4. Restaurants

Colonial Donuts

3318 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA, 94610
  • (510) 893-2503
  • Store is closed

Colonial Donuts Menu

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  • Jetta R.

    This place misrepresents somewhat the character of colonialism, which is neither craftily glazed, filled with tasty jelly, or convenient for working class peeps needing a sugar fix at 2 in the morning. My only gripe--it's more of a fuss on the cusp of consternation--is that the donuts are so huge that I need a knife and fork to keep the donut from smudging my makeup, and they don't have plastic silverware. But I have a big purse and a magic phone which probably has an app where I can just get silverware delivered to me on the go--it's not worth docking them a star.

    (5)

  • Eva L.

    Yummy glazed donuts. Always fresh and satisfying. Minus one star for their rising prices otherwise it's one of my favorite donut shops in Oakland.

    (4)

  • chip b.

    the 24-hr donut place which all 24-hr donut places must be compared. perfect for that after SF show come down (last time I went there was after a punishing July 4th set by SunnO))) at the Independent). Everything you could ask for. Surly staff; Cold milk; Something resembling beignets at Cafe Du Monde; Aspiring rappers writing their rhymes. Sometimes I go there and it's packed at 3am. Sometimes I go there and I think I'll be shot. It's that good. And yeah, try the 'French Style' beignet-esque puff pastries. They are TO DIE FOR. Haven't tried the 'food' here yet. I'm not that adventurous.

    (5)

  • Surf R.

    Like a good friend who doesn't judge you, Colonial Donuts is awaiting you 24/7 to feed your drunken ass with sugary, fatty goodness.

    (4)

  • Jonathan U.

    My favorite donuts in the world. Nothin better than a place where you can fulfill your fix at 3 am on a Friday. I don't really pig out that much, but if I have to, I go here. Hint, ALWAYS scout the fresh rack to get something warm. The Chocolate old-fashions are the best

    (4)

  • Mike C.

    I'd give this place 3 stars except the fact that its open 24 hrs/day bumps it up to 4. If you're near Lake Merritt late at night and have a craving for junk food or coffee this is your spot.

    (4)

  • Leanne V.

    damn right, jessica f. colonial donuts is the perfect way to waste away a saturday night when you're a 16-year old with a jetta and a high metabolism. and i greatly appreciate you accompanying me all those nights :) but you don't have to be a pimply-faced piedmont teen to enjoy colonial donuts. they're fresh, they're warm, they're cheap. i'm a big fan of the vanilla cake donuts with the white icing and the little round rainbow sprinkles. recent discovery: their ham, egg and cheese breakfast croissant sandwiches. pair that with a donut after a 420-filled evening and you've got a little piece of heaven on earth. it should also be noted that they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. they. never. close. nothing honors the birth of baby jesus quite like a maple bar post-church at midnight on christmas.

    (4)

  • Gary L.

    Good cheap donuts. 24 hours a day. It doesn't get much better than that. Their old fashioned cake donuts are especially good and cake donuts tend to hold up better over time. Their regular donuts sometimes taste a little stale especially later in the day.

    (3)

  • Natasha S.

    Donuts are my krypto. And these are avail. 24 hrs, which probably is not a good thing. Generally, fresh, depending on when you come here. Glazed old fashioneds are my favorite! I also like chocolate on choc. cake and will eat ANYTHING maple glazed. A very good selection, too. They have other stuff, too. But really, why bother.

    (4)

  • Dan Y.

    Three stars for the great doughnuts, one for the old school atmosphere. I doubt if this place has been cleaned in the last thirty years, let alone redecorated. And I think the two chess players sitting in front started their game during the Gulf War. Or maybe it was Vietnam. Sometime I'll venture in here at 3:00am just to see what kind of trade they get at that hour. But I prefer coming in the morning when the doughnuts are fresh and they might actually have a bear claw left. The coffee sucks, but you should expect that in a place like this. Get your fat bombs here and your coffee at Peet's, that's my advice.

    (4)

  • Ellen O.

    Beware...these donuts are crack. I loves me some chocolate old fashion.....and some meaning several at once. If I need to go to Washington Mutual....which is quite often, then I can't resist heading to Colonial. Once I went there at 4 a.m. after being designated driver, I decided to reward myself with pure donut crack. Mmmmmm, chocolate and not too greasy. And at 4 a.m., their donuts were abundant and fresh. I heart Colonial yo.

    (5)

  • H Y.

    I was craving donuts after a night of booze at lucky lounge. That's when i thought of this place but I couldn't remember the locations. The next time I'm around the lake I will stop by for donuts!

    (4)

  • Irene S.

    I am a donut lover, so I go to this place on a regular basis. There is something about a place that opens 24 hours that is very convenient and comforting. I can buy a donut on my evening walks around the neighborhood, after seeing a movie, or being out late. The donuts are pretty good for about 70 cents. There is enough variety here so sometimes I will buy donuts here for a morning meeting that makes for a meeting just a little sweeter for everybody.

    (4)

  • winona a.

    I had high expectations of this place, being that they are a store on Lakeshore (nice area) and that their selection LOOKED amazing. Yet bought 7 donuts at about 8:00 pm on a saturday and boy were they stale. Tasted like they had been sitting around all day since they were made at (I'm guessing) 6:00 am! The were very dry. Perhaps I should have not bought them so late in the day, but as a business, I think they should consider having consistent quality if in fact their early morning donuts are better. This could easily be solved by not making a massive batch so early in the day, and spacing it out throughout the day to insure freshness.

    (2)

  • natalie k.

    An invigorating antechamber from the parking garage to Lakeshore Ave!

    (4)

  • Dominique L.

    I love this place! Open 24 hours, which is a big plus, but their donuts are good, and many times I've asked for something fresh, and they brought me something that was still hot from the frier! Of course, it's also fun to look at the chess games or lotto display -- and I think they have the biggest apple fritters I've ever seen.

    (4)

  • aram s.

    Delicious donuts - I was never into donuts before moving to Oakland - it's close to my place, and is open 24 f'n hours which in Oakland makes it important. now, you can't go here all the time, but the donuts do tempt - they're more cake-y than doughy and the coffee really is not so bad. If you notice too - this place is one of the rare real cross-cultural spots in Oakland, all types walk through these doors, and some sleep here!

    (4)

  • Jessica F.

    Growing up in Piedmont was pretty boring, Colonial Donuts provided my youth with a sugary diversion. Maple glazed old-fashioned, 2% milk chug and dollar scratcher are an excellent way to pass a Saturday night. Get there around 2 a.m. to catch a fresh batch of donuts.

    (3)

  • Amy L.

    Now, I'm going to be honest. I've never eaten a donut I didn't like, so 5 stars may mean nothing from me. Colonial Donuts get s 5 stars b/c they're open 24 hours and have an entrance through the back parking alley. Most importantly, however, they have filled cherry donuts AND powdered cake donuts, like the kind you can get at the gas station but fresh... yummy!

    (5)

  • ryan l.

    Just to confirm these are damn good donuts.

    (5)

  • Virginia L.

    Simple, good doughnut shop. I'm on a quest to find good croissants - these are pretty good.

    (4)

  • alex g.

    Best donut holes ever at 5am!

    (4)

  • Pamela P.

    Two stars because the donuts aren't that great and the service is worse. I usually go there for a single donut and get out. Fine. But when I went there to order a dozen, the cashier was infuriated with me for some mysterious reason, and kept storming off to ring me up at the end of each donut request. "No, I want a dozen, There are only four in that box..." When I finally got through the painstaking process of actually getting the donuts from behind the glass and into the box, they only take cash. There was an ATM there but I have a policy where I don't pay people to hand me my own money. Not going back there.

    (2)

  • Dan B.

    Michelle M. first introduced us to this 24-hour donut outpost in Oakland a couple years ago. I was immediately smitten with it, as their glazed donuts were similar to my hometown favorite of Frosty's in Maine (especially when hot - always ask if they've just made a batch). For a while, we were going regularly, but - as with many sugar crushes - a competitor was discovered (like Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette) and regular visits tapered off to the occasional walk in. Fortunately, I was reminded of Colonial the other night at around 11pm. What to do after a celebratory evening drink on Grand Avenue in Oakland? Well, hot donuts on the next street over, of course! And this is where the fourth star comes in: the joy of a 24-hour joint, especially one specializing in fried, sugary goodness! As others have pointed out already, the space itself could be a bit cleaner, it could smell better (you know, more like donut shop and less like a bus station), the clientele could be less shady, and the staff could be a bit friendlier, but hey - they're *always* open, so can't complain. And ultimately, it's all about the product, which is typically quite good. I'm a big fan of the devils-food cake donut and, as I said earlier, the glazed are always worthy. Just stay away from the ones that look sort of old, cold and dry. There's bound to be a tray of hot ones cooling off just in back - ask!

    (4)

  • Phil L.

    As one of the last true natives of the neighborhood, I can tell you for over 30 years Colonial is THE place for your doughnut fix

    (5)

  • Tony ..

    I don't like donuts but I find myself buying a lotto ticket here once in a blue moon. Denitely not a pretty shop so don't expect anything hip. But it's brightly lit and clean. It's the only place in the entire avenue that's open into the wee hours of the night when you see them making the donuts in the kitchen. The place can smell funny.

    (3)

  • Mel P.

    Donut. Good. Good donut. Yum. Late night craving. Go get em tiger!Loose change. Get rid of it by buying donut. Good! Tummy satisfied. The end.

    (4)

  • Herbert S.

    Its a donut shop that sells deep fried rings of dough for 70 cents apiece. Don't come here looking for a gourmet treat, come here late at night (Because its open 24 hours a day) when you want something unhealthy yet satisfying. Considering the rarity of shops open past 10, this place will get my money any day if just because of its friendly sign proclaming its hours.

    (3)

  • charlotte s.

    great variety and selection of donuts... cheap prices too... but for some reason, the morning we came in here, it didn't really feel as if the donuts we got were super fresh...

    (3)

  • sharon L.

    The name is Colonial Donuts, come here for donuts and you will not be disappointed, go for some of the other things they have (cookies, croissants, etc...) hit or miss. These are the best donuts made fresh on premises. When they are fresh and warm, there's nothing like them. We will go out to dinner at a nice restaurant and skip dessert cuz there's nothing better than a hot Colonial donut. The true junkies know that the blueberries come up first around 8:30 or 9pm, followed by the oldfashions, and so on... The idea that these donuts can even be compared to Krispy Kr@p is ridiculous. These are actually different donuts, real raised, real oldfashions, real crullers, real cake dounts... not just the same one kind of dough formed into different shapes and called different names... get a clue folks! And for those who have issues with the 'characters' hanging around eyeballin' your wallet... you need to go back to the nice,safe Krispy Kr@p in some nice,safe strip mall in some,nice safe suburb... this is the big city folks... keep your wallet close and enjoy your donuts hot!

    (5)

  • Joe B.

    I love this place. It is reliable, and affordable. The donuts are not vegan. But if you want that, then you aren't $hit anyways. The reason you go to colonial is not because you want a five star experience, it is because you are looking for a low key atmosphere. Wear what you want there is no bouncer. Try your luck with a scratcher of just spent that on a coffee, either way. Don't go a changing colonial donuts!

    (4)

  • Mike L.

    I've been coming to Colonial since I was little, and yes, I once was little. I grew up on Colonial which makes me like the doughy donuts a little more than places like Krispy Kreme. 24 hour donut plus, pretty clean facility, sort of nice staff, good donuts. They aren't a lot of 25 hour places in Oakland so you do what you need to. There's often times people playing chess at late hours of the night, I wish I was good enough to challenge them but they look serious. I recommend the Maple Old Fashioned. Nice local hangout spot when the bars close or you don't know what else to do.

    (4)

  • Yen D.

    I am a little biased since I was super excited walking in the door thinking I was gonna get my donut hole fix. Sadly, they had already run out and it was hardly 10am. I got a morning bun instead which looked huge and was tasty, just kinda hollow inside...Not crazy expensive or cheap at $2.40, so I can't complain.

    (3)

  • Vittorio L.

    Man Oh man do my coworkers go crazy when I bring these things in for work functions. Yeah, I know... They're JUST DONUTS right? Sure. But they aren't overly sweet or greasy, leave not a hint of fatty feeling on your tongue, and are fluffy and delicious. I recommend trying / getting their blueberry cake, chocolate buttermilk, or raised sugar. Each of these donuts brings something to the table - blueberry is aromatic and sweet, chocolate buttermilk has a crunch on the top, and the fluffy cloud like quality of the raised donuts keeps me (and my coworkers) wanting more. They're always open by the way... Just remember to pick up your coffee down the way at peets. And if you're coworkers want something else, Arizmendi is within walking distance...

    (5)

  • Jonathan P.

    Decent. I was walking in the area Sunday afternoon and stopped in. I did like the ambiance. Real simple setting with a glass counter, stools, and long Tables. An older gentleman had fallen asleep reading at the table nearest the window. I got a buttermilk and a blueberry. The buttermilk was not too hard, with basic amount of glaze. Good. The blueberry was ok. It was really purple inside which gave it an artificial look. They also sale sandwiches and bagels. Good amount of foot traffic.

    (3)

  • Melissa B.

    Need a donut at 2:45 am? Look no further than Colonial Donuts which is open 24 hours a day. As an Oakland native, most of us know about Colonial Donuts because this spot has been around for ages. They sell classic donuts - glaze, chocolate glaze, jelly donuts, old fashion donuts, and my favorite, sprinkles. Those are just to name a few, they also have cinnamon snails, bear claws, maple bars, and many others. The best thing about this place, what I especially love, is that they serve a classic donut. You won't find any fancy donuts with "artisan" fillings and blah blah blah new age-yness for over $5, here. Colonial Donuts keeps it real... That said, I have wondered before how old my donut is... was it made today, several days ago.. who knows? I have maybe 2 donuts a year, so who cares, its still a tasty circle of sugar and grease as a donut should be. On another note, entering through the back door is stinky. It's a walk through for people that park in the parking lot behind the Lakeshore store fronts. There are interesting characters that hang out here, sometimes a few old dudes playing chess, a group of young people, and random people reading the paper. I'd say what consumers have in common is that we want a classic donut. That's it. All in all, 4 stars for keeping it classic and fulfilling my biannual donut fix.

    (4)

  • Marce M.

    Had the most amazing doughnuts here. I wanted to eat one and save the other for the next morning but I couldn't restrain myself and had both after midnight. I got one with regular glaze and the other with chocolate glaze. They were so fluffy and fresh out of the oven. Seriously amazing. Yum.

    (5)

  • Matt Y.

