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My first visit to Stan's, aka THE GREATEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE.
It wasn't all due to Stan's.
I mean, there are enough great reviews of Stan's here. You get it. I'll tell you about Stan's when I feel like it. Stan's was actually more of the perfect ending to a perfect night. The hubby and I went out to a double feature at The New Beverly Cinema: Big Trouble in Little China, and THEY LIVE.
Big Trouble in Little China is one of my all-time FAVORITE movies, as you can see on my profile. And I had never seen the whole movie of THEY LIVE, but it really 'lived' up to my expectations of being...insanely horribly AWESOME. We loved every minute. We were cracking up. We were...euphoric, in a perfect 80s movie storm. After a night like that, there was only one thing that could have made it any more awesome. That one thing, for me, really, never changes. That one thing is always donuts.
It was foggy and late as we came into Westwood, searching for the neon sign we hoped for, reading 'Stan's'...as time crept dangerously close to midnight. But it was kismet. We made it in, and were served even tho they had cleared the display case. We got an apple fritter and a regular glazed with chocolate frosting, and they took a little off the price. I forgot they were $2.50 each! Gourmet donut prices! But since he took some $ off, and it was so late, I still threw a $1 in the tip cup. (I have an obsession with tipping, from waiting tables myself.)
Since it was so late, we just headed home and shared them on the way (we were both hungry after 4 hours of laughing). Even though they weren't fresh, you can tell how wonderful their dough recipe is. I will definitely be back for more. I'm going to follow my favorite Yelper's advice and go in the morning, choosing fresh donuts from the display case...the true Stan's experience. Evan at $2.50 a pop, I can tell it's gonna be worth it. You know what old Jack Burton says, at a time like this. Good old Jack Burton says, "What the hell."
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Ever since I read Kenneth T.'s review I've been craving a doughnut, but no, not just any doughnut, it had to be one of STAN's doughnuts. It's been difficult fighting off the urge to walk into one of the four doughnut stores I pass in my daily commute to school, and I nearly bit the bullet when I stumbled into a 7/11 one night with the drunken munchies staring into their doughnut display... but no yelpers, I stayed strong and waited.
Finally, my wait was over. After scanning the many, MANY doughnut selections they had to choose from, I helped myself to the "peanut butter banana and chocolate chip" doughnut ($2.50). It was incredible and surprisingly not overly sweet like I thought it might be. I'm so glad I decided to wait to fulfill my doughnut craving at Stan's because I don't think any other doughnut could have hit the spot the way this doughnut did. Stan's Doughnuts is definitely still legen----wait for it----dary!
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My eyes widened as I observed the display in front of me. Twists. Bars. Rolls. Holes. Jelly. Custard. Chocolate. Peanut Butter. This place is not for the faint of heart.
I had the Huell upon the cashier's recommendation. Peanut butter filled donut with chocolate glaze topped with chocolate chips. Looked good. Sound good. But definitely overkill. There were about 5 tablespoons of peanut butter inside the donut. I felt soooo sick after eating it. Should've stuck to my usual glazed donuts.
Here's a list of their donuts.
http://www.stansdoughn...
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Try the Stevie if you think the Huell is too much (I do). Peanut butter, banana inside a scrumptious glazed square donut.
The problem I've got is my office is near by and the temptation is something like being in the back seat of the car....no I wont go there.
Come in the morning and talk to Stan He is a kick
There is something about the glazed donut with the peanut butter and strawberry jam that makes mornings a little more bearable and something to look forward to.
The name reminds me of Stan Mikita's Donuts in Wayne's World, but there is definitely no hockey statue outside.
Perhaps all UCLA students know about this little treasure in the Village, but for others who haven't been here, this place is well worth the visit and sitting in traffic on the 405. The donuts are no nonsense. It is more for people who just want some donut goodness without brands, labels, or marketing. There is no hype here. Heck, people often overlook this place compared to the other popular spots in Westwood.
The great thing about this place is that they would produce various combination of flavors into something that is so practical, but never seen before. Of course, the donuts cannot be that good for you as the food is not very nutrient-rich compared to the fat and sugar content.
But thanks to my fellow GR intern for introducing me to this little gem.
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I might get flamed for being a Bruin and not finding Stan's to be the most amazing thing left in the Westwood Village.
Stan's doughnuts are some of the most creative, and no one can take that away from them. However, my problem with them is that the premium doughnuts are just a little too much of everything. The tastes are overpowering and after 1/4 of a peanut butter banana chocolate chip doughnut, i am already looking to share my treat with westwood village's homeless.
