Simone's Donuts

Simone's Donuts, nestled in the heart of Long Beach, California, is far more than just a place to grab a quick sweet treat; it is an enduring, community-focused institution with a rich history deeply connected to the Cambodian American small business tradition in Southern California. For decades, this family-owned gem has served as a reliable, brightly lit beacon for locals, college students near Cal State Long Beach, and those just passing through, offering warmth and a staggering variety of freshly made goods around the clock. The shop is a celebrated fixture, consistently praised for maintaining a classic, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere that many find increasingly rare in the contemporary, corporate-driven landscape. It’s a true local treasure where tradition, deliciousness, and novelty blend perfectly.

As an essential stop for the early riser, the mid-day snacker, or the late-night craving, Simone's Donuts provides the kind of dependable service and quality that fosters loyal patronage. It stands proudly as a testament to the success and impact of immigrant-owned businesses on the Californian food scene, specifically within the dynamic culture of Long Beach. The shop’s dedication to freshness—with bakers often making new batches throughout the evening—ensures that no matter the hour, a delightful experience awaits. This unwavering commitment is what has earned Simone's Donuts national recognition, including being ranked as one of the country's top donut shops.

Location and Accessibility

Simone's Donuts is conveniently located at 6400 E Stearns St, Suite A, in Long Beach, CA 90815, USA. This prime location, situated near major Long Beach thoroughfares, makes it a perfect stop for commuters heading onto the 405 freeway or for students and faculty of nearby Cal State Long Beach. The visibility and easy access contribute significantly to its status as a local staple and a go-to spot for an impromptu visit. The surrounding area offers a traditional, welcoming neighborhood feel, aligning perfectly with the shop's old-school, non-corporate ambiance.

Accessibility is a clear priority at Simone's Donuts, ensuring a comfortable experience for all community members. The business provides practical accommodations, including a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This thoughtful planning, combined with a free parking lot and free street parking options, makes visiting Simone’s a hassle-free endeavor. Whether you are swinging by for a quick, casual morning visit or pulling in late at night, the shop's strategic location and ample amenities are designed for maximum convenience.

Services Offered

Simone's Donuts is structured to serve the Long Beach community with maximum flexibility, offering multiple ways to enjoy their treats at any time of day or night, seven days a week. The core services center around their comprehensive menu of fresh-baked goods and specialty beverages.

• 24/7 Operation: Simone's Donuts is notably open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, catering to all schedules, including late-night and early-morning rushes. This round-the-clock service is a key factor in its popularity.
• Service Options: Customers have a range of options for receiving their orders, including Onsite services, convenient Takeout for those on the go, Delivery via popular apps, and a welcoming Dine-in area for a more relaxed visit.
• Custom Letter Donuts and Themed Creations: A creative hallmark of the shop is its custom-made treats, such as "Letter Donuts" that allow customers to spell out celebration messages (e.g., “Congrats, Grad!”). This service, which saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic, is managed by family members and leverages a fine arts education to produce complicated, character-drawn, or specially designed pastries for events. The shop makes between 1,200 to 1,500 donuts per day, with custom orders being a daily request.
• Full Breakfast and Dessert Menu: In addition to the wide assortment of donuts, the shop offers a variety of breakfast and dessert items, including pastries, bagels, and croissants, making it a comprehensive stop for the morning meal or a sweet finish to the day.
• Beverage Service: A full complement of hot and cold beverages is available, including regular and iced coffee, specialty Iced Blend Coffee, Milkshakes, Smoothies, and their highly popular Thai Iced Tea and Green Thai Iced Tea.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Simone's Donuts goes beyond its menu, rooted in its unique history, familial warmth, and a reputation for unparalleled quality and customer care.

• Cambodian American Ownership Heritage: Simone’s Donuts is part of a significant cultural and economic narrative in Southern California. The Eap family, who are the third owners, took over the shop in the early 2000s. The current manager, Melissa Eap, continues the family legacy established by her father, Kong Eap (who also owned Seaside Donuts Bakery in Newport Beach), a Cambodian immigrant who worked at Winchell's Donut House, mirroring the original owner’s path. This rich, multi-generational story of small business success is a source of pride for the Long Beach community.
• Nationally Recognized Quality: The shop has been recognized on a national level, including being named to Yelp's Top 100 Donut Shops in America list, where it secured a spot in the top 10. This recognition confirms its status as a premier destination for donuts across the entire country, not just in Long Beach.
• The 'Go-To' for Freshness: The commitment to making fresh donuts multiple times a day, particularly late into the evening and early morning, is a major highlight. Regulars appreciate that they can often catch a new batch of glazed donuts or favorite items coming out of the back, creating a superior taste experience at any hour.
• Wide Range of Classic and Creative Items: The menu skillfully balances time-honored favorites like the Old Fashioned, Bear Claws, and the perfect Apple Fritter, with more contemporary hits like the buttery and flaky Cronut. The specialty Maple Bacon Bar and the inclusion of vegan options (Vegan Cake) ensure there is something for every taste.
• Genuine 'Mom & Pop' Vibe: Customers consistently rave about the friendly, old-school atmosphere and service. The shop’s interior often features old photos and newspaper clippings, lending a palpable sense of history and community to the casual dining experience. It maintains a wonderfully old school vibe that stands in stark contrast to more corporate establishments.

Contact Information

• Address: 6400 E Stearns St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
• Phone: (562) 493-4104
• Mobile Phone: +1 562-493-4104

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Simone's Donuts is an affirmation of local excellence, cultural history, and unwavering quality. For residents and visitors in the Southern California area, this shop represents the best of the classic American donut experience, elevated by a dedicated, multi-generational family business. It’s an ideal choice for a variety of reasons:

Firstly, for the serious donut enthusiast, the combination of freshness, variety, and expert execution is hard to beat. The cronut—a crispy, buttery, and delicately sweet hybrid—is a perennial favorite and a must-try for new visitors. The classic Apple Fritter, when fresh, is noted for its perfection, though travelers should be aware of inconsistencies that can sometimes occur at any high-volume shop. Their Thai Iced Tea and Green Thai Iced Tea are also incredibly popular pairings for the sweet treats.

Secondly, Simone's is the ultimate in convenience. Being open 24/7 means that whether you are leaving a night shift, pulling an all-nighter studying, or just need a spontaneous 1 AM sugary pick-me-up, Simone's is ready. This accessibility, combined with free parking and an atmosphere that welcomes solo diners, makes it a hassle-free spot for a quick, satisfying visit.

Finally, supporting Simone's Donuts means supporting a significant piece of Long Beach’s local heritage and the wider narrative of Cambodian American entrepreneurship in the region. The shop is a staple that prides itself on serving its regulars and adapting to community needs, exemplified by the introduction and success of their high-demand custom-order services. When you choose Simone’s, you are choosing a slice of Long Beach history, a beloved family legacy, and one of the finest donuts California has to offer.