    I notice there are three different locations under the name Colonial in Oakland but this is the one I return to on a regular basis. They have the best selection of donuts from glazed, old fashion, twists, raised, chocolate raised and my favorite, raised crumbs. All for $1 each. Service is always quick and friendly. Thus location on Lakeshore is bigger and much busier so their donuts are fresh because they go quick. This is the kind of good old donuts I crave, not those new trendy bite-size ones for $3 a piece that aren't even good.

    (4)

  • Ricky A.

    First off this place is the best! Where else can you find a 24 hour donuts spot? I was coming here regularly with my friend around 1am-2am every night just cause they were open and have great donuts. Each donut costs around 1$ but they taste great! Sometimes we can even catch them coming right out the oven and into my stomach. Parking isnt a problem if you come late at night, but during the day youre going to have a hard time since its on a main street. However there is a parking structure behind it so sometimes you can find parking there. Staff is friendly and always smiling even when I show up in the middle of the night. 5/5 donuts. Would come again! Note: There is a 5$ card minimum so bring cash if you're not ordering a lot!

    (5)

  • Ven V.

    My dad is a former Oakland Park Ranger, and learned about the wonders of this place back in the 70's. A beacon of light and sugar (and yes, chess playing) at 2 am. I spent formative years frequenting Colonial and now, after moving back to Oakland after a decade on the east coast and south west, I'm thrilled to be living within a mile of this fine establishment! Quality donuts: they don't skimp on the sprinkles, and a fresh-outa-the-fryer maple peanut cake donut will no doubt short circuit frizzle fry some sugar/fat craving inside you may or may not be suppressing. ...twitch... Highly recommended. And a few other people mentioned this, but yeah, another thing I highly recommend is using the front door; outside the rear entrance is the most rank piss/garbage/unknown horror of a smell that may put a damper on your sweet tooth.

    (5)

  • .Alan Y.

    Forget all of the four dollar tiny babydoll fauxnuts in Temescal Alley, or the idiot savant three buck donut holes over on Broadway. For a real old school donut, it's all about Colonial Donuts. Plain Jane donuts, maple bars, apple fritters, jelly filled and donut holes. Open 24-7. What more can you ask for?

    (4)

  • Zaneta S.

    Mmmmm. Maple bars! I love fresh donuts and this place has them, for sure. Also on the menu: bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and much more. I have to expand my pallet and try something other than my usual maple bar and I'm super hyped that this place is open 24/7. I always make it a point to stop by when I'm next door at Bounce getting my hair done.

    (4)

  • Carol C.

    This Colonial Donuts has been around for a long time. I used to come into this doughnut shop back in the mid-70's when one of my friend's husband worked here as a doughnut maker. Of course, back then I got the hookup of one doughnut and/or 3 doughnut holes. Gone are those days. The guy doesn't work there anymore. I was tending to business across the street (AT&T store) that I decided to make a pit stop here to get a few doughnuts. It's been a while since I had doughnuts. I don't eat them too often, but my favorite is the glazed French crullers. I'm not much of a cake doughnut fan. I remember French crullers used to be 75 cents each; now they are $1.50 each. Even the cake doughnuts have gone up...50 cents each to $1.00 each. (Yeah, like 20 years ago they were reasonably priced.) Colonial's has a nice assortment of cake donuts (coconut, sprinkles, blueberry, devils' food, crumb, etc.), croissants, twists, maple bars, apple fritters and cookies. Cake doughnuts can be dry and heavy on my stomach, but the blueberry one was quite moist and tasty. I guess that's why some people dunk those donuts in coffee - soften the doughnut and sweeten the coffee. My husband likes crumb doughnuts, so I got him two. One glazed French cruller, one blueberry cake and two crumb cakes = $4.50. I will come back. I noticed they also sell lotto tickets...who knows maybe a change of venue to purchase lotto tickets might bring me luck.

    (3)

  • Ben R.

    Best donuts in town. Great customer service, open 24/7 and parking is available in the lot behind the store.

    (5)

  • L C.

    It's funny how as a teen or even young adult I've never really crave for donuts but at the magnificent age of mid 30's I'm suddenly enchanted by late night donut runs with the wife. We even have a special word that we spontaneously say out loud when the craving takes over, "deeez nutsss" or "lets go check out some holes" yeah I know, where the hell did that come from? Not really sure...except the beautiful and I have come to accept it. We're the Asian couple that come in after a warm bowl of pho and call this our dessert, no organic ice cream from the boutique or flourless cake with dark chocolate ganache of some sort. Just a good ole fashion pink box of a dozen....I wish. The wife says- 'pick only one', at least she lets me have whichever I fancy. I always start by staring down the glorious custard filled maple bar from the devil himself but end up with just a regular glazed and somehow get to squeeze in a half dozen of the aforementioned holes. Good night.

    (5)

  • George M.

    Well deserving of its high praise. I was around the corner at the Lake and decided to come over and pick up some snacks for our flight back to Miami. The donuts were so good that I treated them like suspicious characters and didn't allow them on the plane. I got a maple-filled bar that was phenomenal all though it had to much filling (not a problem) and an almond bear claw that was tasty but could have used some more filling (problem). The prices can't be beat and the police were no where to be found

    (4)

  • Justme L.

    I love this place. I hate the stinky back door entrance. Cover your nose and mouth. Once you past the back door and entered the main area, the place is clean and decent. This is a no fancy smancy place. You get the real deal without it being froufroued up. There are all sorts of walk of life that comes through here. About the doughnuts. They are all good. My favorite are the maple custard bars and the donut holes. My kids likes all the sprinkle doughnuts. I come here when I need my fix for doughnuts. Order the coffee. It is not the best. I order it for nostalgic reasons. Always the same water down bland coffee for the past 25yrs. I will always return because it is my favorite doughnut place. You won't be disappointed. This place have been here forever and that says a lot.

    (5)

  • Michael O.

    Absolutely outstanding. Pure magnificence in the greatest form. Eloquence unrivaled amongst rival doughnut shops. These masterpieces of baking artistry are unmatched by other shops of similar craft. I am from Alaska, and needless to say, we don't have hot, fresh doughnuts available near our igloos in the late night hours. But here they do. This was a fantastic experience, not only for me, but for the entire world. These doughnuts should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. They are beyond extraordinarily tasty. Totes yummy.

    (5)

  • A C.

    Hey, I don't think I've ever met a donut I didn't like, but I do feel that this donut shop has the best donuts of any Bay Area donut shop I've tried. I'm not sure why, but these donuts always seem to surpass others in quality and taste--and they're open 24 hours--what more could you want?! Ok, maybe easier street parking, but this is not Colonial's fault. Good donuts, open 24/7--Yay! ;-)

    (4)

  • Zak M.

    The donuts and the service are average. The environment is... interesting, there are often homeless people sleeping on the tables late at night. But it is a great classic urban donut shop, and one of the only places around open 24 hours. I go often when I'm in need of late night munchie food.

    (4)

  • Doctor G.

    They have huge, freaking donuts. The apple fritters are clot inducing. My favorite are the French donuts. Huge and like eating a cream puff without the cream. Yes! Expensive for donuts, but they're huge! My spouse gave me crap for wanting them, but relented when my spouse had a taste. Tough street parking.

    (4)

  • C E.

    I moved from the bay area to southern CA in 1972. Leaving behind the food from the east bay was tragic but I recently (like 3 days ago) took some friends and family on a site-seeing tour of my old stomping grounds. Yes, Colonial Donuts on Lakeshore Ave. was on my list of must-do's. And we all LOVED it! There are no donuts in southern Calif near as good as Colonial. In fact, I have pretty much given up on donuts and use high cholesterol and age as my excuses. Well, visiting Colonial is just another reason to head to the gym an extra day and pop another lipitor for the sin of eating their wonderfully light treats. We had glazed raised, old fashioned plain, old fashioned glazed, apple fritters...and this was at 11:00 at night and they were right out of the oven, fresh and warm! Plus, they change their oil often enough that none of their donuts had that old stale oil taste that you find in most chain donut places. I'm back in southern CA now and it's a damn good thing Colonial doesn't deliver or I'd have to place an order! Go here. You won't be sorry except you'll get addicted!

    (5)

  • Seth B.

    This is a donut shop. It is NOT a bakery. I have NO idea what machinery or processes a bakery or donut shop have in common or don't. They could share all the same machinery. Suffice it to say, bakeries and donut shops churn out two different things. At Colonial Donuts, the donuts are donuts. Even the croissants are donuts. Probably, the coffee is coffee. My point is this, if you want a pastry or a delicacy, drag your ass down the street to Arizmendi or trek up to College Ave. This is strictly just-below-the-off-ramp fare. It is sweet, fried, crunchy, and fast. The service here has always been excellent. As many people have already said, people wind up at Colonial Donuts after getting drunk, high, or both. The only problem with service I have ever had is waiting for other customers to make up their minds. The people behind the counter are no-nonsense and fast. They deserve more tips. For those who harp on about the poor ambiance; you can't eat donuts without the dying flicker of fluorescent bulbs.

    (4)

  • Kate T.

    My Bf, his friends and I are almost there everyday ! Usually there to kick it, hang out and stuff, and of course i'd get my usual ... "1 raised chocolate donut and a pepsi please !" The people who work there are very friendly, and nice ! I also get a chance to study there and at the same time enjoy my delectable treat . Go there late at night and they will surely give you a nice, warm donut right off the ovens !

    (5)

  • Angela W.

    I've never been a customer in the daylight. But I can tell you about the wonders of Colonial Donuts during the wee hours of a tipsy morning. This spot is everything it is meant to be -- an all-day, everyday resource for the hot-sticky-sweet. At 2 a.m. there are few places that can provide a baker's dozen bag of warm, delicious donut holes for a buck. Or graciously respond to a flurry of slurred requests yelled across the counter. Eg., "Aww what's hot? Um, gimme whatever's hot okaaay?" Colonial Donuts should never change or go away.

    (4)

  • trey c.

    If there is any food in the world that tastes consistent across different regions and cooks, it has to be the donut. At least the glazed old-fashioned donut, which is my standby. Colonial falls right in line: Tastes good, makes me feel guilty. If it were just donuts, I'd give this place a three. But there are a few other cool things about this place - three cool things, to be exact. 1. Open 24 hours. Pretty standard for donut shops, but still admirable. 2. They also have cookies that taste like they were barely cooked at all. And I mean that in a good way. 3. You can walk through this store to get to the parking lot out back, or from the parking lot, through the store and out onto Lakeshore. And I've never been hassled about my lack of purchases when walking through.

    (4)

  • Mike T.

    Me the unofficial donut inspectionist declare this shop as premium OK. Donut service is awesome. You can sit there and while you are eating the delicious donuts, twists and what have you, you can drink a coffee and watch people walking by...nice hang out for me.

    (5)

  • Gloria Y.

    I have a relationship with this place that goes back decades. Just arriving here from the east coast at the age of 11, I assumed that the neighborhood kids were having a good laugh at my expense when they invited me to go to Lakeshore for 'donut holes'. Yeah right. Everybody knows a donut hole is...nothing. Well that was a tasty surprise! My new friends' eyes were not lighting up with glee at the thought of yanking my leg so hard. They were truly anticipating something delicious. From that point on, the walk home from school generally included a stop in Colonial for those ever-lovin donut bellybuttons. Yum! Time passed, we grew up moved on and away. Years became decades and Dunkin Donuts became the new hole dealers. Anyhoo, recently literally strolling down memory lane aka Lakeshore, I glided into Colonial. It was kind of like I remembered it, maybe a little seedier, but a friendly kind of seedy. People chillin, playing chess, taking a load off minding their business, full spectrum humanity getting along reasonably well. That, I really loved; even thought about coming in the wee hours with a buddy on some insomnia-steeped night since it's a twenty-four hour joint. And then, unfortunately, came the COOKIE. Peanutbutter. How do you eff up a peanutbutter cookie, hmmm? Tasted like fish, maybe too much baking soda. Once I got home I tried to wash the remainder down with a hot cuppa and that just spread the fishy-ness around. Ugh! What's that thing about you can't go back home again? I think I'm going to let my fond memories stay in the fond memory department.

    (2)

  • Dan F.

    Donuts are up to par and the selection is good. The staff is always friendly and I literally have never seen them closed, thus they're dependable. Blueberry cake donut and milk... Also contains numerous characters after the midnight hour.

    (3)

  • Daniel M.

    A lot of people enjoying donuts at 1 am on a Saturday night. There was a gigantic man sleeping at the table, with his body leaning against the window. There was a group of high school girls, all dressed up, looking like they just went to a Winter Formal. There was a bunch of skater dudes hanging out inside. And finally there was us. We decided to see what they had after hanging out at Vine across the street. Everything looked decent, and tasted decent. They were still churning out donuts at 1 am from what I saw...

    (3)

  • Miranda S.

    Is there anything better than a local 24-hour doughnut joint with its regular cast of characters? This is not a gourmet bakery by any means, but for types that love diner food with grease and black coffee- this is your place. The doughnuts are decent and perfect after a night of drinking especially. I think what I like most about it is the inviting nature of the place. You can most likely literally hang out at the place 24 hours if you wanted. Old men play chess at one of the tables talking about younger years, locals who park in public garage walk through to get to the main street and a random slightly crazy person makes an appearance from time to time. You never know who will be there. If you are not craving doughnuts, they do make decent standard croissants that are tasty and fresh too.

    (5)

  • Trish B.

    Local love. Crumb raised and sugar raised are the best!

    (4)

  • Sean M.

    The perfect one stop place for drunks. I rarely frequent this place earlier than 1 am or with a BAC of less than .08%, so i'm not really sure how decent the donuts are sober. However, I can safely say every single donut i've had here has fully filled my inebriated stomach. I always ask them if they have any fresh donuts right out of the oven (or rather, big pot of oil). They are sooooooo orgasmic when fresh! Now the cookies, they're horrible. Flaky, several days old, possibly from Costco. Stay away from them at all costs. That being said, cookies are clearly not their focus, so the four stars will stand. There are always people playing chess here too... and they take their game very seriously. Last time I was in, this guy was lecturing some old dude of why he made the most horrible move in the world (this is like move three), and how he was going to school the guy-- all at the top of his lungs. Pretty hilarious.

    (4)

  • Matt R.

    Why I never ate Dunkin Donuts after a night out in Boston is beyond me. And, thanks to its location next to several of my favorite neighborhood bars, I'll never have to make a fair comparison between Colonial and D.D., thanks to impaired sensory faculties. But it's one of best donuts you'll ever have while intoxicated, exhausted, and/or roaming the streets of Oakland at 2am.

    (4)

  • Timothy M.

    This has been the family donut shop for my ex-wife's family since her father was a kid. Best donuts in the world? Maybe not, but it's an institution and the donuts are damned good. Any place that can keep dishing up Saturday morning donuts for four generations must have something going for it.

