Nina’s Donut & Ice Cream

In Minnesota donut shops were few and far between. Some would open and then not make a go of it and close, so I was surprised when I moved to California to see how ubiquitous they are; there are 7 bakeries (maybe more?) within walking distance from my home. With all the choices, Nina’s is the one that gets my return business.
I’ve not tried their other products, like ice cream and coffee, so I can’t comment on those; however, I think they have the best tasting, least greasy, and fairly priced donuts and sweet buns.
They are not open 24hrs like another nearby shop, or accept credit card payments, but I only buy a few donuts infrequently (mostly when I have company), so it’s not an issue for me.
If you want something special that they don’t have on hand you can tell them and they make if for the next day.

Hooray for donuts! I’m such a fatty that it takes a lot for me not to like a donut. I mean, it would literally have to be down right disgusting for me not to like it. So of course I like Nina’s. They’re nice and soft, they do kinda lack in taste just a tad but they’re price isn’t so bad. It’s also a plus that this place is like a minute away walking from my mom’s place, so when i come to visit, i always stop by. I took off one star for only having instant coffee, and another for not taking debit. Other than that, pretty decent.

Donut Bucket List
I might as well do something productive other than burning off a few calories here and there from my weekly consumption of these heavenly O-rings…compiling up a list of bakeries that are within easy biking distance (Midtown/​Downtown/​Oak Park/​Southland) for the perfect donut and coffee accompaniment.
Superior Donuts on Franklin is easy to get to, but after my brother had enough of the homeless person’s ranting, I knew we had to find a different place. Biking down Fruitridge never fails. Across the street was Nina’s Donut and Ice Cream. Yay!
A simple donut shop that offers ice cream as well as fruit smoothies (these are undeniably from a mix, so don’t expect any fresh fruit) in addition to the typical baked and glazed goods.
The range of donuts here is not too large, compared to Superior. However, their share of donuts was good enough: glazed, crumble, cake style, twists, rolls, buns… I chose two kinds: a chocolate glazed custard filled and a multi-​sprinkle cake donut with a large coffee. For around $ 2.
There is a sitting area that looks out to Fruitridge. The lady behind the counter was nice and brought out the cold half/​half from behind the counter when requested. However, no public restrooms and neither does the gas station across the street. Cash only, so forget about your plastic.

Out of desparation and despair, I was in need of some sort of morning nourishment. So, I made the healthy choice and went with Nina’s Donut and Ice Cream, which was close by and a quick run in.
To break it down, we’re talking a really basic shop here. She makes donuts, you buy them. The donut I had, a maple bar, was better than average. Lighter and a little more tastier than usual, which was refreshing.
Where she killed it though was the coffee. I forked over $ 1.80 for a small Styrofoam cup filled with poor quality coffee-​flavored water. I’d probably still knock a few stars off if it were $ 0.75, but seriously lady, a dollar eighty? I know it’s not your sign doesn’t say Coffee and Donuts, but they’re well-​known complimentary items and if you’re going to offer it, at least take it seriously.
Just avoid the coffee.