Their more traditional doughnuts are too heavy for my taste. I guess if i needed to describe Stan's in one word, it would be: overbearing.
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Stan's offers a huge variety of donut flavors including many I've never seen before. Sometimes when I get donuts from a donut shop I really can't taste the different between the more expensive donut shop donut and the donut baked at my local grocery store.
I definitely taste a difference with Stan's. The donuts are much doughier, which I like. I didn't really like their specialty donuts as much though, and I think the prices are a tad too high. You can see my full review at http://www.kirbiecravi...
A list of famous Stan's
Stan Lee- Creator of some of the most famous comic books ever including "Spider Man", "X-Men", and "Captain America"
Stanley Kubrick- Writer/Director of such classic films as "Full Metal Jacket", "The Shinning", and "A Clockwork Orange"
Stan Marsh- The lovable foul mouthed character from the cartoon "South Park"
And finally the most famous Stan of them all, Stan's Doughnuts.
In my opinion Los Angeles County has three amazing doughnut shops. The first is Randy's in Inglewood, the second is The Donut Man in Glendora, and the third is Stan's in Westwood. Stan's is a little different from the other two places. Most donuts are kind of fluffy and light but Stan's donuts are a little heavier and doughier. I have been to Stan's on numerous occasions and every time I have left a happy customer. These are some of my favorite donuts from Stan's.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Donut- By far the best donut as Stan's. This big donut is filled with peanut butter and fresh bananas and topped with chocolate glaze and chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter and Jelly- Just like the sandwich, amazing.
Blueberry Cheese- Donut filled with cream cheese and topped with blueberries and powdered sugar.
Stan's Doughnuts is also cheap, most of their donuts are not more then a dollar or two. I just wish Stan's would take debit and credit cards because I never carry cash and every time I use the ATM located in Stan's shop I get hit with those dumb fees.
If you have never been to Stan's I suggest you head out to Westwood and pick up a dozen donuts. These donuts are so good I'm positive they can satisfy anybody's sweet tooth, they always seem to do the trick for me.
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Can you smell it?? It's hard to walk past Stan's early in the morning and NOT pause to ask yourself if today's the day you eat that heavenly, donutty goodness. Or at least buy one for later? Buy some for your friends? Hmm.
If you don't want to be a fatty, just get 3 donut holes for $1. They're great. 3-stars because I guess I just don't love donuts in general very much.
Stan's Doughnuts are decidedly non-hipster fare. I didn't see a crumb of bacon on any of their doughnuts. Plus, they have a Huell Howser doughnut--chocolate glazed with peanut butter inside and chocolate chips on the outside. Fantastic. Or, perhaps as Huell would say---Uh-maaaazing!
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Honestly, Stan's has some of the most delicious and unique donuts you can find on this side of town, and they are made fresh! If you are craving a donut, Stan's is definitely the place to go. It's a little pricey and only takes cash, but well worth your money!
Try the Peanut Butter Fresh Banana stuffed donut. It's god-like.
Terrible donuts - dry and unflavorful. When you have a prime location in the middle of westwood and the UCLA district, you're bound to have a couple of Yelpers commenting on your donuts. I can't express how disappointed I am after all of the positive reviews. Stay away from the peanut butter/banana/choc chip. This place is not worth your money, time, or calories.
PEANUT BUTTER BANANA DONUT!!! SO GOOOOOD
the peanut butter and jelly donut is way too sweet
and some of their latin american female employees are not friendly, somewhat hostile actually. WTH. but the peanut butter banana donut keeps me coming back for MORRE.
Good donuts.
Bad coffee.
Hearing Stan yell at his employees for not properly cleaning the floor the night before.
Price is right.
Seeing Stan chat up customers as he leaves.
(and I haven't yet had the peanut butter banana donut, so I can't comment on it)
Yep, call that just about right.
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just had possibly the best apple fritter (they call it an apple crisp) I've ever had.
If you know me, then you know how much this means.
AMAZING....but a little pricey as far as donuts go
Bar none the best donut in LA.
I would fight a dragon for their Peanut Butter banana donut. When we used to go out to the old Q's on Broxton, the air would fill with the sweet essence of fried complex carbohydrates and sugar pulling us into Stan's like a tractor beam.
I won't eat here often as I work too damn hard in the gym to sacrifice all of my sweat for 2 minutes of eating pleasure. But life is too short not to eat the best donut in LA once in a while.
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This place has terrific, innovative homemade donuts, and Stan is one of the friendliest, most fun proprietors. He spent half an hour discussing the history of the store and the making of fresh donuts with me.