    (4)

  • Sharee R.

    I'm stoked that this place is open 24 hours, but GODDAMN THOSE DONUTS ARE EXPENSIVE! They's aiight.

    (3)

  • Leah K.

    You gotta love a donut shop that misspells it's own name! In 2004, they raised a new sign that read "Coloinal Donuts". Let me count the ways: They're always open. The donuts are goooooood. Sometimes they put the wrong donut in my bag, but it's usually an upgrade from whatever I asked for. Thank you Coloinal Donuts for your "upcoming" movie posters that are always 6 months late, your introspective and stoic homeless patrons, your superficially intense college study groups, and your chess-loving curmudgeons who never seem to make a move. My favorite part about this place dates back to age 7. On the tiled floor of this establishment are Lotto decals shaped like horseshoes that lead to the Scratcher booth. I can't go in this place without placing my feet in all 5 horseshoes on my way to the counter. Is this adorable? Probably not as much as I think. Should I be assessed for OCD? It's looking that way.

    (5)

  • Mariah M.

    As a commuter with no car, I walk down Lakeshore a lot. It sometimes happens that my walks down Lakeshore occur at the end of an evening in which I have been drinking. I get off the NL, head for home, and then I smell that fried, greasy smell of pure happiness. Well, hello, Colonial Donuts! This store fulfills my needs in two ways. One, my drunk ass is craving something sweet and full of carbohydrates. Check. Two, I have to walk up a very steep hill to get home. What better than a lump of fried dough to take my attention away from the difficult incline? And I can always use the excuse that I'm working off the doughnut as I climb up the hill - calories in, calories out. But while I don't necessarily have a hangover from the alcohol the next morning, I do find that I wake up, mouth coated with old doughnut oil, blearily recalling that walk home. "Ugh, did I really eat that whole apple fritter?"

    (4)

  • Fatty A.

    The apple fritter is freakin nasty. If you want to eat straight up fried dough soaked with oil then try one of these bad boys. Its probably one of the worst I've ever had. I eat a lot of doughnuts cuz I'm a fatty.

    (2)

  • Bruce B.

    A quiet little 24/7 donut shop, not very busy. I only give it 3 stars because it's a little run down - it needs a makeover. And the people who come in are the "secluded type". The staff is generally courteous, but not overly friendly. The food is just below average, sometimes okay, sometimes not. I have had occasions where donuts I purchased lost glaze because it soaked into the donut; chocolate sliding off; plain donuts that tasted more salty than sweet - but for the most part they are okay. They aren't Winchell's by a long shot, but they will do. Another good thing about them is that they are the shortcut to Lakeshore from the parking lot - I'm sure that doesn't hurt business at all.

    (3)

  • David D.

    This place has some of the best donuts in the Bay Area, if you get them fresh. I have been going to this place for over 10 years and they have always been that 24 hour donut shop that's just great to go down to at 11 at night and eat a donut while watching some people play chess. Usually they start making the donuts around 9 - 10pm so anytime from 9pm after is a great time to get a fresh warm donut. Plus you can't beat $1.15 for 12 donut holes (15¢ for 1), 89¢ for a regular donut and around $1.40 for a fancy donut. Also the place is pretty scuzzy and is in need of a remodel but when you have been going to a place for 10+ years you don't really notice or care if it looks shabby or not. Hard to believe but I can actually remember what Colonial Donuts looked like before they remodeled since that was so long ago. Also I notice that some people have commented that the back hallway is disgusting, but well it leads to a parking lot and a dumpster area for some of the other shops and restaurants what do you expect? I understand that it may smell back outside but it is just a cut through to a parking lot nothing fancy. Overall I give this place 5 stars, the staff is kind and lines usually move pretty quick. Only negative thing is their drinks are a little overpriced, but hey your getting a good donut for around $1! Oh by the way if you tend to go there over a period of time expect to see the same people who look like they live there, but don't worry they won't bite.

    (5)

  • Melanie K.

    Friday is frequently donut day at work, and I have frequented Colonial on more than one occasion to pick up said donuts. Greasy, heavy, fat-laden, no nutritional value what-so-ever... all the makings of a good donut! My clients *love* them and can tell when the donuts came from elsewhere. They don't want to skimp on their donuts. Lots of choices, a variety of sprinkles (I like the ooooh, shiny! factor), packaged in cheery cardboard boxes and open 24/7. Perfect!

    (4)

  • Ruth R.

    Best place to go in the early am. Fresh donuts and colorful people roaming around. If i'm ever out post midnight, I usually end up here. Also SO MUCH parking when you go early, beautiful.

    (5)

  • Kathleen M.

    We used to go here a lot - not so much because their doughnuts were good but because they were open really late... and they weren't King Pin. They also had lots of seating. Don't get me wrong, their doughnuts were fine - your typical doughnut. But I'm biased against places that don't serve hot doughnuts. Also, I think I saw a fly in their display case once.

    (3)

  • Shannon E.

    My Grandpa and I used to walk here for a treat when I was a youngin, and I just rediscovered the wonderfulness of Colonial last weekend. It was raining and my friend and I were sorta hungry but not hungry enough to spend real money on food. So we ducked in here and each bought an 85 cent donut. Ohhh boy! We savored every single little morsel. It was still raining so we each bought another and slowly ate each crumb of fried, sugary goodness. Then we got some more to go, for good measure. I can't wait until I'm an old woman who goes to the donut shop with my newspaper everyday.

    (5)

  • Carlos G.

    The seedy late night Donut shop ....Love the donuts and the occasional intense Chess games going on at 3 a.m. seriously ...these guys who play here are dedicated !

    (4)

  • Camron C.

    It's always nice to have a 24 hour shop available. The location is decent as far as parking goes. Just park in the back side and go in the back door. As far as the donuts go I wasn't impressed. Maybe I just got the weekend batch on Sunday but they were not as fresh as I expected. I guess its hit or miss with a place open 24 hours a day.

    (3)

  • Kelly S.

    Nevermind the characters who hang out in a donut place open 24-8. That alone can win a place 5 stars. Focus on the rows and rows of fresh donuts available any time. I came in here at 10 p.m. on a Wednesday, lured in by the drool-inducing smell that emanates for blocks, and the display case was stocked. I asked for a single glazed old-fashioned (why would anyone order anything else?), and instead of getting me one of the at least 15 ready to go in the the case, the woman went to the kitchen area and got me one that had just come out of the oven. Oh warm, glazed, artery clogging goodness, my gym membership salutes you.

    (5)

  • Cesar E.

    I Like donuts there even tho make me fat. i I wish a make one the day the owners make the place cozy. to get a coffe there. i know chinese are cheap. they dont care about to make place nice..

    (3)

  • William H.

    Even as a two-star joint in my book, I frequent this place. I go for the cheap donuts, warm coffee, and lottery scratchers. It's a great place to go for a quick bite or just to hang out for a game of chess. People play late into the night, and once I saw a group of guys playing dominoes late on a Thursday. I don't know why people gravitate towards this little donut shop by the lake, but there is never a time I've been there with many chairs to spare. I'm they've acquired their share of donut acolades and I'm sure I'll be back in the near future. My favorite at the moment? Just the chocolate sprinkled cake donut, the old fashioned is a runner-up. Oh yeah, this place has been good to me for scratchers, which is another reason for going back.

    (2)

  • Chrysantha C.

    Ebony will Rave about going to Colonial after any night out in the "O" ... I mean where else can she have her sweets and I get to grub on a ham and croissandwhich made fresh even at 2am! Great staff, yummy doughnuts, well priced, and always FRESH!

    (5)

  • Sean L.

    lets see... open 24/7... almost always got fresh donuts available... awesome raised glazed (to me anyways)... chess games giving the place a nice charming atmosphere... sounds like a winner. well.. almost. the shabby interior kinda lets out a fart.

    (4)

  • kris v.

    Best donuts around! Their open early for people like me who needs that early morning sugar fix with coffee. Good prices also.

    (5)

  • Suzie R.

    My partner and me got on an afternoon kick of coming here and getting apple fritters and butterfly twists. Whew! It was awesome, but we are still trying to work them off.

    (4)

  • R P.

    It's both a blessing and a curse to know about Colonial Donuts. It's open 24 hours so you can satisfy your donut cravings anytime. Mmmmkay. Ever since I discovered this place, I've mostly come in after midnight to have my Homer moment. One time, I ordered some donut holes and the old guy behind the counter warned me that they weren't so fresh. Good lookin' out! But I still got them anyway because I love me some donut holes at one in the morning. Arghrhghrhgh, donuuuuuts.

    (4)

  • Cindy F.

    Nowadays with everyone so health conscience, no on really needs a donut, but somedays I really want one! This is the perfect spot. So old school, but so good. Nothing fancy going on. The place could do with a little remodeling, but the donuts are good. Need a donut? Here's the place 24/7 as a matter of fact. The one in Montclair is all spruced up, but now 24/7.

    (3)

  • Wanda D.

    this place has tortured many a late night bike ride home, because you can smell the donuts frying up fresh right on the street. and i think this is the best time to visit the colonial to get whatever is fresh out the fryer. last week i got the best chocolate glazed, making the paper translucent with grease and filling my belly with warm sugary goodness.... at 1am. i also love that they have gentlemen playing chess in the late night. serious chess, with the timer clock and everything. they also sell lotto tix. cuz you gotta play to win.

    (4)

  • Enrique N.

    Open 24 hours a day, this place is my friend. Colonial always comes through with good raspberry filled, huge apple fritters and good coffee. You can hang out and watch random dudes play chess or just grab a donut and be on your way. Re-new that gym membership, you might get hooked on this place.

    (4)

  • David S.

    I have been there many times as it is close to where I work. I think their Lattes are great, but minus 2 stars for not getting with the 21st century by not accepting credit cards. It's cash only. Parking on Lakeshore is a chore, so sometimes it's easiest to just park in the parking structure next to Trader Joes and come in the back door of Colonial. When my roommate was going to CAL, he would study there late at night and I would join him. Brings back good memories. They are also open 24 hours, which is nice.

    (3)

  • Juan R.

    Good donuts. Open 24 hours. Enough said.

    (4)

  • evil m.

    Never eating here again. Guy was brooming behind the donut display and he was really swinging the broom. Pretty sure there was a bunch of dust flying around, yet he did not close the glass door. Ever order and the guy uses his hands, after wiping them on his dirty azz apron? The sink is right there bro!

    (1)

  • Jared W.

    Hmm, I think I had a blueberry donut here once and it wasn't bad, nothing special but not overly laden with grease either. The usual pleasant piece of fried dough, good for 3 stars. What gets this place 4 stars is the fact that it serves as the pathway to get from the parking garage behind the shop and onto Lakeshore Ave. A valuable community service which I happily salute! (and I'm sure if I ever find myself stumbling around drunk in the area at a late hour, these donuts will be a bit of ambrosia)

    (4)

  • Cec C.

    People actually eat the food here? And all this time I thought it was just a walkway from the parking structure to Lakeshore Ave in which you could play the hold-your-breath game from door to door. Who knew?

    (2)

  • Ruben S.

    While on the late-night prowl for some snack-age, I found to my delight that this shop was open 24 hours. I walked in and ordered what had to be one of the largest bear claws I have seen. The lady at the counter was not very friendly, no hello, no thank you, no nothing. But the Bear Claw, that was a different story. MAGNIFICENT! It was very tasty, and full of real apple pieces and cinnamon. Overall, it was a really tasty experience and I would happily go there again despite the lacking service, because the food and the price make it well worth it.

    (3)

  • Claudia S.

    I always order the devil's food. I can't say I have ever had a donut here that tasted fresh. Most taste like they've been sitting around for 6hrs. Once I had one that just tasted super old. I mean days. So I took it to the counter and the woman didn't seem happy, but she did give me another. I'm not a big fan of eating there. There's a lot of foot traffic through the shop and it's a magnet for the crazies since it's open 24hrs. The guy that works the night shift is super nice tho! He's the only one that's honest about which donuts are really fresh. On a final note, this is a good place for late night munchies but make sure u take a bite outta that donut before you drive off!

    (2)

  • Brian W.

    What a sad selection of donuts. The one I got tasted fine, but I prefer a little more variety than you can get in the bakery section of a supermarket.

    (2)

  • Cynthia B.

    I used to go here a lot in the early 90s and get donuts when I was drunk late at night. Excellent donuts. Are the cooked in lard or what? Who knows. My worrying about if they are cooked with lard or not keeps me from going there anymore. Did I mention that they have excellent donuts? They were amazing, good flavors. I used to eat a lot. Parking garage-type area behind the donut shop used to have a lot of tags by Oakland legends.

    (4)

  • Valerie D.

    So, I already feel my A@@ expanding just writing this posting! But I like a good donut and today was the day to have a donut. Thank you, Colonial Donut for being just down the street from my house... Now, I' ll just walk right on over to Gold's gym and sign up!

    (5)

  • Jessie B.

    Who doesn't love access to fried goodness 24/7/365? It was 2:30 and according to the guy behind the counter, all of the donuts and coffee were from 2009, lol. I had a yummy glazed twist, and their coffee sucks but made my drive to SL much easier. Plus, there are always "interesting" people at nearby tables. =)

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    mmm donuts!

    (4)

  • Marc D.

    In a city that seems to shut down its nice areas at or around 7 p.m. (from where I came from coffee shops stay open till 10 or 11 p.m.) Colonial is a beacon of light for use night owls, open 24 hrs!! Good coffee, and great donuts. The folks who work the counter even smile and say "hi" even if you use there shop as a shortcut (garage to lakeshore dr.). A good place to people watch both inside and out, but a late visit of High Schoolers with out your parents will make you place an order to go (loud and stupidly obnoxious). So, only bad thing to say about this place, no bathroom (everyone pisses out back next to the dumpster or stairwell of garage, smell of piss can be bad sometimes).

    (4)

  • Michelle M.

    4 stars instead of 5 because this morning I had to hold my breath while ordering my old fashioned glazed due to the smell of vomit permeating the dining area. I'm always a bit afraid to grip the door handle. Fortunately I'm quite tall and the door is always cracked open a notch so I can slide my fingers in way up top where no foul human hand has ventured. So if you're not near Stan's donut house in Santa Clara, this is the place to go when you need your donut fix at any hour of the day. The glaze (regular and old fashioned) are noteworthy, as are the sugar and blueberry crumb.

    (4)

  • Nikki c.

    I love that they're open 24 hours! This is not gourmet food, but when the clubs are closed, and you're done parking lot pimpin' this is one of the few places you can go that's still open in Oakland. Need a maple bar? they've got it! need a ham, cheese and egg nummy, they've got that too! The clientele can be a mix of people working on their laptops, drunks, and people whose housing status is questionable.

    (5)

  • Dana H.

    What's not to like about a 24 hour donut shop?! This place is awesome if you're craving some late night sweets after going out. Granted it's also one of the only places open 24 hours in the East Bay. The donuts themselves are delicious. If you go in the early hours (or very very late depending on if you've been out all night) you can get fresh donuts which are fantastic. As a warning it can get a little sketch sketch late at night. The chocolate glazed is a personal favorite.

    (4)

  • Stephen M.

    A twenty-four hour donut location that is never bad, is one thing worth noting. But those in the know are well aware of the duel batch times of which the best happens between 1:30 and 2:30 in the a.m. A magic hour for donuts if there ever was one. Colonial proves that old adage of sometimes when you don't think you want a donut you really do. Especially if that time coincides with a fresh batch of devil's food cake.

    (5)

  • Return T.

    I was in there today and there was some dude strumming a guitar in the corner, amongst the old duffers and homeless guys that were scratching their balls and eyeballing the jelly glaze. The horrible coffee is really a crowning achievement. ... try the buttermilks in the middle of the night when they're hot off the press.

    (5)

  • Corie F.

    Dude this place is open all day everyday, they are never closed! How sweet is that. I never buy anything there though cuz I don't really like donuts, but my friends like donuts and they seem to enjoy them so yeah this place is awesome.

    (4)

  • Shelley S.

    I like the consistency. The donuts have not changed in years. I've been coming in since high school when my boyfriend and I didn't have any money. You can hang out here all night if you wanted to on one donut and some coffee. They pretty much leave you alone. You will definitely see some characters. Now as a grown up I like it for the late night after the club/party snack. Ham & cheese croissant and the glazed old fashioned or the blueberry cake will satisfy the munchies.

    (4)

  • Mary T.

    It was late and we needed some coffee. Cal only knew of this place. I was tempted to try a donut because everyone and their mama had one in their hand, but Cal stopped me. We got cookies instead, and it wasn't that great. They only had regular and decaf at that time, so that was a bummer. I wanted to try the french vanilla flavor.

    (3)

  • Hannah C.

    Most of the time, I am a health nut. I would actually rather eat vegetables than pizza, fries, or. . .well, almost any other food group (including the whore of food groups [all-too-easy to find, always puts out, inspires sickness or regret afterward]--sugar and fats). That said, I am not ascetic. In my opinion, small indulgences are an important part of every diet, and I have mine: ice cream / frozen yogurt / sorbet, Thai and Indian food (included under the "vice" category because I suspect tons of oils are used in the dishes I love), coffee (Healthy? Health-jeopardizing? Nutritionists can't seem to agree, but neither verdict can keep me away). . .and apple fritters. You could offer me any other sweet confection, any donut under the sun, and I would resist. But oh, apple fritters, my transgression of choice! Globules of glutinous dough and small chunks of sugar-coated apples, deep fried to artery-clogging perfection! I cannot deny you. I grew up in Chicago, where Dunkin' Donuts are fairly rampant. I attended my freshman year of college in Boston, which DD OWNS. As a young girl, I loved DD's apple fritters, because they were the only ones I'd had. I was appalled when I was unable to find them in Boston, at DD or elsewhere. I finally found an apple fritter at the Boylston Street Starbucks, but it was not good enough to finish. I've had apple fritters a few places since, and now I see how mediocre DD's really are. Honestly, Colonial's apple fritters are among the best I've had, if they're not the very best. I like to buy one, eat half of it, and freeze the other half for a later treat. Mmm. . .it's too bad that my freezer is currently apple fritter-less. It's 12:31 AM, and I am highly amused by the thought that I could go out and get one right now anyway. . .(un?)fortunately, I'm too lazy. The service isn't anything to write home about, but the employees seem friendly enough. I have yet to try anything besides the apple fritter and Diet Snapple here (my version of the Big Mac Value Meal and a Diet Coke), but if you ask me, that's plenty to inform my review. {Also, my ex-boyfriend insists that Colonial Donuts has the very best "regular" (i.e. non-apple fritter) donut ever--the classic cinnamon sugar. I wouldn't know, but we're still friends so I can admit that he has good taste (at least in women!).} Five stars for the apple fritters. Minus one star for the temptation. Plus one star for the open-24-hours aspect, and we're back where we started.

    (5)

  • Gianni P.

    Thats right, a 24 hour establishment in Oakland. I've been told by one of the the servers that around 5:00 am is a great time to get them freshly baked right out of the oven. I haven't managed to get up that early (or stay up that late) in quite a while. The donuts I've eaten there have always been awesome at all the typical peak donut hours 7:00-11:00 weekend mornings. A great social and ethnic mix of clientele; donuts are the social equalisers of America, everybody loves them. The store has such a cool throw back feel to it, I hope they never renovate.

    (4)

  • Ryan Y.

    This is the only decent location for the entire chain. Every other Colonial Donuts i've been to (two Downtown Oakland locations) either have stale donuts or play the typical name-that-price game. The donuts are hefty, OK, and very reasonably priced. Yeah, the place stinks esspecially in the backdoor walkway. I always wondered why they couldn't clean that back corridor up, but then again why should they care, a place like this is only about taking peoples' money and getting them fat in return.

    (3)

  • Kymberli C.

    MmMM Donuts! We used to come here (drunk) after a long night of drinking... and chow down on donuts... I remember them being so fluffy and fresh... maybe I was just too drunk but I came in here yesterday because we passed by it going to Blockbuster and the doughnuts just weren't fresh... I got a half dozen to take home... and took a bite of a couple and they were pretty stale. It's hard to choose what you want because they have a big display window filled with different types of donuts, danishes, and croissant sandwiches. I originally came in just to get donut holes but they were all out :( I guess it just wasn't a good night!

    (3)

  • Mike B.

    There's only one reason to go here.... You are drunk, and don't want to wake up feeling like death. This place is open. I don't care what time it is. Go there now. It's open. The donuts are okay, but not great. The croissant sandwiches are pretty good. The place itself is a bit seedy, but that's what you get at 3 in the morning..... I can't eat here anymore, because The last time I went, I got a maple french. When I broke it in half....a FLY flew out. I can't go there without thinking about that anymore......so I just stay away. Not their fault....I'm really not even sure how it got in there. It would have died if it got fried in the fryer, so it would have to have been after that. Eeewww.... I'm grossing myself out again! Go there.....just forget what I told you......forget.......forget........(fly)

    (3)

  • Anne-Marie R.

    Though they don't take ATM cards and serve only trans-fat rich donuts, you will be entertained with discussions of the homeless clientele after dark.

    (3)

  • D e v a n.

    I bought three donuts here and all of them were super stale. This was around 9:00 at night. Because they're open 24 hours, I'm sure it's hard to keep all the donuts in a fresh state, but I was so bummed! Being a little piggy, I ate them anyway, but they were not worth the calories. Cheap prices. I'd give them another shot. *Update: I've been back a couple of times and the donuts have been fresh and delicious. The girl working behind the counter is also really nice. My fat ass and I salute Colonial Donuts.

    (4)

  • Dorothy S.

    This place is named Colonial for a reason. It takes you back, back, back in the days when you would take a stroll down to the donut shop with Mom and Dad. In this case, it reminded me of my Dad. Seeing the wide array of donuts sold here and the people who frequent the shop on a Sunday evening warrants 4 stars. Unfortunately, my broke a$$ can't use my Amex Gold for a dozen donut holes but no worries, you can use the in-shop ATM. If that is out of commission, take a cardio break and jog to the bank, you'll feel better when eating the apple fritter that needs its own zip code. Good times, good times.

    (4)

  • Ak S.

    Curse this place! I'd go here rarely to satisfy the donut craving... till I discovered it's open 24 hours. Went downhill from there. Considering there are so few coffee places open 24 hrs in Lake Merrit, and since there's plenty of parking late at night, it's the perfect midnight munchie joint. Unfortunately, I think I'm gaining weight eating here. If nothing else, you gotta try the blueberry donut. It looks bland and boring on the surface with its dull, sugary-brown coating, but it's the best.

    (4)

  • Thuy-Tu T.

    It's 1a.m. and you need to get out of your home to study...You need a place that will be conducive to deep concentration, and yet be able to facilitate study food/coffee breaks and/or an entertaining junction for interesting oaklanders to lighten your academic stress, but don't know where to go? Look no further, for you have already found the answer: COLONIAL DONUTS! (@ Lakeshore)

    (3)

  • Adriana G.

    It's open 24/7...what more do you want?! I love their wide variety of donuts! The location is great and you can either enter from the back (Trader Joes parking lot) or from Lakeshore Ave. Perfect pit stop if you are walking through as you drop off your Blockbuster DVDs. The donut holes are decent and super cheap! Oh and the people watching is great :) In addition, you can smell the donuts from down the street as you walk out of The Easy after a few beers the smell just carries you into this place. YUMMY!

    (3)

  • Angela N.

    Colonial has rotten coffee. That aside, however, they have winning French crullers. It's so hard to find the ones with the proper fluff, and Colonial's got them, and I get to have one for pennies on the dollar. How ... can ... you ... beat ... that?!

    (4)

  • Tracy A.

    When you drink all night and got that cravin' for something after the bars close, Colonial never disappoints. My favorite is the glazed buttermilk but a glazed old fashioned can takes its place, if necessary. It is the perfect stop just before stumbling home!

    (5)

  • C C.

    One star really means no star. This place is gross. Unfortunately, a lot of people go here when they're drunk. I think that has skewed the ratings. Sober people know the truth. This place is nasty and so is the service.

    (1)

  • Christophe P.

    The earliest coffee shop on Lakeshore! When everyone else is thinking about waking up, these folks are dropping their third round of batter in the fryers! Not a day goes by that I don't indulge in a couple of apple fritters or perfectly glazed crullers washed down with a barrel of their best Peerless coffee. And since Peerless is at the other end of the Lake, it has some of the most freshly roasted coffee on the Avenue. Of course coffee snobbery is omnipresent, so we shouldn't dare say good things about Peerless while we have both coffee mega-giants in place on the avenue. And Aram is right, some of us have spent the night here curled up in one of their ergo-plastic chairs. I was bummed that they didn't dim the lights for me, but I can't have everything when I am spending $1.67.

    (4)

  • Stacey B.

    Colonial Donuts is awesome, way better than the other donut establishment down the street. They are open 24 hours, they have really yummy and fresh donuts, and they are nicer. I like that I can get my donut fix any time. Late at night, I've gone in when they are making the donuts, and I've asked for whatever just came out of the oven, and they go back and get one for me. Hmmm. The fat hasn't even solidified yet at that point. They also have a really good selection of donuts, plus some cookies and other stuff. If you want to go and hang out for a long time, they won't hassle you about leaving or buying something. It's a great place to go if you want to hang out and talk, with your date or with a group. Or just to read and eat a donut. Don't expect a classy joint, though. Or a bathroom. I highly recommend.

    (5)

  • John S.

    Best place to get a late night snack. Ask which donut is the freshest and you're in for a tasty delight!

    (5)

  • Kiki G.

    A 24 hour donut shop?!! There is a God! If you are hankerin' for a deep-fried doughy creation, this is the place.

    (4)

  • saudade s.

    Not my usual donut spot, but sometimes I like to get an orange juice and a devil's food or whole wheat donut, or donut holes, before hitting Laney Flea Market. Props for many, many types of donuts.

    (4)

  • Vincent L.

    The donuts I've tried here were decent but not mind-blowing. I'd imagine the experience improves markedly if you're lucky enough to be here when they've just made a fresh, hot batch of donuts. The key draws to this place is the variety of offerings, the amount of space with which to spread out, the low prices, and, critically, the fact that it's open 24 hours. Not a bad place to check out if you're in the neighborhood.

    (3)

  • C D.

    23.5 hours a day, 7 days a week!! I love Colonial Donuts!

    (5)

  • Sheryl D.

    This place got scratchers and cigarettes. I actually won $3 on one of the scratchers and used it to buy cigarettes. Added star for that reason. I don't know about the donuts.

    (5)

  • Thomas S.

    Very good tasting donuts. Friendly service. How come no one serves donuts with creme in the Bay Area? It's either custard or nothing. What gives? I'm reserving the 5th star for someone who has good donuts like this place, but also offers a creme filling in a chocolate long john.

    (4)

  • Charlie D.

    I usually come here late at night because it's just a short walk from my apartment, and nothing else is really open. I really like their Maple Glazed Donuts. Their staff could stand to be a little friendlier, but they're always courteous and quick, so it's not an issue for me that they're so quiet and serious. The prices seem fair.

    (4)

  • Caye Q.

    I strictly come here for 1 thing... the BLUEBERRY DONUT; It's more like a cake in donut-glazed form but it is absolute decadence. This spot is so convenient because its 24 hours. If you come around 10 pm you'll strike when the iron is hot and the donuts are FRESH. I haven't tried any of the other donuts, they all look typical. But its that damn bluebery donut that haunts me...

    (4)

  • Michael G.

    Best donut I've ever had in my life! I've been coming here weekly for the last 6 months to get my fix - a chocolate buttermilk donut. This donut will change your life. You have to go after 8:30pm and before 9:30pm, they come out hot! I've gone up to 10:00pm, and its fresh, just not hot. I believe after that rotation comes the old fashion donuts. I don't have the timing of anything else, just the buttermilk donuts. Some reviews cite they are not friendly, I have to disagree 100%. Price point, you can't beat them. I went into King Pin donuts last week, and the donuts are way more expensive there - their buttermilk is $1.25 more. Keep rocking Colonial! See you soon.

    (5)

  • S H.

    My goto donut spot for allot of years! My favorite is the glazed old fashion and buttermilk glazed. I was surprised to learn that they had another shop off of Mountain Blvd. Donuts are always good.

    (5)

  • Luis S.

    BOMB DOUGHNUTS!! Breakfast is served!!! Never been late in the day we always go for breakfast and the doughnuts are always fresh. Friendly staff lots of seating, you do have to pay for metered parking, but that's a given on lakeshore;) Worth checking out!!

    (5)

  • Meena N.

    I mean, it's a donut shop. Pretty cheap, since we got a bunch of donuts and it ended up only 15 bucks. I mean, we got pretty much 1 of everything. I love the apple fritter. Crunchy crunchy crunchy, which probably means longer time in the deep fryer ...oh so sinful.. I didn't like their french cruellers.. they were really weird and extra oily.

    (4)

  • Nina E.

    I really love the fact that people play chess here... A great local chilling spot. Open late at night... And has really bomb donuts. The staff is really quiet... But they are fast and efficient. I love the Devils Food donut and love washing it down with a kiwi strawberry snapple.

    (4)

  • Gabrielle N.

