When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Old Ferry Donut
Why Old Ferry Donut is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Old Ferry Donut, originally founded in Seoul in 2016, has become a celebrated destination for donut enthusiasts looking to meet up with friends in Los Angeles and Southern California. Known as South Korea's first premium donut brand, it brings a unique blend of retro charm and innovative flavors influenced by New York's vibrant donut culture. Its inviting, retro-themed ambiance modeled after the 1970s creates a nostalgic and cozy atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings. The shop’s distinctiveness lies in its generous, flavorful fillings—ranging from crème brûlée with a crackly caramelized sugar topping, mascarpone-stuffed tiramisu, to more adventurous tastes like butter pistachio or peanut butter cream. This assortment offers something for every palate, making it an ideal spot for sharing and discovering new favorites with friends. Apart from the donuts, Old Ferry also features packaged flavored milk reminiscent of Korean grocery aisles, such as strawberry, banana, and mint white chocolate, adding to the communal experience. Multiple locations across Los Angeles including Koreatown, Buena Park, Torrance, and San Gabriel ensure accessibility. This combination of innovative, large-sized filled donuts, welcoming atmosphere, and specialty drinks makes Old Ferry Donut a superb place to connect and indulge with friends.
Here's what people think of Old Ferry Donut
As of recent, Old Ferry Donut holds a 4.5-star rating based on 87 reviews.
The user reviews for Old Ferry Donut consistently highlight the shop's outstanding flavor innovation and quality. Positive reviews rave about the unique and rich donut fillings, such as matcha cream, apple cinnamon, and especially the mascarpone and crème brûlée flavors, which exceeded many customers' expectations. Reviewers appreciate the donuts' generous size, fresh dough, and thoughtfully selected ingredients, noting that these qualities elevate the experience beyond standard donut shops. The retro-themed decor and nostalgic vibe also enhance the ambiance for social visits. Additionally, customers enjoy the specialty milk pouches with varied flavors, which complement the sweet treats. On the negative side, some reviewers mention that certain flavors like butter pistachio can be overly rich for some tastes, and that the shops can become quickly sold out due to popularity, sometimes making it challenging to get desired items, especially during peak hours. Seating can be limited in some locations, adding to the challenge for those wanting to dine in comfortably. Despite these minor drawbacks, customer consensus remains very positive. In conclusion, reviews paint Old Ferry Donut as a beloved destination for creative, high-quality filled donuts with a retro twist, making it a great place for friends to meet and enjoy innovative desserts together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kate Lyon
Incredible doughnuts - some of the best in LA, in fact. Butter pistachio is the best I’ve had so far - a ring doughnut with pistachio crumbs on top and a light whipped pistachio filling. The crème brûlée ball is great too - filled with vanilla-bean cream and a crunchy sugar coating on the outside. The matcha ball was very good as well. I wasn’t sold however on their cake doughnut, a bit dense for my taste. The interior has a fun retro vibe and there is a seating area with a few tables and chairs if you want to eat your goods in house. Service was fast and friendly. Parking can be a bit tricky but nothing out of the ordinary for K-town. We did find street parking on a Saturday afternoon though FWIW They have some creative flavors I’d love to try next time like cream cheese and onion sesame. I’d recommend coming with friends so you can try a bit of each! We will be back!
Amanda Tenorio
Ordered 3 donuts. The donuts were nice and dense. The pistachio butter had cream in it and so did the cookies and cream. The raspberry jam inside tasted like it was made with real raspberries. All in all a really unique blend of flavors. I would recommend this place.
Stephen Lee
Expensive but its LA. What can I say? Boojie doughnuts. I've never had doughnuts where glazed fruit flavors actually tasted like the fruit advertised. Like their raspberry glazed actually tasted like raspberries and didn't taste similar to all the other glazed doughnuts. Great stuff but very ready to spend!
Donna Kim
올드페리가 엘에이에 있다니! 미치셨습니까 휴먼 🤯 This is one of my all-time favorite Korean donut shops🍩❤️ It was my go-to spot in Korea, so when I found out they had a location in LA, I had to check it out right away. I’m amazed at how they’ve managed to keep the taste exactly the same! The dough is perfectly chewy, and the cream inside is lightly sweetened, making it absolutely delicious. Every flavor is great, but if you go, I highly recommend the pistachio, crème brûlée, and tiramisu—they’re an absolute must-try!❤️ To see more about hidden gem, come & see my youtube channel ❤️ @go-dory
Dennis Phan
I came because of world famous Twitch streamer vanillamace’s iconic video… and was the donut life changing? Hmm… perhaps not BUT it was so good. I definitely recommend the pistachio donut. So good, just don’t be gluttonous like me and my friend and get two donuts and eat them all at once if you can’t handle it lollll. Will 100% be returning again :)
How to reach Old Ferry Donut
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Why Old Ferry Donut may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Old Ferry Donut with your friends?
When it comes to gathering with friends or family, few places strike the perfect balance between cozy comfort and lively atmosphere like Old Ferry Donut. Rated an impressive 4.5 out of 5 based on 87 reviews, this donut shop has quickly become a beloved destination in Los Angeles, particularly popular among locals and visitors alike. What makes Old Ferry Donut stand out for group meetups is its unique blend of nostalgic charm and modern gourmet appeal. Originally from Seoul, the shop offers a creative twist on classic donuts, ensuring there’s something new and exciting to talk about and share with everyone in your group. The nostalgic 1970s retro décor provides a fun, Instagram-worthy backdrop that adds to the vibe of a warm, inviting gathering spot. Whether it's a casual coffee date, a family outing, or a fun meetup with friends, Old Ferry Donut offers a welcoming environment where laughter, conversation, and the shared joy of tasting exquisite sweets come together seamlessly. This is why rallying here turns an ordinary get-together into a memorable experience worth repeating.
