Randy's Donuts

[hobbess]

Are these the best doughnuts around LAX? And, what's their best offering - their apple fritters or one of their donuts?

I will have a flight to catch at LAX so how much earlier do I need to go to LAX if I stop by Randy's- do I need to worry about any long lines or slow service?

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Randy's Donuts
805 West Manchester Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301

[foodworthy]

I think you'll find you remember the iconic sign long after the taste of their donuts.

[bulavinaka]

Probably the worst time to go is in the evening in my experience. I've dropped by in the late evening to satiate pangs of sugar only to have mixed experiences with donuts past their peak.

[ipsedixit]

Another reason to love Donut Man ... 24 hours baby!

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Donut Man
915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740

[Peripatetic]

Also note that even though they are "open 24 hours", they sometimes close for a half hour late at night so the person working can take a lunch break. They sometimes also close if they are "out of donuts".

[hobbess]

Does that mean there's a best time to get their donuts?

Is there a certain time when the donuts will be pippin' warm and delicious?

[bulavinaka]

I don't go nearly often enough to make that call. Most of my excursions there were back in the 80s/90s when I often worked in the general airport/south bay area. I do know that when I've gone at various times during the day, I've often seen the kitchen being staffed with at least one person actively making the donuts. Randy's has quite a few varieties of donuts, and each variety is typically on its own cookie sheet/tray because of their large volume.

[Servorg]

My first Randy's excursion was in 1971 when I started at Hughes Aircraft's old LAX site that was spread out around the airport (you could tell which were Hughes buildings by their "pea soup" green color) and my last excursion was in 1978 when I quit to go sailing for a year. Since then, not one visit. That probably says more about the characteristics of Randy's doughnuts than any other verbiage I could come up with... ;-D>

[Peripatetic]

The current owners (Ron and Larry Weintraub) took over Randy's in 1978. I have no idea whether they've made changes, but it may not be the same as it was back then.

[Foodandwine]

Yes, they normally start cooking them late evening. Midnight is a great time for the warm ones going into the early morning say 4:00 or so. Just from experience I state this, nothing official..

[Robert Thornton]

Yes, it's the best donut place I know near LAX. Sure Bob's or Stan's or Donut Man are great, but they're between 30 minutes to 1 hour+ from LAX. Randy's is the best I know of near LAX.

As far as what to go for, there isn't any unique, have to get thing, and most of their stuff is good. Get what you and like and what looks good.

[Servorg]

Sans rush hour traffic Primo's is only 15 minutes from LAX

[reality check]

I love the chocolate donuts at Donut Man, so if Randy's has good chocolate donuts, I will give them a try!

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Donut Man
915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740

[AAQjr]

LOL I like the whole wheat, so I can pretend it's healthy! The line moves fast, and they are usually fresh and good. It is quick to the airport as well, you won't delay your trip by more than 15 minutes

[upstarter]

The chocolate and malpe bars from randy's are the best I've ever had. The "frosting they use" is second to none!

[Norm Man]

CarrieWas218 of www.FriedDoughHo.com and Chowhound member says Randy's Donuts' "Apple Fritter is the benchmark against which all others are judged:"

http://frieddoughho.com/robert-downey...

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Randy's Donuts
805 West Manchester Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301

[Peripatetic]

Generally I prefer Bob's (not near LAX) to Randy's, but I find Randy's crumb cake donut difficult to resist. I'd be surprised if there's anything better than -- or even as good as -- Randy's around LAX.

[A5 KOBE]

Not in the area, but I find Stan's buttermilk bar the best LA has to offer.

[Servorg]

I still find the buttermilk bars at Primo's to set the "bar" (to which all others strive to measure up to) when it comes to LA doughnut shops...

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Primo's
2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[Kris P Pata]

Totally concur. Randy's cinnamon-rich crumb cake is tops. I can't offer much about the other offerings (including the fritter) since my excursions to Randy's have been solo-purposed on those killer crumbs. Should you happen upon an unfortunate situation where they are out, blame -- and forgive -- me. I've often picked up multiple dozens for parties, picnics and ballgames.

[Iceman]

Can't say if they're the best in the area but they're pretty good. I usually just go for the chocolate doughnut there and like it. Line moves efficiently, and they do have drive-through service. Not a bad choice at all if you're in the area.