Highly Recommended: Blueberry cheese donut, peanut butter and jelly donut, the Huell donut (i.e., the Reese's donut)
MAN! I REALLY, REALLY want to give Stan 5 stars, but I just can't.
The first time I found Stan's was the day before a 5K, actually just around the corner in Westwood. I ate (3) donuts, that was dumb! They are so rich and heavy, I should have only ordered (1), but where's the fun in that?!
I can't give Stan 5 stars for two reasons.
#1. HIS DONUTS ARE EXPENSIVE. Part of the fun of getting a doughnut is that they're under $1.00 for yummy economical goodness. I ordered three donuts and my bill was over $6!! DAMN!?
#2. I've gone back twice and a lot of the donuts I ordered weren't fresh. The oil had condensed down into the batter and they were flat. It was a really heavy donut. Not in a good way for my tummy.
HE IS the best doughnut place I've found in LA thus far (if you know of any other good huts, please pass along!). I LOVE the variety. The peanut butter doughnut is insane and delish. I also love the blueberry bar.
It's a place you have to go, if at least just once.
Street parking. Bring cash.
Stan's Doughnuts are delicious!! So many varieties to choose from, bad for me because I'm soooo indecisive!! =) Minus one star for being pricey, cash only and having a 'B'.
*Sidenote- I saw a reviewer give this place 3 stars "because I guess I just don't love donuts in general very much." Then why are you rating a donut place?!? I don't go to a vegan place, being the carnivore I am, and rate them saying I love meat!!! Silly peoples...
Good Donuts! Oh so rich... but it's hard to pick a bad combination here. Tried the peanut butter and jelly, the chocolate/peanut butter/banana, and the cinnamon rolls. All were awesome.
Mostly street parking, with a small valet lot down the street.
Anyone who grew up in West LA can tell you that no one does doughnuts better than Stan's. It is an LA landmark, even though it's a tiny little hole-in-the-wall that gets way too little business. They've been doing this FOREVER... but unfortunately their revenues are so slim that they have to lease space to various other offers in the same space... usually a small hot dog or burger joint... that's never open... and never does any business.
But Stan's persists.
I come from a family of health nuts, but after my little league/AYSO/basketball games as a kid my dad would on occasion take me to Stan's. So not only are the donuts the best ever, but it clearly holds a certain sentimental value for me as well.
And to the donuts. They are the best. Did I say the best? The best! Unlike my family, I have gone on a doughnut run to every doughnut shop I've ever seen trying to recreate Stan's... and no one has come close. My recommendations? EVERYTHING! Depends upon what you like. My favorites are the cinnamon stick (about a foot and a half long thin doughnut covered in icing, cinnamon and sugar. Otherworldly. I also like the pretzel-shaped doughnuts... one has icing and cinnamon, and the other has chocolate frosting. The muffins are also good, as are the jelly-filled, as are the... you get the picture.
I can't begin to say enough about Stan's. SAVE STAN'S! GO THERE NOW! DON'T LET THEM CLOSE! 5 stars without a question.
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I'm a fan of cake like donuts. I don't want my donut to be airy and light, I want it to be nice and dense. But I'm from New England and grew up on Dunkin Donuts.
Stan's satisfied my donut craving. I haven't had a donut in 4+ years and this was a treat. I had high expectations and Stan's didn't disappoint.
It was almost impossible to choose a flavor. They all looked amazing. I finally settled on the peanut butter filled donut with chocolate on top. I enjoyed every bite of this donut. It was full of pb. The pb was nice and salty, not too sweat, and married well with the cakie donut and smooth chocolate.
I didn't even feel all that guilty, I got tons of protein from the pb=)
P.S. Cash only.
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My favorite donut place in a city of donuts. The original stuff is genius.
I highly recommend the blueberry cinnamon roll and the peanut butter banana chocolate chip.
And a carton of milk.
Free two hour parking around the corner.
oh ho ho ho ho ho. Stan's..........this evil establishment.......mmmm donuts or doughnuts or whatever... I love Stan's. This place should be an offical LA landmark. Someone please call the historical preservation department and make sure that this place never disappears.
Stan's donuts are always fresh and decadent. If you want a simple donut, Stan offers a variety of classics such as a glazed or old fashion maple bar, or a good ol cake donut. Wanna go wild? Get a Cheesecake donut or even better a Cherry Cheesecake Donut. Not crazy enough? How about a Chocolate Peanut Butter Jelly Donut. My favorites are the fritters (Apple and Blueberry) and if i'm feeling crazy i'll get a peanut butter cup donut.
All you freshmen's at UCLA beware, t his place will make you fat. Amongst all the dorm food, midnight pizza runs, instant ramen and cheap beer you'll be ingesting, this one will add jelly rolls upon jelly rolls up on your figure. You might as well drive up to a liposuction clinic and take shots of human body fat. Of course eating a donut is far more pleasant.
Stan! You're the man!
After spending far too long in the doughnut deprived Northeast (please don't give me that nonsense about dunkin donuts tasting like anything better than cardboard), finding Stan's right down the street was like winning the lottery!
First, the litmus test: chocolate-covered old fashion. Honestly, delicious. Not as crispy on the outside as I like, but great chocolate and spot on soft-on-the inside doughnut.
Second, oh-the-places-you'll-go! Ever dreamed of some ridiculous filling in a doughnut? They have it. Blueberry old-fashion--AMAZING! Peanut butter and jelly doughnut--heart attack of flavor! In short, if you want to become a diabetic, try this place, because one is just not enough and nowhere else around will do.
Yes, the blueberry cheese donut is yummy but not worth $2.50 a pop or $30 for a dozen of cheese filled donuts. Seriously?
Then there's the regular donuts. Tasty but not worth $12 for a dozen. For that price tag I better have sparklers coming out of my ass.
They're good but not great and I just don't get the hype.
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Another Huell Howser episode. Another half hour spent watching Huell choke down some amaaaaazing food. Another Yelp bookmark for me. And now, I can uncheck that bookmark. This trip was a record. Less than 24 hours after watching Huell hit Stan's, I was there, following in his footsteps.
I work somewhat near here and wanted to pick up some donuts for a weekend treat for the family. I arrived about 11am and was helped by the two ladies behind the counter that were on Huell. I felt like asking for an autograph from them.
Anyway, I wanted to try some of everything, so I got a variety. I had some raised, devils cake, Simpsons doughnuts, twists and of course the spectaaaaaacular peanut butter pockets that Huell raved about.
While these were weekend treats, in fairness to Stan, I had to try them fresh. When I got back to the office, I cut a taste off of each variety and had a sampling party for myself.
Most of the donuts were not too sugary, in spite of some reviewers complaining. In fact, they were more of an exercise in restraint as being not overly sweetened allowed the varying tastes to come through.
The devils food was very good as was the raised donuts. The Simpsons doughnut was not too fresh and a let down. The Huell highlight though was indeed the star. I am not much of a peanut butter and chocolate fan, but the combination was superb.
They have many different unique varieties, I will be back. A major complaint though is the price. Total cost for 9 doughnuts with a small chocolate milk was a whopping $18.
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I try to avoid Westwood at all costs, but had an inescapable appointment in the village this afternoon. Frazzled by the traffic, lack of parking, and heat, I was in a funk. But then I was lured into Stan's by the heady scent of confectioners' sugar and deep-fat fryer. It was sweet redemption for the pain I'd suffered.
The Maple Glazed takes me back to New England. The Reece's Peanut Butter Cup takes me to a more decadent, almost sordid place.
I can't believe that I've lived in LA for almost four years and just now discovered Stan's. If it weren't for the fact that it's in the epicenter of the village, I'd be worried about adding another chin to the growing ranks.
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If you're in the area and you enjoy doughnuts, go to Stan's!!!
I drive 20 minutes to get to Stan's.
ORDER:
Apple fritter-the flavors are complex and interesting, the texture perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Banana Peanut Butter Stuffed- The peanut butter they use is really fantastic, and the raised doughnut dough is soft and pillow-like.
Buttermilk Cruller- Tangy and not overly sweet, the way a buttermilk doughnut should be. Go for the glazed.
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I consider these gourment doughnuts. They're pricier, but they are also better. Don't get the normal glazed or cake. Get the Reese's or PB&J.
Melt in your mouth!
I don't give 5 stars much but this place deserves it for "Best in Class."
My grandparents watch Huell Howser ALL the time, and recently saw an episode where he was at Stan's Doughnuts eating the "Peanut Butter Pocket" donuts. Roughly 2 days after the episode aired, I was in the car with them heading for Stan's.
My Grandpa had a gleam in his eye as he drove with a vengeance, worried that they would be sold out of the prized peanut butter treat. When we arrived, they had 4 left, and we quickly snatched 3 of them to eat in the shop.
