While everyone else is finding their missing piece, the valiant donut embraces its playful ring-form. It’s a strong, independent pastry that doesn’t need a man! But man, do you need this donut. In true counter-culture fashion, Dynamo Donut in the Mission District has spent the last 10 years challenging the status quo of mediocre flavors, constructing a new standard for the beloved circle of fried dough.
Dynamo Donut entices customers with its version 2.0 of your typical glazed donut. The vivid colors and spirited flavors of the coatings dress up each light, pillowy base. All the elements team up to compose a vibrant, yet delicate bite that doesn’t leave you with greasy fingers.
10 Years Ago…
With a baby on the way, a dream for inventive donuts, and a cast-iron pan in her hand, Sara Spearin invested into a project that birthed a different kind of precious child: the Vanilla Bean Donut. Several flavors later, Spearin opened up Dynamo Donut in July 2008, creating a colorful, quirky space that features a sidewalk counter, an open kitchen, and a beautiful, serene back patio.
You don’t even have to walk through the door to try one of these scrumptious treats; the sidewalk counter is optimized for customers on-the-go. If you think you’ve mastered the art of passing a donut shop without a twitch of temptation, think again.
#SpoonTip: Go to the back patio if you want to take the best Instagram-worthy shots of your donut.
Ingredients
The workers are all about local appreciation, whether that means engaging in conversation with customers or using local ingredients in their donuts. Either way, they value the connection between the people and their products, relaying the eccentric vibes and characteristics of their customers back into the unique donut flavors.
Everyday Flavors
Many of Dynamo Donut’s flavors are in constant demand, earning a fixed position on the menu throughout any season. Celebrity chef Chris Cosentino even endorsed the Maple Bacon Apple donut on the show “Best Thing I Ever Ate” on Food Network. With tart apple pieces dispersed in each airy bite, you’ll also want to savor every crumb up to the last bacon bit.
The chocoholics can rest assured that going “coco” for cocoa is a completely reasonable response to the menu. In addition to a reliable Vanilla Milk Chocolate flavor, Dynamo Donut also turns up the heat with a Spiced Chocolate donut that incorporates cinnamon seasoning with a chipotle kick. In addition to your classic chocolate-overload from the Chocolate Star Anise, you can also enjoy a more subtle luxury found in the rose-hinted sugar crystals of the Chocolate Rose.
Seasonal Donuts
To shake things up, Dynamo Donut rotates flavors in and out of the menu each month. With a constant flow of innovative pairings, customers are hooked on returning for more. The adventurous souls will always have a unique treat to look forward to, whether that be the tangy Jalapeño Lime or the hybrid Cornmeal Rosemary Cherry.
“I am not a gluten” Donut
Dynamo Donut has not just one, but three gluten-free varieties: Carrot Cake, Chocolate Raspberry, and Lemon Buttermilk. The donuts may be missing the gluten, but they’re not missing out on any part of the desirable donut character. In fact, these sweet delights are densely packed, giving them a rich texture that is sure to satisfy customers regardless of if they’re gluten-free or not.
Additional Treats
Being filled up on sweets is quite a satisfying feeling, and the Strawberry and Cream filled donut can relate. It’s in a similar situation where it’s also stuffed with yummy treats, except it’s jam-packed with, well, jam!
Dynamo Donut also offers a vegan option on their menu; the Vegan Mint Chocolate, in particular, has a refreshing, crisp fragrance that makes it impossible to leave the donut uneaten for long. Also, if you happen to be walking your dog, Dynamo Donut can take care of your four-legged friend as well. Though the jar of dog donuts sits high on the counter, we’re positive those dogs can smell the much-desired treats a mile away.
Coffee
It’s hard to name a more dynamic duo than coffee and donuts, especially since Dynamo Donut sets the bar high by partnering with the mighty Four Barrel Coffee. This is simply the Law of Attraction: like caffeine strength attracts like strength in sweet, sugary satisfaction. It’s basic science.
#SpoonTip: Try dunking your donut in coffee for a next-level melt-in-your-mouth experience.
With a decade of dutiful donut-service strapped onto its back, Dynamo Donut continues to strengthen its ties with the people of San Francisco and visitors around the world. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the shop offers a moment of desired leisure, giving a space for its customers to enjoy a cup of coffee while accompanied with a delightful, dynamic donut.