Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop

Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop is more than just a place to grab a quick treat; it is a true San Francisco institution. Nestled in the heart of Lower Nob Hill, this iconic, family-owned shop has been a beloved fixture in the Bay Area community for decades, continually serving up fresh, handmade donuts and pastries around the clock. Since its establishment, originally in the late 1950s or 1960s, and under the stewardship of the Ahn family since 1977, Bob's has earned its reputation as an essential stop for locals and a must-visit destination for those exploring the city. It represents a piece of classic San Francisco, offering a nostalgic, no-frills setting where the quality of the pastry speaks for itself.

For California residents, Bob's is a beacon of comforting consistency in a city known for constant change. It's the rare spot that serves the early bird needing a breakfast fix and the late-night reveler craving a post-evening sugar rush. The dedication to preserving the art of making handmade donuts—from the classic raised glaze to specialty items like the Mango Malasada and the massive Apple Fritter—is what sets this shop apart. Whether you are seeking a simple, perfect classic donut, or are looking to take on an epic food challenge, Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop offers a warm, welcoming experience that is deeply woven into the local identity of San Francisco.

Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop's original and most famous location is conveniently situated in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Nob Hill neighborhood, easily accessible from various parts of the city. The central location on Polk Street makes it a hub for community gatherings and an easy destination for anyone in the Bay Area.

The exact address is:

1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Accessibility is a key part of Bob's enduring appeal. The shop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it one of the few places in San Francisco where you can satisfy a craving at any hour. This round-the-clock service caters to everyone, from commuters starting their day to those winding down late at night. The establishment is designed for quick and easy visits, perfectly accommodating those on the go. For customers requiring mobility assistance, the shop provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can enjoy their famous treats. While street parking (paid) is available in the bustling Nob Hill area, visitors often find the quick grab-and-go nature of the business makes a short stop very manageable. For those looking for other locations, Bob's has expanded its presence, offering additional options in the Bay Area, but the Polk Street location remains the iconic, 24/7 original.

Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop provides a variety of services designed to offer maximum convenience and flexibility to its diverse customer base in California. These services ensure that whether you're planning a corporate order or just stopping by for a solo treat, your experience is smooth and enjoyable.

• 24/7 Operation: The main Polk Street location is open every day, all hours, establishing it as a rare and invaluable late-night food option in San Francisco.
• Takeout & Quick Visit: Designed for efficiency, the shop is a perfect choice for those needing a quick visit or fast grab-and-go service.
• Delivery Service: For added convenience, Bob's offers delivery options, allowing you to enjoy fresh donuts from the comfort of your home or office.
• In-Store Pickup: Customers can place orders for in-store pickup, streamlining the process for larger or time-sensitive orders.
• Catering Options: While the menu includes half-dozen and dozen assorted donut options, the shop also accommodates large orders for special events.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

What makes Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop a legendary San Francisco landmark are its distinctive features that blend tradition, novelty, and quality.

• Handmade, Fresh Donuts: A core commitment to quality means all donuts and pastries are handmade daily, often fresh out of the fryer, providing a superior taste and texture that sets them apart.
• The Giant Donut Challenge: A famous local attraction, the challenge invites patrons to finish an enormous "Giant Donut" (equivalent to a dozen or more regular donuts) in under three minutes. Successful challengers earn a free t-shirt, eternal bragging rights, and a spot on the coveted Wall of Fame. Finishing in under two minutes often means the giant donut itself is free!
• The Famous Apple Fritter: Widely regarded as one of the best in the Bay Area, the colossal Apple Fritter is a customer favorite, known for its perfect balance of crispiness, moist dough, and chunks of caramelized apple.
• Specialty and Filled Donuts: Beyond the classics, the menu features unique items like the tropical Malasadas (Portuguese-style filled pastries) and an array of classic Buttermilk Bars and Jelly-Filled options, including Raspberry.
• Iconic 24-Hour Service: The rare all-night operation is a major highlight, catering to night owls, shift workers, and anyone with a sudden, late-night craving, cementing its status as a pillar of the local community.
• Casual and Friendly Atmosphere: Despite its fame, the shop maintains a welcoming, old-school, casual vibe, popular for solo dining and a quick, authentic experience.

Bob's menu offers a delightful mix of traditional and specialty items, ensuring there is a fresh, handcrafted treat for every preference.

• Raised Donuts: Classic Raised Donut ($2.25), Raised Donut ($2.00). These are the light, airy foundational options.
• Cake Donuts: Cake Donut ($2.00 / $2.25). A denser, richer texture for those who prefer it.
• Old Fashioned & Buttermilk: Old Fashioned Donut ($2.25), Buttermilk Bar ($2.75). Traditional favorites with unique, crisp edges and moist interiors.
• Jelly & Custard Filled: Raspberry Jelly Filled - Powdered Sugar ($3.95), Raspberry Jelly Filled - Glaze ($3.95), Custard Filled Bar - Chocolate ($4.25).
• Donut Bars & Twists: Bar - Chocolate ($3.45), Bar - Maple ($3.45), Twist - Cinnamon Sugar ($3.45), Twist - Glaze ($3.45).
• Specialties & Unique Finds: Apple Fritter ($4.95), Malasada - Choose Your Filling ($4.95), Cinnamon Roll ($3.75). The Malasada offers a taste of unique, fruit-filled tropical pastry.
• Giant Donut: Giant Donut ($15.50). The centerpiece of the famous challenge.
• Coffee and Beverages: Drip Coffee - Large ($4.45), Coffee ($3.00), Milk ($2.95 / $2.50), Water Bottle ($2.50 / $2.00). Bob's is highlighted for its great coffee, the perfect pairing for any donut.
• Assorted Dozens: Dozen Assorted Donuts ($26.50 / $24.50), 1/2 Dozen Assorted Donuts ($13.50 / $12.25).

To plan your visit or place an order, use the following contact details for the main location:

Address:

1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Phone:

(415) 776-3141

For anyone in California looking for a truly authentic, high-quality donut experience, Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop in San Francisco stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its continuous operation since the 1960s is a testament to its unchanging commitment to freshness and quality, often with customers watching new batches being made right on the premises. The shop is a staple that effortlessly serves every demographic, whether it’s a quick morning grab-and-go, a shared birthday treat, or an essential late-night snack for the local bar crowd.

The true value of Bob's lies in the perfection of its core products. The simple Classic Raised Glazed Donut is often praised for being perfectly pillowy, and the Maple Bar is a popular choice for its rich, sweet maple glaze over a soft bar. The massive, hand-sized Apple Fritter is another must-try item that consistently receives rave reviews for its texture and flavor. For the adventurous palate, the inclusion of items like the Portuguese-style Malasada, with delicious fruit fillings like mango, shows a commitment to new and exciting flavors alongside the classics.

Choosing Bob’s means choosing an integral piece of San Francisco history and enjoying a delicious, fresh treat any time of the day or night. It’s a reliable, friendly, and iconic local business that guarantees satisfaction, proving that sometimes, the simple, handmade favorites are truly the best. Whether you're a local craving comfort or a visitor seeking an authentic Bay Area experience, make "Meet me at Bob's!" your new mantra for the perfect donut.

Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop

1621 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA