Harmony Donut Shop — Restaurant in District of North Vancouver

I should preface this by saying that I’ve been coming to Harmony for donuts a couple of times a year since the early 90s. My visit this past week will sadly be my last, and it pains me to write this 1 star review, but it is completely warranted...I walked in at 11:30AM on a Thursday, emphasis on the AM part, with the normal routine; open door, squeeze past people ahead, line up, and gawk at all the kitschy toys and gear crammed into the tiny place while I wait my turn. A familiar couple behind the counter; the bearded gentleman manning the register while the lady was busy making and packing donuts. I’m never one for small talk when I visit any business, this place is no exception, so I have never asked their names. I noticed they were running very low on prepared donuts, which happens but really shouldn’t for 11:30AM.

I pull up to the counter and ask for a half dozen assorted. Every time I’ve ordered this I’ve received a couple of coloured sprinkles, an almond/nut covered one or two, and other varieties like chocolate sprinkles, coconut etc. Before I’m finished saying “half a dozen please”, the guy replies “that’s exactly what we have left”, turns his back to me, quickly shoves a bunch of donuts in a box, closes it while his back is still to me, even though the other customers ahead got a parading of their donuts in front of their eyes before closing it.

Now I was watching the 3-4 people ahead and the stock of remaining donuts, I’m not blind, I had noticed that there were none other than coloured sprinkles left. The lady was frantically making more, and I expected as I had received all the times before that I would be notified of this and asked if I would like to wait while other varieties were quickly made.

Nope. He turns with the closed box with a single variety of donuts inside in hand, so I call him out on it and ask he open the box, stating that I only note the one kind in there. That’s when he snaps at me in a manner that I have never, ever been addressed by a business employee or owner, and barks out “WELL THAT’S ALL WE HAVE LEFT!” And just stares at me in anger as if I’ve noted something completely unreasonable.

At this point I’m just speechless. No ‘hey if you want to wait we’re making more’; No ‘sorry about that’. Nope. Nothing but abject and uncalled for rudeness. I’m in complete shock, but since my wife was having friends over I pay for the box and walk out. The poor guy behind me didn’t know what to do, he just froze and started stuttering.

Look, I get they’re a popular spot. I get they were probably super busy all morning. But there is absolutely no excuse, none whatsoever to be THAT rude to a customer. I can’t even brush it off to him just having a bad day, that’s how horribly he addressed me. Hope it was worth losing a...

Such delicious donuts that were both dense and light altogether if that makes sense?! When I went at 3pm they were still making fresh donuts out of their little ancient machine (you’ll see when you get there). At 3pm there were six flavours to choose from and I’m not sure if there are usually more but I chose one of each: strawberry, orange, coconut, lemon, maple and chocolate. The lemon and coconut were my favourites. The cake batter was amazing - the dough is lightly fried so the inside was fluffy and a little bit dense but when you bite into it you’ll be shocked at how many you could eat in one sitting (I ate three!!) and hence them being so “light yet dense”. The outside of the shop has two parking spots so it was a little inconvenient and they only take cash so make sure you have some! The front of the shop is dark and a little dingy but that adds to the charm. We went with someone that’s been coming to the donut shop for over 25 years and he proclaimed “and not one thing has ever changed since then”, and when you get there you’ll see what he means. It’s a little shop that doesn’t look at all like a donut shop on the outside (resembles an antique store actually) but go in and grab some donuts! I made the mistake of getting only 6, so make sure you leave with at...

Absolutely Amazing doughnuts! They are by far, the best doughnuts I've had in Canada, the US and possibly Mexico. Delicious! The place is hard to find and doesn't look like a doughnut place. The facade is a drab grey with no real logos or anything to call your attention to the place. It is on the same side as the Starbucks, immediately north of it. My work friend just introduced me to Harmony. Apparently there is a rule and the most you can take is two dozen but you can order ahead of pickup time and take three or more dozen (as long as you order prior to) Quirky little place and the two people I met working the day I went were super friendly and helpful. I love it. I will definitely be going back and getting more. I am torn though...do I get a dozen to share with my family or do I eat it all by myself? Yes, they are...