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Donut Wheel
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
240 reviews for Donut Wheel
Review Highlights
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"My favorite time to go is late at night." In 48 reviews -
"the ice cream was really creamy & the cookies were soft." In 34 reviews -
"Everyone must try the Raised Glazed Donuts." In 43 reviews
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240 reviews in English
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Review from So C.
Cupertino, CA
5/6/2012
i thought i reviewed this place, but i think it got deleted or something.
i'm not a huge donut fan, but my family loves the donuts here. we always get a dozen box every week especially because it's so cheap! if you go at the right time you can catch a fresh batch and your donuts will be soft and the right amount of chewy.
my late night studies for de anza was well spent here with good company; if you're from cupertino, you're bound to run into someone you know here late nights because this is the only place that's open 24/7 in cupertino! (the other choice being dennys on el camino)
the most interesting thing about this place is i think not the moose head that hangs above the door, nor the ice cream you wonder what its age could be, but rather the sign that hangs near the fridge that says something along the lines of, "no games allowed".
yep, no games allowed! this place is specifically for people who eat donuts, drink coffee, and chat or study. the owner will definitely kick you out if you pull out a card game, or if you start laughing too much (the owner will accuse you of playing games). so try not to disturb your neighboring study folks, and respect the rules of this place :)
p.s. don't forget it's cash only!Listed in: late night studying in…
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Review from Navjot K.
Cupertino, CA
4/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The donuts here are pretty good, but the knock down from 5 to 4 stars is due to the service. No matter what time of day you go the people are pretty rude. I like to ask a few questions to make sure I know what I'm getting and they're always abrupt and look really unhappy! I can overlook that cause their donuts are really good!
Their raspberry filled is so yummy, they really don't skimp on the filling. That's probably my favorite cause theres plenty of filling. The buttermilk covered in chocolate is also a yummy one, it's kind of like a bigger 'crueller' donut. Can't really go wrong with the donut you end up picking here! -
Review from Diana K.
Cupertino, CA
4/11/2012
Glazed donuts are fresh and good but not as delicious as Happy Donuts, in my opinion.
My fiance has two scoops of ice cream which was ridiculously huge and too much for one person to finish.
The place is old; like 1980's old. while one can look at it as charming, i think its kind of tacky. Not a place to sit and enjoy the ambience.
Oh well. AT least its 24 hours. Cash only.Listed in: Sweet Tooth
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Review from Jeffrey C.
Saratoga, CA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
It can get crowded here late at night and parking in the lot can be difficult, but the donuts here are pretty awesome. Ever since I started having to wake up early for work my go-to food in the morning is donuts. I've always been a huge fan of donuts growing up and only recently have I started coming here to Donut Wheel. Having a 24-hour donut shop nearby where I live is really convenient. All of the donuts I tried here were great. When I came in here late at night, they had fresh glazed donuts and donut holes which were really amazing, melt in your mouth status.
Alright...so some people on here are complaining that the "Asian Guy" is rude. I don't necessarily think that he is rude, you just need to be straightforward as to what you want exactly. He may not be the friendliest guy but as long as I can get my donuts quickly it's not an issue to me. -
Review from Vy N.
Santa Clara, CA
4/4/2012
Looking for donut holes to put in your mouth? Come here and do it. I like their holes; they are moist, not too sweet, and are of decent size. I got 2 dozen of them for less than ~$2.
Notes:
- Open all night long
- Cash only
Verdict: 4.0 out of 5 -
Review from Rimi K.
Cupertino, CA
3/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
The donuts are awesome and its even more awesome that they're open 24/7.
CASH ONLY. One donut is about $.84 with tax.
The service really variels here. I've had pretty decent services especially when purchasing donuts.
When it came to ice cream and gelato though, I was disappointed. Twice was I thwarted from my ice cream need...I couldn't try more than two flavors (how do I know what I want?) and then they had no idea what vanilla was. No joke.
I recommend for a quick morning donut although you may have to share a seat if everything's full! -
Review from Brent T.
