I couldn’t resist making a quick stop in Westwood to visit Stan’s Donuts while staycationing nearby in Century City. Expertly made deep-fried dough is one of my all-time favorite sweets, and I’d heard rumblings that Stan Berman’s creations delivered a satisfying punch.
This old school doughnut shop has been serving the Westwood Village community since 1965. There were nearly fifty varieties of doughnuts available when The Astronomer and I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon. The flavors on offer were mostly standard, with a few notable gourmet options as well.
Scanning the four shelves of doughnuts, the “custard puff” ($2.50) was the first one to catch my eye. The cool, smooth, and vanilla-tinged custard paired extraordinarily well with the yeast-risen dough. The thin coat of chocolate frosting added depth and oomph.
Best of all, when I went in for a bite, the cream didn’t spurt out from all angles. Miraculously, it managed to remain in its proper place until the very last bite. Now, that’s something kind of magical.
The maple bar ($1.50), which was as soft and as light as the custard puff, had a milder flavor profile and an even keeled sweetness. It wasn’t the most innovative doughnut that we sampled, just a very good version of a classic maple bar.
The Astronomer picked out an apple cinnamon log known as “The Jimmy” ($2.50). Made from the same light and fluffy dough as the custard puff and maple bar, The Jimmy contained softened and sweetened apples, as well as a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. If an apple pie and a cinnamon roll consummated their love and had a child, it would most definitely be named Jimmy.
Our final doughnut was one of the house specialties. The Huell ($2.50), which is filled with peanut butter and topped with chocolate frosting and chocolate chips, comes in several varieties, including one with fresh bananas and another with jelly. I went for the one with just peanut butter because I didn’t feel like having a fruity accompaniment with my nutty spread this afternoon.
I liked The Huell very much even though it stuck to my teeth and made it difficult to converse with The Astronomer. For those who love their peanut butter paired with chocolate, this doughnut is right on the money.
Stan’s Donuts executes classic Cali-style doughnuts very well, and I’m glad that I swung by while I was in the neighborhood. Until my dreams of gourmet doughnuts in Los Angeles comes true, I’ll continue turning to shops like Stan’s and The Donut Man to feed the beast.
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Stan’s Donuts
10948 Weyburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90024
Phone: 310-208-8660
Awesome! This looks so good. I agree. Donut Man FTW!
Now you’ve got me craving donuts! Thanks for taking me back to my college days….good to see that Stan’s is still around!
I should not have read this post before bedtime. I’m now going to dream about cream and peanut butter-filled donuts.
My wife loves the blueberry buttermilk! Now I really want to try that and The Huell. With a big glass of milk!
Somebody up there is telling me to eat donuts. This is the 4th time I’m having donuts stuffed up my face. Not literally, but I wish! The first custard one has caught my eye.
It’s funny that on the West coast there are so many random doughnut/donut spots, but on the East coast you really see the big chains much more. It makes the search here a bit more fun perhaps.
My favorite there is the Honey Whole Wheat without glaze. It almost seems wrong to order such a simple donut at Stan’s but OMG it is divine.
I was lucky enough to meet Stan one day. He’s got a great story and just exudes happiness.
Next time, try the peanut butter, banana and chocolate chip one! That was my favorite when I was still living in Westwood 🙂
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. i’ve been on a huge donut hunt and it looks like i must come here. never even heard of this place!
maple bars look insane.
try primos in wla for great donuts
I never had the guts to order the Huell – thanks for taking one for the team Cathy. Excellent work here! Continue feeding that beast. rar.
YUM @ the custard puff and apple cinnamon log!
this is what i grew up on!
These donuts look quite good, especially the custard one. It’s probably the only one this fried dough hater would go for!
Seriously, your pictures are mouthwatering!!! Thanks! I’m adding this to my must try list!
If you liked Stan’s, you’ll love Sublime in Atlanta! The orange creamsicle is a personal fave (and this is coming from someone who didn’t like orange creamsicles growing up!).