When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Why Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is an inviting destination for friends seeking a delightful place to gather and enjoy premium doughnuts and expertly brewed coffee. Known for their commitment to freshness, each doughnut is made from scratch every hour using high-quality ingredients with no preservatives, ensuring a consistently delightful treat. This dedication to quality is paired with a variety of unique and inventive flavors, such as the well-loved Huckleberry and Lemon Rosemary doughnuts, offering a distinctive experience beyond typical donut shops. The ambiance across Sidecar locations, including its Costa Mesa and Torrance shops, blends a modern and welcoming vibe with thoughtful nods to local history, such as an industrial factory-themed space in Torrance, encouraging comfortable socializing and a relaxed meetup environment. Aside from doughnuts, Sidecar serves as a noteworthy spot for coffee aficionados, featuring beverages like their popular Vietnamese coffee that customers often seek out even when not indulging in sweets. Open from early morning through the afternoon, it accommodates early coffee runs or leisurely daytime visits, making it an excellent venue for casual catch-ups or new connections over tasty, freshly made pastries and quality drinks.
Here's what people think of Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
As of recent, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee holds a 4.5-star rating based on 806 reviews.
Customer feedback for Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is predominantly positive, reflecting high satisfaction with the freshness and flavor of their doughnuts and the quality of their coffee offerings. Many reviewers praise the friendly and helpful staff and the inventive donut flavors that stand out compared to typical selections, noting that the donuts are often served fresh and even warm. The coffee is also frequently highlighted, with specific appreciation for their Vietnamese coffee and the variety of drink options available. Positive reviews emphasize the consistent quality, uniqueness of flavors, freshness, and the inviting atmosphere of the shop. However, some negative remarks touch on service-related issues, such as longer wait times and occasional delays in donut availability, which have caused frustration especially when customers travel specifically for certain flavors. Additionally, some reviews note that during busier times, the pace of service may slow considerably. Internally, employee reviews indicate generally good vibes and enjoyable work culture, though some mention management and communication challenges, as well as the physically demanding nature of the work. Despite these concerns, the overall customer consensus affirms Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee as a favored spot offering premium doughnuts and coffee, with room for improvement primarily in service speed and management operations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mike Beltran
Absolutely worth the stop if you’re anywhere near Solana Beach! We came down specifically for the donuts at Sidecar, and they did not disappoint. We tried the Huckleberry (a must-try and highly recommended), the Celebration Cake, the Strawberry, and the Vanilla Bean, each one packed with flavor and incredibly fresh. I also had a Vanilla Latte that paired perfectly with the donuts, smooth, rich, and full of flavor. One of the best parts? You can watch them make the donuts fresh in-house, right behind the glass. Everything feels intentional and crafted with care. The space is clean, modern, and the staff was friendly and efficient. Highly recommend if you’re a donut lover or just looking for a sweet treat and great coffee while visiting the area. We hope to stop by before heading back to Phoenix.
Shawn
Everything is so good here. Well worth coming for these donuts in the morning. You get to see them make them and there is so many choices to choose from that you can’t go wrong. I really like the cake style donuts the texture is great. Our favorites were the strawberry buttermilk and vanilla glaze. Butter and salt is a classic treat too we enjoyed. Will come back often!
Linh W
Coming here every week has become part of my routine, and for good reason!! their donuts are absolutely delicious! You can tell they put so much care and effort into making them. They’re always warm, fresh, and full of flavor. They even have some fun seasonal flavors from time to time, which I love trying. The service is always really friendly, which makes the experience even better. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of their donuts. My favorite is the chocolate one-it’s rich, satisfying, and consistently amazing.
Karla Sullivan
Some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Been coming here for years and I’m never disappointed. I love the seasonal flavors and the original flavors are always delicious.
Gemma Cook
Don’t let the look deceive you! Usually super good, yesterday morning I went around 9am. Doughnuts were literally SO dry. Also the banana bread latte just didn’t taste right. Super upsetting because usually this place is a win! Don’t sell dry donuts!
How to reach Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
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Why Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee with your friends?
If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious destination to gather with friends or family, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is an exceptional choice. This acclaimed doughnut shop, boasting a strong rating of 4.5 across more than 800 reviews, invites guests to indulge in some of the most innovative and freshly made doughnuts in Southern California. The appeal goes beyond just the food: the atmosphere offers a casual yet lively environment perfect for socializing and sharing experiences. Whether you’re meeting for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, Sidecar’s commitment to quality and creativity promises a tasteful adventure for everyone in your group. Imagine savoring unique flavors like the Butter & Salt or the Lemon Rosemary doughnuts, alongside expertly brewed coffee, while enjoying friendly service. The bright, modest space encourages a communal vibe, making it easy to chat, laugh, and create memories together without the formality or pretense of larger eateries. This combination of crave-worthy treats and a welcoming environment makes Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee a natural rallying spot for any group gathering.