3/18/2012
The donuts themselves are probably nothing special. I can't honestly say that the taste or texture is any better than any standard run-of-the-mill donut shop, but certainly no worse either. Nice assortment of pretty much the standard variations of donuts. The donuts, based on taste and texture, merit 2.5 stars.
Will round up to 3 stars for the fact that this place is open 24 hours and that the donuts, especially the apple fritters and custard filled bars, are friggin' ENORMOUS, at what seemed to me pretty standard donut prices. $3.75 out the door for two gigantic apple fritters and one equally gigantic custard filled chocolate bar.
If you ever want a donut late at night and you don't want the cloyingly sweet Krispy Kreme donuts, this is a pretty good option for standard issue (from a taste perspective) but HUGE donuts. -
Review from Valerie B.
Union City, CA
3/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here
24 hour donut shop? Thank you! Donut wheel, you were a godsend when I had my sweet cravings during my pregnancy!
If it's not Krispy Kreme, it's definitely better! They your usual selection of donuts including huge bear claws, cinammon rolls and maple bars. I tried a glazed, but it didn't compare to my ultimate fave glazed donut at Stan's in Santa Clara. It was just ok. I had a glazed cruller which was my favorite and their chocolate glazed was yummy too.
It's a good sized place with lots of seating which is usually occupied by college students. They also serve ice cream.
The service isn't horrible, but it's not good either. Just pick your donuts and go kind of thing. Not very friendly but also not rude.
Thank you Donut Wheel for satisfying those pregnancy cravings. Now it's time to work it off! Hehe. -
Review from Prima S.
San Jose, CA
2/24/2012
These are the best donuts I have ever had in all my life.
They are so fluffy, and not overly sweet. It's like heaven.
I usually come here and do take out, but when I have time I sit in.
Again I have to say these are the best donuts ever.
I even have proof that these donuts are the best. I had a group project in Business class back in 2009 and we had the class taste test glazed donuts from three local stores: Safeway on Bollinger, Happy Donuts on De Anza, and here. Donut Wheel clearly made a home run. 95% voted Donut Wheel's donut as the best.
And there you have it!
Not to mention that Donut Wheel's prices are unbeatable. They are the cheapest around, and the best tasting! -
Review from kathleen v.
Mountain View, CA
3/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
YAYE for yummy donuts and being opened 24hrs.. THIS GIRL right here is happy camper!
CASH ONLY!!! -
Review from Sabrina C.
San Jose, CA
1/24/2012
Came here after dinner with some buds to satisfy our sweet tooth craving. I ordered and old fashioned donut with chocolate glaze. It was gone within minutes into my mouth. The place brought me back to childhood, a time when I used to eat donuts with my dad every Sunday morning while reading the comics. Times have definitely since I was getting the donuts at 9pm on a Thursday night with the gals. LOL
Party at Donut Wheel! They place had decent foot traffic for a late night donut crowd. There was an elderly couple sitting there, sipping coffee, enjoying their donuts and reading from their e-readers. There were what seemed to be college students popping in, no doubt to satisfy the study munchies. I think the place has wi-fi because another kid had his laptop open there, studying while enjoying his donuts.
There was a great selection and looks like they keep their donuts well stocked, especially if they are 24 hours! A great place to drop-in and up your calorie count for the day/night. =) -
Review from S J.
San Jose, CA
4/16/2012
I think I have an obsession w/ finding the best donuts! And think I've found them! They're open 24 hrs and they seem to have fresh donuts all the time! Tried their glazed, old fashioned and french cruller. They're all very good, especially when they're fresh...oh so soft, gooey and moist!!! OMG, I need to stay away from this place as much as possible!
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Review from Tom L.
12/10/2011 1 photo
24/7 donuts seems like a can't miss, but so did The Hangover 2...
I picked up a dozen donuts late night expecting to have a box of happiness that would rival Santa's sleigh. Instead I walked out with a grease soaked box of meh. The donuts all looked fluffy and fresh but despite being deep fried and dripping with artery clogging oil they were surprisingly bland.
