Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Recession Obsession: Randy's Donuts
A Recession Obsession is, 1) a meal so great that it sticks in your mind long after digestion's end, and, 2) plays nice with your sensitive wallet. Is there a better place than Los Angeles to eat a wide variety of amazing food that happens to be inexpensive? Probably not. We're as lucky as we are well fed. We last obsessed over the 24/7 El Gran Burrito in Hollywood, and this series' Greatest Food Hits. Today, we obsess...
Growing up on the East Coast I recognized early in life that doughnut culture orbited around the sugary planet called “Dunkin Donuts.” Some of my earliest memories were commercials featuring a gentlemen (who resembled both Super Mario and Hitler) who would exclaim softly through a grin, “it’s time to make the donuts.” Los Angeles didn't seem to have an equivalent character, nor a universally agreed upon doughnut hub. I observed the undiscerning masses finding satisfaction in the city's numerous, tiny independent doughnut shops (whose wares looked to all have rolled off the same assembly line in Palmdale.) But it didn’t take long to figure out that the most prominent doughnut in LA was three stories tall and stale as hell (see picture above.)
Thanks to some creative architecture, Randy’s Donuts (topic of recent LAistory) has received many looks since its 1952 birth. From film, to blogs, to television -- Randy's circular tribute to calories is one of LA's most visible landmark. Good news! History rarely tastes so sweet, and its not typically this cheap. In a time where an arrogant cupcake can cost upwards of $5, Randy’s baked goods range from $0.37 To $1.00. Of course Randy's Donuts is LAist’s latest Recession Obsession.
Support for LAist comes from
It's Time To Make Randy's Donuts...
Located in a part of Inglewood which stands eligible to be called “LAX Adjacent,” Randy’s is easily accessible, located just west of the 405. They has a drive-in too. Thanks to those car customers, those who park in the lot, and walk-ups, they move a lot of doughnuts. That volume means they’re often baking more doughnuts. This freshness (often rare in non-chain LA doughnuts) compliments their lengthy menu, which is a love-letter to doughnut history.
Lovers of simpler doughnuts can find a buttery paramour just as a easily as can someone who requires a cinnamon roll, or a bear claw. They’ve got glazed, crullers, fritters, brownies, cookies, muffins, peanut butter doughnuts, jelly-filled doughnuts, and plenty more baked goods not approved for the Atkins Diet. Sorry red velvet aficionados. You’ll need to head to Beverly Hills for your sugar fix.
- Randy's Donuts Inglewood | 805 W Manchester Boulevard | Inglewood, CA 9030
(310) 645-4707 | Open 24 hours, 7 days/weekPhotos by Caleb Bacon (Twitter) for LAist
Have you eaten at Randy's? Comment Below!
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist