Sideshow Kitchen

First time making a visit to this shop. I was craving for some donut holes & donuts. I originally would have went to Krispy Kreme but since it's overpriced and I wanted a more budget friendly donut, I saw this nearby. I came in with my significant other and saw that it was a local spot and the prices were very affordable. I like how it's very fresh and there's a variety to choose from. Although having it near Krispy Kreme is quite a competition. I ordered 6 donuts: Sugar/Glaze/Blueberry/Chocolate glazed with sprinkles/Cinnamon Roll/Boston Cream and 6 donut holes: Red Velvet/Powder/Blueberry. Everything was super tasty and it wasn't too sweet which is great to health. My favorite was the blueberry. It's refreshing and it melts into the mouth. Atmosphere itself is very quiet and the worker was nice. I'd definitely come back again!

This is a wonderful old school donut shop. The owners are very nice and and their donuts are top notch. I will return and I look forward to the next time.

This place is way better than Krispy Kreme and it’s family-owned, which makes it even sweeter to support.

the sweetest staff ever, we love our mom and pop donut shops! <333 the donuts are always so so SO fluffy, while at other places they are stale and gross. i've been coming here since i was in elementary school (i'm in college now!) and they never once have disappointed me. my favs are the sugared donuts and honey glazed donuts.

The only place I go for yeast donut holes and donuts in general. Get here early for them because they're almost always sold out by the end of day. I also love the sesame buttermilk donuts here and it's not too sweet. It's all good, you can't go wrong. I'm personally not a big fan of cake donuts in general so I don't have an opinion on those.

What a wonderful surprise. I was in an area that I wasn't familiar with so I asked for a donut shop near me. This shop had so many specialty donuts that are included for the dozen price. I was there on a Sunday morning and they were filling order for many churchs.

Freshly made and you can taste it. Local business and better prized than Krispy Kreme next door. Brought half a dozen to a home inspection and they were a hit!

Great family owned place. Friendly conversation with staff, Hot and fresh coffee and donuts. Way better than the big corporate chains nearby, I always go with a blueberry cake and had to try their namesake sesame donut.

Debated on what kind of donuts we wanted to take to the office. My husband and I decided to support the small business. Glad we did! My husband came out with a smile, he said the staff was super friendly. My staff loved the donuts! Will be coming back.

I have yet to find a better donut shop anywhere. They are simply, the best donuts in San Diego! Sesame Donuts is one of the very very few things I miss in San Diego. I have never been disappointed here.

Great doughnuts. Tasty. Made fresh. Good service. Will go back and try some other things. Yes the Apple Fritters are huge. Sugar Overload.

Skip Krispy cream next door and have a real homemade donut. This place is the best donuts in San Diego. Love there apple fritters too!

Small mom and pop donut shop, so good! Always fresh and love the prompt service even during busy hours.

I'm usually not a fan of donuts but this spot here is something else. These are definitely better than the Krispy Kreme Donuts right next to it. *I ordered the half dozen and they even threw in some donut holes. 🍩

Really good donuts 🍩 really good service! Also the price is very nice !!! I wasn't expecting $8 for 6 donuts.

Delicious classic glazed donut. Quick and friendly service. Cozy and homey atmosphere. Only $1.89/donut. Cash and card accepted.

This shop is a community icon. When you’re driving by and you see that you have a choice between Krispy Kreme and this, it’s not a hard decision. Sesame donuts wins every time. The staff is so kind and very attentive. Their donuts taste unlike any other doughnut. And even though prices have raised over the years, no thanks to inflation, it is still well worth the money. The shop is always clean. There are always open seats to hang out. And you can get in and out in less than five minutes if you feel the need. Also, can you beat the store hours? I mean, come on. Long live sesame donuts.

Sesame Donuts is incredible! With less than 24 hours’ notice, they came through with 20 dozen donuts for a staff appreciation event at my workplace. The order was ready on time, and the team even helped me load everything into my car. The donuts were a huge hit, everyone loved them! My only regret is not snagging a Boston cream for myself (the best flavor, hands down). Highly recommend!

