"Recently, my brother invited me for a day trip to Los Angeles and mentioned he had found some dining spots he wanted to try. Before I could suggest places, he presented me with a list of historical sites he wanted to check out. Thankfully, Randy’s Donuts ticked both our boxes: a place to eat and a kitschy landmark to visit. Neither of us had been there before. My brother was eager to see examples of “mimetic” or “programmatic” architecture, which refers to buildings designed to resemble certain objects. These structures often mimic the very products they represent, like the giant donut at Randy's or the colossal hot dog that was once part of the Valley O’ the Pup (which, as we later discovered, has since closed). Another classic example of this architecture is the now-defunct Brown Derby restaurant from old Hollywood, reminiscent of the large figures sometimes found in auto repair shops' signage.
Since we arrived in Los Angeles County for breakfast, it only made sense to visit Randy’s first. Conveniently located at 805 West Manchester Avenue, right off the 405 Freeway and near Los Angeles International Airport, Randy’s is easy to spot. If, by chance, you miss the exit, you can always turn back once you catch sight of the giant donut on the roof. While the area isn't the most picturesque part of the city, it's not the worst either. If you visit during the day, you shouldn’t encounter any issues; and luckily, Randy’s is open 24 hours a day for your convenience.
Even before we made our way through the spacious parking lot and to the counter, I was greeted by the heavenly scents of warm, doughy pastries and cinnamon. Randy’s offers all the classic donuts you’d expect, nothing particularly avant-garde, but that’s exactly what we were looking for. My personal favorite is the simple glazed donut. I have fond memories associated with donuts from two places: Winchell’s and Heavenly Donuts (the former being located near the Sports Arena in San Diego). I must admit, I'm not a fan of Krispy Kreme's glazed donuts; they tend to be overly sweet and collapse when bitten into. In contrast, Randy's glazed donuts are just how I like them: light, fluffy, and much larger than those from Krispy Kreme.
I ordered a classic glazed donut, a glazed twist, and a cinnamon roll. Regrettably, I didn’t take any pictures of the first two because I devoured them before remembering to snap a photo. We initially bought a dozen donuts but then reconsidered since we wanted to stop at the Valley O’ the Pup, only to find it was closed for the foreseeable future. Now I wish we had ordered that dozen to take home. I could have enjoyed a chocolate frosted, a cake donut with pink frosting, a lemon jelly, and an old-fashioned donut. I was also intrigued by a couple of other menu items: a coconut donut and one filled with coconut jelly. The apple fritters and bear claws looked tempting too, and I had to resist the urge to keep ordering more donuts. Although I don't frequent Randy’s, I've now found a compelling reason to return.
My brother indulged in two cinnamon rolls and a cup of classic, unpretentious coffee—none of that fancy Starbucks stuff. I also had a cinnamon roll and a container of ice-cold milk, which I consider a breakfast fit for the gods. The cinnamon rolls at Randy’s are slightly smaller than what I remember from Winchell’s, but their cinnamon flavor, fluffy layers, and crispy exterior were spot on. At Randy’s Donuts, you know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s exactly what you want.
If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles or are passing through to catch a flight at LAX, I highly recommend stopping by Randy’s for a nostalgic and delicious treat. Just don’t forget to grab a dozen to take home, or you might regret not doing so later. And while you’re there, make sure to take a photo in front of the giant donut to prove to your friends and family that you really were there!"
