Donut King: A Beloved Local Spot for Santa Monica High Students.
Pastries adorned with sprinkles, powdered sugar, chocolate, and glaze fill the window display at Donut King, a family-owned store that lives up to its royal name, according to loyal customers.
For the first time, Santa Monica High School students can enjoy a 10% discount at Donut King and other nearby businesses by presenting their ASB card. This card, available for a $75 purchase, also grants free entry to football games, school events, and more.
Located just a block from Santa Monica High School, Donut King operates daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Children often run through the 30-year-old shop, while staff call out orders for sandwiches, bagels, boba, and, of course, doughnuts.
In the midst of the busy environment, employees take time to interact with customers, often greeting regulars by name.
“I enjoy spending time with the students because after a while, we start to feel like friends,” said Linda Lim, a cashier and barista who has worked at the shop for two decades.
Lim has seen many of the students grow up, and while she feels sad when they leave, she finds joy in seeing them return as adults, sometimes with their own children.
In its early years, Donut King sold only doughnuts. Today, it has expanded its menu to include breakfast items, pastrami, croissant, and bagel sandwiches. The staff begins baking doughnuts at 4 a.m. each day, ensuring they’re fresh and hot for early customers. During the morning and lunchtime, Lim and her colleagues serve boba drinks, sandwiches, and coffee.
“We never keep food overnight,” Lim explained. “If you want something hot, come early. Some customers don’t mind buying slightly older doughnuts at half price.”
The shop’s recipes and preparation methods remain a closely guarded family secret.
Victor Collazo, a member of Santa Monica High School’s Class of 2025, frequents Donut King for their black tea milk boba, appreciating the reasonable pricing compared to other boba shops. A 20-ounce cup of boba costs $5.95, while a dozen doughnuts range from $17 to $19.
“The service is what’s truly priceless,” said fellow student Juliett Rojas.
Rojas often visits Donut King during lunch or after school, drawn by the friendly atmosphere, kind employees, and affordable, high-quality food and boba. She appreciates how the staff always starts by asking about her day or offering a compliment, making her feel like she’s known them for a long time.
Her favorite order is a Thai tea or passion fruit tea with boba, paired with an egg sandwich. She values the care and love that goes into the food.
“Other donut shops don’t offer food that tastes as good as something your mother would make,” Rojas shared. “I remember one day after school, I wasn’t feeling great, and the shop was empty. One of the staff members noticed and asked if I was okay. After I told her about my day, she gave me a free boba, which really made my day.”
As a customer walks into the store, Lim greets one of her regulars, asking about their day and catching up with them.
“My lovely customers,” Lim said. “Every day, they bring joy into my life. We have fun together, and they make my days brighter.”