On National Doughnut Day, Ventura Celebrates the Doughnut: Top 10

by Visit Ventura

Ah, the doughnut.

Humble ring of fried dough. Round (well not always, witness the glorious gift that is the bear claw) and perhaps turning us a wee bit rounder (Buddha advises we all have a little tummy). You can smear peanut butter on it. You can dunk it. You can spill it down your front because it tastes just as good eaten off your shirt.

National Doughnut Day (June 2nd) — here in Ventura and across the nation — hearkens back to a 1938 event created by The Salvation Army in Chicago to honor Salvation Army members who served donuts to soldiers during World War 1. And yes, if you’d like to contribute to a worthwhile cause, in some cities and towns (why not Ventura?), National Doughnut Day remains a fundraiser for The Salvation Army. A second interesting historical footnote, the Dutch are credited with first bringing the fried pastry to America. They brought them before the Revolutionary War and called them “olykoeks.” This translates to “oily cakes.” You might see the early marketing problem, but it is a problem no more. It’s estimated that well over 10 billion doughnuts are made in the U.S. each year.

And some of the best are made right here in Ventura.

National Doughnut Day also raises a last obvious question. Who in their right mind would celebrate the doughnut on just a single day? Perhaps this is why there are other slightly less trumpeted doughnut days, ranging from National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day (September 14th), to Buy a Doughnut Day (October 30th), to National Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day — happily just four days from now (June 8th).

Get your Doughnut on.

We’ve gathered the top 10 best donut shops in Ventura, thanks to our social media audience from our FaceBook page and our Instagram account. We sent out a poll to our audience and you voted for your favorite place to get donuts. So take it from yourself and your neighbors: here are Ventura’s favorite donut spots.

1. Russell’s Donuts

Also known as Avenue Donuts to the OG Venturans, Russell’s Donuts was overwhelmingly popular. There’s something for everyone and one community member said they especially love Russell’s apple fritter and that it’s mindblowing. Well, check it out for yourself! Russell’s Donuts is located on Ventura Avenue.

2. KD Village Donuts

Amazing doughnuts. A true staple in Ventura, the community voted KD Donuts as their favorite donut shop. Small but mighty, KD Donuts is open 24/7 for all your early-morning or late-night donut needs. Perhaps it’s most known for its drive-thru. You don’t even have to get out of your car for a sugary treat from KD Donuts! Rumor is they also have some of the best croissants in Ventura.

3. Good Time Donut

On your way to the Ventura Marina? We think a cup of coffee in one hand and munching on a donut in the other sounds like a good idea. Fresh coffee, fantastic donuts. If you can resist temptation, make the two-minute drive and eat them at the beach.

4. Missy’s Cupcake Creations

You won’t find delicious vegan doughnuts everywhere, but you will find them here. They have a vast vegan donut selection. And you better walk out with a cupcake (or three) as well.

5. Sun Village Donuts

Great donuts. You might also want to try their apple fritters and green tea boba.

6. Thompson Donuts

Terrific doughnuts, fair prices, and friendly owners who won’t question your order of two dozen bear claws.

7. Master’s Donuts

Great variety, great taste — and take home the ham/cheese/jalapeno croissant for later. Some say there’s a reason they are called Master’s.

8. Foster’s Donuts

Right on Seaward Avenue, Foster’s Donuts has killer donut holes that you’ve got to try for yourself!

9. Best Donuts

Those that live on the East Side of Ventura, love Best Donuts for their fresh taste and their ability to make even the most common donut shine. This unassuming doughnut spot is a great place to grab your sweet treat.

10. Humblemaker Coffee

Last but certainly not least, Ventura voted Humblemaker Coffee as one of their favorite places to grab a donut! Paired with their amazing coffee, a donut breakfast at Humblemaker sounds like a good idea.

And yes, we realize we have spelled “doughnuts” “donuts” or vice versa. For the fussy grammarians, there’s a reason. The official dictionary spelling is “doughnut.” But it is also true that the Americanized spelling — “donut” — has been around since the late 19th century. Though it lingered in obscurity for almost 100 years until a Massachusetts-based chain started taking off.

That would be “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

The doughnut, food even for thought.

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