Pao’s Donut & Coffee Shop
6919 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98406
Pao’s Donut & Coffee Shop Menu
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Address :
6919 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA, 98406 - Phone (253) 565-4692
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
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Jess H.
Even though I no longer live in Tacoma, it has many places that remain true to my heart, places that scream, "I am Tacoma!" and fight against the corporate, bland taste that is Dunkin Donuts. So every once in a while and definitely on National Donut Day - we would swing by Pao's and grab a donut. Here is what remains so cool about this place. 1. You can tell it's been around for awhile, it has that old diner feel to it. 2. Along with that old diner feel, comes a large, constant, returning elderly customer population that return each day for their cup of coffee and old-fashioned. 3. Excellent old fashioned donuts. 4. And a drive thru! 5. Plus it is right next to a public library, you always get props for that. **Note that I believe it is cash only. I always wanted to go on a bike ride when it's sunny out in Tacoma, and make a stop here, maybe head out to the Narrows Bridge and back - sounds like a fun adventure!
(5)M M.
Who the hell leaves a 5-star review on a donut shop? Donuts are hardly gourmet. Unless you go to Pao's. I don't know what is in those, but they turn me into Homer Simpson every single time I walk out of there. "Mmm... donuts." Great sized donuts, and a really great flavor. They do something different, I don't know what it is. Cinnamon? Honey? Heroine? I wish I knew. I'd sprinkle it in everything I bake. Please note: this is a CASH ONLY joint. You remember cash, it's that filthy green stuff we used to use in the old days, before the pretty plastic money. (Mmm...credit cards.) Plan ahead, rob an ATM, get yourself some greenbacks. Our first time there, we got a half-dozen donuts, and split each one to try 6 different varieties. They were all great. Not greasy, thick icing, excellent flavor. The old-fashioned donut made my eyes roll back in my head. As for service, she was efficient and friendly, and the whole place is really kind of mellow and homey. It's got an 80's "time to make the donuts" commercial (remember that guy?) kind of feel, which is kind of awesome. Almost every time we are in Tacoma, we make a trip over there for some sweet round treats. Mmm...Pao's donuts.
(5)Jessica B.
The perfect cake with toasted coconut donut. it makes me emotional. The bavarian is just right and not too sweet, sweet yes, but not sickening like some bad chocolate glaze sweet. My sons love the chocolate cream filled, a nice choco cream in a powdered donut and the chocolate glazed . Donut holes, crullers, sprinkles, muffins and maple bars.... I say they have a great variety, but I stick to the one that makes me weak in the knees...coconut topped cake!!! They are so nicely priced , family owned and run, cash only, and a mellow crowd.. at least it's what i see ( over 60'ers hang out in the far right corner ) Recently I had an out of town friend here to Tacoma and we were on a donut mission, but we were in Seattle, we google mapped to Mighty-O's. There was a variety of about 4 because we had gotten there after a Groupon rush. meh.. sure it was nice and lots or merchandise to grab up, but I will pick driving back home to Pao's from now on. Now, I have to go get some.
(5)Jackson R.
After frequenting Mighty-O, Top Pot, Voodoo in Portland, and numerous other dingy joints up and down the Cascade Corridor, this erstwhile Dunkin Donuts takes my vote for best cheap pastry shop. If you live in Seattle, come down to the run-down end of 6th Ave...oh wait, to 6th Ave, to try these donuts. Pao's is my shining beacon of sugary goodness on Tacoma's North End. Maybe it's the sentimental fact that my family would use the promise of Dunkin's back in the day to lure me to church on foggy Sunday mornings. Maybe it's that me and my buddies would come and plunge ourselves into 3-donut Pao's comas on high school mornings, or the fact that for three bucks I can get a cafe mocha and all the delicacies my eyes desire. In any case, I love Pao's with all my heart, and I never want it to change. Observe the hospitable family working together with prompt service. Sit at the goofy formica tabletops and weird window bar. Look at the picture of their baby on the wall posing next to a gimungous donut; this is Yuen Lui artistry for a bakery family. Get a cruller, get some holes, get a glazed, get a double chocolate, get a dirty dozen. These people make an olykoek bestiary better than Krispy Kreme could ever hope to (although it's hard to beat KK's regular glazed). Pao's has all the charm, quirkiness and taste you could ever hope for from a neighborhood donut shop.