    This place is super cheap, always open and the donuts are consistently fresh, soft, sweet and yummy. It's a bum hotspot and dingy looking, so it's a far cry from the bougie donut shops that are all over Yelp, but don't let that sway you. Colonial's the best!!!

    (5)

  • Alo A.

    Let me just say this place was.... interesting. Hella homeless people sleeping the back area which i thought was a super sweet thing for the owner to allow. The only downfall was there were 3 workers but only 1 person helping everyone. So to get my dozen donuts took about 20mins. lol So if you go be ready to wait. BTW that was at 6am.

    (3)

  • Sal M.

    Once you (finally) find a parking spot on Lakeshore or the surrounding area, you start deciding where to go next. Trader Joes can wait and so can Unleashed, because you want to treat yourself first! I stick to the basics, they have really good old fashioned and cake donuts. And their glazed twist doesn't literally melt in your mouth but pretty darn close. $1-1.25 each but worth it. Never tried the croissants but the lady in front of me on my last visit purchased a dozen so they must be good, and that's what they make the breakfast sandwiches with also. On the days when only a donut will do, stop here when in the neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Mel F.

    I don't eat donuts very often but when I do, this establishment is the king of all kings (in the donut kingdom, which I surmise is vast). It's traditional, no frills, dependable donuts. Always friendly service too, and open super early and also late--which facilitates donut consumption at any time of day--no matter how impractical!

    (5)

  • Annie S.

    I really, really, REALLY wanted to love this place. But for now, I'm at a like with this place. Most donuts are between $1-2. I was disappointed that they didn't have any apple fritters earlier today. C'mon, every donut shop needs to have apple fritters in stock. It's a do-or-die situation. Okay not really, but you get my drift. I've been hearing a lot about their famous blueberry doughnuts and GIRL (or Boy), lemme tell you... they are heavenly. Absolutely orgasm in yo mouth. I took a bite and in that moment, I swear I heard the angels sing. It was THAT good. It done changed the Donut Game for me. I also tried their sugar twist and glazed donut but meh. It was just okay. The sugar twist was stale and I've had better glazed donuts. Sorry Colonial Donuts.

    (3)

  • Tessa B.

    Colonial Donuts represents everything that a donut shop should be. Timeless, it's been here at this same location for like 50 years or more. My mom used to come here when she was a kid and I came here as well growing up in the area. This is the original location, now that 2 other locations have opened since. Don't think I'm having any kids anytime soon, but if I had some, I'd take them here for donuts! The place is open 24hrs a day and has the best donuts around. Tradition is what's it's all about here. These are donuts made before supermarkets started making lesser imitations of these great donuts. You probably won't find any of these new fangled creations coming out like cronuts or donuts shaped like various animals. No, no kitty cat donuts here. They make all the classics that have been made for decades, like the glazed old fashioned (my total fave!), frosted cake, french crullers (the ones that look like tractor tires!), maple bars and yes, the classic donut holes! This is the first place I ever had a donut hole! Sort of weird why it's called a hole , when it's a little ball! I guess it's suppose to be what comes out when they make the holes in donuts. With all the dounts here, the favors of sugar and fried donut dough are perfectly balanced .... not too sweet or not to dry. This Colonial Donuts stands out in the sea of Vietnamese run donut shops and well above the supermarket attempts at real donuts. Enteman's and Dolly Madison .... that ain't even in the running! Now if I wanted a bowl of Pho with some donuts, then the Vietnamese places might just work out. Yes, there really are combo Pho and donut shops! But if you want the classic steeped in tradition, come here to the Lakeshore location. I take a bite and close my eyes and I feel like traveling back in time to the simpler times if my childhood.

    (5)

  • Liz M.

    Came here at a late hour for after-dinner dessert. We came in through the back that is attached to a parking garage. There was plenty of seating and a super selection of fried donuts, cake donuts, and old fashioned. I was really impressed. The man behind the counter was quiet, but efficient. The donut....well it wasn't the best I've ever had, but certainly not the worst. It is a 24 hour store, so I assume that the donuts may have been sitting for a hot minute. I had the glazed old fashioned - I LOVE OLD FASHIONED. Maybe it was something I ate at dinner...There was a weird after-taste. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something akin to almond extract? So weird. Next time, I'll make a trip in the early morning and get the fresh stuff :)

    (3)

  • T D.

    Legit donuts! Never a line, great service, excellent professional staff. Coffee could be stronger but the donut quality makes up for that. A+ IMO.

    (5)

  • Jasmine C.

    After watching a show on donuts, I was on a hunt for some of my own donuts (thanks Yelp)! The first thing that got my attention was that this place is open from 6am-5:30am... Crazy right? This place is surprisingly big! Besides that, the lady behind the counter was really nice and patient. We got raised glazed donuts, blueberry donuts and a chocolate custard filled donut. All these donuts came out to about $6.00, their donuts range from $1-$1.50ish. The blueberry donut was mouth watering! It was even better the day after when we put it in the oven. My point is, go here and try their blueberry donut, you won't be sorry.

    (4)

  • Tracy B.

    Love this place. They never disappoint when I go there with my last night doughnut cravings. Very tasty. They have also had a significant decrease in the presence of chess playing transients that caused me to stop going there for a while. I highly recommend it!

    (4)

  • Lolo F.

    I like the raised glazed when they are freshly made (about 2am). Not the world's greatest donuts, but available all night long, which is a big plus.

    (3)

  • Ashley B.

    #Review #SocietyGirlHangout | one of the greatest donut shops to ever exist. Been a #societygirlfavorite since our youth. The sprinkled & old fashioned chocolate doughnuts descend directly from the heavens, do not EVER debate this. It host a homey feel to it. From the round the clock chess games, to the lovely lakeshore neighborhood you find it in. It is #Perfect, do not EVER debate that. #societygirlsguide: order doughnuts by the dozen x sit in either at extremely late hours or mid afternoon and enjoy a few doughnuts and great conversation.

    (5)

  • Eli Y.

    Donuts at 3 AM? Yes please! According to yelp they actually do close between 5:30 and 6 AM. So if you REALLY want a donut at 5:47 sorry, you're screwed. Otherwise you're in luck! This place has been here forever! I told my mom I went there the other night and she said she used to get donuts there way back in the day. It was 3 AM. My friend and I decided that we had no choice but to crush a dozen glazed donut holes. We got them popped in the oven for a few minutes and they were fantastic. That along with a tiny milk carton just made our night. Watching two random dudes play speed chess at a nearby table was great too. Go get your donut on (just not between 5:30 & 6)!

    (4)

  • Natasha P.

    Standard good donuts -- like the kind I would get for sixty-five cents as a kid while mingling with the locals and trading Dinosaur cards with Tom (long story). The glazed raised donut was surprisingly fluffy and soft with just the right amount of sticky glaze, perfectly satiating. It's not my typical go-to, but I just saw them put a whole new tray in the glass case, so I rolled with it. No frills, no surprises, no random cereal on top or some New Age pastry like the cronut. And yes, there are some interesting characters that inhabit this place, but they are open 23.5 hours a day, so lets try to not have unrealistic expectations.

    (4)

  • Leslie Y.

    After hitting the AT and T store across the street, this is exactly what I was craving for......old fashioned donuts and little munchkins......at least that is what they call them at Dunkins.... Eating the donuts as I write, I guess today has been a very good day......

    (4)

  • Annie W.

    The bf was craving for something sweet around 1230am n buzz,found this place and the raised crumb and buttermilk was bomb!love apple fritter!!it was pack,line got long quick,sadly only one guy makin the donuts and one more only running the front they try there hardestdef comin here again if my bf could he wud buy one of each donut!

    (5)

  • Alice H.

    After a night at the heart and dagger saloon, a group of friends meandered on over to Colonial Donuts to finish off the night. Selection was minimal at 1:00AM (no apple fritters or custard eclairs!), but we happened to come at just the right time because the entire assortment of delicious raised donuts was coming fresh out of the oil. I threw caution to the wind and had myself some bites of glazed, sugar coated, and crumble covered raised donuts. DELICIOUS. I was in donut heaven. I highly recommend the crumble covered raised donut. It was the surprise winner of the night. Don't let that $5 credit card minimum get you...otherwise you'll find yourself with 3x more donuts than you intended...not necessarily a bad thing, but your stomach might regret it later :)

    (4)

  • Hank W.

    This is a disgusting place full of homeless people and degenerates who play cards, chess and dominos all night while they drink hard liquor. It's dirty, I suspect unsanitary (I have gotten sick a couple of times after eating a filled chocolate bar) and if you get the sandwiches it's clear they use the cheapest meat and cheeses. The donuts they do have are nothing to write home about, and they lack a lot of classic donuts that any good shop has. Sometimes you can even taste that the oil has been sitting in the fryer too long. Laziness. I have frequented this place for years simply out of convenience, but never again, I am sick of this disgusting place. I suggest you steer clear of this wasteland.

    (1)

  • Ariana L.

    HEAVEN. I love this place. I came here one night on a drunken running spree for something sweet. the staff is very polite, the place is really clean. I've yet o actually have a donuts tho.

    (5)

  • Michael A.

    My experience here was not very good. I came here before seeing a movie with my friend at the Grand Lake Theater. The price of the donuts were fair, no more than most other donut shops. The donuts were pretty bland and were not very fresh. However, I was there at 6:30 in the evening and they may have been sitting there for a while. I plan to come back here in the morning next time I visit Oakland. When I do, I will update my review

    (3)

  • Amy D.

    I love donuts, so I was very excited to find this 24 hour donut shop in my new neighborhood. The donuts here are old fashioned and top notch. My only complaint is that I feel they are a bit overpriced and sometimes stale by the time I get home and eat them. I usually try to grab whatever they are putting out fresh when I get there. The maple bar and any of the cake donuts are amazing. They also share the large parking lot behind the building with a private entrance directly into the shop.

    (4)

  • Michelle B.

    The Urge Some nights morning can't come fast enough. I toss and turn. Running thoughts keep me from reaching REM. I can almost smell it. Touch it. Toss and turn some more. I check my clock 2:37 AM. If I sleep now ill have 5 hours sleep. Ok. Sleep. Son-of-A!! Wait..sit up. Grab car keys and $2. Slip on some cozy slippers. Drive down Brooklyn and right on lakeshore. Neon sign beckons. OPEN. For the love of donuts. It's hard to resist the urge.

    (5)

  • Wesley C.

    Watch out for this place. The employees clearly do not understand the Americans with Disabilities act and clearly do not care about their customers. Be it a managerial issue where the staff hasn't had the proper training/education or the staff just not caring - either way - they were rude and discriminating. My wife and her service dog were denied access and service even after the dog was clearly identified as a registered service animal. For those of you out there - including the staff at Colonial Donuts - who believe that food service regulations precede those of ADA acts, laws and regulations: Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. Establishments that sell or prepare food must allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises. Source: ada.gov/service_animals_ ... If I could give this place a negative star review I would.

    (1)

  • Carl M.

    Oh no. No no no... haha Colonial donuts is the primo spot. 24 hours is the right kinda hours for your go-to donut stop. They pull new batches around 1:30 am, my first visit here was at that time and my donuts were hot from the oven. Either way, this place rocks, dollar donuts is the right way for me to roll. Just can't do it too often, or my lymph nodes swell up as if to tell me,"Hey buddy, donuts give you early onset diabetes" so I should probably make it a rare treat, haha Accepts credit cards with a 10$ minimum, or you can ask really nicely like I did once and they might let you use a card for a 9.82$ purchase

    (5)

  • Auriyon J.

    The donuts here are super cheap! The churros are unreasonably expensive, and they arent that big. I had a maple donut, it was just ok, I've had many ones way better than this one.

    (2)

  • Tiffany S.

    You can get a great donut at any hour of the night and it won't cost $3 cuz that's just wrong. I like the apple fritter the french curler with custard maple glazed and crumb to name a few hehehh Also the workers are really nice.

    (4)

  • Sophia V.

    My favorite donut place! In my college days, I would willingly make the drive from Berkeley to come here. I love the cake donuts with sprinkles and the blueberry donuts! They're perfect when they're hot so buy some milk and eat them there in the store. They have a wide range of customers so you can watch some seniors play chess or listen high schoolers complain about their drama while you munch on your delicious, mouth-watering pastry.

    (5)

  • Clara S.

    Donuts were decent. Iced coffee was a bit oh the sweet side but still good. 4 stars for being open late night and having such a diverse crowd. Played chess here!

    (4)

  • Judy W.

    This place brings back so many memories. When I was younger, my parents and I would come here every Saturday with their Peet's coffee, and my Peet's hot chocolate to grab a freshly baked donut. I remembering trying a different one every single week. The owners here are very nice, and used to give me free donut holes =] kekeke. I mean come on, can you resist my adorable face. Haha, jkjk. Anyways, my mom loved their sugar donuts, and my dad liked the chocolate glazed. After grabbing the donuts, we would just chill at one of the tables for a little bit while people watching and reading the news paper. Now fast forward to about 15 years later, I rarely come here now, because I want to sleep in the mornings, but my parents still religiously come here every Saturday. It's cute. I recently joined them this past Saturday, and saw nothing has changed. The donuts are still freshly made, the people are still awfully nice, and the bums still walk through to get to the back exit (I know, weird). I think I will start coming here more often again, you know to support local businesses and to bring back my childhood memories =] Parking can be a beezy. This place is opened 24 hours!!!!!! that means donuts at 2AM!!! (though you really shouldn't), also i definitely gets a little sketch after 9PM or so. I'll be back!! =]

    (4)

  • David D.

    Other than a cheeseburger, how else would you want to end a fun night in Uptown? COLONIAL DONUTS, that's how! With this place's late hours, you are guaranteed to get a sweet snack with a fun mix of folks that only the Town can bring you. My favorite donut to get here is the blueberry glazed donut. I've tried other shops' blueberry donuts; this one stands apart for it's crispness and generous glaze. Come with some friends, a deck of cards, and people watch. Good times.

    (5)

  • Albertino M.

    Time: 2:02pm/56°F rain Purpose: Just strolling and browsing nearby businesses on this cold wet day. Ambiance: Spacious with seatings spread out the place. I can hear myself here as for noise none of that rowdy school kids running around with bookbags that makes them look like hunchback person. Place is best suited for neighborhood seniors to meet up with their weekend friends. No other colonial places can come closed to this place. Even if it's just a one person franchise owner not corporate it still would be better in many ways. It's quiet no loud music or TV blaring in background what you will see is a bunch of mature people who still have sweet tooth. Staff: Short hispanic girl knows her items and in some cases will recommend what is new or best seller. You can ask all the question you want in the end her recommendations will prevail. Cleanliness: As clean as it gets, no complaints. Eats/Drinks: Almond tea cake $2.25 tasted almost like and macaroon but without the shredded coconut flakes. Good hints of almond flavor perhaps marzipan was used. Not much air pockets can be seen made with just the right amount of flavor for this delectable treat. Products: Donuts,TV,lottery,cold/hot drinks, standard and not so standard donuts,breakfast croissant w/ham,egg and cheese,donuts holes,muffins etc. Punch Line: Fresh,cheap,plenty of seating,quiet, friendly,knowledgeable,discounted day old. Final Thoughts: I have been to numerous donut places that are colonial and display stop them all. From the moment I walked in I knew this place was going to be the place for me whenever I'm in the area. They carry items that are not even seen at other places that's always a plus for me. The turnover rate is continuous as people leaves with boxes, not paper bags.

