Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:00 a.m.-6:00 a.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
4 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
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380 Reviews for Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
The weather was super cold. I mean SUPER cold, so upon receiving and paying for the donuts I immediately dug into them. The donuts were cold. :( This kind of threw me a bit. If they were warm, I could see maybe even a half point increase. The donut was fresh, for sure, but since it was so cold outside, they just didn't last at room temperature. The glazed was ultra sweet and the dough ultra gooey. It was a good combination. A step below Stans (if warm) but still among the best in the bay area. The crumb cake was decent. The cake doesn't appeal to me as much as their raised glazed, but it was still done properly.
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Nothing like being in a Donut Nirvana like Bob's, waiting in line for what seems like eternity before that blissful moment at the counter when you're handed your bag or box of sin....
...only to look across the room at the TV up in the corner and see some 'Healthwatch' report on the local news involving Diabetes and someone putting a tape measure around some guy's waist to make you wonder why they can't just take a hint from 'Good Vibrations' directly across the street and put some butcher paper over it so you can't see anything unless you really, REALLY want to. Damn!
Didn't stop us from walking out with a death-defying assortment of deep-fried, frosted and/or filled blood-sugar-and-cholesterol-raising-AND-waist-expa nding joy.
And get this: it's right down the street from Miller's East Coast Deli. Apparently, the end of my life is located squarely on a certain two block section of Polk Street. Now I know.
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Bob, Bay to Breakers, & a mountain of donut holes gave me a legitimate reason, no, a desperate *need* to yell:
HOT HOLES! GET YER HOT HOLES RIGHT HERE!!!
Mighty fine holes they were too.
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For Bay to Breakers, Bob's & Yelp combined to hook me up with an awesome donut t-shirt that doubles as my gym shirt and nightgown.
And might be the reason why I am single.
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Clearly I should have consulted Yelp before venturing into Bob's this past Saturday night (after the Giants beat the Dodgers) with two tired young adults who clearly needed sustenance. Had I done that, we would have ordered donuts!
I ordered sausage & eggs, daughter ordered a French burger (cheeseburger on a French roll) and our guest ordered biscuits and gravy. With the sausage & eggs, you have a choice of toast or a biscuit. I went with the biscuit and when I requested gravy, was told it would be 1,005 cents more. Thinking my ears may be playing tricks on me I reiterated "1005 cents?" Affirmative. "Okay, we'll see how this translates out on the bill", I though to myself.
In our booth, daughter and guest were seated so they could see the server coming from the cooking area and, as our food was being brought to the table, they both get really funny looks on their face ... it seems that the lady who served us, who told me her name was Louis (not Louise, Louis), momentarily lost control of daughter's plate and the food slipped onto her chest ... not a problem for Louis, she pushed the open faced French burger back onto the plate with her BOOBIE! I must say, I almost didn't believe daughter when she told me this, but the melted cheese was clearly imprinted with what could have been a BOOB! Daughter is fussy. She only ate about 3 fries.
My sausage and eggs were just that, sausage & eggs, with home fries. I ate it all. Now, for the biscuits & gravy, guest scarfed his down but I couldn't get past the mystery ingredient, a jell like substance, in the gravy so I only took a bite or two.
During the course of our visit, I had my back to the cook(s) & server but it was difficult not to hear part of the conversation going on behind me. I kept hearing Louis say the word "motherfucker". Daughter did not believe me when I told her this but, then the phone rang ... "MOTHERFUCKER YOU BROKE MY HEART!". Now, the kids and I thought this was downright hilarious. Each time she said the word, it was at least five decibels louder than any other word in her sentence and she said it often. There seems to have been a shift change while we were there and the last thing we heard was MOTHERFUCKER YOU GOT TO LEARN spoken to the cook coming on shift, as I went to pay our check.
The gravy did not cost 1005 cents, I was charged $1.70 for B&G, but guest was charged $4.75 for the exact same thing. Total check $28.00 and change for our food and three coffees. Oh, and Louis had a big fat glass of red wine that she drained before accepting my money which could explain her fondness motherfuckers.
Gotta give it a 1.5 on the food/service but definitely the fun factor brings it up a notch or two. I promise to be back ... for donuts!
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It seems unlike most people in SF, I actually grew up in a small town where not only could you get home made donuts from a small family shop like Bob's, but it was the normal thing to do.