Thanks to one of our Japan Airlines Passengers we were blessed and fortunate to have these amazing donuts from Sesame! So thankful for Russell and his wife! We really appreciate how great they were! 🍩 🍩

Amazing donuts - seriously the best that I have ever had. More importantly, the detail toward customer service was outstanding. As I sat enjoying my donut, I got to listen in as a bit of new hire training was going on. I was completely blown away at the focus on the customer experience. Oddly Krispy Kreme open up shop across the parking lot six years ago in an effort to displace this decades old family run business. That is literally gross display of the worst that corporate America brings to our society. Shame on them. I am glad to report that Sesame Donuts 🍩 is better than any donut that I have ever had - including KK. I am only glad that I don't live too close - otherwise I would need larger clothes! Yum!

Hands down best spot for donuts. I know theres a Krispy Kreme in the area but trust me when I Sesame Donut surpasses KK in quality and service overall! Got a dozen of the available donuts on display. We also got one of the bacon and cheese croissants which you could get warmed up. My favorite (as hard as it was to choose because they're all so darn delicious) was the sesame donut! To top it off, they even give a few donut holes for free. They're all so light and filling and don't make you end up feeling all gross despite the fact that you may or may not have ate a dozen donuts 😂 The croissant was filled with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Overall a 400383737 out of 10. Definitely a must-visit if you're in San Diego and really craving some good donuts and other pastries.

Absolutely delicious! The dough is so soft and has a good chew, very good donuts. Very sweet people at the front assisting, they’re pros and know what they’re doing here. The Boston creme is the best Boston creme donut ever.

Open Christmas Day!!!! This place has the best donuts, the cinnamon rolls are amazing. Donut holes galore. Do not waste your time at the chain place across the parking lot, support the local store and a superior donut experience. Line is out the door for a reason, staff is so sweet and nice.

I'm so happy I found this superb place through Google Maps. It's everything a donut shop should be. Wide selection, absolutely fresh, generously sized, excellently priced and most of all, so delicious! The counter man was friendly and helpful. No nonsense about closing when they run out or trendy weird flavors designed for Instagram hits. I got both a vanilla and a chocolate cream filled (piggy) and they were the best donuts I've had in years. No indoor seating for Covid-19 but there are a couple small benches outside. I will be back, oh yes.

My wife and I drove from Chula Vista to Rancho Penasquitos to visit friends and she read about this place so we decided to stop by and pick up some pastries. We are so happy so happy we did, now whenever we are in the neighborhood we stop by and pick up some donuts. The owners are so nice and told us they have been in business for 30 years and the donuts are not as sweet and not as oily as Crispy Cream. It's amazing we have the 6th best donut shop in our county.

This place has the best freshly baked donuts around. If you are trying to choose between Krispy Kreme or Sesame Donut this is where I would recommend!! These are your classic donuts that have the perfect balance of airy and just a little crisp! Also the owners and their family are the sweetest and most welcoming people.

Great local Donut Shop. Best in San Diego!!! Has great selection of donuts and donut holes. Deffinatly stop here if you in the area. Ignore the giant corporation competitor in the center of the parking lot....go with a locally-owned small business instead.

Traditional doughnut shop (at least traditional in my world). Small but offers all the usual doughnut offerings. Good prices. For some reason not my kids favorite but I like them better than the Krispy Cream across the street.

There is a reason this donut shop is rated in the top 10 nationally! These donuts are DELICIOUS! They will decimate the will power of even the strongest mind and most resistant diet.

Jess D'Angelo

Sesame Donuts is incredible! With less than 24 hours’ notice, they came through with 20 dozen donuts for a staff appreciation event at my workplace. The order was ready on time, and the team even helped me load everything into my car. The donuts were a huge hit, everyone loved them! My only regret is not snagging a Boston cream for myself (the best flavor, hands down). Highly recommend!

Angie Gomez

Thanks to one of our Japan Airlines Passengers we were blessed and fortunate to have these amazing donuts from Sesame! So thankful for Russell and his wife! We really appreciate how great they were! 🍩 🍩

PeggySue Werthessen

Amazing donuts - seriously the best that I have ever had. More importantly, the detail toward customer service was outstanding. As I sat enjoying my donut, I got to listen in as a bit of new hire training was going on. I was completely blown away at the focus on the customer experience. Oddly Krispy Kreme open up shop across the parking lot six years ago in an effort to displace this decades old family run business. That is literally gross display of the worst that corporate America brings to our society. Shame on them. I am glad to report that Sesame Donuts 🍩 is better than any donut that I have ever had - including KK. I am only glad that I don't live too close - otherwise I would need larger clothes! Yum!

