South Swell Donuts — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

Pho and donuts? Sure, why not! Two of some of my favorite things can be found at South Swell Donuts: Pho and donuts! And it is especially comforting on a rainy day for someone visiting from out of town like myself.

It was a rainy afternoon when I turned to my trusty Yelp app to look for a pho spot in the area. Surprisingly, South Swell Donuts popped up on my feed and I began perusing this shop’s Yelp photos and reviews. I was sold after reading a few reviews and I knew I had to try it out.

South Swell Donuts is located in Laguna Beach on PCH between 2nd and 3rd. There is limited street parking in front of the shop, as well as up the hill from the corner of the street. After snagging a parking spot, I walked in with my mom and we were welcomed with a friendly, “Hello, sweetheart!” This friendly owner was Jackie and she was the sweetest lady!

We asked about their pho but, with our luck and Mother Nature, Jackie told us they had sold out of pho earlier in the day due to popular demand and the rainy weather. No worries at all because we were able to take back some donuts. Jackie recommended we try their Cronut, which we got 2, as well as some twists and Apple fritter. We also picked up some milk to drink with our donuts.

For a family donut shop, their twisted donuts are on the smaller size; however, they tasted unbelievably delicious! There is something about them that tastes a lot milkier or creamier with a fluffier batter. It is definitely not like the hollow raised donuts with just sugar — South Swell Donuts are a step above mom-and-pop donut shop donuts. Their Cronut is definitely a MUST here! It is so dense, crispy yet fluffy and overall just good! Their donuts are not overly sweet like Krispy Kreme but they have that same melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Their donuts are not complex in flavor like Side Car Donuts but are classic in their flavors.

I was really pleased with their donuts and I definitely will stop by again the next time I’m in the area! Jackie’s customer service is enough to make you return for another visit and, hopefully, next time I’ll be able to grab a bowl of their pho...

My coworker from out of town loves this lady and we have dubbed her the "Pho' Queen." (Close enough, right? :)) Donuts are great here (including the cronut!) as well as the Pho' which you can order at lunch with different meats. Recommend beef or shrimp and then season to taste with the basil, cilantro, lime, sriracha, and bean sauce that comes out with it. Careful not to overdo as she normally doesn't bring out a salt option to rebalance back. I'm sure that can be fixed though. Pho' Queen is from Cambodia (close enough!) and has been been in the area for...

This local donut shop opens early with a delicious selection of donuts and croissants. In the early morning, your selection is amazing. As the day moves along, they do sell out of some of the favorites. I love an apple fritter, but they have a version with crumbs on it that takes it to another level of amazing. The owner and the staff are always happy and friendly. It's a small shop, limited seating available. Very...