So I guess I don't really understand the hype about Bob's Donuts. Yes, the donuts are good. But I grew up on stuff like this. I mean it's pretty amazing that places like this still manage to survive in a hoity-toity town like SF, but the donuts, though good, are hardly amazing.
I will say they are much better than Safeway donuts or Happy Donuts.
Oh Bob's, how I love thee, let me count the ways:
1. My late night best friend, sweetest gal you could find behind a counter, always a friendly smile.
2. Fresh, warm, delicious donuts at 4:00 in the morning after I have been dancing all night at Ruby Skye; what could be better.
3. The best donut I have ever had...and I know donuts.
Seriously, there is no better donut shop. Bob's, you are the love of my life. And now, I will proudly wear your T-shirt!
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I hate donuts.
But I'll split one from Bob's with you.
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I remember going to this donut shop a little over 10 years ago when me and my friends would go out dancing at a nearby club. The donuts were freshly made and they were devilishly delicious. Last night, I paid homage to this donut shop and got myself a donut. It was pure fat and sugar but it was still the way I remembered it to be -- devilishly delicious!
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Amazing donuts! I can't wait to have a complete breakdown off will power so I can buy a giant glazed! I also hope that in my life time Bob's does not succumb to the Polk Street Smug Washers ;-)
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Thank you Bob's for helping me making it through this!
That magical window of yours with them fresh yummies gets me sprung every time I pass that place! It gives me butterflies...
I would take those french crullers and the regular glazed ones over fine dining any day!
Too bad I'm far away now.... tear.
PS. Thanks for the heads up and for that T-shirt, David, i still wear it whenever I feel doughnutsy :)!
I've seen the FRISBEE sized Donut.....it exists
and I admired it with my face pushed against the glass window....it was there. I haven't had the chance to "reserve" one yet....but after yesterday, I am motivated to do so.
The normal sized ones are mind blowing.....so you can only imagine how good the ASTROID one would be
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A friend dragged me to Bob's at like 3 am. I was exhausted and wanted to go home, skeptical of the power of these exalted donuts. I don't even like donuts, especially Krispy Kremes that kill you with sugar. Anyways, he said that we had to have the GIANT donut so we split it 3 ways. Wow! I was actually impressed at the moist flakiness of this donut. I think that size does matter - it more like a cake, hence not sure how the normal size donuts taste. Ok, I'll stop here because the word donut is starting to sound funny to me from saying it so many times.
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I used to think SF was lacking in the donut department until I found Bob's. These donuts are the real deal - skip all the teriyaki/donut shops and go straight to Bob's.
Two notes:
Need to sober up with a bag of donuts late at night? The selection may not be great, since they run out and I'm not sure when they are restocked. If you figure out the delivery schedule let me know.
Be careful, the woman behind the counter keeps slipping maple donuts in my bag when I ask for chocolate - don't walk out of the shop with out checking your bag or you may be stuck with one.
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My lovely companions for an evening of Indie-Rock at the Red Devil Lounge left the venue with stomachs-a-growlin', and while we were at another location getting a slice of pizza...the intoxicating scent of freshly baked donuts began to lure me in from about a block away.
If possible, I would have floated through the air like a cartoon character...but alas I'm human & that can't happen (yet).
The donuts were SUPER fresh & when I finished my first two, I immediately wanted more. Unfortunately, that would have meant going to the ATM just to take more money out for donuts-- after some deliberation, I passed.
One thing I did realize about Bob's Donuts though--everyone who comes in there walks out with a donut in hand and a smile on their face.
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This place is VERY VERY tempting..they have a glass window that showcases all the yummy donuts and sweets. My friends and I had lunch on Polk Street the other day and walked by Bob's- our temptations forced us to go inside to purchase SOMETHING sweet just to satisfy our stomach even thought we JUST had lunch..bad..very bad..
Opened 24 hours a day- if you come in the middle of the night you are most likely going to get some very warm and fresh donuts!
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The crumb donut is so yummy. Fluffy, slightly chewy, and not greasy at all. How can a donut not be greasy, considering it's fried in boiling hot oil? I have no idea, but Bob's manages to create the impossible.
The ambiance is fairly bizarre--I'm sure it may be interesting for people-watching, but I'll take mine to go, thanks.
Some of the donuts come with holes in the middle and some of the donuts do not. Metaphysical guilt leads me toward the former.
Super-friendly girl behind the counter erases the metaphysical guilt and I decide upon a blueberry muffin more oft than no.
