Taste the moment
Welcome to Colonial Donuts
Colonial Donuts in Oakland is a beloved, no-frills donut shop famed for its fresh, light, and perfectly fried donuts. From classic maple bacon to unique ube flavors and gluten-free mochi options, their variety impresses without overwhelming. The staff’s warm hospitality adds to the welcoming, neighborhood vibe. Donuts remain crispy and never greasy, even after time, showcasing expert craftsmanship. Paired with excellent coffee and tea, Colonial Donuts offers an affordable indulgence any time of day—even late for afterparty cravings. Its enduring local reputation and consistent quality make it a true Bay Area gem worth savoring again and again.
Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
Twist
Apple Fritter
Whole Sandwich
Donut Holes
Apple/Lemon Turnover
Custard Filled French Cruller
Custard Filled Bars
$0Bear Claw
$0Cinnamon Twist
$0 Story & Atmosphere
Colonial Donuts
Colonial Donuts, nestled at 3318 Lakeshore Ave in Oakland, is a true local treasure. This classic counter-service donut shop stands out with its fresh, handcrafted donuts made daily. The variety is impressive—from light, perfectly fried classics to unique specialties like ube and maple bacon. Each bite strikes a perfect balance: crispy without greasy heaviness, and sweet yet not overwhelming. The freshness is palpable, even late into the night when they keep the ovens firing and the trays full for those late-night cravings.
Beyond the donuts, Colonial Donuts offers a well-curated selection of coffee, tea, and chilled beverages, creating a complete experience that complements their sugary delights. The friendly and patient staff add warmth to every visit, making newcomers and longtime fans feel equally welcome. The shop’s no-frills atmosphere highlights the quality of their products rather than trends or hype, echoing an old-school charm that's rare to find.
Notably, Colonial Donuts also caters to diverse tastes with gluten-free mochi donuts in multiple flavors, showing a thoughtful approach to inclusive dining. While the lack of seating or restrooms might seem like a minor inconvenience, it keeps the focus on delivering fast, fresh treats to enjoy on the go or at home.
In short, Colonial Donuts is more than just a place to grab a sweet bite—it’s a well-loved institution where each donut is a craft. Whether you’re drawn by their classic filled bars, unique flavor combinations, or the welcoming vibe, this shop embodies what great donut making is all about: freshness, flavor, and community.
Stories & Reviews
Guestbook
“ Classic counter service donut shop with great selection, plus coffee, tea, and a fridge full of beverages. Open late for after-party munchies! ”
“ Colonial Donuts has been an Oakland Gem since forever! One of the places in town that is a must-try! I've been coming here since high school, which was 20 years ago, the staff are super friendly and very kind. I usually get the donut holes, maple bacon, filled bars, and filled French Cruller. They are made fresh daily. They're the best donuts in town! ”
“ Love this donut shop! The staff is so friendly & welcoming. The variety of donuts + freshness is top notch. Highly recommend!! ”
“ The specialty ube donuts were worth the price and tasted fresh (even in the later hours) and the person helping us behind the counter was very patient as this was our first time. There are a big selection of coffee and assorted drinks to help put the sugary treats down and I respect the owner locking up the back area to discourage loitering in the evening hours. Will definitely return when that midnight donut craving hits~ *Tip: If you want a more light and balanced flavor, go with the Glazed Cake Ube Donut. If you want robust ube flavor, go with the Crumble Cake Ube Donut ”
“ My favorite donut colony. Sometimes in evening they have hot fresh donuts, a special treat. Nice variety and hours. Not to judge, but there is no seating or bathrooms. I’m sure for good reason! ”