the donut culture of Davis.

Vibe of Shop: 4 Nadas
This place has ample seating and plenty of soft donut pink in the décor that makes me feel right at home. There are large windows in the front of the store that provide for lots of natural light to keep the vibe bright and happy.

Outside Appearance: 5 Nadas
I haven’t found a more relaxing exterior of a donut shop as this. There were tables and chairs, park benches and lots of nice foliage that provided a relaxing feeling.

Hours: 5:30am-5:00pm

Service: 2 1/2 Nadas
The nice Asian man was witty and friendly but super slow. I can understand why as he had to serve donuts and make sandwiches all by himself.Taste of Glaze Donut: 3 Nadas
As the title of the shop states, this donut was fluffy, but a little too fluffy for my taste. The glaze was a little too crispy and dry, and the flavor of the donut was too ordinary. Nothing really stuck out to me.

Blueberry Donut: When we were there they didn’t have a regular blueberry cake donut, but they did have an old fashion blueberry donut. I didn’t try one since I just had a huge burrito and I could barely handle eating any more.

Coffee: 3 ½ Nadas
The coffee had a good flavor but was watered down.

Special: This donut shop doubled as a sandwich shop. I noticed that they kept busy serving as many sandwiches as donuts. This is admirable as they were literally next door to a Subway Sandwich shop.



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Dunlap’s Donuts - Santa Cruz, CA

Overall Shop Rating: 4 1/2 NadasDunlap’s Donuts, known to my friends and I as 38th donuts, is perfectly located on the corner of Portola and 38th Ave. It’s a few short blocks from the popular surf spots known as the Hook, Pleasure Point, and 38th Ave, which makes this the regular stop after surf sessions. Honestly, there’s not much better than tasty fried sugary dough after paddling around for a couple hours in 50 degree water. Also, I’ve always loved the servers there. I believe it’s run by a Cambodian family and I’ve enjoyed seeing some of their kids grow up over the years (I’ve been going here for a long time).

Vibe of the Shop: 5 Nadas
This is the perfect donut lounge scenario. donuts in the middle, seats all around. No matter what time you get there, there’s a big possibility 2 to 3 older guys will be sitting in the corner talking about the good ol’ days.

Outside Appearance: 4 1/2 Nadas
I love the quaint look, the location, and ample parking, but I wish there were some tables and chairs outside so that one could soak in the sun while enjoying a sugary morsel.Hours: I’m not sure the exact hours, but I do know that they are open earlier than you want to be awake, and they stay open til at least 8 at night. Definitely not 24 hours.

Service: 5 Nadas
Every time I go in the lady named, Linda, serves with smile… either her or her son, who is also super cool.

Taste of the Glaze Donut: 4 Nadas
Honestly I’ve had better, but these donuts are still really tasty. It has good moistness/fluffiness/density ratio and the glaze is not too thin and not too overbearing.

Coffee: 3 Nadas
Santa Cruz has such a great coffee culture so if you want excellent coffee all you have to do is walk about 200 yards north to Coffeetopia or walk a block south to the award winning Verve Coffee. The coffee at Dunlap’s is just average but it does the job and it’s cheap!









Blueberry Donut: Yessssss!!!! And actually this is the blueberry donut that I use as the standard for all others. I believe that this is their strength. It could be that a blueberry donut is the perfect post-surf snack, though.

Go surf and get a donut!


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