I'm not a big peanut butter fan, but this donut was delicious!! It was also probably the densest, richest pastry I've ever eaten, and man was it finger licking good!! (Sorry, I'm from the South. hehe).
The shop it's self is very functional, and nothing fancy. But who cares about decor when you are in the elated state of a sugar induced coma?
After we left, Grandpa had a satisfied air about him that lingered for the rest of the day, stating that his sweet tooth was taken care of until "further notice." LOL.
Bottom Line: These donuts are the real thing and worth every calorie.
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Was craving, needed to buy. Peanut butter banana chocolate and chocolate cinnamon roll. And 10 other donuts. Donut overload.
Dealt with the 20 minutes it took to get out of the stupid Broxton parking lot just for some donuts. :)
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The reason to visit Stan's is due to one doughnut and one doughnut only: the blueberry-cheese doughnut with powdered sugar. The first time I bought one, I expected it to be like the blintzes I remember in NYC that forced me, upon consumption, to essentially roll myself home. I was pleasantly shocked that Stan's blueberry-cheese doughnut was light and flavorful. The cheese/blueberry/powdered sugar/dough combination allows the sum to be greater than the parts. The crispy edges of the dough add a little bite the mix. It's not cloyingly sweet and I can't explain how it all works, but it does. It's sublime. You must have one.
I admire the creativity in the flavor combinations of the other doughnuts but they fall flat and taste like adventurous Krispy Kreme sugar reservoirs. If you're over 12 years old, your taste buds weren't meant for this almost-steroidal sweet insanity. The dough has no texture, either, so your mouth has little opportunity to tackle anything but that overabundance of sugar.
If you have the courage to try the peanut butter doughnuts, the liberal amounts of real peanut butter packed into those mounds of dough will challenge your tongue for the residency rights to your mouth and your tongue will find itself homeless in no time.
I want to like Stan's, I really do, and that blueberry-cheese doughnut is memorable and award-winning. I'll always be glad to brake for it. The other offerings are just too much, though, and I want my tongue to have a home.
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I'm one of those that like Krispy Kreme over donuts that come in a cheap pink box.
Stan's donuts are different (and they don't come in a pink box...not like that matters). It just has a fresh more crisp texture compared to the stale "fresh" donuts. The dough is not dry, just perfect.
Flavors
- Donut holes (3/$1.00 or dozen/$3.50)
. Cinnamon
. Regular glazed
. Coconut not that good, kinda dry.
- Regular donuts
. Chocolate glazed round, crispy chocolate ontop. Very yum!
I think a donut costs $1.00 a piece! Kinda pricey. But if you're in the area I would try it. Never appreciated their donuts til I had others.
I remember hearing about this place from a friend, then I stumbled across it walking down the street one day. Awesome donuts and so unique! I hope to find more doughnut shops like this one. I tried the peanut butter and jelly, the Simpson's doughnut and also the maple - all super good. Just down the street from diddy reise cookies, stop in while on your sugar high.
Stan,
I have that love hate relationship thing when I think of your little corner store.
When it comes to Doughnuts, Stan you are the Man ! I love your Doughnuts.
But the problem is you have been fattening up UCLA Coeds for years.
Damn you Stan !!
The worst part, I will waddle back.
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I love Stan's Donuts!
I live in SF and get Stan's Donuts when I'm in the LA area. The prices are a bit steep, and the gourmet donuts aren't that good (even though they have some interesting flavors).
But the regular glazed donuts are just the right combination of fluffy and crunchy. Very addictive!
A little pricey, three doughnuts (coconut raised, pb & banana, and blueberry buttermilk bar) was $6. The buttermilk bar was a little too doughy (I know that sounds weird, they're doughnuts, right?). I like them kinda crispy on the outside and the one I had wasn't quite there. However, I'll probably go back to do some more research on the other varieties...
I stopped by this chilly morning for a doughnut and coffee, the breakfast of... cops, if I am to believe the broad assumption (I do). So many choices in so little a display counter and then, the drizzly clouds parted and the hand of God herself came down pointed at the third shelf onthe right and said: "That one" so Blueberry Cheese it was (see pics). Wow. a fluffy yet slightly crispy-edged pit of blueberry compote, cream cheese custard, and an avalanche of powdered sugar, May the nutrition gods forgive me.
Donut & Coffee $4, but coffee alone runs that much at local coffee joints.
oh and P.S. Huell Howser's doing a show on them March 6th or so a sign on their door leads me to believe.
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Stan's doughnut joint is pretty nifty for a sugar rush. I like their stuff with sprinkles, they've… Read more »
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