(5)Teraisa J. G.
Donuts are great tasting and fresh, five stars for taste. However, they don't open until 6AM and it's not until about 7:30AM you are able to buy more than the cake donuts. There is no military discount at all, even though we generally purchase about twelve dozen donuts for our soldiers once a month. In fact, we were told, "If you purchase the donuts separately, they'd be about $9, but we give them to you for $7.50 a dozen." Being so close to both the Army and Air Force base, you'd think they'd give these underpaid soldiers a break. But then again, a break won't help much since the donuts need to be picked up between 4AM and 6AM. For the opening without most donuts available, they get only three stars. I took nothing off for military, because it's not the donut shop's fault the city is bustling with customers due to the military installations. Church families are in for a disappointment. You cannot get the donuts - or at least a big variety - before church. After church, donuts don't generally fit your hunger bill any longer. Besides, by noon, they may be out of what you wanted in the first place. That gives me only two stars. The majority of bakers are friendly and take time to smile. That makes this review go up to a 3.9. How do they get four stars you ask? Because their chocolate donuts taste like real chocolate! You can't go wrong here if you want a dozen donuts, aren't picky and can pick them up after 8AM.
(4)Judy M.
Not my favorite donut. My review is only on the glazed raised. It's a good size, but it was a little eggy and kind of dense.
(2)Kenya C.
I LOVE Pao's! Classic family run donut shop with nice people, and value prices. 4 donuts are about $3! My favorite donuts are the apple cake donut and the Bavarian cream. Their French cruller is interesting-it's light as air and delicious. Their donuts are the perfect size (not too big like those Top Pot behemoths) and have the perfect amount of frosting (not too much.) Their lattes are also cheap and surprisingly good. The other bonus is you can drive through! Great for a lazy Saturday morning when you don't want to get dressed to go for breakfast. I'm a lazy bastard, what can I say.
(5)Jay E.
Simply great doughnuts. I just wish they had bacon maple bars.
(5)Ari B.
I absolutely love Pao's. I pick up two dozen donuts (grand total = $15) here every other week or so to bring into the office, and they're always a huge hit. Their donuts are always fresh and well-made (whenever I pick them up in the morning, the donuts are still warm). They make a great chocolate frosted cake donut. Their service is friendly and pretty quick either in the store or driving through. Just be aware, they only accept cash. If you've got a hankering for a donut, be sure to visit Pao's!
(5)Mike O.
Great classic donuts, maple bar very good, lots of maple flavor. Drive through for a quick breakfast and coffee. Nice service quick and efficient.
(4)Emily M.
Five stars because it's really a nice little place with great donuts! The service at 5:30AM isn't always great--but I can forgive that, because I love how early they open! Also make sure to bring cash.
(5)Lyss W.
So good that I've been known to beg my husband to make the drive across the bridge for a box of them on occasion. ;c) Nice, plump donuts with just the right amount of glazing/frosting/jelly/whatever. Unlike certain trendy donut chains. *innocent blink*
(5)Sean W.
Amazing fresh made donuts! Huge in size and huge in selection! The flakiest best donuts ever made. Generous on frosting on donuts. QUICK SERVICE AND AMAZING DONUTS!
(5)Diane B.
Freshest, best doughnuts i've had in T-Town and great service too! love the cocunut topped doughnuts. a bit crowded Sunday morning with the after church crowd...sometimes the line is out the door.
(5)Judy F.
The best donuts in the word! I would go out in a snow blizzard to get these.
(5)Heather S.
I have been hearing great things about this place from a friend for a long time now. So we went this morning for the first time and aparently my daughter had already been to Pao. Anyway, the Donuts rocked. The cake one my daughter got had a hint of nutmeg of cinnimon, whatever it was made it so yummy. The donuts had the right amount of glaze so that they were not overwhelmingly sweet. We will go back for sure!!
(5)Jane L.
After seeing the reviews I wanted to try some! The donut holes are nothing special and neither is the cream filled. But the apple fritter and the almond ones are pretty darn good! I would go back for those!
(4)Roxanne H.
Best donuts so far in Tacoma area. It beats the chain donut stores hands down. Good scones too. The donuts are not too sweet and are always soft. The raised donuts have the soft chewy texture and the cake donuts are light and crumbly. Their scones are pretty good too. They remind me of the Puyallup fair scones. Cash only but decent prices. Weekends are usually packed!
(5)tiara a.
this donuts are soft, fluffy, big and delightful!!! the best and biggest maple bars ive ever had and what a great variety of tasty donuts! super cheap so the fact that they only take cash shouldnt hurt anyone!! im sad i dont live around 6th ave anymore and pass by here on the way to work. the girls are always nice and casual and they even have a drive thru, ive always just walked in though. they have a couple booths if u wanna sit and have a coffee too.
(5)Guy I.
Best donuts around...not that there are many in this area but still, these are great. Service is usually good unless you end up w/ the one guy working there as you can tell he'd rather be elsewhere.
(5)David F.
Pao's is by far the best I've ever had.
(5)Chuck L.
One of my coworkers brought donuts to the office and said she got them here. It was good. All classic donuts in a brown cardboard box. I will have to check this place out myself.
(3)Eric E.
The. Best. Donuts. Quick story to illustrate: I bought a dozen donuts to give to friends. Stopped by Peninsula Perk drive through coffee stand and one of the owners (buddy of mine) was in the stand doing some training. I asked him if he wanted a donut and he quickly said 'no thanks'. I then told him they were from Pao's. He got a big smile on his face and said, 'you better give me one'. Typical reaction to Pao's. Cash only - no credit or debit accepted. Warning: If you struggle with weight fluctuation or high cholesterol, you should not go to Pao's.
(5)Grace A.
cinnamon cake is by far my favorite! i live all the way in renton and whenever i have to travel to tacoma/puyallup for business, i make a special stop to this place. love it. :)
(5)Rich L.
A longtime Tacoma westside standard. This amazingly perfect old school dounut house takes fried flour, grease and sugar and makes magic. Made fresh every morning, get there early for the hot goodness. What could be better?
(5)Amera G.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. The prices have hardly changed over the years and the quality is always amazing. The doughnuts are always fresh, made in store and like I said you can't beat the prices anywhere else. But keep in mind they are cash only! Best doughnut shop in Tacoma. My favorites are the cinnamon roll doughnut and maple bar.
(5)J L.
Never have had a bad donut here. Always fresh and cooked well. Great taste. The only negatives are that they are out of donuts by about 3pm. Small register/order area. Cash only. With the amount of business they get growth or no growth is the owners choice.
(4)Robin R.
The very, VERY best donuts! Large, fresh, light, flavorful beyond description and affordable (they could easily charge more because they are HUGE). These folks know their craft and are the best at it.
(5)Nick F.
FRUSTRATED!!!! The machine for the raised donuts is broken!!? AGAIN. Drive thru is closed. ITS SATURDAY MORNING. Mr. Pao it's time to reinvest in the business! Get some new equipment so that your fan base can have maple bars on Saturday mornings. Get the drive thru up and running, because your entry way is not fit for more then a 3 person line. Cmon man, figure it out.
(1)Jerry M.
I'm giving Pao's 5 stars because they are so very friendly, plus, their donuts and other pastries are simply the best we have had in the entire Puget Sound Area, bar none. One reviewer comments he gave them a 4 because they are cash only, but he doesn't get it. That's exactly how they keep the cost down and sell out of the "good stuff" by 9:00 am. I for one am glad to see Pao's hasn't succumbed to credit cards and the resulting 3+% credit cards add to your bill. My entire family loves their apple fritters with second place going to their scones. I do not recall how we stumbled onto Pao's, but when we head south to Tacoma or SEATAC on Highway 16, we almost always move over to the 6th Street exit only lane when crossing the Tacoma Narrows bridge to load up on fritters and scones for the freezer, which works great if you live far away from Pao's like we do. For obvious reasons one shouldn't eat there everyday, but when it's time to splurge Pao's is very hard to beat. Enjoy
(5)Linda T.
An old-fashioned treat and nice staff but wow it needs cleaning. The bathroom was shockingly filthy; black grime on the floors, dirty toilet bowl & seat. Yuk. Someone needs to attend to basic hygeine; this visit really put me off.
(2)R And J.
Probably the best, under-hyped donuts in town. They only take cash, which can be inconvenient but actually helps me fight off diabetes. I love the drive-through except when someone who wants a 3 dozen custom order pulls in right in front of me. They are also out of the donuts I want occasionally, which can be an early morning buzz-kill. All in all, definitely a 4 star shop.
(4)S. Rene' P.
They have been open for 45 mins & only have 4 kinds of doughnuts prepared another 45mins for maple bars & who knows how long before they have their entire selection prepared. Very Frustrating to rush here to wait & leave without my favorite ( maple bar ) Why open @ 6am & not be prepared! Seriously!!! I've never been to a doughnut shop that's so unprepared.
(1)Chelsea Laine H.
This is a great old school, traditional, mom and pop donut shop! When you are in the mood for a great donut but don't want the pizzazz of Legendary Donuts this is a great place. My husband loves their fritters (apple and blueberry) and I love their traditional glazed. Note...they only take cash so be prepared The owners are super sweet, especially the Mrs. Why not grab one on the way to walk Chambers Bay!
(4)E. A.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? This place is awesome for so many reasons. It's everything a donut shop ought to be. The building is the husk of a donut chain from the 80s (Winchell's if memory serves), everything is beige hued in the interior. The regulars and folks that sit down to enjoy their donuts, coffee, newspaper and conversation are bada$$, grumpy senior citizens that don't take no guff from nobody, no-how. It's their spot and they can give an f. I wish they would accept me as one of their own, but no...you gotta earn membership to something like that with hard years lived. God bless 'em! Sure it's cash only, but that's a minor inconvenience for me. I enjoy the 'heck-to-you-modern-times' everything about this place coupled with the amazing quality of the donuts at the price. Also, there is the option of the modern day convenience of the drive-thru. Absolute favorite donut offered here: (plain) CRULLER! But everything else I've had here over the years is darn good. These are not too sweet; don't have to worry about feeling the need to call Wilfred Brimley after indulging for your diabetus supplies (I'm very sensitive to sweet). Not too dense. Not too anything....just right. The Pao family is a Tacoma institution.
(5)Kevin C.
Donuts, cheap and good. Cash only. Anything glazed or maple/chocolate covered is delicious. Perfect texture and taste. Rivals Top Pot and Voodoo.
(5)Lucy J.
Very good with unique choices. I love scones and their scones are AMAZING. And ginormous! I think you can get either blueberry or raspberry, both are good but if I have a choice I'll take raspberry. They also do lattes and stuff, so perfect combo. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because they only take cash, which is kind of a pain because I never carry cash. So no spontaneous donut runs here- you have to plan ahead! Also they close pretty early. But whatever, it's still a great place.
(4)Lindsay S.
I Love the donuts here and I am not the type of person to go buy a donut, but these are amazing. I stick with the vanilla icing with sprinkles. Never disappoints. I would have given 5 stars, but they only accept cash! I think they could do a lot more business if they accepted credit/debit. There have been many times they lost my business because I didn't have cash on me. It is really small too. The donuts are still awesome though!
(4)Lisa H.
They have great donuts and espresso. I think their ice lattes are one of the best. I usually get their ice white mocha espresso, it's so good. My favorite donut of theirs is the glazed French crueller.
(5)Anthony C.
Quality Doughnuts, you'll find them here. It's an outdated doughnut shop with the good ol' 90's look but if you can get past that you'll love this place. The first thing I noticed was their wall of doughnuts. They were all so neat and fresh looking. Second thing I noticed was two police officers sitting at one of the tables enjoying some fresh doughnuts, GREAT SIGN! I ordered a Boston Cream and a Coconut Crisp and both were on point. So I give this place my stamp of approval. P.S. if you're planning on sitting in then you better brush up on your P's and Q's because a lot of local old folk love this place.
(5)Sai F.
My wife recommended Pao's but only through co-workers buying donuts for work. So my son wanted glazed donuts to share with his class for his birthday. Called Pao's up to confirm opening and how much a dozen glazed costed. The reviews said to get there early because by 8 most of the donuts are sold. I'm 27mins. Away and show up at 6:15am. Greeted with bad attitude and bad news. Sorry we don't have glazed donuts until 7. So I'm looking at what they have for a substitute but they have half of there trays out. Why would you open at 6 and not be ready. C'mon man!
(1)Kii S.
Nothing flashy, no frills but absolutely delicious donuts! My kiddo who's got a thing for the sweet stuff loved Pao's Double Chocolate doughnut. When I came here earlier this week I got a 1/2 dozen donuts and at $4.75 that's a pretty good price! The donuts are so fresh that the maple bar that I ordered was just being brought out from the back and the maple glaze was barely setting. 95 cent per doughnut and $1.25 for the fritters. I'll have to come back another time to try one of those fritters!
(4)Sha P.
Donut places are popping up everywhere in Tacoma. Put your game face on PAO's! Make enough of the great donuts that you should be proud of. The "we are out of that" response is getting old.
(3)Corinne M.
You know that you've hit gold when you go in to a doughnut shop at 8am on a Friday, and they are already sold out of several items! I really liked these guys, there is an old fashioned feel to the place, and their doughnuts. All I can say is Jackpot!
(5)Jordan B.
Love the donut place. Best prices and huge donut bars!! They even have a drive thru!! Just make sure you bring cash they don't take cards.
(5)A V.
Rude rude rude but oh so delicious. You know you are doing something right when you can act like the soup nazi but still rake in the business. Pao's has been supplying our church's donuts for over 5 years. Their donuts are consistently perfect.
(5)Valerie K.
Ohhh maaannnn.... Wayyyyyy tooooo yuummyyyyy....!!! One flaw: the place wasn't super clean.
(4)Rusty S.
Mmm... donuts... Once upon a time this was a Winchell's Donut House. In my opinion, Pao's is a big improvement! With an outstanding variety of fresh, delicious donuts and muffins plus coffee and not much else, this place excels by keeping things simple-- and cheap! It would wouldn't be practical to list *best* donuts available here; I haven't tried one yet that wasn't awesome. This place doesn't really go for the 'novelty' style over-the-top concoctions (like VooDoo or Legendary); they just crank out the classics done right. I feel that their apple fritter deserves special mention, though-- it's enormous, has just the right crispy outer layer and amazingly flavorful soft interior. I just drooled a bit thinking about it... The hours here are much more limited than other donut shops in the area, and it's a cash-only establishment. That said, stop by Pao's in the morning for some tasty donuts and coffee; you won't be sorry!
(5)Lillie M.
I don't know what it is about the donuts here but they make my mouth feel really dry. that being said, pao's makes the BEST blueberry muffin on the planet. seriously. I challenge any other muffin to a taste-off. not only will pao's win, but it would probably be the best day ever, for me, getting to eat all those blueberry muffins. a fat girl's dream come true. so if anyone wants to make this taste-off a reality, you know where to reach me...
(3)Christina E.
THE BEST DONUTS EVER. So what if there machines are down or if you have to wait. They are delicious...worth the wait and worth coming back when their machines are working. Soo inexpensive too. Love this place!!
(5)Alden C.
Honestly, who am I kidding? Pao's deserves five stars all the way! I go to a donut shop once a week and Pao's has been my destination for over a month. Just try the Honey Dipped donuts. Or the Pumpkin Spice donuts. Or the Cinnamon and Sugar donuts. The list goes on and on.
(5)Bryan S.
Best donuts in the area. I've been there a few times and have had mixed experiences with various types. Turns out the simplest are the best: the raised glazed and plain cake donuts are out of this world good. In fact, that simple cake donut was the hands-down best I've had anywhere. Shockingly crisp outer shell, and the moistest, softest, glorious cakey interior. But your mileage can vary. We tried the donut holes, and though they should've been equal to the raised glazed, they weren't. They were tougher and seemed almost stale. The chocolate raised glazed, along with many other flavored types, is way too sweet. So's their hot cocoa, which when my daughter says is too sugary you know there's a problem. I also rate their coffee drinks as fair. Nothing exceptional. So 4 star average comes from a variety of experiences: stick to a dozen raised glazed and plain cake donuts, and you'll be in 5-star donut heaven. Anything else risks being too sweet, so drops to 3 stars.
(4)Jamie B.
Great place. No nonsense, not fancy, just good doughnuts. I buy these for my dad on Sundays and he loves them. They run out of favorites early and there is always a line on weekends.
(5)Jonathan G.
I have tried several donut places in the Lakewood/Tacoma areas and to date this is my favourite. If you like a good donut this is the place. The dough is light and not dense or greasy and even the apple fritter (which normally i find greasy elsewhere) is not. One warning: If you come here you won't want to ever buy donuts from another location again. Though that has kept me from eating grocery donuts as they don't appeal anymore.
(5)Jay S.
If I was in the market for an older boyfriend - a much older boyfriend - I would hang out at Pao's, where savvy older people in the know go for the best cruellers, glazed, old fashioned...ok, any variety of donut, in the Puget Sound area. I'm telling you all - Olympia to Seattle (I don't know about Marysville and beyond) - Pao's is the one to beat. Tacoma has little to brag about in the food world, but this is one we've got! 85 cents for a deep fried bite of heaven. About $8/dozen. Fritters and scones are very good also - only $1.25. Better (and way bigger) than Krispy Kreme, the donut ho I am even likes these better than Voodoo Donut, Nickel Diner or Top Pot. (Did I just say that?) I LOVE them all, but I'd eat Pao's first....first among equals. Get here early...many things are gone by mid afternoon and they close at around 4. CASH ONLY. The owners seem to have no interest in growing the business - so if you miss them...tough cookies (no donuts).
(5)Miss Cary B.
Why I did not enjoy the donut I purchased. The maple bar was thick. The bread out weighed the maple by ten to one. The maple topping had no taste other sugar . It craked easy and did not stick well to the donut. I ordered a hot Choclote. The worker pulls out a generic gallon of cold chocolate milk. Took a cup put chocoote syrup in the bottom and steamed the cold Choclote milk until hot. NOT MY TYPE OF PLACE TO EAT.
(1)Kelsie P.
Always great way to start the morning! The donuts are so fresh they are still warm when you bite into them!
(4)Megan G.
Donuts are delicious and fairly cheap. The coffee options are also delicious. It's a cute atmosphere and they provide quick and courteous service. There is usually a line if you go on the weekend (the only times we have been), but don't let it put you off--it moves fast. We have gone earlier and later morning times, and they still have all the donuts available. We really hate it when donut shops don't replenish options for the later crowds, but that hasn't been the case here. Love them! Definitely recommend going! Also, cash only!
(5)Jessica M.
This place has a large variety of tasty donuts;the empty trays are refilled often. I would recommend this place for anyone looking to taste a great old fashioned donut.
(5)Lydia P.
Why am I just finding this place?? This place rocks!! Krispy who??? I don't think I've had one bad donut. My all time favorite is the toasted coconut cake donut and the Boston cream one is at a close second. The first time I went in I ordered 3 donuts and whipped out a debit card, since I obviously can't read the sign that says cash only. I was embarassed and asked where the nearest ATM was. She said a block down so I said never mind. I prepared to walk out and she hands me the bag and says go ahead take them. I didn't want to but she insisted. Absolutely great customer service. That along with their fantastic donuts is why this is now my favorite donut place in Tacoma.
(5)Nick S.
I would rate this place as tied for first for best donuts I've ever had. This family owned donut shop sometimes runs out of certain items early. But I grew up in a big city where you are accustomed to bakeries and delis making enough to sell each day. I've learned to appreciate how this ensures you only get fresh baked goods. And I love the taste of this policy.
(5)Juanita S.
Cinnamon. Sugar. Cake. Doughnut. Enough said. Nothing is as good as having one of these bad boys right out of the fryer... hot, and extra yummy! I also love that I can pay for a doughnut with the change from my car...great prices. Support this local small business!
(5)Ben W.
Best donuts on earth. Gigantic donuts at mini prices...not sure how they make money, don't care... Go here...you know you need a new addiction!
(5)Tabitha B.
After trying another doughnut place this morning, I realized I haven't reviewed our favorite place! We love Pao's! The staff are all friendly, the doughnuts are great, Price is just right, plus it's nice to go somewhere that they remember you after one visit & ask about your family & such! Best Cinnamon doughnut ever! Though my husband would tell you the applesauce or pumpkin are the best! Must get doughnut holes!!
(5)Hanna K.
Super FRESH donuts with excellent prices. 4/5 stars because its cash only and by 9 am all the popular donuts are sold out. so...unless you haul your butt there bright and early you can guarantee your fav donuts will be there, but if you arrive later than 8 am, you may be getting a dozen of the leftovers. Oh well.
(4)Markiss C.
Best maple bars in the NW. #yes #NW
(5)Ric C.
This is the BEST! A friend recommended it to me and I was not disappointed. The staff was very friendly and the donuts were the best I've ever tasted. I stopped by three days in a row but have forced myself to hold back, due to my diet only. I shall return.
(5)Rachel D.
Best donuts ever. Nothing else to say about it. Love that they have a drive thru, makes going to get donuts in your jammies acceptable. I love the toasted coconut. The applesauce cake donut is also delicious. They all are.
(5)Mark G.
You haven't lived in Tacoma unless you have had Pao's Donuts. Local family owned assortment of yummy treats that I must get a dozen every time I visit. Lines can form quickly but the wait is never that bad. I feel this place is a icon of Tacoma a must see.
(4)Jim S.
My god. I have never in my life had a fresh, warm, Old Fashioned donut, until today. My life, my basic body chemistry, has been changed, forever. What is that other donut place? Krispy Krap? Yeah, never eat there if you can eat here. No comparison. THIS is THE donut spot. Anything else is but a poor shadow.
(5)Todd B.
I come here after running, which makes this health food. I love the mid-eigthies feel here. The senior citizens gather here after church. A few dog tired cops slumped in the corner, presumably at the end of their shift (no need to make the obvious jokes; they looked like they deserved the break). Pao's has outstanding cinnamon cake doughnuts, and pretty good espresso. They have a large variety of other doughnuts as well (tried and liked the blueberry and the maple bar, two other critical doughnut staples). I've heard they close pretty much when they run out, which makes sense given how popular the place seems to be.
(5)Northwest R.
I've been stopping here at pao's for a long time. It's doughnuts are tasty, it's drip coffee excellent, with good prices. I keep coming back
(5)Nancy C.
Couldn't believe how packed this place was on a Saturday afternoo at 1pm - store was full and there were 5 cars in the drive-thru - CRAZY...... It is cash only. Only got a cruller (very good, not the best I've ever had) and an Apple fritter (just ok). Would definitely stop if in the neighborhood again and try some other doughnuts.
(3)Judy E.
I will give this place 4 stars not for their donuts but for their scones. Their scones are by far the best I have ever tried. The other day I bought scones from Panera hoping they would just be as good but boy was I wrong. Pao's is better. Light and fluffy, not too sweet and melts in your mouth. It will definitely bring a smile to your face once you take that first bite. For sure when I go back I will be getting me a box of scones not a box of donuts.
(4)Jay B.
The best doughnuts I have ever tasted. On June 9th, the toasted coconut doughnut was toasty on the outside and just the right texture and freshness on the inside. The doughnuts here are amazing.
(4)Ian C.
In order to rate this establishment, I must revise a former comment about LA, wherein I said, they only thing worth a damn in LA was my mechanic. L.A. also seems to have as may donut stores as we have coffee shops, and I will say that this is a world class donut joint, A+, do it, you know you want it.
(4)C V.