I guess even a 24 hour donut shop can disappoint, what a shame. -
Review from amin b.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/4/2012
Cheap and 24 hrs. If this didn't exist, Cupertino would malfunction...
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Review from Brianna J.
Cupertino, CA
9/28/2011 13 Check-ins Here
UGH! what happened to the Donut Wheel???
I remember this place being a very friendly , nice and quiet place to get a donut and coffee or milk. You could always find a table to sit with a couple friends. The owner used to hire kids from the local high schools and the cops were always there having a quick break. The donuts were all very fresh tasting and equally as flavorful.
Well last night we had a craving for Donuts and i suggested we head to the Donut Wheel. Cheryl and i jumped in her Volvo and zoomed down the street with thoughts of donuts and milk in our heads.
I knew something was wrong as soon as we arrived. It was only 9:30 and the parking lot was completely full up! we had to park down the street 1/4 block and walk back to the shop. HUH!?! no police cars anywhere in the lot? i wonder why?
We walked inside to be greeted by loud , obnoxious boisterous teenagers or other young adults with the mentality of teenagers. Every table and seat seemed to be occupied by this motley crew and their electronic devices. Laptops and tablets all over the place. We came to the conclusion that these children were not here for a quick donut and chat but to hang out. Most of them did not have any donuts at all! OK , i guess we will just get some donuts and milk to go...
So I am waiting behind this young looking fellow with weird spiked hair when all of a sudden two girls come in and greet him enthusiastically. they almost push us out of the way to say hello to him. He orders his donuts and then tries to order up some donuts for the girls as well. but they do not know what they want yet and are sort of milling around when my girl Cheryl says
" hey you know we were here first and waiting before you two came in"
well they act like we are just jerks to say that. so i add that maybe if they knew what they wanted and ordered up quick that we would be OK. but one girl starts to mutter under her breath that we are " dumb -ass white girl bitches"
That was it and Cheryl was about to let her have it but somehow they got their donuts and sat in a booth with their friend and his crew.
we order up our donuts and milk all the while hearing the girls quite loudly talking smack to us. by the way...the owner/worker behind the counter never did anything to intervene. he looked scared and intimidated by these hoodlums.
we left and Cheryl flipped the girls off as we walked out the door.
So now we are just a little bit ticked off and almost have lost our appetite but as soon as we get back to her apartment...It's ON!
we sit down in front of the TV. and take our first bites........
WTH?!
YUCK!
The maple bar i got taste nasty and gross. they have changed their recipe for something cheaper because it sure tasted like gross! i looked at the maple icing and it was hardly there at all. just the thinnest layer. Cheryl only took a couple bites of her donut before saying that it tasted crappy too.
we threw them in the trash. The only reason i give this place two stars was for the cold refreshing milk jug which we needed to wash that horrible taste of their donuts out of our mouths!
Now i know why the police do not come here for donuts anymore! they know what a bad donut shop this place is already. i bet they go to Dunkin' Donuts or Happy Donuts instead and so will we from now on.
I am sure that if you want to hang out and be raucous with your pre adult friends that this is the place for you. Enjoy the Crappy Donuts as you jerks have earned them.
AVOID THIS PLACE! -
Review from Amy D.
Fremont, CA
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
HUGE donuts, and open 24 hours!! The jelly donuts are enormous and are filled to the brim with jelly. I wasn't a fan of the white powdery coating, but appreciated that they didn't skimp on the jelly. The glazed donuts are really good, as are the HUGE apple fritters.
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Review from Liz W.
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2011
This place is one of the Cupertino's hidden treasures... It's been around since forever but is always a favorite among young adults especially late at night! I can't imagine finding parking here though during its peak hours... Their parking spot looks like it can accomodate only a small family of cars.
The donuts are super fresh!! They're constantly making them (especially at night), but unfortunately that means that the grease will penetrate into the air and leave you with the sexy aroma of baked (or, I guess in this case, fried) goods. -
Review from Jeanine W.
Irvine, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Donut Wheel isn't really like anything else in Cupertino. It's open 24 hours and not some kind of national chain. Subsequently, it's one of the few late-night hang outs for many high school and De Anza kids. Expect to encounter an abundance of them when you stop in.
But in other ways, Donut Wheel is also like everything else in Cupertino. Cash-only, short service, and the most mismatched decorations I have ever seen, from moose heads to apolstered chairs and funky flower pictures.
Out of the plethora of delicious donuts to choose from, my personal favorite is the original chocolate donuts, yummers. They even have ice cream, coffee, and a Lard Lad figurine if you so desire. Come here for your morning pick-me-up, or late night rendezvous. -
Review from Michelle C.
Belmont, CA
9/10/2011
Since I work fairly close and see this place every day I work, I finally decided today is the day I go to Donut Wheel. But first things first, I had to get some cash because, they don't take anything. Prices I felt were pretty cheap for donuts. That made me happy.
My glaze donut experience just wasn't what I had hoped it would be. The donut didn't have the super fluffy texture that Stan's does, nor did the glaze win me over. After I had the donut, I had a mini tummy ache. So I don't think I'll be coming back here again. Going to be heading over to Stan's Donuts. Sorry guys. -
Review from Harry T.
11/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Mean old asian guy, crappy looking/tasting donuts, and did I mention mean old asian guy?!
The donuts tasted like they were fried in old nasty oil or lard or whatever you fry donuts in. My maple bar wasn't very maple-y and my donut holes barely had any glaze on them.
MEAN BITTER OLD ASIAN GUY BLEHHHH!
Open 24 hours, thats good I guess... -
Review from John A.
San Diego, CA
12/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The only I know of to get donuts after the bars close. Great donuts, eclectic clientele, good times.
Cash only, small parking lot out back. -
Review from Veronica S.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/20/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Can I give it 6 stars? What about 5 and a sprinkle?
I'm typically scared of donuts. Not only are they soft, they're sticky too (at times). PLUS they're like 57 bajillion calories each and NO, I cannot have just one donut each time.
It so happens one of my fam bam alakazams requests for donuts instead of lunch money so I would use to go to Daily Donuts or some random donut shop early on in the day. If I go to these shops in the afternoon, I would just see nuts, no dough...and that's just nuts!
Donut Wheel is open 24 hours!
This shop is along De Anza Boulevard in Cupertino, right next to Apple neighborhood and BJs ( I know, huh?). Their logo isn't very bright but it's very big. Parking is behind the shop, so no need to panic. There's tables for dining inside and an ATM so you don't have any excuse not to purchase because you don't have cash which they can only accept.
CASH ONLY.
Oh the rows and rows of donuts in this house. Donut Wheel is not a big donut shop. It's not even fancy. It's owned by a Vietnamese family and so far the staff who have assisted me with my take-outs were nice and pretty soft-spoken. They have always gotten my orders correctly.
Walk in through the side entrance and the donuts are to the left (not that you'll have trouble finding them). Just point, point, point and tell them how many you want. Their custard-filled maple/chocolate-covered Long Johns are the yumma-yumma-hummana-hummana-sinfully-delightfully bomb (and pretty high calorie too, so make sure you make a schedule for a day at Mission Peak the next day). My family also loves the jelly-filled ones and the rainbow sprinkles.
Best of all, their oh-so-delicious donuts are cheap! I buy a half dozen donuts and it usually costs me about $6. Their donuts are clean and pretty huge (and that's what she said). I'm so glad this shop is quite a drive from my home, otherwise I'd be slaving my ass in the gym more often.
They also serve ice cream.
The End. -
Review from Gina C.
8/1/2011
I think Donut Wheel has the best donuts compared to everywhere else I've tried. It just melts in your mouth. *drool*
LOL every time my BF and I think about this place we laugh. The older gentlemen with a heavy accent here is so rude. But my BF and I get a kick out of it. It's entertaining, he reminds me of jokes that Russell Peters makes. :) -
Review from Karen L.
7/20/2011
This is one of the only places in the Saratoga/Cupertino area that's open 24/7 and it is an absolute lifesaver when my friends and I are hungry late at night and there is no where to go.
