Sidecar Doughnuts, 812 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91106
Sidecar Doughnuts, which hails from Orange County, just opened next to Howlin’ Rays in Pasadena. I went to the Costa Mesa location many years ago. They’re still emphasizing the freshness of their doughnuts. The tagline is still the World’s Freshest Doughnuts.” Donuts are made in small batches every hour.
Since I visited during the soft opening, the selection was extremely limited. Also, the screens weren’t on, so I didn’t see the menu. And they weren’t offering drinks. During the soft opening, they had a buy one, get one free offer (limit two donuts per person). I also saw a sign for the Pasadena strawberry rose donut, the signature donut they created for Pasadena. Some of the proceeds from the sale of these donuts will support the Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund.
They have fancy cake, raised, and filled donuts. And there are vegan options.
Buter & salt cake donut ($4.75): European Style browned Butter, Fresh Buttermilk, Organic Vanilla beans, French Sea Salt, Milled wheat flour. This donut was so fresh that it was still warm…I was amazed by how moist the donut was, yet the exterior was crispy. Amazingly delicious…also not crazy sweet.
Vegan chocolate cake donut ($5.50): I had this the next day, so it wasn’t as moist but it wasn’t dry either. It didn’t taste “vegan” at all. It tasted like a high quality regular chocolate cake donut.
They serve coffee from a coffee roaster in Orange County. The space is a bit odd because all the seating is outdoors. Download the app to earn rewards, including the new member perk: free donut and a drink.
5 out of 5 stars
By Lolia S.