Oh......Pao's.....how I love you! I try to stay away because I will eat these lovely bundles of joy every day and I watch my butt grow ever bigger. Their chocolate cream filled (you fluffy, fluffy chocolate cream filled love bite you) ,lemon and raspberry filled donuts are the best ever! However, I just discovered the filled donuts biggest competition...their french cruller! The cruller edges slightly ahead as it's easier to eat while driving (super important right!?) and has such a light texture. You can eat so many more of them too! Sorry chocolate cream filled...i still love you anyway! Don't bother ordering just a couple because its cheaper to buy a "6 pack" for a whopping $4.75 and they will NEVER go to waste. The donuts are still warm when you get them and have a very light consistency compared to many others. They are always fresh even in the afternoon. Some days I'll stop by Pao's on the way to pick my son up from school. He gives me that knowingly smile when he see's me sitting in the car, my mouth covered covered in powdered sugar (I just cant wait for him to join in) and a box of Pao's in the front seat just waiting for him too! Thank you Pao's for making our life much sweeter. LOL
(4)Julia L.
The donuts were alright. I can tell the cooking time isn't consistent with some of these donuts as some were more oily than others. I just personally don't like my box soaking up so much grease in little time. Still put Le Donut in my top as they've been doing it for longer.
(3)Samantha G.
I've been going here since I was little. I love every donut they make, it's better to get there when they open when the donuts are still hot from the fryer. The coffee isn't that bad either, I usually get the soy mocha since it's cheap. The drip they serve is so-so. I love the owners too, they're nice and actually funny when you bump into them at other places when they're not at work.
(4)Jessica L.
This place has the BEST donuts!! They're moist & not TOO sweet with a great selection. Absolutely perfect! We love 'em!!
(5)Big A.
Damn good donuts at a super great price! And that's all I've got to say about that. Oh yeah...bring CASH (only) or you won't be eating any of their Damn Good Donuts!
(4)Mandi M.
Awesome Donuts! Amazing apple fritters. Be sure to grab a bag of warm donut holes for $1 ... melt in your mouth goodness. Cash only! whatever you do, don't brandish a debit card ... "WE NO TAKE CARD, CASH ONLY"
(4)Veronica S.
The best donuts! I love this place. They have friendly service and great donuts! Absolutely 5 stars!!
(5)Amy H.
Best donuts in Tacoma, bar none. They only take cash, no checks or credit cards. A bit out of the way but totally worth it.
(5)Nick L.
Cash only. Get there at 0600 for the sugar-raised, maple bars, old fashioned and raspberry filled donuts. Some of the best around. They have drive-thru.
(4)Daniel Z.
A long time ago, in a bakery far far away... in California... I found what I remember to be the best apple fritter I have ever tasted. I was young at the time, and I sadly do not remember the name or location of this magical house of dough. Ever since that euphoric experience, I've been on a seemingly never ending hunt for the best apple fritter. So far I've come up empty. Pao's certainly does bake up a great tasting apple fritter (and the original is one of the best I've had!), but it's just not... it's not quite there. Perhaps my memory is deceiving me, and this enchanted apple fritter is only in my imagination. Perhaps my quest will never reach its end... perhaps I'll never find that perfect apple fritter... Until the day when I have found it, or can no longer continue my search, I will remember Pao's as having one of the top apple fritters in my search. Now we are back in reality. I've driven by Pao's countless times and always thought about going in. Today, I finally made that thought a reality. Not only is the price to portion ratio seemingly in favor of the consumer, the flavor to price to portion ratio is one of the best I've had. Forget Krispy Kreme, that chain shop has overpriced, over sugared blobs of dough that will, in a pinch, satisfy the donut craving. With Pao's limited hours during the day, it may not be accessible to everyone. To those who can, you should. I was nearly overwhelmed with the abundant variety. I had to hold myself back and only try two kinds. I know I will be returning in the coming months to try the other delicious looking donuts. Clearly this isn't a place to visit on a daily basis. I'm sure the sugar count is off the charts, but a special treat every once in a while is well deserved, and what better place to get that special treat than at Pao's. Oh yeah, if you didn't get the other 16 messages, cash only. :-)
(4)Jaelynn J.
These donuts are SO FRESH and FLUFFY! I love them. I can usually only eat half to a full donut at most shops, but here I have already eaten TWO! nomnomnom
(5)Erin Z.
Maple bars and chocolate sprinkle bars are the best! Cash only so be ready.
(5)