The treats (donuts, donut holes, pastries) are alright; nothing amazing but it's not terrible either. Coffee and ice cream are ok too. The entirety of the place is rather dive-y and gross-looking. The biggest perk is probably just the cheap prices and it's a place for us to hang out in the middle of the night. -
Review from Christopher S.
Campbell, CA
11/5/2011
I'll never turn down an invite to the donut wheel! And its a 24 hour place too! Years ago it used to not be a sin to play games here and the signs on the wall will let you know. However, it's okay for people to do homework in a booth for hours... SERIOUSLY! Tell me whats more important! I want games and damn donuts god dammit! But is all good. My nintendo dsi XL sneaks in just fine. Cards stay at home.
Do you like Marianne's ice cream? Well they do carry a few flavors but when im here all I want is donuts, not ice cream. oooh but i just go an idea! This would be a good place to get a fresh, hot donut with a scoop of ice cream on top!! yessss!
one complaint. They need to get some paper towels in the bathrooms. I swear they have had the same filthy, blue infinity towel hanging on the wall for years! It's pretty scummy. But I dont go to donut joints for clean el banjos haha. So they really don't loose any points. -
Review from Whitney S.
Mountain View, CA
4/1/2012
I very rarely crave donuts, but this afternoon I found myself craving donuts. I have driven past this place numerous times, but have never gone in. I bought half a dozen donuts for only $4.00. The service is fast. I was in and out of there in no time.
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Review from Shawn C.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/19/2011 22 Check-ins Here
Been going here for a couple years now. The doughnuts are consistent and it helps that theyre the only doughnut shop around for a couple miles. Very easy to find, right off De Anza Blvd near the Apple campus. The shop is kept clean and where there arent delivery trucks in the back making daily drop offs there is plenty of parking.
I've never gotten too adventurous with any thing extravagant. I usually get a mix of classic glazed and old fashioned glazed and what order would be complete with a few sprinkles and maple bars.
All in all this is your average doughnut shop with your standard doughnuts, coffee, juice, and milk. As usually theyre freshest and hot in the am and the earlier the better. -
Review from Christina G.
Los Angeles, CA
This place reminds me of my grandpa. I miss him.
With regards to a proper "review": glazed donut and fresh coffee combo is a love. -
Review from Kelly C.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
My childhood!! Always came here as a kid and though much less now, I have such fond memories of the place. Open 24hours, my sibs and I would often grab our favorite donuts (old-fashioned maple or the raspberry-filled powdered donut) and sit at the counter where the ice cream freezer now stands, and our cartons of milk to watch the two brothers who own the place make the dough, cut out donuts and fry them. Ahhhh memories! :)
The place (new lights, decor) has changed over time but the donuts and fast-service remain the same. They still have the best-tasting donuts ever. The softness and crunchiness on the outside is un-duplicatable. Coffee ain't bad either. I've tried all the donuts and I say you can't go bad with any one of them. -
Review from Erika G.
ONE TWENTY-FIVE!
One Dollar and Twenty-five Cents!
$1.25! Holy Cavity! Their H U G E apple fritters are only $1.25! AMAZING!
Its bigger than my hand. I always pick the ones with the most crevases because its so yummy crunchy sweet outside and fluffy soft inside with real pieces of apple throughout it! Its AHHHsome! There is no way to eat one by yourself or in one sitting. So I usually eat the edges first to get all the crunchy bits and save the rest for dessert. Because if you heat it up just a bit its FRICKIN' AHHsome! I want one now but they are 40 min drive away but when I'm in the area I ALWAYS stop here.
Great service! Always a smile. Great seeing people hanging out drinking their coffee and studing or the regulars chatting it up.
Next time I'll take pictures of how huge their raised donuts are!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2009
Where do you go after seeing the dentist??
Well, to Donut Wheel of course!!
My dentist is in Cupertino… Read more »
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Review from Roger T.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/19/2011
This is one of the last remaining 24/7 open hangouts in Sunnyvale! The doughnuts aren't very pricey at all and the quality isn't bad either. The best deal is in the 12 doughnut holes for a little over 1 dollar, especially if you time it right and get there when fresh ones are out!