After dancing and drinking the night away, my friends were hungry & one of them recommended this place. The croissant and donuts were all fresh (right out of the oven!) and the place is very quaint. They open up till late hours to feed us owls :)
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Average at best. Yelpers must be really drunk when they eat these to give them 5 stars. Cause I went today, and although the donuts were made fresh this morning, they were greasy and really just....average. Also, they gave me a stomachache, and I only ate one.
Sorry Bob, nothing special here, compared to say, Tartine.
Also, most annoying service. I went in, only 1 other customer there. I sat down at the counter and was literally ignored. Only when another customer walked in off the street and ordered while I was waiting did I realize I was supposed to order up front, THEN sit at the counter. Sheesh, couldn't the lady at least tell me that and then not ignore me?
Coffee was decent, nothing special but not horrible either and at least they had some half and half out. I gave the other donut to my boyfriend. Considering that will stab him with a fork if he tried to touch one of my Tartine morning buns, that's a sign I probably won't be going back.
I'm usually not into sweet baked goods and especially donuts, but I LOVE Bob's Donuts. It's opened 24 hours and I've had the good fortune of getting freshly baked donuts at odd hours of the night. The woman behind the counter is also funny and entertaining to talk to.
So good, I bought a hoodie.
*****************
Last Sunday night I ate here twice in the space of 3 hours.
First trip I had a jelly donut that could make Homer J. drool for days.
Upon my return, I had a cuppa joe, which was damn tasty.
Also, I had 2 chocolate covered old fashioned donuts.
OMG. Crispy and fresh. The chocolate was still warm.
disclaimer: I know the owner.
His name is not Bob.
But, I can honestly say these donuts are the bomb with unbiased enthusiasm.
OPEN 24 HOURS
Donuts are made fresh for the after bar crowd.
I'd have these over late night crepes and bacon dogs any day.
Seriously.
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Behold the power of Bob's Donuts (especially when are suffering from severe inebriation)!
I'd like to thank Bob's Donuts to contributing to my uncontrollable non-stop eating habits. And for sponsoring the lovely Yelp group during Bay to Breakers. We enjoyed the yumminess & handing out donuts to participants.
Fresh yummy cuddly plump donuts to devour at your needs 24 hours a day!! Really though, who doesn't need a donut fix at 2am?!
Woohoo for donuts! DO-NUT be disappointed by Bob's!!
*does a donut dance*
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Thank you Bob's Donuts for the fantastic shirts for B2B and for sponsoring us and giving us all those YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMY donuts to give out to the runners.
You guys rock! *Hi Hen!!*
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I think I have found where god lives and it is at Bob's donuts!!! I went there after a horrible dinner on Friday and let me tell you, I almost had an orgasm at the counter. I sat there w/ my friend, and what a doll he picked up the bill and let me do the ordering!!!
Am I a lucky girl or what?
Let me tell you, there are 3 choices and that is plenty! Chocolate, maple, glazed! All you need in life!!! If i was not afraid of weighing 500lbs, I would move into the back corner and become the crazy donut lady. God has created this spot as the best place ever! This is for sure a new stop on gluttony gulch!
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i'll admit going to bob's donut shop during daylight hours, while completely sober. The place is actually pretty good. I passed by it everyday for months and gawked at how everything looked like it was slathered in some weird, shiny glace. One day, my brother wanted to stop in...i looked at him awkwardly and reluctantly went with him. I had to get a donut because, well, I was in the donut shop already. And let me just say, very impressed. Plus the woman working there was totally cute! She mans the place by herself apparently and (since business must not be that great during the day) she is always super excited to talk to you when you come in.
I admit...coming to Bob's on a Sunday night at 8 pm probably wasn't the best time for hot, fresh outta the fryer donuts, but we decided to make the trip anyway. I'm not a big donut person, so I don't have much to compare to, but I didn't think that the donuts were THAT good. I mean, yes, its fried dough...yes, its glazed....yes, its tasty, but they certainly didn't make angels come flying out or heavenly trumpets start playing when I took a bite of the donuts.
To be fair, I was perfectly sober and the donuts seem to be at their best when A) one is drunk off one's ass and B) one happens to be there at 2 am when all the donuts are fresh. They're not so great when they've been sitting in the window all afternoon. In any case, from what we sampled, the crumb donut was best, while the old-fashioned was just okay. I picked out this one doughnut sphere with jelly crossed on top- not sure what it was called, but it was unique.