What activities and experiences does Old Ferry Donut offer for group meetups?
Old Ferry Donut is more than just a place to grab a delicious treat—it's a multifunctional venue that caters wonderfully to group gatherings by blending food, ambience, and playful culinary exploration. First and foremost, the star of the show is the menu, which boasts a variety of innovative donuts that defy traditional expectations. Diners can indulge in specialties like the tiramisu donut filled with rich mascarpone cream, the crème brûlée donut topped with a crackling sugar crust, or the butterscotch donut adorned with pistachio crumbles. Each donut feels like a mini adventure in flavor, making sharing and tasting these sweet creations a great communal activity. This interactive tasting experience encourages groups to order multiple varieties to sample and discuss, igniting friendly debates over favorite flavors and new discoveries.
Beyond the food, Old Ferry Donut’s environment contributes heavily to its appeal as a meetup spot. The retro, ‘70s-themed aesthetic – with vintage-inspired décor, warm lighting, and playful details – sets a nostalgic yet fresh tone that invites guests to relax and enjoy themselves. The space itself is well-appointed for casual conversations and photo opportunities, making it easy for friends and family to unwind. Whether your group wants to linger over coffee and donuts, snap some memorable photos, or just soak in a delightful ambiance, Old Ferry is designed to accommodate all these desires effortlessly. Moreover, the café atmosphere naturally encourages socializing; its blend of comfortable seating and lively background music enhances the overall experience, keeping energy high without overwhelming conversation.
Why is Old Ferry Donut perfect for hosting group meetups?
One of the defining factors that make Old Ferry Donut ideal for group gatherings is its capacity to accommodate various group sizes comfortably. Whether you’re meeting a small circle of close friends or a larger family group, the layout and seating options provide flexibility, offering spots that feel intimate yet inclusive. The communal nature of donuts also makes for easy sharing, creating a tangible connection through the simple act of enjoying together. This shared experience helps to break the ice and strengthen bonds, perfect for people catching up after some time apart.
Additionally, the wide range of drinks available, including specialty coffees and teas carefully curated to complement the donuts, adds another layer of enjoyment for groups. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the thoughtful pairing recommendations, making each bite and sip a paired celebration. This attention to detail signals a broader commitment to guest satisfaction, which is evident in the consistently positive reviews from patrons praising both the food and the inviting atmosphere.
Located conveniently within vibrant neighborhoods such as Koreatown and Anaheim, Old Ferry Donut also benefits from being easily accessible. This means your friends and family can come from different parts of the city or beyond without any hassle. The central location combined with ample parking or public transit options reduces the logistical stress often associated with group meetups, allowing the focus to remain on enjoying each other's company.
How can Old Ferry Donut accommodate different interests within a group?
A standout feature of Old Ferry Donut is its menu versatility and the variety of experiences it offers, making it a universally appealing venue. For those who have a sweet tooth, the donuts are the main attraction, each thoughtfully crafted with layers of texture and flavor that satisfy even the most discerning dessert lovers. For people who prefer something less sweet or more substantial, there are options like their acclaimed cinnamon rolls that offer a satisfying alternative with the same level of quality and care.
The shop also caters well to social media enthusiasts and creatives within the group. Its retro-themed décor, stylish presentation of donuts, and colorful, vibrant interior make it a hotspot for candid snapshots and staged photoshoots. It’s easy to spend time simply capturing the moment, creating memories visually while indulging in the food and atmosphere. For foodies, the novel donut flavors spark curiosity and conversation, encouraging exploration and discovery as they try new and unusual combinations.
Moreover, Old Ferry Donut’s calm yet lively café setting also suits quieter activities such as reading, casual chatting, or even some light work or study for those who want to combine leisure with productivity. This mix of lively interaction and subdued corners allows groups with varied interests to coexist harmoniously. This flexibility in usage means that no matter the group's collective mood or activity preference, the environment supports and enhances the experience rather than restricting it.
What makes the ambiance and location of Old Ferry Donut an ideal choice for group gatherings?
Ambiance is crucial when selecting a spot for meeting friends or family, and Old Ferry Donut excels in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and trendy. The retro 70s décor, featuring patterned floors, pastel colors, and vintage-inspired furniture, transports guests to a different era, providing a unique cultural experience in addition to its culinary offerings. This attention to stylistic detail creates a comforting backdrop that naturally fosters intimate conversation and conviviality, making each visit feel like a special occasion.
In addition to the carefully crafted interior, the ambient music and sensory details—like the aroma of freshly baked donuts mingling with freshly brewed coffee—enhance the overall experience, appealing to multiple senses simultaneously. This multisensory appeal plays a significant role in setting the mood and encouraging guests to relax and linger, which is ideal for groups wanting to spend quality time together.
Location-wise, Old Ferry Donut’s presence in bustling areas like Koreatown and Anaheim means it is surrounded by other attractions and conveniences. This makes it a great starting point or extension for a day out with friends or family. The accessibility through various routes and transport options ensures that reaching the venue is straightforward, reducing travel stress and making it more likely that everyone in the group can join. Furthermore, the active neighborhood vibe means that guests can easily transition from their meetup at Old Ferry Donut to explore nearby shops, parks, or entertainment venues, adding flexibility to the outing.
In conclusion, Old Ferry Donut’s perfect fusion of innovative gourmet donuts, inviting ambiance, and ideal location combine to create an unparalleled environment for group meetups. It encourages shared culinary exploration, intimate connection, and fun-filled atmosphere, all essential ingredients for memorable gatherings with friends or family.