Donut wheel doubles up in greatness because it serves Marianne's ice cream, the best ice cream in California. If you have a sweet tooth late at night, this place is best -
Review from Evonne L.
1/9/2012
Some of the BEST french crullers I've ever had (and that's saying a lot b/c I've been to Mister Donuts in Tokyo -- ahem, not to be a donut snob and all-- BUT I AM). Super soft and eggy in the middle, not too sweet on the outside. My favorite is just the plain glazed cruller, but they also offer maple and chocolate glazed ones as well. The owner sometimes lets his adorable little girl take the money while she's sitting at the cashier register. Totally reminds me of my childhood, growing up and helping my mom while she was at work in our Chinese Restaurant. Very touching, and you just have to support a Mom n' Pops store like that!
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Review from Michael F.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/19/2011
Call me crazy, and I hate to say it, but I think this place is overrated. Yeah, it's nice that it's open 24 hours and it's nice that they have an ATM (they only accept cash as a form of payment). The prices are reasonable and they have a variety of donuts, drinks, and ice cream. So what am I complaining about?
First off, the building is filthy and rundown. Look, I know that the workers are under stress due to having to run the place 24/7, but come on, there was a friggen BUG ON THE WALL. It looked like a mini beetle or something, i don't even know. On top of that, there were flies flying around when I was sitting at one of the booths with my friends.
The donuts were just okay. They weren't stale, but they didn't taste entirely fresh either. I've had better. The employees I've dealt with aren't too bad. I mean, I've dealt with some who were genuinely nice and some who were a little cold.
Overall, they're not terrible, but I'm sorry. I just don't want to dine somewhere where there are bugs on the windows. I give them 2 stars. -
Review from Diane N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/24/2011
Ode to Donut Wheel (The Fifth Meal)
parking on cutty streets
orange seats
fresh sweets
green tea ice cream
southeast asian man
very tan
study break
caloric intake
make ups break ups
late night meetups
smiles frowns let downs
confused or dazed
even holidays
post prom
nom nom -
Review from Amy K.
Cupertino, CA
1/11/2012
I love love LOVEE their cruler donuts !!! So light and fluffy and on the outside of the donut has a amazing glaze, my favorite one is the maple/butterscotch.
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Review from Janet H.
12/29/2011
A good hangout spot past 12 am... donuts are okay, the ice cream looked extremely bright and weird, and the people working there are grouchy and unfriendly... nothing too special.
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Review from Brian K.
7/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here 2 times. I had a classic with chocolate and then a regular with cinamon.
Both were good, but not memorable. Their dough just isn't as good as the bay area elites, however light years better than grocery store donuts.
They probably do a job of keeping Apple employees fat, but as a HP employee I have Stan's just down the road - which is simply better. -
Review from terry h.
San Jose, CA
1/18/2011
A local-type donut business shop. Better than most but really, how much difference are there between donut places? I really haven't seen that except for Manley's which I really like.
But I digress ...
Here is the down-low about this one.
PLUSES:
It serves really good donuts, especially cream filled bars.
The coffee is good.
The service has always been fine as far as I am concerned.
It's easy to get to and out of.
The prices are low.
It has long office hours.
MINUSES:
Donuts and coffee are not good for you or for me.
It's kind of beat up inside.
It's too far away from my house.
Betcha Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak have sat in here together at one time or another. -
Review from Charles A.
Milpitas, CA
7/21/2011
Open hella late!!! Service is ok.
My wife loves their donuts!!!
I like the old fashioned glazed. Great place for college students to study! -
Review from Amina M.
Fremont, CA
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
When you work late night shifts and you get off scavenging for any food place that's open that late around the south bay area....donut wheel is there!!! Yummy freshly baked donuts and a few other pastries, and a small selection of coffee/tea/hot chocolate. The place is small and pretty dirty inside, I remember sitting in there dodging mosquitoes and flies before :/. BUT, for some really good donuts, and especially for a midnight snack, this place will fulfill your craving.
-Recommed: Donut Holes! a dozen for very cheap.