    (4)

  • Stephanie F.

    One of the best donut places for sure! I love that's it's open late and I love that there is so much space in their! I tried their buttermilk donut and there apple fritter yum!!!! I would suggest all you late night crawlers to come here for great quality donuts anytime! Also the surrounding area has some great shops!

    (5)

  • Brenda M.

    Truly my favorite donut spot. Customer service is excellent. No long lines what so ever. Im an easy pleaser when it comes to donuts. Chocolate donuts are my absolutely FAVORITES and they are so good. It sucks that donuts aren't a quarter anymore, but I dont mind shelling out $1 for this place. Plus they also make sandwiches and other items that are delicious. Oh and if you plan to pay with credit card, its a minimum of $5 in order to do so. They also have the lotto and scratch tickets if you want some which is always coo.

    (4)

  • George L.

    I noticed that Colonial Donuts open 23.5 hours a day. This means that you can fill your day to day donut void at almost any hour of any day. The donuts are cheap and the service is quick.

    (4)

  • Davi N.

    Well I'm so torn. On one hand they are delicious on the other hand I have to write why I will never go there again and it pains me to say... Found rat droppings in my glazed doughnut didn't believe it but it's true turns out it was indeed rat droppings and the health department shut it down for awhile!! Though I heard they are back and running I can't help but get grossed out thinking of my experience and how I can never ever return!

    (2)

  • Shannon L.

    After eating a donut from Pepples Donut Farm and being disappointed, I went to Colonial Donuts. I wanted to show my wife what a real donut is supposed to taste like so I bought a glazed old fashioned and a crumb donut. The glazed old fashioned was awesome and the crumb donut was very good! Two tasty donuts for $2 total is how donuts are supposed to be priced. That's much, much better than Pepples' prices of $3 each. We'll be back....in about a year...because we eat donuts only 1-2 times per year.

    (5)

  • Jasmine M.

    Bomb donuts! I dk about the review that it's dirty and full of homeless people because every time I've gone (I live down the street/lake) it's full of people/students studying and it's clean.

    (5)

  • Dave M.

    Classic cheap delicious donuts. Plain cake fresh out of the oven is off the hook! This place is old school

    (4)

  • Bernadette M.

    Mmmm donuts. I picked up a dozen assorted donuts for my staff...and to bribe them to sponsor me for my first Warrior Dash. There were so many to choose from. I definitely had to get a few sugar donuts in case I wanted one...or more. I also ordered a ham, cheese and egg croissant. Love those breakfast sandwiches. It was warm and tasty but the cheese tasted like something out of a can. I wiped that off a bit but it was still large and successfully in my belly. Next to the sugar donut and low fat milk that I also bought. The place was full of locals chatting it up over their choice of donuts and hot coffee. There's a place to find local free pups and flyers for upcoming events and the staff was so incredibly friendly. Wish I could stop by here more often. It's so cool to hear from other Yelpers that this place is open late. Good to know.

    (5)

  • Jane D.

    Really wish I hadn't rediscovered these donuts because they are so addictive! I'm especially partial to the old fashioned. Try the same type at other local donut places, and they didn't come close to the quality of Colonial's!

    (5)

  • Chrystal N.

    $5 minimum charge for debit/credit, but they have an ATM. And sprinkle donuts. This place has been around since I was a kid and it's open 24 hours. Having a late night sugar craving? A sprinkle donut will cure it! The sprinkle donuts here are bomb diggity and only $1. Want to have a solid lunch? Go grab a bratwurst from Top Dog and come down to Colonial's for dessert! I can't stress how good their sprinkle donuts are... but even a simple glaze or apple fritter both tickle my fancy. The people here are really nice. And their sprinkle donuts are also really nice. Smack.

    (5)

  • Ronnie S.

    I am now complete. Their buttermilk chocolate donut was perfect: crunchy, dense, sweet, flavorful and delicious! Hoorah! Even got to take in some chess game. Go.

    (5)

  • Victor G.

    Colonial Donuts is open 24/7. they have a maddening selection of donuts, crossaints and cookies. wish they were all outstanding. not happening. pour: "america's best coffee" (1.5) -on the semismooth side, a tad harsh. 2 stars eats: -white chocolate cookie(.95) chewy, hint of white chocolate, sweet tasty. dough not distinguished. -blueberry cake(.95) blueberry juiciness thruout -devil's food cake(.95) pretty sweet 3 stars crumbs: -panhandled by teary eyed overweight woman for "diaper money" -gave her a few coins, attributed it to donut tax. -observing from my car, she appear normal minutes later. gave me a look before waking off.

    (3)

  • Evan G.

    Good selection of doughnuts and they're open late! Definitely great after a night of drinking on Lakeshore AVE!

    (5)

  • Adam H.

    I never used to think Colonial's donuts were great until I showed up one night as they were baking them and had a hot one. Yum! I think it was around 11 PM to 1 AM.

    (4)

  • Philip L.

    I'm surprised that more people don't rate this much higher. The store itself is not sparkling clean--it may seem a bit urban and transient at times. But the food is always good. And certainly, there are other donut places that are far worse with higher ratings. The donuts here are solidly excellent. I usually get the sugar, jelly, and chocolate yeast donuts. All taste great. And they even taste great the next day. (not all donuts do.) This place is good enough that even if I don't crave or need donuts, I'll at least pick up one for later. And I never regret it. This is one of my top 10 of the bay area for donuts. Also, this location supplies donuts to the other Colonial Donuts in Oakland--so if you want fresh, this is probably the better location to attend.

    (5)

  • Billy Joe A.

    This place is tight because they let homeless people sleep in the dinning area. Other business hate homeless people. Also the sandwiches are dope as fuck,

    (5)

  • Elly L.

    Donuts are hit or miss. Donuts are stale and could be a day old, especially the donut holes. The people that run the shop should know better than to sell day-old donuts! Although, the Blueberry Cake donut is usually a hit.

    (2)

  • Fiona M.

    You're forgiven if you haven't given this place a try simply because it doesn't look bright and clean. What you don't know, though, is that this place with dated decor actually hides trays and trays of deliciously sweet treats. There's a wide variety of flavors to satisfy any palate. I always get an original glazed donut at every donut place I go to - that's the benchmark right? Fresh, soft and light. Donut holes were of the same superior quality too - half a dozen gone in a minute. Their maple glazed custard donut bars were epic. Sweet, soft creamy... and big! Share it with a friend or keep it for tomorrow. Either way, you'll love it if you love custard. And maple flavored anything. Very affordably priced. I'd definitely come to Colonial's more often if I was based in Oakland. For now, I have krispy kreme just down the street from my place.

    (4)

  • Stephen H.

    Nothing beats taking a late night walk around Lake Merritt and stopping into Colonial Donuts to grab a Lemon Jelly Filled and a Raised Sugar (and sometimes a Thai Iced Tea). You'll see so many different kinds of people sitting there playing games (like chess and even sometimes Yu-Gi-Oh believe it or not) and enjoying each other's company. If you haven't done this yet, give it a try one weekend. It'll leave you with a sense of nostalgia.

    (4)

  • Jenn C.

    Before I went 100% vegan - this was one of my favorite late night treats - if you phone and ask, they will tell you at what time that night some sort of donut will be coming out of the fryer or warm glaze so you can arrive for warm donuts. Just call first - nothing beats a warm glazed donut. After you've spoiled yourself with those for a few visits you may agree: once they've cooled, donuts are just stale.

    (3)

  • K M.

    I love everything except the lack of tunes. And the sandwiches. The donuts and basic coffee flavored coffee are great! The service is friendly and efficient. The nightly chess games and motley assortment of peeps is tres sweet. OPEN ALL THE TIME!

    (4)

  • Charlie P.

    All around solid donut joint: cheap, friendly, open 24 hours. I'm a big apple fritter guy and theirs aren't that great (too doughy, not enough apple chunks). I suggest the maple bars (light, sweet, mapley). I also hear the cake donuts are good, tyring these next. Note that it's a $5 minimum for credit card, so bring cash if you're only getting a donut or two. One more note, I really dig that they let the homeless dudes take refuge there early morning when it's pouring rain. The donuteer could easily throw a fit and kick them out but they're pretty chill and respectable, I dig that.

    (3)

  • Victoria J.

    Colonial has become one of my go to donut places. Since I wrote my last review, I've had their cake donuts. I've had MANY of their cake donuts and they are amazing. Once I went late and night when they were HOT out of the fryer and boy they were a treat!! The donuts here are not crazy oily, they are very fluffy and have great flavor. Either way: cake or yeast donuts, I'm there.

    (4)

  • Marc A.

    When you have that craving for a donut after a YEE event or any other time of day or night, Colonial Donuts is the spot. We stopped in here after the Yelp Goes Gaga event and we're pleasantly surprised by the selection and the crowd. The selection was filled glass cases of goodness! Be sure to ask what's the freshest in the cases... we did and had the most delicious chocolate covered pound cake pastry (not a donut since it wasn't in a circle). The crowd is worth noting as well... At the table, right in front of the main window, were four guys all with guitars, playing and singing U2's "With or Without You." It was hauntingly good and had me joining them on the chorus. Maybe we can form a U2 cover band that only requests Colonial Donuts in our backstage rider? Maybe not.... Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Blake B.

    I love any kind of donuts and Colonial was perfect for a Sunday morning. They had quite a few different options to chose from and everything tasted pretty fresh.

    (4)

  • Kevin R.

    This place is the best. Donuts are always good (but they're best when they cook them in the early morning). Some of my favorite memories in Oakland are going down here at 3 am with my cousin. Always people in the shop & the employees are super nice & patient. The prices are amazing for the quality, too. If you ever thought the place didn't look nice enough, they renovated last time I checked -- even better than before!!

    (5)

  • Bob W.

    Chocolate iced w/ coconut shavings. Get some.

    (5)

  • Anthony M.

    I've been eating here since I can remember. My parents tell stories of when I was in my mother's womb she would crave Glazed Donuts in the middle of the night, and this would be the go to place. It must be in the genes (not jeans), because I absolutely love this place. All the donuts are great, but my heart belongs to the the Buttermilk Glazed. It's all kinds of goodness combined into one. Crispy, sugary glaze, chewy, a little sour from the buttermilk, melts in your mouth, and on top of that it's a mountain!! If it's not the Buttermilk Glazed that I'm getting it's the Old Fashioned Glazed (I have a thing for buttermilk.), or Apple Fritter (I also have a thing for calories.). Hahhahaa. I gave this place five-stars because if you go at the right time when the donuts are fresh, there is no better donut eating experience.

    (5)

  • anon a.

    The donuts here were super non-outstanding. Better than the case at Safeway or 7-11. It was alright, but we were super excited to eat donuts that day and biting into them we just experienced disappointment.

    (2)

  • Brittney D.

    24 hours donuts! Need I say more?

    (5)

  • Sharon J.

    I honestly can't believe I've been living in Oakland since the 80s, maybe 70s even, and last night was my first time coming to Colonial Donuts. I wouldn't have been there then if it weren't for a date who believes in spontaneity. We were both in our respective houses doing laundry at 9:30 p.m. when he texted "meet me at Cana at 10 and don't be late." (Hadn't ever been there either. I know, what's wrong with me?) Anyway, Cana wasn't open by the time we got there so we wandered aimlessly until we came upon Colonial Donuts. What a cool place. I had a delicious, hot, right-out-of-the-pan, cake doughnut and I loved every bite of it. Now, I'm afraid-- I mean I am truly afraid because I tend to over-indulge. Now that I know about Colonial Donuts, I'll be in there all hours of the night, curlers, pajamas, bathrobe, deep cleansing mask on my face, whatever....

    (5)

  • Elisabeth C.

    such a disappointment. the good thing about this place is that its always open...however, donuts..........meh.

    (2)

  • Patrick S.

    Dry, dense and stale. Thought it was a fluke the first time around, but after the 2nd and 3rd try: AVOID AT ALL COSTS

    (1)

  • Mary W.

    I've been to Colonial Donuts after many nights of..."eating sandwiches" (if you watch How I Met Your Mother, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you don't, Google it), but don't let that affect my review because I happen to be a donut connoisseur. These donuts are as good as it gets. Especially if you happen to catch them just as they're putting fresh, warm donuts out. My friend has caught the donuts just coming out of the fryer before and the guy frosted one just for her (definitely not a regular thing, though). Their cake donuts are the best, in my opinion. The outside crunches and the inside is soft, cakey, and moist. I don't even care if it gets a little sketchy inside. They're open 24 hours! Damn, now I really want some donuts.

    (5)

  • Grace C.

    THIS PLACE IS A GOD SEND. For people who really have to use the restroom. I'm from socal so I didn't know that the closest Denny's is in Emeryville and that gas stations aren't always 24 hrs so their restrooms aren't always open either. This is probably the only open for 24 hr place in like a 5-10 mi radius. You get an interesting crowd in this place though. You got the group of guys who are ridiculously high with blood shot eyes. Then you got another group of people who are just chilling, reading a newspaper. And then you got me, a girl who needed to use the bathroom urgently. Whether you just want to use the bathroom, read a newspaper, or chill after smoking some bud, this place is where its at!!

    (5)

  • Simon b.

    I love Donuts. There I've said it. And I really like these donuts. I love that this shop is a meeting ground for locals. Not like the coffee shops in the area where you see the tops of heads staring down at their laptops. Here you have people holding a cup of coffee and a donut waiting to engage in conversation. The donuts are varied in design and flavors. I love that there are four types of Old Fashions. Always fresh and tasty. And they have great coffee. I prefer the old style coffee shop style of coffee to the Starbucks or peets. It's the way dad drinks it, and that's the way I'm gonna drink it. Open 24 hours. Easy access from the parking garage.

    (4)

  • Deana I.

    Not too bad for 85 cents a donut, and even cheaper if you buy a dozen. However, the chocolate old fashion wasn't as soft as expected. Also, I asked for the chocolate old fashion but they gave me the chocolate "glazed" instead. But at the end of the day, I can't really complain for a breakfast treat that cost less than $1.

    (3)

  • AJ B.

