Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop

If you live in or are planning a visit to the charming Southern California coastal gem of Balboa Island in Newport Beach, there’s one sweet spot that stands out as a true local institution: Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop. Far more than just a typical donut shop, Dad's has been a beloved fixture on Marine Avenue since the 1960s, specializing in a wide variety of baked goods, breakfast treats, and, most famously, two iconic frozen confections that have become synonymous with the island experience: the Frozen Banana and the Balboa Bar.

This delightful bakery and sweet shop captures the essence of a California beach town tradition. It’s a multi-generational favorite where visitors and local residents alike begin their day with fresh donuts and coffee, or cap off a perfect beach day with a custom-dipped frozen treat. Dad’s offers a welcoming, classic environment where the simple pleasure of a fresh-baked good or a perfectly coated frozen banana turns a casual stroll into a memorable moment. It's the kind of place where you truly feel the nostalgia and community spirit of Balboa Island.

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## Location and Accessibility

Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop is perfectly situated to be a convenient stop for anyone exploring Balboa Island. The shop’s address places it directly on the island’s main commercial thoroughfare, ensuring it's easy to find and access.

• The shop is located at 318 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, USA.
• Its prime location on Marine Avenue means you're right in the heart of the island's bustling shops and eateries, making it an ideal part of any sightseeing walk.
• For drivers, the area offers the convenience of Free Street Parking, though as with any popular coastal destination, parking can be competitive during peak times.
• Accessibility is a priority, as the location features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, ensuring that all community members can easily enjoy their offerings.
• You have the option for an enjoyable walk-in experience to browse their baked goods or utilize their convenient Takeout service, especially popular for their famous frozen items.

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## Services Offered

Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop is a dual-threat establishment, offering a rich variety of baked goods and a spectacular menu of frozen desserts and beverages. It serves as an excellent option for a quick visit, offering breakfast, dessert, and coffee throughout the day.

• Donuts and Baked Goods: A comprehensive selection of daily-baked classic and specialty donuts, croissants, and other baked treats. Popular items include the Raised Glaze, Old Fashioned, Maple Bar, Apple Fritter, and the savory Ham & Cheese and Plain Croissant.
• The Balboa Bar: Their claim to fame, the Balboa Bar is a block of vanilla ice cream on a stick, hand-dipped in rich chocolate and then rolled in your choice of delicious toppings, including their unique Butter Brickle mix.
• Frozen Bananas: Another legendary item, the frozen banana is similarly dipped in chocolate and covered in toppings. It’s a perfect handheld treat for a sunny California day.
• Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts: The menu includes various ice cream options served in a Homemade Waffle Cone or Cake Cone, as well as refreshing items like Milkshakes & Floats and Shaved Ice.
• Coffee and Beverages: A range of freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and other beverages suitable for a morning boost or afternoon refreshment. Offerings include House Coffee, Cappuccino Latte, Mocha, and Hot Chocolate.
• Dessert Specialties: Beyond the frozen treats, you can find specialty desserts like Cheese Cake, Fudge, and the much-loved Hippo Cookie.

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## Features and Highlights

What sets Dad's apart from other bakeries is its deep connection to local history and its unique, diverse menu that caters to both a morning crowd looking for breakfast and an afternoon crowd seeking a quintessential beach dessert.

• Balboa Island Institution Since 1960: Dad's is noted as a long-standing, multi-decade fixture of the Balboa Island community, offering a sense of history and tradition that few other shops can match. It's truly a social stop and gathering place for locals.
• Home of the Balboa Bar Tradition: Alongside their neighbor, Dad's is considered one of the key establishments that popularized the Balboa Bar—a must-try frozen confection for any California visitor. Their version of the frozen treat is lauded for its generous and comprehensive application of toppings.
• Iconic Hippo Cookies: The bakery is famous for its frosted hippo cookies, a novelty that has garnered its own devoted following and is a favorite among repeat customers.
• Unique Topping Selection: Customers rave about the variety of topping choices for the frozen bananas and Balboa Bars, including classics like Rainbow Sprinkle and Toasted Coconut, as well as their signature Butter Brickle—a rich, crunchy Heath Bar/butterscotch-style combo.
• All-Day Offerings: Whether you're craving a fresh Bear Claw for breakfast, a savory Ham & Cheese Croissant for a light lunch, or a fully customized Frozen Banana for dessert, Dad's covers all your cravings.
• Merchandise Available: For those who want a memento of their visit, the shop offers branded merchandise, such as mouse pads and coasters, as mentioned in customer reviews, showcasing its status as a destination.

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## What is Worth Choosing

If you are exploring Balboa Island, Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop offers a delightful combination of classic bakery items and unique, locally famous frozen treats. It stands out not only for the quality of its products but also for the quintessential Southern California experience it provides. The chance to stroll Marine Avenue with a freshly dipped Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana—particularly the much-loved Chocolate Banana—is an authentic cultural and culinary experience. As one happy customer noted, the frozen treats are "amazing" and definitely something you shouldn't leave the island without having tried.

For a unique, local flavor, you absolutely must try the Balboa Bar with their special butter brickle topping. For breakfast, any of their fresh-baked donuts or a savory Ham & Cheese Croissant pairs perfectly with a House Coffee. Ultimately, choosing Dad's means choosing a piece of Newport Beach history, a place where the treats are made with tradition, and the friendly staff contribute to a welcoming, memorable atmosphere.

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## Contact Information

For your convenience, here is the essential contact information for Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop:

• Address: 318 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, USA
• Phone: (949) 673-8686

The next time you find yourself near the Southern California coast, make sure to carve out time for a visit to this iconic Balboa Island spot. Whether you're stopping by for a morning donut or a decadent afternoon Balboa Bar, Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop promises a truly sweet piece of Orange County culture.

Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop

318 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, USA