What makes Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee perfect for a group meetup?
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is designed as an intimate but accommodating spot, making it superb for groups looking for a casual hangout. First, the menu’s diversity is ideal for sharing: with an array of freshly made doughnuts that range from classic cake to creative, trendy flavors, there’s something to please every palate. Sharing a box of their handcrafted doughnuts turns eating into an interactive experience, prompting conversation around which flavor to try next. Combined with their quality coffee options — including their signature Sidecar Vintage Blend that features notes of dark chocolate and toasted almonds — the menu caters to all tastes in a group, whether you prefer sweet treats or a strong espresso pick-me-up.
The location itself offers several outdoor tables right by the entrance where groups can comfortably gather. The casual seating encourages lounging and extended visits, not just a quick grab-and-go. It fosters a social atmosphere where you can relax over coffee and doughnuts, making it an ideal venue for catching up or celebrating in a low-key way. Additionally, Sidecar’s reputation for freshness—with doughnuts made daily and often still warm—adds a quality and exclusivity bonding factor that makes the meetup feel special.
What activities can you enjoy at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee with friends?
While Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is primarily a eatery, there are several activities that naturally pair with the experience and help transform it into a delightful group outing. Sampling and sharing different doughnut flavors becomes a fun tasting adventure, especially since Sidecar frequently experiments with unique combinations like Thin Mint or Bourbon pecan pie flavors. This turns your visit into a mini food exploration that encourages friends to compare favorites and swap bites.
Pair this with savoring side conversations over expertly brewed coffees or Vietnamese coffee, another highlight. It’s common for visitors to linger, enjoying the comfortable ambiance, which creates plenty of time to chat, plan, and connect. This environment also suits casual photo ops — delicious doughnuts make for perfect social media posts, enhancing the outing with a fun, modern twist.
Moreover, ordering together can create a sense of teamwork, and if you book ahead or use Sidecar’s online ordering for pickup, your group can avoid long waits, making the meetup efficient yet enjoyable. Lastly, take-home boxes mean you can extend the fun beyond your visit, sharing the joy with others or keeping a memory of the experience. These collective activities make Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee more than just a place to eat — it becomes a setting for bonding and creating shared joyful moments.
How does Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee stand out in quality and atmosphere?
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee’s commitment to quality is evident not only in its highly rated doughnuts but also in the consistency of its fresh, made-from-scratch approach. Every hour, new batches are prepared ensuring pastries are never stale and often served warm, a rarity in doughnut shops. Customers frequently praise their wide variety of innovative flavors, from the tangy and fresh Lemon Rosemary to classic favorites like Butter & Salt, showcasing creativity that appeals to both adventurous eaters and traditionalists. Their small-batch roasting methods ensure the coffee matches the premium quality of the doughnuts, offering a perfectly balanced companion in every cup.
The atmosphere, while cozy and simple, is decidedly welcoming and well-suited for social groups. Whether you choose the flagship Costa Mesa location or others in the LA area, Sidecar provides a bright, airy vibe with contemporary decor that complements the artisanal food without overwhelming it. This enhances the overall experience, making it feel like a boutique shop rather than a generic chain. The attention to guest experience—friendly staff knowledgeable about the doughnuts and coffee—adds a personalized touch that makes visitors, especially groups, feel valued and comfortable.
What practical tips should groups consider when visiting Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee?
To make the most of a group meetup at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, planning ahead can improve the flow and enjoyment of your visit. Because of its popularity, especially on weekends, there can be lines or wait times that might be lengthy. However, Sidecar offers online ordering with convenient outdoor pickup options to bypass long queues, which is particularly helpful for larger groups aiming to minimize waiting. Arriving during off-peak hours, like mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, also helps avoid crowds and provides a more relaxed environment.
Groups should consider sharing boxes of doughnuts to sample an array of flavors without overindulging individually, which plays perfectly into the social nature of the venue. Bringing along a casual spirit and taking advantage of the outdoor seating area can also enhance the experience — it’s designed for comfort and sociability. Lastly, don’t miss the chance to try some of Sidecar’s special coffees, as they elevate the doughnut experience significantly and offer something memorable for coffee lovers in the group.
By combining these practical strategies with Sidecar’s exceptional menu and atmosphere, groups will find an inviting and flavorful place to enjoy quality time together, making each meetup an anticipated and cherished event.