    I love this place. Been here at all times - Morning, Afternoon and Night. Friendly staff too. I used to go to Royal Donuts until I found this place. My favorite is the twists and they make them the typical large size twist and also a small variation. The French donuts are insane. Taste like fried doughy butter. Fan-freakin-tastic if you like donuts. Buttermilk, Cinnamon, and Fritters are also very good. And they make them larger than most. AND they take debit/credit! Most donut shops are cash only... Go!

    (4)

  • Caroline K.

    I had the crumb cake donut and my boyfriend had a sprinkle cake donut. Both were delicious, and definitely hit the spot! The people working there were friendly, and the donut displays had a ton to choose from. Each one I bought was $0.95, well worth it, I say. The store was clean and had lots of tables (although I'm not sure I'd really hang out there...donuts are more of a hit-and-run type of food, I think!). Cheap, clean, friendly service, and delicious donuts...I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Amy D.

    4 stars for the cinnamon twist (I got the LAST ONE, whoo!), which had a good cinnamon flavor, and was nice and fluffy!! 3 stars for the glazed donut, which I thought could have used some additional glaze- it tasted a bit dry to me. The glazed definitely had a lot of chew to it, and was filling. I also tried a bite of the old-fashioned chocolate and thought it was good, but nothing special (but I'm not a fan of old-fashioned so feel free to ignore this comment). I was sad they were out of the blueberry donuts on a Friday night, so will have to come back to try that. The area can be a bit sketch (including inside the shop), so be careful!

    (4)

  • Theresa H.

    Love how this place is 24 hour, I can always grab a donut when I crave !! I also always come here to play scratchers haha! The workers are all super nice and are always helping me with my scratchers! Gets kind of creepy with all of the people who just come and sit in there to play chess though!

    (3)

  • Eric B.

    I ended up here around midday yesterday with 3 bratty teenage boys in tow. I had intended to take them to Fenton's, but yet again there was a line out the door and I didn't have the patience for that, plus all the whining that was going on in the back seat. The later must have been really distracting since I can't remember how or why I ended up driving from Piedmont to Lakeshore in heavy traffic for a doughnut. In any event, a little sugar in those young tummies did the trick. Unfortunately, I haven't tried the late night entertainment version of Colonial Donuts. And since I'm a morning person, only a 5 AM stop on the way to work would be a true test of fresh pastry, local colour, and perhaps a cop or 2. Until then, the donuts are fine and this place seems just OK.

    (3)

  • Jesse J.

    Good donuts and open 24 hours a day. I don't come here for the atmosphere. Donuts are fresh 95% of the time, and pretty consistent. My only complaint is the quality of the icing, especially the chocolate. More butter and/or cream and/or chocolate could fix this.

    (4)

  • Cath M.

    **3.5 STARS** After our impromptu date in OAK China Town... the S.O. said he was craving some Colonial Donuts and asked if I would be down to get some... I said sure... and asked him where it was at... he was shocked that I have yet to go to this spot... thus... we trekked out here in the middle of the night! We got there and it was semi busy... since I have never been there and have never even seen it ever... I was pretty shocked at how the place looked so run down and definitely had the usual donut shop smell... plus all other smells from its patrons itself! S.O. knew what he wanted but the man behind the counter kept telling us that it's old. I guess he only wanted the patrons to get the freshest batch. I didn't listen and so I got two "old" donuts... S.O got one fresh and one old. He definitely said the new one makes a difference... he was in heaven... Me? Uhm...first bite: I might as well drink oil. It's weird to eat something so oily after not having it in your diet... but I "man(ed) up" and ate it. I definitely would want to go back and check out the freshly out of the deep fryer donuts... but I think once you have your token donut spot, it's hard to get it replaced by others... and since I'm a Dunkin Donuts gal... that's where my heart will always be BUT I am looking forward to trying it out for the S.O's sake =) PS: I don't think the saying "the freaks comes out at night" applies to this spot... I think they come out 24/7!

    (3)

  • Niki H.

    I love this place. I absolutely love it. My cousins from Nicaragua were visiting and I brought them here and they said the hot chocolate and fresh midnight donuts were the best things they've ever had. Ever. My friends and I always come here to get our hot donut fix. The only problem is that, I swear to R'hllor, the asian dude that works the counter at that hour either has a stick up his ass or just has a personal vendetta against me. Is it just me? Am I the only one he gives an attitude to? I get a donut and coffee and, oops, I'm 10 cents short (totaling to $3.10 or something), so I say "Damn, I only have a card, how many more donuts do I have to get to reach the card minimum?" and I sweartoGod he turns his back to me and looks up at the ceiling with a sort of I-can't-believe-this-is-happening attitude ... he literally walks away (!!!!!?!? to not deal with this dumb bitch [i.e. me] at the counter?) and starts taking orders from the next person in line. Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh rude. It's not like I was trying to squeeze out the extra 10 cents out of him, I was willing to pay for more donuts to get to the minimum! Grade-A rotten attitude... but the donuts are so good so I keep going back. I just make sure I bring cash. Yeesh.

    (4)

  • Holden B.

    I only have positive things to say about a place where you can get a ham and egg sandwich, a red bull, and Doritos at 4 in the morning. Here are some potential meal combinations I would suggest: 1) Treat Yo Self Nesquik A jelly donut Redbull Doritos 2) The Modern Farmer An egg sandwich on a bagel Coffee A bear claw Redbull Doritos 3) The Health Conscious Socialite Two mini donuts Rockstar Zero Several ice cubes

    (4)

  • Randy D.

    Today they deserve one star, I tried their "churro" and found it too short and thin, for $1.90, it was 6-7 inches of very tough, very chewy stale, bad after tasting woody stick! By the time I reached my car in the lot I had still not finished my first bite... I literally had to spit it out ... Walked backed... Handed it to the lady cashier, told her that it was terrible enough to bring it back and have her throw it away! She seemed unbelieving ....so I didn't demand my money back like I should have but rather satisfied myself by repeating my truthful long descriptive review! Their donuts are at times stale so also watch out! I wish they were more consistent! Yet their donut holes are always fresh! Go figure... I guess from now on I'll ask when the product I want was cooked! So 3 Stars for their donuts, everything else ... Well nuff said!

    (1)

  • Michelle B.

    their donuts are always so fresh! Roughly around 10pm, they make their buttermilks, French Crullers, old fashions and cake donuts

    (5)

  • Alvin D.

    3.25/5 24hours. okay, i'm not a donut person. i actually don't like donuts much at all. but when you iz drunk and or (other), well this place is what's up. especially that custard filled crueller...oh child.

    (3)

  • Stephanie K.

    Open 24 hours: gooood 95 cents each: gooood Hot fluffy donuts fresh from the rack: amazinggggggg Standard donuts, nothing fancy, but perfect for my taste.

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    Where else can you stumble-in at 3am, grab some donuts, play chess with random dudes , and chat with the crazy homeless woman mumbling and ranting in the corner?!?! You think I'm exaggerating ... I'm not. I've been going here off-and-on since about 2002, usually around midnite or 1am. It's like a place outside of time, a limbo. You can be from any ethnicity or any social class, and no one judges you. Live and let live. Listen to emo music and drink some milk, or fuel your drunk-munchies.

    (5)

  • Chau M.

    Awesome donuts establishment in an awesome part of an awesome city! Colonial Do-nut is a treat every time. While business may be slow for other do-nut spots during the mid-day, Colonial Do-nuts will always have a few faithful patrons in it's establishment; that's a good sign, trust me! Street parking is scarce certain days but be patient and you'll find a spot. My girl and I come up with just about any excuse to come here for a treat. I'd recommend Crumb Do-nuts! One less star because my do-nut holes weren't fresh the last time I went.

    (4)

  • Lisa T.

    Whenever my preschooler talks me into visiting Colonial on our way to school (I'm afraid he's going to become a lawyer -- a chubby one -- when he grows up), I am always impressed at how pleasant this place is. Most donut shops seem depressing to me, but not Colonial. There are always wholesome-looking people here, and there's free parking in the back. And the best compliment comes from the boy himself: "Mama, this donut is really FRESH!"

    (4)

  • Tina L.

    Absolutely famished I went to Colonial before brunch while waiting for a table at Lakeshore Cafe. We shared the last cold Buttermilk Glazed Donut. I was totally bummed because it felt sub-par.. I had been raving about the buttermilk to the bf; and felt it was a lackluster attempt at showcasing the scrumptiousness (not really a word) of the the buttermilk. Same night around 9pm; I felt the need to try one more time- Headed to Colonial to find Chocolate Glazed straight out of the fryer. The donut god's were in my corner. I'm not even going to describe how divine this thing was; you need to get it yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Kathy L.

    A dozen donuts for $9.25 and the sweetest women behind the counter. They also do breakfast sandwiches for about $3. I didn't actually taste the donuts because I got them for my class but they looked deliciously sweet and moist! My students (and a coworker) gobbled them down in no time. Parking is free before 8am and after 6pm. Cash only!

    (4)

  • Meuy S.

    Blueberry cake donut! It's got a shady looking-possibly over fried-exterior but don't let that fool you. Once you crack that baby open there's only pink stained blueberry goodness waiting for you. When you get them fresh there's a nice little crunch to go along with the super moist (almost muffin-like) texture on the inside. Raised crumb donut! My all time favorite. Yum.

    (4)

  • Naomi C.

    BUTTERMILK DOUGHNUT (donut??)!!! Hot, fresh buttermilk doughnuts in my mouth! Even my brother and boyfriend, both Chicago food snobs, had to agree. Totally worth the drive from Temescal at 10 pm. Just a great, standard doughnut shop with delicious treats that don't taste like a mouthful of grease. Very tasty.

    (4)

  • Rikki N.

    My two guilty pleasures: Donuts and Thai Iced Tea. They have BOTH son! Open 24 hours? Hell yes! I'm in LOVE.

    (5)

  • Judie H.

    You know...Oakland doesn't have a Kripsy Kremes...so sometimes you gotta settle. Pros: Open 24 hours!!!, workers are always really nice and later on at night they play Cambodian music and sing out loud or sit and complain about their wives (my Cambodian friend translated what they were saying...hilarious!!!). The donut holes are yummy. Cons: The crazies, druggies and drunks come out at night to hang out here because its open 24 hours. There is always this urine stench, not sure where its coming from. No bathroom (except for workers and police of course). When you ask "are these fresh...just made?" they always reply "yes" enough though they've been sitting there for a long time. They unfortunately don't have that red button people wait for like Krispy Kremes hahahahaha. I've studied here a couple times but its really distracting because of the people who come in and out. People play chess here sometimes and meet for coffee too. Kids hang out here late at night as well. Don't ever leave your belongings unattended. Even if you are ordering please look over your shoulder. The crazies love to eyeball your wallet. Sometimes they'll get enough guts to come up and ask for money. Not sure why the workers don't kick them out, maybe its pity. But its driving their customers away.

    (2)

  • Matthew P.

    I was there last night for the first time and really enjoyed it. I was there for a meeting and got there plenty early so i could familiarize myself with the evening's bounty. A meeting in a donut shop! Heart be still - swoon... Anyway i got a maple something and a fritter something. Both were amazing, but i bet would have been more amazing fresh in the morning. It was a good place for a meeting. Lots of table space and well lit. Though there is a stream of people cutting through the building between the sidewalk and the parking garage out back. On my way out i got a dozen mixed donuts and ate most of them last night. I really hope that becomes our usual meeting venue.

    (4)

  • Janice C.

    Best 85 cents spent on an old fashioned chocolate donut. Who says you can't buy anything good with a dollar these days?

    (4)

  • Ha N.

    I don't think I have ever met a donut I never liked or have ever refused a donut. I was partially raised by Homer Simpson, couldn't you tell? But really how can you dislike anything deep fried? The donuts here are huge! They look like their on steroids when compared to a Krispy Kreme donut. I always get the crumb, chocolate, glazed and sugar donuts when I'm here. (fatty status) The donuts are always soft and fluffy on the inside. And its not to sweet at all. Being surrounded by a huge assortment of donuts makes me very very happy. Oh and if your ever here, don't mind the crazy people, drunks or the druggies. Because YES, even the druggies, drunks, and the crazy people need a donut every once in awhile.

    (4)

  • Norah C.

    Every once in a while, I get a hankering for donuts, and having just moved to Oakland, I tried out this little place I've missed a dozen times while driving down Lakeshore. They have a good selection of donuts, and they're open 24 hours! Cake donuts: These are what I come for--if you mess up a cake donut, you shouldn't be open--and these are GOOD. Devil's food cake and blueberry are delicious. Raised donuts: Perfectly fluffy on the inside, nice glaze on the outside. Colonial gets it right--the donuts don't have that terrible greasy taste like some I've tried where you could only guess they've reused the same oil for three days. *Custard filled chocolate bar: They're not stingy with the custard, which has a stronger vanilla taste. Definitely try one if you like custard filled donuts. * BEAR CLAW: Seriously, one of these is probably the size of an actual bear claw (but I'm sure it's way tastier). French donuts: Nice and light. ****The ONLY reason I'm giving Colonial Donuts 4/5 stars is because--even though it's a small difference--compared to standard donut prices, Colonial's more expensive by ~10 cents. I'd like it a lot more if cake donuts cost 85-90 cents each, not a dollar. The bigger raised donuts, like the Bear Claw, Cinnamon Roll and Apple Fritter are $1.90, but once you see the size, those are probably worth it.****

    (4)

  • Melanie A.

    A great place to write. Most "coffee shops" used to look like what Colonial Donuts does today: hard surfaces, harsh lighting, drab walls, beverages in plain cups. They used to *sound* like Colonial Donuts does, as well: muttering conversations, softly playing commercial radio, cashiers dealing quietly with customers. Then coffee shops became cafes. Contrast Colonial Donuts with Peet's and Starbucks on the same street. Those--cafes--have WiFi, excellent coffee and tea, expensive baked goods, appealing decor, and crowds, mobs really, of people, each seeming to breathe down your neck as you occupy the scarce seating just a moment longer than your purchase seems to warrant. At Peet's and Starbucks the soundscape includes the nonstop, high-decibel SLAP-SLAP-SLAP and RRR-RRR-RRR of espresso drinks being prepared. Colonial Donuts has none of these things. It's a place to linger and relax with your satisficing cup of Farmers Brothers and maybe a couple of 15-cent donut holes, to eavesdrop on the old men at the next table, and to finish that piece of writing you never get to when you have Web access. Some nights the place is surprisingly full with chess-playing regulars, but nobody will give you trouble if you just want to curl up with a maple bar and a library book.

    (4)

  • Robert C.

    decent Donuts. its right next to top dog

    (3)

  • Eryka V.