Sandy Haber-Holder

Hands down best spot for donuts. I know theres a Krispy Kreme in the area but trust me when I Sesame Donut surpasses KK in quality and service overall! Got a dozen of the available donuts on display. We also got one of the bacon and cheese croissants which you could get warmed up. My favorite (as hard as it was to choose because they're all so darn delicious) was the sesame donut! To top it off, they even give a few donut holes for free. They're all so light and filling and don't make you end up feeling all gross despite the fact that you may or may not have ate a dozen donuts 😂 The croissant was filled with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Overall a 400383737 out of 10. Definitely a must-visit if you're in San Diego and really craving some good donuts and other pastries.

the frustols

Absolutely delicious! The dough is so soft and has a good chew, very good donuts. Very sweet people at the front assisting, they’re pros and know what they’re doing here. The Boston creme is the best Boston creme donut ever.

Two Fat Meatballs

Open Christmas Day!!!! This place has the best donuts, the cinnamon rolls are amazing. Donut holes galore. Do not waste your time at the chain place across the parking lot, support the local store and a superior donut experience. Line is out the door for a reason, staff is so sweet and nice.

K Mulcahy

I'm so happy I found this superb place through Google Maps. It's everything a donut shop should be. Wide selection, absolutely fresh, generously sized, excellently priced and most of all, so delicious! The counter man was friendly and helpful. No nonsense about closing when they run out or trendy weird flavors designed for Instagram hits. I got both a vanilla and a chocolate cream filled (piggy) and they were the best donuts I've had in years. No indoor seating for Covid-19 but there are a couple small benches outside. I will be back, oh yes.

Bobby G

My wife and I drove from Chula Vista to Rancho Penasquitos to visit friends and she read about this place so we decided to stop by and pick up some pastries. We are so happy so happy we did, now whenever we are in the neighborhood we stop by and pick up some donuts. The owners are so nice and told us they have been in business for 30 years and the donuts are not as sweet and not as oily as Crispy Cream. It's amazing we have the 6th best donut shop in our county.

C

This place has the best freshly baked donuts around. If you are trying to choose between Krispy Kreme or Sesame Donut this is where I would recommend!! These are your classic donuts that have the perfect balance of airy and just a little crisp! Also the owners and their family are the sweetest and most welcoming people.

Jub's Journey

Great local Donut Shop. Best in San Diego!!! Has great selection of donuts and donut holes. Deffinatly stop here if you in the area. Ignore the giant corporation competitor in the center of the parking lot....go with a locally-owned small business instead.

Steve Gonzales

I have yet to find a better donut shop anywhere. They are simply, the best donuts in San Diego! Sesame Donuts is one of the very very few things I miss in San Diego. I have never been disappointed here.

Dan L

Traditional doughnut shop (at least traditional in my world). Small but offers all the usual doughnut offerings. Good prices. For some reason not my kids favorite but I like them better than the Krispy Cream across the street.

Family owned, so friendly. The donuts are fresh soft and perfectly chewy! They are great with the children. They also have super mega donuts and donut holes and great coffee! Always fun to support local family, run businesses, especially the kind of caring folks here! We drive all the way from Encinitas for the donuts!

OK, if there were a donut heaven--Sesame Donuts would be at the pearly gates! The vanilla cream donut is soft doughy ecstasy and sleek glaze twists/bowties are untouchable! The whole donut counter from top to bottom is sweet-heavenly tastes! Enjoyment eating these bad boys! Must visit if in San Diego short drive up the 15 North!

Seth Bechis

Family owned, so friendly. The donuts are fresh soft and perfectly chewy! They are great with the children. They also have super mega donuts and donut holes and great coffee! Always fun to support local family, run businesses, especially the kind of caring folks here! We drive all the way from Encinitas for the donuts!

David DeBoskey

OK, if there were a donut heaven--Sesame Donuts would be at the pearly gates! The vanilla cream donut is soft doughy ecstasy and sleek glaze twists/bowties are untouchable! The whole donut counter from top to bottom is sweet-heavenly tastes! Enjoyment eating these bad boys! Must visit if in San Diego short drive up the 15 North!

Cheryl

What a wonderful surprise. I was in an area that I wasn't familiar with so I asked for a donut shop near me. This shop had so many specialty donuts that are included for the dozen price. I was there on a Sunday morning and they were filling order for many churchs.

Delicious donuts and they give extra too I ordered 6 they gave extra one. Cheaper than the nearby Krispy Creme but more heavier and fresh too. Just sad why the tenant would put Krispy Creme near her when she has been there for many years. Anyways many people still support this Korean family owned. We need to support local businesses here in SD. VERY nice mother there always smiles and welcomes everyone warmly. God bless!