I'd be back if I was in the area after a night of heavy drinking, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come...unless I can be guaranteed hot donuts and fresh apple fritters.
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Increadible. My first experience was at a b-day party where the cake was 2 GIANT glazed doughnuts. These tasties were many hours old but were a perfect balance of chewiness and not to overwhelming sweetness. My friends insisted that I needed to check this place out and get a fresh one. I ony live a block away but due to the healthy eating kick lately decided not to indulge, until I brought an out of town buddy and his sis.
Lucky for us, fresh old fashioned and then cake doughnuts were just coming out of the fryer. I didn't try a bite of the old fashioned one, but did take a bite of the cake doughnut.... it was like the best french toast I'd every had. None of that dryness normally found in a cake doughnut where if you breathe wrong you end up choking on crumbs.
When going home alone after the bars, stop in to get your share of warm, gooey, ooohh's and aahhhh's before hitting the sack.
5 stars for always putting out!
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They have the best donuts in SF!! But you have to go there after 10:45 pm--that's when the buttermilks are fresh. The apple fritters (around 2/2:30 a.m.) are good, but not quite worth the hype. The friendly service is also a plus.
ONLINE PETITION
Dear Bob's,
We, the undersigned, ask that you cease 24/7 operations and conduct business during normal daylight hours in such a manner that my drunken self can't score a bag of fresh donuts for an affordable price at 3 am in the morning...
We ask that you reconsider your hours for the sake of the children and my sex life and puppies everywhere.
Warmest Regards,
My Growing Ass
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I love this place...I've been going in here for 30 years...not every day
but often.....I don't know if anyone can really eat a whole one of their apple fritters though.....usually I just eat the icing off the top of
a chocolate old fashioned or chocolate buttermilk bar.....
I worry about their older employees though....
hope they have a nest egg when they retire...
Keep promising myself I'll buy a few of their t shirts
as souvenirs.....you never know what gentrification
will do
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YUMMMMMMY!!!!! I'm not a big donut fan, but these are so good. The best time to buy them are late Friday or Saturday night when they are the freshest and warm. French curls are my favs! I think I need one right now :)
Best damn donuts in San Francisco. Hands down!!
They are so so so so good.
Quite frankly, if you don't like Bob's Donuts, we are probably never going be friends. (Possible exception if you're a hot chick, but that would only be temporarily until I found a chick that was maybe slightly less hot who liked Bob's.)
The 5 Commandments of Bob's:
(1) Ask what's fresh and stick to those choices.
(2) Never pass up a fresh apple fritter.
(3) If the apple fritters are gone, do not pass up something with maple topping.
(4) Don't fear if no Fritters or Maple-topped selections, it will still be great.
(5) Guys, if a chick is overly friendly to you in there, don't get too excited, she's a prostitute. (Hey, it's Polk Street, you already knew that!)
Ok, enjoy!
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OMG! Why didn't I come here sooner?! It was a weekend of 1sts for me ~ Brenda's (brunch), Zuni's (din.), Bob's (dess.) ~ great places to drag my visiting friend to for a culinary cruise of The City.
N and I were fascinated by the old skool donut making process ~ got an old fashion out of the fryer - hot, crispy, and mmmm good. Worth the wait.
Look forward to trying out others next time I'm in the 'hood.
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I lurve this place. I'm sad it's not as close as it used to be. Yummy glazed and chocolate covered lumps of dough. Open whenever I have the inkling to drown my sorrows in something unhealthy or get locked out of my apartment for the night.
The best donut ever!!! especially after I got drunk and walked back home. One time the owner made a big giant donut that I ever seen in my life. their donuts is fresh, and cheap!!! Love This Place:)
Oh blessed be this Bob person who keeps me happy in sugar laden brownie bars, cobblers, chocolate covered crullern, shortbread cookies and chocolate milk. So close to my deli and bubble tea houses galore, this street is the gauntlet of desire and a symphony of treasures and delightsm quite the modestly priced establishment, it lures you with store front displays of goodies that change daily and looks like the baked goods mom would make for the school bake sale. Or in my case, what mom would BUY for the school's bake sale. Every time I go in, the nice ladies alwyas give me a cookie for my immediate consumption as I merrily giggle and blink with wonderment and awe. This place is not posh like some North Beach bakeries and it doesn't have any angle to it- it's just good stuff. Period. Go there. Support local business. Do it. And thank me when you do.
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