    My lady is addicted to sweets to the point that she has me baking at midnight, well not really but that sounded good. Anyway in the midst of the neighbor bring her over some homemade Vanilla cake she devoured it quickly and began to pout. She looked at me like I look at bartenders when my drink is empty. And then began our conversation: Me: Whats wrong baby Her: I feel like something sweet Me: Like? Her: Make me a chocolate cake mmm ya baby Me: Babe how about this Donut spot I read about on yelp? Her: Are the donuts fresh and warm Me: Supposedly boo let me call and check (dialing and getting answers) Me: Yes babe get ready the donuts are fresh and warm (thinking damn this feels like we are going to go score some crack) Her: (1 minute later) I am ready are you? Hurry up Rebeka are you coming Eryka is taking us to get donuts They both scurry to my car and I jet the sweet crackheads to Colonial. Ordered 2 Apple Fritters, 2 French Glazed, and one Maple Bar. Them satisfied, me well the donut was alright but nothing I would crave or break out to in the middle of the night again. The French Glazed was way to bland and had no flavor at all kinda stale for the supposed fresh state I was told it was in. No mmm's flowed out my mouth and I didn't even finish it I gave it to my girl, and opened a bottle of Moscato instead. Cheap and alright if that's your thang. The lady liked'em she said mmm they are moist,and sweet but not better than other places babe.

    (2)

  • Tamu V.

    Lady that works inside is so sweet and down to Earth. Love playing Hot Spot here with my boyfriend.

    (5)

  • Calvin L.

    WTF. It's not like I was expecting Dynamo Donut or anything. But if I could give no stars, I would. I suppose it's possible today was an off day. But seriously, I just had the worst donuts I've ever eaten in my life. Dry and stale, with oversweet glaze that made me feel sick afterward. From the texture, I'm pretty sure these were at least a day old. Gross!

    (1)

  • Laura K.

    Whenever I go into this place, I'm looking for chocolate old-fashioned donuts. And they NEVER have them! There's a sign there, where they should be, but the slot is always empty. They are always out of this one kind of donut. No others. I'm beginning to think CD's chocolate old-fashioned donuts are a snare and a delusion. That they don't even MAKE the damn things.

    (1)

  • Mary P.

    I loved this place when I was in college. Open all the damn time and had really good donuts and coffee. I could come here and do some studying or just sit with a donut and cup o' joe and people watch. I love me some old dudes baggin' on each other for everything and nothing. CLASSIC! So much more fun than Starbucks or Peet's. Love that they have resisted to urge to go all donuts and chinese food or donuts and ice cream or donuts and oil changes. Just donuts, more or less. Okay, they do croissants and other pastries but still do the tried and true yummy donuts. Whether you do your fried dough all fancy or plain, this place will not disappoint. Ahhh, sweet memories! So glad this place is in Oakland but sad that I live so far away from it. Hmmmm... roadtrip... :D

    (4)

  • Erich V.

    Don't try to pin them down as to which donuts are freshest. They are all fresh. Every single donut is the exact same metric of freshness.

    (3)

  • Sharee g.

    Silly of me to go to a DONUT shop and get a dry, flavorless churro!

    (2)

  • sharlyn g.

    yes, I know... DONUTS ARE DONUTS! most taste the same.. but DONUTS here are GREAT! These DONUTS have changed my mind about " all donuts being the same" These DONUTS dont leave that nasty oily after taste in your mouth , they're perfectly soft and fresh! prices are great as well. YUM!

    (4)

  • Sadie G.

    This place is great. I got a blueberry cake donut (which I haven't had in years), a devil's food cake donut, and a raised glazed with crumbs. They were really delicious, light, and fluffy. Apparently they're open 24 hours... which is good and dangerous information to know. This will definitely be a new choice for stopping at on donut days. One PS though: their jelly donuts aren't that awesome (you should go to Hometown Donuts for these).

    (4)

  • Ash E.

    After a disappointing dinner across the street, my boyfriend took me out for donuts to cheer me up. And boy, did this place turn my evening around! The selection was great, I had a maple bar filled with custard and my bf had a chocolate frosted donut. The place was busy, but the line moved quickly. This may be my new favorite neighborhood guilty pleasure!

    (4)

  • Mikey O.

    I come in here every so often around 4:30am. The atmosphere is dirty, but clean enough, with a zoo of people. From cops to meth heads, to grab and go commuters, they got it all at this time in the morning. Service is simple, choices are VAST (if you go this early) and the donuts are to my liking. Fresh and simply delicious. It should be noted that they've been around for quite sometime, probably one of the oldest 24 hour donut shops in Oakland.

    (4)

  • Randy S.

    Old fashioned good sized delicious donuts!

    (4)

  • Christopher W.

    Just being a donut shop gets you two stars automatically. The third star is for those apple fritters (you need to make a liquid version for mass distribution). Then you get a fourth star for being the only open spot at 2am in the Lake Merritt-Lakeshore-Grand Lake universe (minus CVS). The fifth star is for having those two cool people behind the counter always serving me donuts without judging eyes (I don't need judging eyes). Oh, and minus one star for being a chain. The only thing I dislike more than potentially being judged for my unhealthy choices is being judged by a chain establishment.

    (4)

  • Trevor F.

    Great donut shop! Ordered the chocolate twist and sprinkle cake. Bomb. Super fresh and right amount of crisp and fluffy inside. Nice change from the yuppy coffee shops that line Lakeshore blvd. See ya next weekend.

    (5)

  • Papp J.

    Just went to colonial donuts after a dummy mission around the bay. Snatched me up a apple turnover, oatmeal raisin but the best thing i had was the chocolate donut warmed up this thing was amazingly the defention of chocolate donut. This place would easily get 5 stars but the dudr working was serving with a attitude. Like a real hoe about it

    (4)

  • Tsada K.

    Every now and again, I wake in the middle of the night to find that my lover has gone, his pillow still warm, the air still heavy with his scent. For quite some time, I was worried. Did he forsake me for another? Then one morning I realized, that's not lip gloss on his collar--it's glaze. Indeed, my enterprising lover had discovered that Colonial takes a fresh batch out of the oven every morning at 1AM. Warm, soft, and delicious. Hey there, Sugar Lips. Come give mama a kiss... and an apple fritter.

    (4)

  • Derek N.

    Ahoy Donuts! I've been "donuting" here since I was kid. It still looks the same! It still has this retro mini 60s look to it. There is a parking lot in the back entry as well. Street parking can be hit or miss. You get the standard donut fare here... I'm a simple donut man, so my favs are either the sugar-crusted donuts and anything chocolate. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Ali K.

    After a night of drinking at easy lounge, went here last night for the first time and got a ham and cheese croissant and a blueberry donut. It was awesome, especially the blueberry donut, which was probably the single best blueberry donut I have ever had. Inside was pink from the real blueberry juice. I wish I never knew about this place.

    (5)

  • Gloria F.

    I love this place. It's open 24 hours and the people who work here are always friendly. I've eaten donuts at places all over the country, and even other parts of the world, and no lie, Colonial is still my favorite. They make their donuts perfectly fluffy and always put the right amount of sugar on them.

    (5)

  • Courtney R.

    I should not come here but its sinfully delicious and so close to home. I love it when the donuts are hot and fresh and they have a huge selection on lottery tickets which are great gifts. The coffee here is just okay but Peet's is right across the street so it's no big deal. Depending on what time you come her some of the people can be kinda sketchy but it's worth the risk for a yummy hot donut or doughnut, however you want to spell it!

    (4)

  • Beatrice T.

    When I get to work each Friday.. I always walk by the kitchen first, trying to be as cool and calm as possible. But inside, my heart is not-so-secretly screaming "PINK BOX PINK BOX PLEASEEEE" Today, as I walked up the stairs of my building, I heard someone else coming from the flight below. Normally I would ignore it and continue to rush up to the office smiling that someone else is gonna walk in later than me. (phew) But today.. today I decided to wait. As the shadow crept.. my heart began to flutter. There was something special about the way this person was walking.. it just didn't look right. Then ever so slowly.. I saw it... A beautiful glimmer of pink. WHEEEEEEEE! Today is officially a good day. SO.. They do their raised donuts just fine, nothing special, nothing bad. Standard in my eyes. BUT.. their old fashion donuts are my FAVORITE. This is the place that got me to even like cake donuts. My loves: Blueberry cake donut Chocolate cake donut (with or wtihout the chocolate frosty) Crispy outer shells, fluffy flavorful cake inside.. but it's really the crisp in the crust that makes me happy.

    (4)

  • vic f.

    Odd ball O-town crowd at the wee hours but I wasn't here for the atmosphere just the deep fried gooey goodness. Skip the frozen churros and doughy fritters, the stars of the show are the buttermilk "lumps" and good strong coffee. Nothing has changed in the past 30 years and that's a good thing.

    (3)

  • Laleh E.

    I love this place. Big-time. However, I can't give them five stars, because their donuts aren't really THAT good. But I love everything else about this place. It's within walking distance of my home, and so that's why I come here to get donuts. But you know, because it's 24 hours, it has saved my butt a few times. When NASA launched the L-CROSS mission to find water on the moon, my friends and I met up at 2 in the morning to get donuts here before going to watch the lunar impact at Chabot. A few times when I woke up at illegal hours to go collect samples in the field (for research's sake), and I didn't have anything healthy . . . you guessed it! D-O-N-U-T-S. They usually think that my BF and I each want a coffee, when really the boy just wants a sip of mine; but that's forgivable. The prices here are real donut prices, not that marked up crap you find now and then. There is plenty of seating, and you can buy lotto tickets while you sit and ponder your life. I wouldn't recommend it, but I'm not judging you. And you know, it's adorable when they misspell "sprinkle." SPRINGKLE CAKE. I'll take two, please.

    (4)

  • Loli L.

    Pros: -Open 24-hours -Has donuts that are actually good Cons: -Open 24-hours -Has donuts that are actually good

    (4)

  • Karen B.

    Dear Clogged Arteries, I'm sorry to have put you through the fried torture that I did the other day, but mouth and brain kept insisting on donuts. I personally cast the blame on yelp, because had we not found this place I would not have inflicted the damage I did onto you. I'm sorry. I could not resist the variety and I could not stop at one. I also want to apologize in advance because this will not be the last time I torture you with delicious, moist, yummy fried goodness. Your Body/Owner, Karen

    (5)

  • Cara Y.

    I have a deep, abiding love for Colonial Donuts. Yes, it's true. I remember sitting in Colonial as a young teenage delinquent back in the late 80s, early 90s...sitting on one of their high chairs at one of their impossibly high tables, chain-smoking Marlboro Reds over their tinny silver ashtrays, drinking scalding black coffee, staying out too late, and never wanting to go home. I probably find myself in here twice a year when I'm feeling TGIF-ish enough to stop and pick up donuts for the break room at work. And every time I step inside, it nearly stops me dead in my tracks. You know how the scent of some places can bring back the most incredibly vivid memories? Colonial Donuts is like that. It's a time machine. The place has the soul and wisdom of thousands, and I hope it never closes its doors.

    (5)

  • Cheryl R.

    This place has the vibe of Grand Central station at 2 am in the late 80's. They sell lottery tickets. They have delicious donuts. The donuts are in clear cases so kids can look at them all and pick what they like. (Versus some Dunkin' Donuts who store the donuts up on shelves.) It's open 24 hours. A non-judgemental vibe. I really dig it, for a once in a while donut.

    (4)

  • Natalie L.

    Open 24 hours a day. Cheap fresh delicious warm doughnuts! What more can one say?

    (5)

  • Karen R.

    Apparently this is the place to BE!!!!! 9:30, starbucks and peets are closed,. had a movie to catch at the grand lake theater at 9:45, we saunter up the ave looking for a hot drink and i see this place. the same people you would see playing chess in the park are playing here and i catch a few minutes of a game while i wait for my friend to cream his coffee. As a celiac, I can't review the donuts, and its hard to review tea when all they did is hand me a cup of hot water and my tea bag, but I can say that the people behind the counter were smiling and fast. the line was a traffic jam and nobody seemed to undersand how to queue up but i cant really blame the establishment for that. i will definitely be returning. i think a visit to the grand lake theater and the donut shop should go hand in hand.

    (4)

  • T.J. P.

    Finding out that there's a 24 hr donuts shop existed on Earth made me really happy. Realizing it's in the East Bay made my mind explode! Why haven't I heard of this place existed sooner?! Knowing there's a place where I can get donuts at anytime of day makes me sleep better at night. I might have been a little drunk when I went here with my friends, but I know for sure that the donuts I ate were really good. It's everything you expect from a donuts shop. Donuts, coffee, and more donuts. What I thought was really cool at this place was that there were people playing chess at 2am. It was really random, but a nice surprise. It's a really nice place to chill with friends and try to get over that alcohol before you drive home.

    (4)

  • Mike K.

    A Lakeshore staple. Solid donuts, and when all else fails, Colonial will always satisfy your late night cravings for heart clogging goodies. They usually make a fresh warm batch at the end of the evening and the scent will lure people from all over the Lake. Get in, grab your poison of choice ( Sprinkles, maple, holes) and let yourself cheat for just one night...

    (3)

  • Savier M.

    I'd give this place a 4 for being 24 hrs but I don't like crunchy donuts. Every donut I get from this place is stale. I've came in the morning and I have stopped by late at night. (lol) The stories always the same. Fresh donuts plz.

    (3)

  • Zulu Q.

    Colonial Donuts is solely responsible for getting me to reconcile my breakup with deep-fried food. Sometimes you really need greasy food to settle an over-lubribricated liver in order to make it into work the next morning. Because the %$#@ing Merritt has shortened its hours of operation twice in the last year, this place is my best second option because it is open 24 hours. The main reason that Colonial and I coexist perfectly is because it is the "right distance" away from my place. By "right distance" away, I mean that it is too far to be worth my effort normally (which is why I don't look like Porky McFat-ass), but in emergencies, it is the "right distance." What is an emergency? If your roommate and her boyfriend are having sex so %$#@ing loud that you are embarassed, are grossed out, and cannot sleep, Colonial Donuts is the "right distance" away from my apartment in order to grab a dollar from my laundry quarters, walk there, order a raised chocolate (that's not backwards, they really are called that), eat it, and walk back home in time for the lovebirds in my house to have finished doing the dirty and be passed out. Mind you, I've used this emergency enough times that the money spent on donuts could have been used on ball gags... Just try to watch how late you go in. If you go in late enough, it smells funny and people are sleeping there. Now they have skim milk! They are still no Rudy's in Castro Valley or Donut Wheel in Livermore though...that might be a good thing...

    (4)

  • Donald S.

    This place sure has some characters that come here late night. Good warm Fresh Donuts even at 1am. 90 cents for a Donut? Can't beat that deal.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :6:00 am - 5:3

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes

Colonial Donuts

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