Donuts are good but I’m surprised they’re ranked amongst the top in the nation, I’ve had similar donuts. & I love apple fritters & didn’t think there’s was that good. Other donuts were just as good as expected!

Leticia Sprouse

Donuts are good but I’m surprised they’re ranked amongst the top in the nation, I’ve had similar donuts. & I love apple fritters & didn’t think there’s was that good. Other donuts were just as good as expected!

I tried this donut shop recently. The donuts were extremely sweet — honestly, some of the sweetest I’ve ever had. They looked nice, but the flavor was a bit too sugary for my taste. Overall, it was okay, but not something I’d go out of my way for again.

Omar H

I tried this donut shop recently. The donuts were extremely sweet — honestly, some of the sweetest I’ve ever had. They looked nice, but the flavor was a bit too sugary for my taste. Overall, it was okay, but not something I’d go out of my way for again.

UPDATE Dec 11th, 2021: I came back for the croissant, which was the item I liked last time...it was burnt to a crisp!! (See pic) I couldn't even eat it. Yuck. Original Dec 5th, 2021 review: Pros and Cons. Pros: The friendliest donut shop I have ever been in!! Staff are SO nice! Their croissant ham and cheese is amazing!🥐 Their donuts are dense/chewy, kind of in between a cake donut and a regular fluffy/airy donut. So, if you like a hearty donut, this is the place! Cons: Our donuts seemed to be cooked in oil that was a bit too old--donut frying oil has to be changed frequently & it seems we got the donuts that were made last. That can really ruin an otherwise great donut. Overall, I definitely recommend...just maybe arrive earlier to get the first batch of donuts.

Rae B

UPDATE Dec 11th, 2021: I came back for the croissant, which was the item I liked last time...it was burnt to a crisp!! (See pic) I couldn't even eat it. Yuck. Original Dec 5th, 2021 review: Pros and Cons. Pros: The friendliest donut shop I have ever been in!! Staff are SO nice! Their croissant ham and cheese is amazing!🥐 Their donuts are dense/chewy, kind of in between a cake donut and a regular fluffy/airy donut. So, if you like a hearty donut, this is the place! Cons: Our donuts seemed to be cooked in oil that was a bit too old--donut frying oil has to be changed frequently & it seems we got the donuts that were made last. That can really ruin an otherwise great donut. Overall, I definitely recommend...just maybe arrive earlier to get the first batch of donuts.

It Ain't What It Used To Be!!!!! Long gone are the days of "Grandma" sneaking a few donut holes in your bag and the pleasure of quality made donuts. I grabbed a dozed (@ $19.75 ouch!) 6/14/25 and I was very disappointed. The quality and freshness, GONE! I don't think they make their own donuts anymore. They look and taste like the donuts at Vons/7-11. Too bad!

I saw this place in the news recently being a “top” donut shop in San Diego and were known for their popular King donuts. Stopped by Sunday morning (sometime between 7 and 8) to give their donuts a try but unfortunately a sign on the door stopped that from happening because they were closed. They are also supposed to be known for being open 24 hours but I guess it’s just clickbait. What a waste of time and gas especially during these times.

New ownership, not the same donuts. We've had them twice since the change, but didnt know. The first time I thought it must be an off day. My boyfriend brought home this morning. I bit into a glazed and my first thought was did he go to Krispy Kreme?! He mentioned the inside of the store looks different. Sure enough, new ownership. Have to find a new shop now :(

Apple fritter was under cooked, not crunchy on the edges and very small compared to before, & also other places. Other donuts were grocery store standard.

Donuts are ok but not top 6 in U.S. It would be nice if they opened during their advertised hours of 5am. Mainly why I go here is because they are supposed to open early and I can pick up donuts before work. Yesterday the person inside would not open despite my knocking on door and calling to be hung up on so had to leave 10 minutes after 5am without donuts

Michelle Slade

Apple fritter was under cooked, not crunchy on the edges and very small compared to before, & also other places. Other donuts were grocery store standard.

TeresaCA

New ownership, not the same donuts. We've had them twice since the change, but didnt know. The first time I thought it must be an off day. My boyfriend brought home this morning. I bit into a glazed and my first thought was did he go to Krispy Kreme?! He mentioned the inside of the store looks different. Sure enough, new ownership. Have to find a new shop now :(