LA loves its donut shops: the ones that have been around for generations Cambodian owned, enthusiastically decorated donuts hidden in plain pink boxes, as much as the trendy new imports from other cool cities with fun names and daring flavors, as much as the homegrown ones that fit all the various dietary restrictions Angelenos might have. Donut Friend is a local favorite that has been around long enough to have a bit of a cult following, but not long enough to be a nostalgic choice. It is LA-cute, with Highland Park cool. The flavors are creative, as are the names. The creations look as good as they taste, oh and it’s all vegan.

Donut Friend is for donuts that are a treat any time of the day. It feels like a neighborhood shop, but it also feels like an occasion. Seeing the colorful donuts line the case with names like Compassion Fruit and Jimmy Eat Swirl and Yo La Mango, flavors inspired by seasons, trends, local favorites, ranging from somewhat traditional to not traditional at all. The ice cream comes in every color of the rainbow and also ranges from somewhat traditional (oreo ice cream but it’s blue) to not all that traditional (thai tea but it’s grey). The killer donut line up is a great start to any day and (perhaps later in the day, on a warm day) a donut ice cream sandwich makes for an extra sweet treat. Point is, Donut Friend is a cult classic in these parts and you’ll be loved if you show up with a box to the office.